26 THE FIRST GLASS OF WINE}

 

At length Clare’s affectionate heart could
stand it no longer. He went up to his
mother, and leaning his head upon her
shoulder, began to ery. She passed her
hand caressingly over his shining hair, and ~
her own eyes filled with tears, but she did
not. speak. : | bea |

‘‘T am so sorry, mother,” sobbed Clare,
«iT did not think you would care so very
much, and so, when Ben laughed at me, I
_ just did as he wanted me io

‘‘ Clare,” said his mother, ‘¢you are my
only earthly hope! | It would be a terrible
thing for me if my only son should turn out
“a drunkard.” |
«But just drinking one glass of wine
does not make a person a drunkard, does it, ,
mother ?”

‘* The first glass of wine often proves the