OR, CLARENCE MORTIMER. 24

 

first plunge into a sea of evils,” said Mrs.
Mortimer. ‘* It is much wiser and safer for
a boy to let ardent spirits entirely alone.”

‘¢T don’t like wine at all, for my part,”
said Hal. «I only took it because Clave
did.” ae

‘‘ There, Clare, you see the fordg of an evil
example,” said Mrs. Mortimer. ‘¢ IT believe
that many young men have been ruined for
this world and for the next, in consequence
of taking their first glass of wine. The first
glass leads to the second, the second to
the third, till first a taste is formed, then
a habit, and then comes downright drunken-
ness.” | |

‘Ts it so very bad to be a drunkard? ”
said Hal.

“Tt is perfect ruin,” said Mrs. Mortimer.

‘¢ Come and sit down here by me Hal, and