26 . LUNCH IN THE WOOD.

: you may have imbibed so strong a relish for it, that
you will think you cannot give it up at all.”

“Tam not ready to agree to any such proposition,”
said Dick; “but you will not inform on us, Maurice?”

“T shall never do anything to bring you into diffi-
culty,” replied Maurice; “be assured of that: but you
must not invite me to join your parties as long as you
use champagne, or wine of any kind. I shall be quite
content to join the younger boys on a walk or ina
play.”

Maurice stood up as: he spoke, and though at first
some of the boys were inclined to ridicule him, he
spoke with so much dignity and independence, and
commanded so much respect by his manly bearing, that
no laugh was raised, and all seemed desirous of concili-
ating his good-will. |

“ He is a fine independent fellow,” said Frank Henley.
“If his notions are strict, I am not sure but they are
correct. I like a boy,” continued he, rising, “who is
not afraid to express an opinion, though he knows
every one is against him. Give me your hand, Maurice
-—I stand by you—and though I drank the wine, I
think it would be better not to do it, and for the very
reasons you have given.”

Maurice gave his hand cordially. “If you would
all reflect a little upon the subject,” he said, kindly
, looking around, “TI do believe you would all be of my
mind. By doing when absent from Mr. Harding what