SEED-TIME AMD HAD¥EST. 
s 
was very proud of her, admitting none her 
superior, not even the brilliant, fascinating 
Kate Miller. They were indeed a fine com¬ 
pany, possessing in rather a superior de¬ 
gree, both physical and mental endow¬ 
ments. How sad that such rare gifts should 
be thrown away in an endless round of 
foolish, fashionable frivolity. 
All seemed to fully comply with the re¬ 
quest of their hostess, save Annie, who sat 
silent and thoughtful. Kate soon rallied 
her on her sober mien, and Annie replied 
that she did not wish to mar the enjoy¬ 
ment of any, but was weary and would 
wish to be excused. Of course all protested 
strongly against it; even Fred begging her 
tu remain just for a short time, and so she 
gave a reluctant consent. 
Then in gay mirth and jest the time flew 
swiftly by. Belle, who possessed a rich, 
well cultivated voice was solicited to favor 
them, and was gracefully assisted to the 
piano by Charlie, where, after a lively pre¬ 
lude, her voice rose sweet and clear in a 
favorite song, in the chorus of which the 
young gentleman joined, his deep, rich, 
bass, mingling harmoniously with her high 
silvery sopranno, all in sweet accord with 
the full melodious chords of the instru¬ 
ment. It was a beautiful song and the 
singers seemed to throw their whole souls 
into its touching pathos, while the listeners 
stood as if fairly entranced with the mel¬ 
ody. 
Meanwhile, Kate had ordered refresh¬ 
ments, and as they turned from the piano 
and saw upon the table the elegant frosted 
cakes and heavy decanter with its accom¬ 
panying crystal goblets, Frank sung out: 
“Oh, the wine, the wine, the ruby wine, 
In our crystal goblets gleaming.” 
and Charlie added in a solemn, drawling 
tone: 
“Oh, shun the wine, the fatal wine, 
There’s poison in its beaming.” 
“Away with your badinage, gentlemen,” 
said Kate, “Come, taste and try the virtue 
of this good old Maderia. See how it 
sparkles.” Each takes a glass save Annie 
Grey, who stands motionless and silent, 
her eyes fixed upon Fred Smith with an 
earnest searching look. She is noticed by 
Kate, over whose cheek passes a quick 
flush, as she says in a cutting tone, “Oh, 
pardon me, I had forgotten that we had 
among us one of the faithful, who by her 
silent example, aims to reproach us.” Then 
turning to Fred, “You are not turned fana¬ 
tic, too, I hope. Heiglio ! Fred, none of 
your cold water-ites here with their solemn 
visages.” 
Poor Fred, it was his first temptation. 
How could he resist the sparkling, defiant 
glances of the arch temptress; how could 
he regard not the imploring sad eyes of his. 
fondly loved Annie; how could he set aside 
as nought the counsels of his Christian par¬ 
ents; how could he withstand the smiles 
and criticisms of his young companions. 
There was a struggle, all knew it; all save 
one raised their glasses, as Frank Jones, 
looking sternly at Fred’s pale face, said: 
“Here’s to the health and happiness of our 
fair hostess.” Fred raises his glass to his 
lips, a quick flush overspreads his forehead; 
he drinks about half of the ruby contents 
of the crystal cup, and with a trembling 
hand he replaces it ort the table and turns 
away to the window and looks out on the 
silent night. There is a shadow somehow 
cast over the gay company and it is not 
long ere they go to their several homes. 
As Fred bids Annie good night at the door 
of her happy home, he notices with a pang, 
that her hand trembles and her voice is full 
of tears, and he firmly resolves, for her 
sake, as well as his own, that he will never 
again yield to temptation. As he enters 
his own home, his heart gives a throb of 
real penitence and shame, as he thinks how 
he has despised the instruction of his kind 
parents; how he has deceived them and de¬ 
based himself in allowing false friends to 
allure him even one step in the wrong di¬ 
rection, and he resolves more firmly than 
before, that as this has been the beginning, 
so it shall be the end of such scenes for him, 
{To be continued.) 
Friends made by always acquiescing m 
what others say are not fire-proof. When 
your views are required upon any subject 
speak them freely, however much you may 
know they will be opposed. Good people 
will give you credit for your frankness, even 
if they oppose your views. 
