THE CORAL RING. 
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prevent his becoming confirmed in intemperate 
habits.” 
“ I never dreamed of this,” replied Florence. 
“ I knew that he was spirited and free, fond of so¬ 
ciety, and excitable, but never suspected any thing 
beyond.” 
“ Elliot has tact enough not to appear in ladies’ 
society when he is not in a fit state for it,” replied 
Edward; “ but yet it is so.” 
“ But is he really so bad ? ” 
“ He stands just on the verge, Florence—just 
where a word fitly spoken might turn him. He is 
a noble creature, full of all sorts of fine impulses 
and feelings, the only son of a mother who dotes 
on him, the idolized brother of sisters who love 
him as you love your brothers, Florence ; and he 
stands where a word, a look—should they be of 
the right kind — might save him.” 
“ And why, then, do you not speak to him ? ” 
said Florence. 
“ Because I am not the best person, Florence. 
There is another who can do it better — one 
whom he admires, who stands in a position which 
would forbid his feeling angry — a person, cousin, 
whom I have heard in gayer moments say that 
she knew how to say any thing she pleased, with¬ 
out offending any body.” 
“ Well, but, cousin, what would you have me 
do ? how would you have me do it ? ” said Flor¬ 
ence, earnestly. 
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