MARY AND ELIZABETH.
THE INFLUENCE OF WOMEN
TALE FOR THE LADIES.
BY J. M. WILLIS GRIST-


IoI
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Nothing more was said on the subject un-
til popular temperance advocate lectured in
the town in which he resided. Mary was
anxious to attend, and of course James off.
cred to accompany her. Every one who
knew them expected that James would
enrol himself under the secure folds of the
teetotal banner. Many knew the sovereign
influence Mary possessed over her admirer,
and they expected that she would surely
exercise it in a matter that SO directly at-
fected her happiness.


| The evening Of the lecture arrived-the
hall was crowded with ladies' and gentle
men, and the lecturer portrayed in eloquent
tones and vivid colors the evils of moderate
drinking and the temptations that were
thrown in the way of young men by this
fashionable abomnation.


Many signed the pledge, and James was
urged to do so; an intimate and confidential
friend of his urged him to do SO on Mary's
account; but he replied that she must lead
the way, and if she then requested it he
would willingly do so; but Mary urged that
she did not drink--that sne was even neve
tempted-as for James she had full conf
dence in his ability to govern himself That
night they left the meeting without the
solemn and beautiful obligation of total
abstinence.


In three weeks from that evening they
were united in wedlock. Never was there
happier bride than was Mary Willis. She
seemed to revel in the luxury of her hus-
bands love, and delighted in little else than
his presence and the fond assurance of his
affection.


For two years there was little interruption
to their happiness, James, tits true, still con-
inued moderate drinker, but as he was not
known to stagger under the effects of intoxi.
cation, Mary felt no apprehension as to his
safety. But at time when the swelling tide
oftheir prosperity seemed to be at its height
James was met by a sudden reverse of for.
tune which bore heavily on his mipd--for
he feared that his dear Mary could not en-