She knew, also, from reading and observation, that an evil habit of mind or body which did not show itself in the second generation would often be reproduced in the third, and assert a power that it required the utmost strength of will and the greatest watchfulness to subdue.
And so, when her son, replying to her earnest warning, said, "I am in no danger.

Set your heart at rest," she knew better--knew that a deadly serpent was in the path he was treading.

And she answered him with increasing earnestness: "The danger may be far greater than you imagine, Ellis.

It _is_ greater than you imagine." Her voice changed as she uttered the last sentence into a tone that was almost solemn.
"You are talking wildly," returned the young man, "and pay but a poor compliment to your son's character and strength of will.

In danger of becoming a sot!--for that is what you mean.