Among strangers and living humbly, almost meanly, they neither made nor received calls nor had invitations to evening entertainments; and herein lay Mr.Ridley's safety.

It was on his social side that he was weakest.

He could hold himself above appetite and deny its cravings if left to the contest alone.

The drinking-saloons whose hundred doors he had to pass daily did not tempt him, did not cause his firm steps to pause nor linger.

His sorrow and shame for the past and his solemn promises and hopes for the future were potent enough to save him from all such allurements.