` So was I. I 'm sure I -- I 'm devoted to 'em , ' stuttered Dolly , panic-stricken ; for he saw that he was in for a lecture of some sort . ` Not in the right way . Frivolous girls may like to be called `` little dears '' and things of that sort ; but the girls who love study wish to be treated like reasonable beings , not dolls to flirt with . Yes , I 'm going to preach ; that 's my business ; so stand up and take it like men . ' Mrs Jo laughed ; but she was in earnest ; for by various hints and signs during the past winter she knew that the boys were beginning to ` see life ' in the way she especially disapproved . Both were far from home , had money enough to waste , and were as inexperienced , curious , and credulous as most lads of their age . Not fond of books , therefore without the safeguard which keeps many studious fellows out of harm ; one self-indulgent , indolent , and so used to luxury that pampering of the senses was an easy thing ; the other vain , as all comely boys are , full of conceit , and so eager to find favour in the eyes of his comrades that he was ready for anything which would secure it . These traits and foibles made both peculiarly liable to the temptations which assail pleasure-loving and weak-willed boys . Mrs Jo knew them well , and had dropped many a warning word since they went to college ; but till lately they seemed not to understand some of her friendly hints ; now she was sure they would , and meant to speak out : for long experience with boys made her both bold and skilful in handling some of the dangers usually left to silence , till it is too late for anything but pity and reproach . ` I 'm going to talk to you like a mother , because yours are far away ; and there are things that mothers can manage best , if they do their duty , ' she solemnly began from the depths of the sunbonnet . ` Great Scott ! We 're in for it now ! ' thought Dolly , in secret dismay ; while Stuffy got the first blow by trying to sustain himself with another mug of beer . ` That wo n't hurt you ; but I must warn you about drinking other things , George . Overeating is an old story ; and a few more fits of illness will teach you to be wise . But drinking is a more serious thing , and leads to worse harm than any that can afflict your body alone . I hear you talk about wines as if you knew them and cared more for them than a boy should ; and several times I 've heard jokes that meant mischief . For heaven 's sake , do n't begin to play with this dangerous taste `` for fun '' , as you say , or because it 's the fashion , and the other fellows do . Stop at once , and learn that temperance in all things is the only safe rule . ' ` Upon my honour , I only take wine and iron .
I need a tonic , XXXXX says , to repair the waste of brain-tissue while I 'm studying , ' protested Stuffy , putting down the mug as if it burnt his fingers .
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