"
"What! taking wine did you say?"
The gentleman was almost as much surprised at the altered manner of
his friend as he had been with that of Mrs. Abercrombie:
"Yes; anything strange in that?"
"Less strange than sad, was replied. "I don't wonder you saw the
color go out of Mrs. Abercrombie's face."
"Why so? What does it mean?"
"It means sorrow and heartbreak."
"You surprise and pain me. I thought of the lady by his side, not of
the glass of wine in his hand."
The two men left the crowded supper-room in order to be more alone.
"You know something of the general's life and habits?"
"Yes."
"He has not been intemperate, I hope?"
"Yes."
"Oh, I am pained to hear you say so."
"Drink is his besetting sin, the vice that has more than once come
near leading to his dismissal from the army. He is one of the men
who cannot use wine or spirits in moderation. In consequence of some
diseased action of the nutritive organs brought on by drink, he has
lost the power of self-control when under the influence of alcoholic
stimulation. He is a dypso-maniac. A glass of wine or brandy to him
is like the match to a train of powder. I don't wonder, knowing what
I do about General Abercrombie, that his wife grew deadly pale
to-night when she saw him raise a glass to his lips."
"Has he been abstaining for any length of time?"
"Yes; for many months he has kept himself free.
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