CHAPTER XI.
AMONG the guests at Mr.and Mrs.Birtwell's was an officer holding a high rank in the army, named Abercrombie.

He had married, many years before, a lady of fine accomplishments and rare culture who was connected with one of the oldest families in New York.

Her grandfather on her mother's side had distinguished himself as an officer in the Revolutionary war; and on her father's side she could count statesmen and lawyers whose names were prominent in the early history of our country.
General Abercrombie while a young man had fallen into the vice of the army, and had acquired the habit of drinking.
The effects of alcohol are various.

On some they are seen in the bloated flesh and reddened eyes.

Others grow pale, and their skin takes on a dead and ashen hue.