It was only when official restraints were off that the devil had power to enter in and fully possess him.
A year before the time of which we are writing General Abercrombie had been ordered to duty in the north-eastern department.

His headquarters were in the city where the characters we have introduced resided.
Official standing gave him access to some of the wealthiest and best circles in the city, and his accomplished wife soon became a favorite with all who were fortunate enough to come into close relations with her.

Among these was Mrs.Birtwell, the two ladies drawing toward each other with the magnetism of kindred spirits.
A short time before coming to the city General Abercrombie, after having in a fit of drunken insanity come near killing his wife, wholly abandoned the use of intoxicants of every kind.

He saw in this his only hope.

His efforts to drink guardedly and temperately had been fruitless.