A priest, claiming to stand as God's representative among men, had invoked a blessing on this juice of the grape, and given it by this act a healthier potency.
All this crowded upon him, stifling reason and experience and hushing the voice of prudence.
And now, alas! he was as a feather on the surface of a wind-struck lake, and given up to the spirit and pressure of the hour.

The dangerous fallacy to which Mr.Elliott had given utterance held his thoughts to the exclusion of all other considerations.

A clear path out of the dreary wilderness in which he had been, straying seemed to open before him, and he resolved to walk therein.

Fatal delusion! As soon as Mr.Ridley had supplied Mrs.General Locran with terrapin and oysters and filled a plate for himself, he poured out two glasses of wine and handed one of them to the lady, then, lifting the other, he bowed a compliment and placed it to his lips.

The lady smiled on him graciously, sipping the wine and praising its flavor.
"Pure as nectar," was the mental response of Mr.Ridley as the long-denied palate felt the first thrill of sweet satisfaction.