There were moments when he almost regretted that refusal.

The wine which had been offered was of the purest quality, and he remembered but too well the theory advanced by Mr.Elliott, that the moderate use of pure wine would restore the normal taste and free a man whose appetite had been vitiated from its enslaving influence.

His mind recurred to that thought very often, and the more he dwelt upon it, the more inclined he was to accept it as true.

If it were indeed so, then he might be a man among men again.
Mr.Ridley did not feel as comfortable in his mind after as before this party, nor was he as strong as before.

The enemy had found a door unguarded, had come in stealthily, and was lying on the alert, waiting for an opportunity.
A few weeks afterward came another invitation.