The second glass would make him the fondest husband living; but the third would restore to him the memory of all his wrongs, and give him courage against his wife or all the world,--even to the detriment of the furniture around him, should a stray poker chance to meet his hand.

All these peculiarities of his character were not, however, known to Cradell; and when our friend saw him enter the drawing-room with his wife on his arm, he was astonished.
"Mr Cradell, your hand," said Lupex, who had advanced as far as the second glass of brandy-and-water, but had not been allowed to go beyond it.

"There has been a misunderstanding between us; let it be forgotten." "Mr Cradell, if I know him," said the lady, "is too much the gentleman to bear any anger when a gentleman has offered him his hand." "Oh, I'm sure," said Cradell, "I'm quite--indeed, I'm delighted to find there's nothing wrong after all." And then he shook hands with both of them; whereupon Miss Spruce got up, curtseyed low, and also shook hands with the husband and wife.
"You're not a married man, Mr Cradell," said Lupex, "and therefore you cannot understand the workings of a husband's heart.

There have been moments when my regard for that woman has been too much for me." "Now, Lupex, don't," said she, playfully tapping him with an old parasol which she still held.
"And I do not hesitate to say that my regard for her was too much for me on that night when I sent for you to the dining-room." "I'm glad it's all put right now," said Cradell.
"Very glad, indeed," said Miss Spruce.
"And, therefore, we need not say any more about it," said Mrs Lupex.
"One word," said Lupex, waving his hand.

"Mr Cradell, I greatly rejoice that you did not obey my summons on that night.