So Carlton, finding that his proffer was disregarded, dashed ahead and was soon out of sight.
At what hour Wilkinson reached his home, and how he was received, has already been seen.
Too heavy a pressure lay on the mind of the unhappy man, as he met his wife at the breakfast table on the next morning, for him even to make an effort at external cheerfulness.

There was not only the remembrance of his broken promise, and the anguish she must have suffered in consequence of his absence for half the night--how visible, alas! was the effect written on her pale face, and eyes still red and swollen from excessive tears--but the remembrance, also, that he had permitted himself, while under the influence of drink, to lose some two thousand dollars at the gaming table! What would he not endure to keep that blasting fact from the knowledge of his single-hearted, upright companion?
He a gambler! How sick at heart the thought made him feel, when that thought came into the presence of his wife! Few words passed between Mr.and Mrs.Wilkinson, but the manner of each was subdued, gentle, and even affectionate.

They parted, after the morning meal, in silence; Wilkinson to repair to his place of business, his wife to busy herself in household duties, and await with trembling anxiety the return of her husband at the regular dinner hour.
This time, Wilkinson did not, as usual, drop in at a certain drinking-house that was in his way, but kept on direct to his store.
The reason of this omission of his habitual glass of brandy was not, we are compelled to say, from a purpose in his mind to abandon the dangerous practice, but to avoid encountering the man Carlton, who might happen to be there.

But he was not to keep clear of him in this way.

Oh, no.