A single glass of wine generally excited him, and two or three proved, always, more than he could bear.

It was so on this occasion; and when, at eleven o'clock, he passed forth from the house of his friend, it was only by an effort that he could walk steadily.

The cool night air, as it breathed upon his heated brow, partially sobered him, and his thoughts turned towards his home.

A sigh and the act of striking his hand upon his forehead marked the effect of this transition of thought.
"Poor Mary! I didn't mean to stay away so late.

I meant to return in half an hour," he muttered, half aloud.