This fretted the mind of his wife, and often led her, in the warmth of the moment of disappointment, to utter unkind expressions.

These hurt Ellis; and, sometimes, made him angry.

The cloud upon Cara's brow, consequent upon these occasional misunderstandings, was generally so unpleasant to Ellis, whose heart was ever wooing the sunshine, let the rays come through almost any medium, that he would spend his evenings abroad.

Temptation, as a natural consequence, was in his way.

His convivial character made him seek the company of those who do not always walk the safest paths.