He says himself--he told me this the last time I saw him--that he really lives a life devoted to his literary work; that he shuts himself up from everybody; and that the desire for society only comes upon him when he's excited by drink.

Then, and only then, does he go among his fellows.
There is some truth in that, my son, for as long as I have known him I have never seen him in his cups except that one night at my house.

A courteous, well-bred gentleman, my boy--most punctilious about all his obligations and very honest about his failings.

All he said to me the next day when he sobered up--I kept him all that night, you remember--was: 'I was miserably weak and inexcusably drunk last night, Mr.Temple.If that was all it would make no difference; I have been very drunk before, and I will be very drunk again; but in addition to my being drunk I insulted you and your friends and ruined your dinner.

That makes every difference.