She was not searching for the taste of a drug now; her present experiment proposed to try the wine on its own merits.
At the time of her triumphs on the country stage--before the date of her unlucky marriage--rich admirers had entertained the handsome actress at suppers, which offered every luxury that the most perfect table could supply.

Experience had made her acquainted with the flavour of the finest claret--and that experience was renewed by the claret which she was now tasting.

It was easy to understand why Mr.Mountjoy had purchased the wine; and, after a little thinking, his motive for inviting Mr.Vimpany to dinner seemed to be equally plain.

Foiled in their first attempt at discovery by her own prudence and tact, his suspicions had set their trap.

Her gross husband had been tempted to drink, and to talk at random (for Mr.Mountjoy's benefit) in a state of intoxication! What secrets might the helpless wretch not have betrayed before the wine had completely stupefied him?
Urged by rage and fear, she shook him furiously.