He had tried it more than once of late: but Lucia had had a hint of the fact from Thurnall; and in just terror had exacted from him a solemn promise never to touch opium again.

Elsley was a man of honour, and the promise had been kept.
But now--"I promised her, and therefore I will break my promise! She has broken hers, and I am free!" And he went in and bought his opium.

He took a little on the spot to allay the cravings of hunger.

He reserved a full dose for the railway-carriage.

It would bridge over the weary gulf of time which lay between him and town.
He took his second-class place at last; not without stares and whispers from those round at the wild figure which was starting for London, without bag or baggage.