But he groaned to himself, "I can't! I must wait until I can't see her." And he ordered the porter to bring him whisky and soda.
"Won't you join me ?" he said.
"You know, I never touch anything to drink," she replied.

"Papa and Dr.
Massey both made me promise not to." Ross's hand, reaching out for the bottle of whisky, drew slowly back.

He averted his face that she might not see.

He knew about her mother--and knew Theresa did not.

It had never entered his head that the weakness of the mother might be transmitted to the daughter.