Instead of the public-house, he frequented all places where the woes of the nether world found fierce expression.

He became a constant speaker at the meetings on Clerkenwell Green and at the Radical clubs.

The effect upon him of this excitement was evil enough, yet not so evil as the malady of drink.

Mrs.Hewett was thankful for the alternative.

But when she was no longer at his side--what then?
His employment was irregular, but for the most part at cabinet-making.
The workshop where he was generally to be found was owned by two brothers, who invariably spent the first half of each week in steady drinking.