As he joined the company there he met a friend to whom he said in a half-confidential way: "Do you know anything about General Abercrombie's relations with his wife?
"What do you mean ?" inquired the friend, with evident surprise.
"I saw something just now that looks very suspicious." "What ?" "I came here with Mrs.Abercrombie a little while ago, and was engaged in helping her, when I saw her face grow deadly pale.

Following her eyes, I observed them fixed on the general, who was chatting gayly and taking wine with a lady." "What! taking wine did you say ?" The gentleman was almost as much surprised at the altered manner of his friend as he had been with that of Mrs.Abercrombie: "Yes; anything strange in that ?" "Less strange than sad," was replied.

"I don't wonder you saw the color go out of Mrs.Abercrombie's face." "Why so?
What does it mean ?" "It means sorrow and heartbreak." "You surprise and pain me.

I thought of the lady by his side, not of the glass of wine in his hand." The two men left the crowded supper-room in order to be more alone.
"You know something of the general's life and habits ?" "Yes." "He has not been intemperate, I hope ?" "Yes." "Oh, I am pained to hear you say so." "Drink is his besetting sin, the vice that has more than once come near leading to his dismissal from the army.

He is one of the men who cannot use wine or spirits in moderation.