He considered that, if anywhere, he belonged among them.

He was too proud to toady, too keen not to strictly observe the plane he occupied when there were those present who did not appreciate him, but, in situations like the present, where he could shine as a gentleman and be received without equivocation as a friend and equal among men of known ability, he was most delighted.

It was on such occasions, if ever, that he would "take something." When the social flavor was strong enough he would even unbend to the extent of drinking glass for glass with his associates, punctiliously observing his turn to pay as if he were an outsider like the others.

If he ever approached intoxication--or rather that ruddy warmth and comfortableness which precedes the more slovenly state--it was when individuals such as these were gathered about him, when he was one of a circle of chatting celebrities.

To-night, disturbed as was his state, he was rather relieved to find company, and now that notabilities were gathered, he laid aside his troubles for the nonce, and joined in right heartily.
It was not long before the imbibing began to tell.