I have never, for a single hour since I married him, known what it is to realise that sweet idea, 'In quietness and confidence shall be your rest.' Those two detestable men, Grimsby and Hattersley, have destroyed all my labour against his love of wine.

They encourage him daily to overstep the bounds of moderation, and not unfrequently to disgrace himself by positive excess.

I shall not soon forget the second night after their arrival.

Just as I had retired from the dining-room with the ladies, before the door was closed upon us, Arthur exclaimed,--'Now then, my lads, what say you to a regular jollification ?' Milicent glanced at me with a half-reproachful look, as if I could hinder it; but her countenance changed when she heard Hattersley's voice, shouting through door and wall,--'I'm your man! Send for more wine: here isn't half enough!' We had scarcely entered the drawing-room before we were joined by Lord Lowborough.
'What can induce you to come so soon ?' exclaimed his lady, with a most ungracious air of dissatisfaction.
'You know I never drink, Annabella,' replied he seriously.
'Well, but you might stay with them a little: it looks so silly to be always dangling after the women; I wonder you can!' He reproached her with a look of mingled bitterness and surprise, and, sinking into a chair, suppressed a heavy sigh, bit his pale lips, and fixed his eyes upon the floor.
'You did right to leave them, Lord Lowborough,' said I.

'I trust you will always continue to honour us so early with your company.