“I smiled and emptied my glass, and soon I became as reckless and jovial as he. We went from one cabaret to another, laughing at everything. All the world was gay. There was no sorrow anywhere—only one grand celebration. Julian was never so fascinating. I was proud of his good looks, of his wit, of his strength as he lifted me from the taxicab and almost carried me into the house.
“'My darling!' I breathed as my lips brushed his cheek, 'I love you!'
“'You see, Penny, how wonderful everything is when you are reasonable. If you will only drink with me once in a while, I'll never, never leave you.'
“He placed me gently in a chair. Soon the room began to whirl around ... and I knew no more....
“This morning my head ached and a thousand needles were piercing my eyes. I rang for the maid and asked for my husband.
“'He brought you home last night, but he went out again later and he hasn't come back,' she said and her eyes did not meet mine.
“'Was I—was I?' I stammered, shame possessing me.
“'Yes, Mrs. Wells, you were....'
“God! What have I gained? I have degraded myself without doing Julian any good. I have sunk to his level and have not even been able to keep him at my side. I hate him! I hate myself even more!”
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