"I've given it up," said Gray.
"Best thing," said George. "It isn't nice to be seen going into a public-house, is it?"
Gray nearly choked himself with a piece of steak, and looked at his companion out of the corner of his eye.
"Smell of whisky here," said George, suddenly, eyeing Gray's glass. "They told me you'd signed the pledge."
Gray reddened, and affected not to notice.
"Better not go near the missis," said Early, referring to Miss Fairbrother. "Awful stuff to smell, whisky."
Gray was on the point of retorting, but changed his mind, and said—
"What are you going to have?"
"Nothing, thanks," said George, stiffly. "Don't come any of that with me, please."
"What are you talking about?" said Gray, beginning to bluster.