"I say, Leicester, don't do that!" said Purvis.
"Don't do what?"
"Don't start drinking again."
Again Leicester was almost overwhelmed with anger. How dare these fellows seek to interfere with him!
"May I ask my dear Moody and Sankey when the control of my actions came within your province?" he said, with a strong effort at self-control.
"Don't take it in that way, old man. I'm sure you are ashamed of the other business, and——"
"What business?"
"You know what business. You can't go on with it. You would never have thought of it if you hadn't been drinking too much; and really, I was awfully glad when I saw that you were giving it up."
Leicester did not reply, but instead looked eagerly towards the waiter, who was coming towards him.
He poured out a large portion of whisky into a glass, and then, having added a small quantity of soda-water, he took a long draught.