"I told you I was worse than you thought I was," moaned Shuffles.
"Is it possible!"
"It is true, sir; I say it with shame."
"Are you in the habit of taking intoxicating drinks?" asked the chaplain, confounded beyond measure at this complication of the difficulty.
"I am not in the habit of it, because I can't get liquor all the time. My father has wine on his table, and I always was allowed to drink one glass."
"Can it be!" ejaculated the chaplain. "A youth of seventeen——"
"I'm eighteen now, sir."
"A youth of eighteen in the habit of taking wine!" groaned Mr. Agneau.
"I drank a great deal more than my father knew of while I was at home."
"I am amazed!"