We have lengthened this domestic scene sufficiently to enable the reader to understand the relations between this unhappy husband and wife; and to prepare his mind for a better comprehension of events that are soon to be related.
The next evening Ernest met Comston on the street. Comston was sober, from the fact that he had no money to buy the fiery beverage for which he was now thirsting.
“Mr. Edgefield,” said Comston, who had a dim consciousness that he had used improper language on the previous evening, “I want to offer you an apology for my conduct yesterday. I hope you are not offended.”
“No apology is necessary,” replied Ernest. “I am sorry that you have formed such awful, ruinous habits.”
“You are not as sorry as I am,” said Comston, speaking with emphasis.
“Why do you not leave off your terrible habits, then?” said Ernest.
“I’ve tried again and again,” said Comston, bursting into tears, “but it seems,” he continued, half sobbing, “that I cannot. O, you have no idea what a consuming thirst torments me. I must have brandy, or I will die.”
“No, you would not die,” answered Ernest, “if you had the will to resist. But that, I doubt not, is gone. And now you can never quit so long as you rely on yourself.”
“On whom must I rely?” asked Comston.
“Christ,” said Ernest solemnly. “Nothing, I fear, will ever enable you to quit your evil ways, but the grace of God.”