"I must tell you frankly, Alfred, that I like neither your companion in the afternoon, nor your company in the evening."
"You certainly do not object to Charles Williams. He stands as high in society as I do."
"His family is one of respectability and standing. But his habits, I fear, Alfred, are such as will, ere long, destroy all of his title to respectful estimation."
"You judge harshly," the young man said, colouring deeply.
"I believe not, Alfred. And what is more, I am convinced that you stand in imminent danger from your association with him."
"How?" was the quick interrogatory.
"Through him, for instance, you were induced to go to a wine party last night."
"Well?"
"And there induced to drink too much."
"Mother!"