"Truly, it is mortifying!" the friend remarked. Then, after a pause, he added, with emphasis—
"What fools this wine does make of us, sometimes!"
"Doesn't it? Another such a circumstance as this, would almost drive me to join a temperance society."
"O, no, hardly that, James."
"Well, perhaps not. But, at least, to eschew wine for ever."
"Wine is good enough in its place; but, like fire, is rather a bad master. Like you, I have injured my prospects in life by an over-indulgence in the pleasures of the cup."
"You?"
"Yes."
"When did that happen?"
"Since I last saw you."