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. Oh, that I had given more heed to that voice of the soul! That still, small voice, which never lies--that voice which no one can drown, without remorse and self-condemnation. Time brought with it the punishment I deserved, convincing me then, and for ever, that no one can act against his own conviction of right, without incurring the penalty due to his moral defalcation. I dined alone with Mr. Moncton. He asked me if I was pleased with the apartments he had selected for my use. I was warm in my thanks, and he appeared satisfied. After the cloth was drawn, he filled a bumper of wine, and pushed the bottle over to me. "Here's to your rising to the head of the profession, Geoffrey. Fill your glass, my boy." I drank part of the wine, and set the glass down on the table. It was fine old Madeira. I had not been used to drink anything stronger than tea and coffee, and I found it mounting to my head. "I will not allow that, Geoffrey--you must honour my toast." "I have done so, uncle, as far as I am able. I have had enough wine." "Nonsense, boy! Don't you like it?" "I hardly know. It makes me feel giddy and queer." "Ha! ha! that's good"--chuckling and rubbing his hands. "If I take more just now, I shall certainly be tipsy." "What then?" "It would be disgraceful. In your presence, too." "What--were you never drunk?" "Never, in my life." "How old are you?" "Twenty." "And never intoxicated--well, that's a good joke. Few young men of your age could say that. Would you not like to increase your knowledge, and be as wise as others?" I shook my head. "Ridiculous prudery. Come, fill your glass." He drank off several glasses in succession; and for fear I should be thought deficient in spirit; I followed his example. But the Rubicon once crossed, to my surprise, I found that the wine had no effect upon my senses; only serving to elevate my spirits a little, and make me more sociable and communicative. My uncle's stern face began to relax from its usual cold severity, and I found that when warmed with wine, he could be a most intelligent and agreeable companion. After conversing for some time on indifferent subjects, he said: "You think you remember your parents. I have their portraits. Perhaps you would like to keep them in your own possession." "No present you could make me, would be so valuable," I replied. "No heroics," he said, going to a beautiful inlaid cabinet. "I detes
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