t yet too late. With
a single strong effort he could have rent these bonds asunder, freeing
himself for ever. But pride and a false shame held him back, from
making this effort, and all the while appetite kept silently
strengthening every link and steadily forging new chains. Day by day he
grew feebler as to will-power and less clear in judgment. His fine
ambition, that once promised to lift him into the highest ranks of his
profession, began to lose its stimulating influence.

None but his mother knew how swiftly this sad demoralization was
progressing, through others were aware of the fact that he indulged too
freely in wine.

With a charity that in too many instances was self-excusing, not a few
of his friends and acquaintances made light of his excesses, saying:

"Oh, he'll get over it;" or, "Young blood is hot and boils up
sometimes;" or, "He'll steady himself, never fear."

The engagement between Ellis and Blanche still existed, though Mr. and
Mrs. Birtwell were beginning to feel very much concerned about the
future of their daughter, and were seriously considering the propriety
of taking steps to have the engagement broken off. The young man often
came to their house so much under the influence of drink that there was
no mistaking his condition; but if any remark was made about it,
Blanche not only exhibited annoyance, but excused and defended him, not
unfrequently denying the fact that was apparent to all.

One day--it was several months from the date of that fatal party out of
which so many disasters came, as if another Pandora's box had been
opened--the card of Mrs. Whitford was placed in the hands of Mrs.
Birtwell.

"Say that I will be down in a moment."

But the servant who had brought up the card answered:

"The lady wished me to say that she would like to see you alone in your
own room, and would come up if it was agreeable."

"Oh. certainly. Tell her to come right up."

Wondering a little at this request, Mrs. Birtwell waited for Mrs.
Whitford's appearance, rising and advancing toward the door as she
heard her steps approaching. Mrs. Whitford's veil was down as she
entered, and she did not draw it aside until she had shut the door
behind her. Then she pushed it away.

An exclamation of painful surprise fell from the lips of Mrs. Birtwell
the moment she saw the face of her visitor. It was pale and wretched
beyond description, but wore the look of one who had resolved to
perform some painful d