Alec Forbes of Howglen (27)

Alec has been keeping bad company, and drinking to excess. At a college dinner, Alec attempts to expose Beauchamp’s villainy, which would have ended in humiliation had not Mr. Cupples intervened with personal testimony. Alec falls to worse pursuits than merely drinking. Meanwhile, little Isie Constable overhears her parents talking about the evils that have ensnared Alec, and goes to inform Mrs. Forbes that her son is in trouble. After injuring Mr. Cupples in a drunken rage, Alec is full of remorse, and both drunkards make a solemn vow to each other.