Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 2.djvu/241

Rh all: they can't take half a bottle without being affected some way; whereas I—well, I've taken three times as much as they have to night, and you see I'm perfectly steady. Now that may strike you as very singular, but I think I can explain it:—you see their brains—I mention no names, but you'll understand to whom I allude—their brains are light to begin with, and the fumes of the fermented liquor render them lighter still, and produce an entire light-headedness, or giddiness, resulting in intoxication; whereas my brains being composed of more solid materials will absorb a considerable quantity of this alcoholic vapour without the production of any sensible result—"

"I think you will find a sensible result produced on that tea," interrupted Mr. Hargrave, "by the quantity of sugar you have put into it. Instead of your usual complement of one lump you have put in six."

"Have I so?" replied the philosopher, diving with his spoon into the cup and bringing up