The dinner was soon announced; the cookery was plain, but good, the wine
excellent. When the dessert was placed on the table, Mr John Forster
rose, and taking two bottles of port wine from the sideboard, placed
them on the table, and addressed Newton.

"Nephew, I have no time to _sip_ wine, although it is necessary that I
drink it. Now, we must drink fast, as I have only ten minutes to spare;
not that I wish you to drink more than you like, but I must push the
bottle round, whether you fill or no, as I have an appointment, what we
call a consultation, at my chambers. Pass the bottle, brother,"
continued the lawyer, helping himself, and shoving the decanter to
Nicholas.

Nicholas, who had been little accustomed to wine, obeyed mechanically,
swallowing down each glass _a gorge deployee_, as he was awoke from his
meditations by the return of the bottle, and then filling up his glass
again. Newton, who could take his allowance as well as most people,
could not, however, venture to drink glass for glass with his uncle, and
the bottle was passed several times without his filling. When the ten
minutes had elapsed, Mr John Forster took his watch from the table,
replaced it in his fob, and rose from his chair. Locking up the
remainder of the wine, he quitted the house without apology, leaving his
guests to entertain themselves, and order tea when they felt inclined.

"My brother seems to be very busy, Newton," observed Nicholas. "What
wine was that we have been drinking? It was very strong; I declare my
head turns round;" and in a few moments more Nicholas dropped his head
upon the table, and was fast asleep.

Newton, who perceived that his father was affected by the wine which he
had been drinking, which was, in the sum total, a pint of sherry at the
coffee-house before dinner, and at least a bottle during and after his
meal, thought it better that he should be allowed to take his nap. He
therefore put out the candles, and went up into the drawing-room, where
he amused himself with a book until the clock struck twelve. According
to the regulations of the house, the servants had retired to bed,
leaving a light in the passage for their master on his return, which
sometimes was at a very late hour, or rather, it should be said, at a
very early one. Newton lighted a chamber-candlestick, and went down
into the parlour to rouse his father; but all his attempts were in vain.
The wine had taken such an effect upon him,