Possible Clues:

• Slander when individual holds source of info
• Slur like individual admitting onset of inebriation
• Slur like individual imbibing martini finally
• Slur like individual swallowing last of Asti
• Poisoner runs into rising rumour and slur
• A second individual transfixed by current smear
• When one caught by individual is slander
• Like any of us, cut by current attack on reputation
• Like someone concealing one negative comment
• A small character admits one disparaging remark