Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-04-06
Original 4apus,
Written for the Spirit Of the Age.
HARRY som ERVILLE
oil
THE BROKEN PLEDGE.
by B. r. II.
CHAPTER |.

CHAPTER |.
"Wcll Harry, old friend, we're going to
have q jolly time tonight. Our club meets
down at our rooms al the Hotel, and our
member Simpson, who you know went
north, has just returned and brought with
him IL half dozen baskets Of champagne. be-
sides plenty Of old appI, and peach: What
think you9 Say won't we have glori-
Gus time r
"Wcll, that does look like fun, in good
earnest, and ] must regret that | can't be
with you, boys; for to tell the truth, Bill,
before | left home this session, pledged
my word to Ry mother that would not
touch drop until | returned and al
though I've done wrong so often, she still
has the most implicit confidence in me. II
would almost kill her were | to deceive her
now"
"The devil, man how will she ever find
it out Oh, it wouldn't do at all for you
to stay away. All our old members will
be there, and you know they only meet bat
once session. Old Boz is going to give
us a splendid supper, and besides we've got
plenty OF best old 'lleidseick,' which you
know, is perfect rarity here in College.
i tell you its uo'use to think of it any
longer; YOU must 60. Why what would
they all say Il you were not there? You
who never vet failed to go and to drink
Hsnpinesat ia nus rlc1;d 2. ------s
s17sFclt, reckon I must go and have a
little fun for this once oniy--but after this,
mind you, am done with wine until |
graduate. What time DO you meet I"
"At 8 o'clock let's see--it is now =
lust AN hosr from now and we'll start. |
knew YOU couldn't refuse to 90 with us ;
we've all been friends too long for that
I will now 90 up and get Dick, and then
wen call by on our way down for you.-
You must be sure to be ready when We
come :" aid so saying the speaker with
light heart went on his way.
Harry Someryillo was the son Of piou
parents. His father merchant Of SOM
note, had by hi, uprightncSs and strict in
tegrity gained the esteem and friendship
all with whom he dealt, and by his persC
veraucc and economy had accumulated
nice little fortune. He was proud Of hi
son--for he was an only child, and IN hl
he had discovered noble traits, and h
knew he had good "a generous heart
Besides. too. he was fine looking yout
his iei, ma-sy curls pushed back, di
PLAYED hi.h. broad forehead, whilst h
black sparkling eyes told the locker c
that q genius was sleeping within. hr
he was So kind, too so loving so atter
tive To his gentle cmother-his invalid mot
or How else could they be but proud
their noble boy:
Harry, at twelve years of age, was p
at boarding school. lie made such rap
progress in his studies that in four yea
he was well prepared for college; his teac
or highly recommended him and mentlo
ed kim rs a yua,h Of extraordinary taller
lie went to the University and join
the Sophomore cass--was beloved by
his associaics-respecte by all who linC
him. The studious portion of his frien
loved him for his strict adherence to. t
principles OF honor and of right-becau
ne was % kind companion for them in th'
hours OF study loved him for his real
ness TO accommodate. His classmates
esteemed him for his lively wit, his go
humor-for his pleasing manners and
~ roliteness. In fact, Harry SomervilIe
a fayorite both with his fellow students a
the Professors, and mt the end OF the sess
he carried home with him certificates Il
made his fathers heart swell with pride 6
qualification.
His vacation ended and Harry return
to coIege-his heart light and nappy W
hope, with Youthful aspirations. For SC
time he did well and was rapidly climb
the rugged pathway to knowledge
fame but, alas the tempter CAME
Demon Of the wine-cup, and--he Yietc
lie got to social card-playing, and SOC
social glass was introduced. Ah "
dangerous, slippery ground indeed 70
generous, an d0aora5is youth to tread
on! Alas, how many Young men of p
poc.3 equally as bright %, Harry Sog
vile. have sacrificed their a,.-thgir he
fortune, every good aol noble imp
* OF the soul at the social card-tabic-aro
the social bottle.
But to return to our story. Harry
lesrned to drink, aud gamble, and iudu
>. ,-l--sh an manner of pation-stiii to u
uAl observer he WAS the same gay, h;
Agopth-though some OF his most intir
Ntiends had often marked his restlcssnc
Ill rneasy look. His instructors, too
Ill 10 suspect him; when finally
..nnLt him ON. uvht with >ome ot