Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1867-10-24
The Promise that Was Kept.

One evening, four German students at
the university were enjoying themselves
in an upper room of little hotel. They
had four instruments, and were enjoying
themselves in making music, after the la
bors of the day There was pause in their
music but no sooner had they ceased play
ing than they heard violin beneath their
window, in the streets They went to the
window and looked out, watching him I'M
till he ceased playing. One of them threw
out little piece Of money, and said to him
laughing AHoro, poor potor this ia eli Wa
have for you now cope again some other
time"
EYES," said another, ''come again in a
year from now'
''Then we will give you little house,
for present." said the third.
eyes in the middle of a garden" said
the fourth
The old man was struck with wonder at
such promise. His long white hair shone
brightly in the light of the lanterns which
hung out at neighboring restaurant. He
looked up to the widow, and said, after
moments reflection: young people, are
you in earnest in what you say to me? [
hope you are not making light Of an old
man."
Indeed we are in earnest" replied
Ernest, with excited voice and his three
companions called upon God, to witness
their seriousness.
Farewell then," replied the old man !;
Il take my leave of you. One year from
to-day, at this same hour expect me to
come and play tune beneath this window.
Farewell : may the Almighty One, whose
name you have called upon, bless you in
your kindness!"
The old man went off, after invoking
the blessing upon them. The students
closed the window, took their Instruments
again in their hands, and after having
played three Or four lively tunes, seemed
to forget all that had occurred Ernest
said to them, however, after the space Of
about half an hour, ''You seem to be very
quiet connot be, for I have made a
promise that [ would give something which
[ have not got"
"What promise 2" answered one of his
light-hearted companions.
"The promise Of a house and gar
den."
A loud laugh was the response that he
met with; and the students separated
They met again on the following evening,
and during their interview, Ernest called
to mind the promise of the night before =
They made light of him, and told him
that he was foolish to pay any more atten-
ton to it. Then said he: Il don't see
where your conscienees are, if you can
make promise and break your word"
How can we fulfil any promise of that
kind 2 said Christopher Our parents are
all poor, and have more than they can do
to send us to the University. How then
can they help us to buy house and gar
den for foolish old man I? Good night,
comrades, wish you as pleasant sleep
as shall have!'
But this kind of argument did not effect
Ernest much for he could not help think
ing that he was compelled to keep his bar
gain. He was the poorest of the group
for his mother was plain widow, and she
made her living by washing, The promise
that he had made, deeply affected him, anc
he left the University for week, SO tina
he might 60 home, and tell his mother thu
pledge he had made to the old musician
After he had told her, she replied: 'Keel
it, my son; keep it, if it costs you you
life