Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1872-09-06
SELECTED STORY
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THE BROKEN PLEDGE.
BY KATE MAUD ST. JOHN

Beautiful Emily Davis was dead.
How peaceful and happy she looked as
she lay in her coffin
Her golden hair smeethed back from the
calm brow her blue eyes closed in the sleep
of death; her hands folded on her pulselcss
heart, and the little, slippered feet-tbe
feet that had danced SO merrily and graceful
ly at the many balls were still enough,
now.
The handsome, dark-eyed Madge stood at
the side of her dead sister. Her agony was
intense.
Together they had shared the innocence
Of childhood and the charming pleasures of
girlhood.
They had knelt side by side at the death
beds Of their parents, and had lived on since
then depending on each other for love.
But now the gentle Emily was dead, and
poor Madge was alone.
All, what depth Of meaning is in that
little word alone!
How many persons we meet wear the
bright smiles Of gladness, proudly trying to
cover the sad loneliness of their hearts
Yet there was one standing beside the
handsome Madge, who longed to take the
lonely girl to his home.
Charley Brown had been engaged to
Madge for four years. Three times the
marriage day had been appointed, and each
time Emily had caused its postponement. t.
Her reason for this was Charley's intemper.
ance.
At present he was only what is called ga
fast young man," but the sensible Emily
knew that his love for wine would grow,
and she feared for her sisters happiness.
But now poor Madge had seen the last Of
her kindred called to tie promised home,
and the dying words Of that dear one
were:
Darling sister Madge, make Charley
take the pledge before you marry him."
Charley had heard this, and the pledge
was taken.
Four weeks after, Charley called the
handsome, true hearted Madge his bride
Two years Of happiness and content fol
! lowed
To night we will look into their lovely
home, for tomorrow commences a new
year.
All, what charming home-seene meets
our view. A bright fire burns in the high
ly-polished CRATE a soft richly colored car
pet covers the foor-in short. taste and re
fnement is everywhere to be seen.
On sofa sits Charley, his arm aronhd
the golden little En- at his side. and his
eyes resting lovingly on Madge, who sits
short distance away, singing softly, while
her fingers are busy with the brig ht.colored
cloud, which must be finished for little Elm
lily to wear TO- morrow
On New Years Day Charley and some
his companions made their calls together,
That night when be returned. there wa'
a reckless ring in his voiee. and restless
fire in his eye.
Alas, he had been tempted by the sweet
voiced, smiling sirens-women, l will no
call them.
For no true woman will offer the tempt
ing wine-cup-and when refused. sing ou
in the most charming. musical tones
"Ah, please do (! Just this oncei just tt
please me All, do, for my sake!'
And when the fatal cup is emptled, the.
turn away satisfied.
Their pride is fattered, for the WINE
drank to please them, and no thought q
misery that may follow this moment enter
their minds.
Thus did Charley Brown fall. tie wa
tempted, and broke his pledge, ana return
ed home to his beautiful young wife lntox
Gated.
After this his appetite for wine increase y
wonderfully, and happiness flew far from tn
home of Madge.
We will pass over the next seven years
Charley is now an habitual drunkaro