Henry Is Twenty: A Further Episodic History of Henry Calverly, 3rd

by Samuel Merwin

The Senator counted out the money.

'You have placed me greatly in your debt, Mr Calverly. I hope that I may some day repay you.'

'Oh, no! You see...'

Silence fell upon them.

The Senator rose to go.

'Drink,' he remarked then, 'is an unmitigated evil. Never surrender to it.'

'I really don't drink at all, Senator.'

'Good! Don't do it. Life is more complex than a young man of your age can perceive. At best it is a bitter struggle. Evil habits are a handicap. They aggravate every problem. Good day. We shall see you soon again at the house, I trust.'

Henry, moved, looked after him as he walked almost briskly away—an erect, precise little man.

Then Henry went to church.