The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1864-07-14
OFF MY GEARD.
BY r. 8. ARTHUR.

III very SorTyj ou' wac oh NY
guard"
l looked at the speaker, a young man
not over twenty. three. His face was
handsome, and he had clear, steady eye.
Yet something in the whole aspect Of his
countenance gave the impression of con.
ces.ment, as if he we're already learning
to veil the too quick Interpretation of his
thoughts. s@ .t.
at I'D given myself time to think
he added.
ave are never betrayed into impru-
dence Of speech, if We feel right" said
one of the company, a lady past middle
life, over whose peaceful countenance n
smile fitted rs she spoke. There was
nothing, In either tone or manner, to give
offence; aud none was taken blythe young
msn, who turned to the lady with this
remark.
,"But We don't always feel right, Mrs.
Dalton; that's the rub"
t.You cover the ground io single SEN
tence, Mr.. Wilder" answered the lsdy,
"When the hesrt is right, there 10 no
need of . scntioel."
II am not sure that get your full
meaning" said the young man, his brnv
coo&vsctiog thoughtfully. ,"Why do you
speak of . sentinsI'
"You said you were off your guard
Just now"
"Oh." The brows contracted little
more.
"Csa you bear plain speaking, Mr.
Wildss3 We sre oil friends" ~.
Il never was afraid of plain speech,
Mrs. Daltor. Say 90, replied the young
man. noticed that his color heishten-
ed, and that he had an uneasy movement
"Pcrhaps it might not be well,' said
Mrs. Dalton, observing his change of
manner. .zat.... .. t..H .-e.. =
"Oh! yes. Say on. insist upon
your speaking out freely. I'm not per
feet. No one knows that better than
myself. The wounds Of friend are
more to be desired than the kisses of On
enemy" '..,m.".. .s......-. '..:- y, y 81 .- 7a
The occasion and the preparation seem
ed fitting, to Mrs. Dalton and she did
speak freely. l think the young man
was benefited by what che said, and
will put it on record that it may serve e
wfdes use. There are some to wholi> il
will be. as. good seed sown in good ground
"You said, Just now, that you were
soffify; bdt'euve ss ithesresaSS FOR ;'haviSe
spoken harshly of Edwafd aGrovef, thai
you we're of your guard began Mrs
Dalton.
eyes. That is 50. And I am sorry ,
replied Mr. Wilder. ''
"Sorry for what?"
"That l was so far of my guard as t
be betrayed into intemperatc speech"
Why
'For several reasons. One is, hav
made u enemy, and it's bad policy t.
make an enemy even Of dog. You ma,
be assaulted aud injured At almost an.
time" a
.You don't like Edward Groverg'
"Honestly, do not"
"Did he ever do you any harm?"
II can't put my hand on anything; bu
I've no doubt Of his having tried"
ipjure you?''
"Why does dog bite?" There was
cutting sharpness in Wilder's voice.
Il have known him for several years,
replied Mrs. Dalton. "Like the rest, @
o., he has good and bad qualities; and
think the good pred inmate. OF on
thing I am very sure: he has not III
dogs biting propeusities. In that, m
friend, you have, through prejudice, mis-
judged him" ."o
Wilder shrugged his shoulders, as on
vho let's prejudice overlap evidence.
ea Maybe you're right" he returned
"but have no fancy for him. Still, fe
all thst, ] an sorry for my hasty speech
II was altogether unguarded. Hereafte
she'll put closer watch upon my lips.
"a guard over the heart would be be
ter, Mr.. Wilder" MI ~
The young man opened his eyes.
+"This guarding Of the lips is alway
% imperfect thing" ssid Mrs. Dalto,