Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-10-14
OFF MY GUARD.
ny T. S. ARTHUR.

looked at the speaker young man not
over twenty-three. His face was handsome
and he had clear steady eye. Yet some.
thing IN the whole aspect of his countenance
gave the expression of concealment as if he
were already learning to veil the too quick
Interpretation Of his thoughts.
If had given myself time to think, he
added
We are never betrayed into imprudence
of speech, if we feel right" said one of the
company, a lady past middle life, over whose
countenance smile fitted as she spoke
There was nothing, either in tone or manner,
to give offence aud none was taken by the
young man, who turned to the lady and
said
But we do not always feel right Mrs.
Dalton ; that's the rub"
" You cover the ground in single SEN
tence, Mr.. Wilder" answered the lady,
+" When the heart is right there is no need of
sentinel
" am not sure that get your full mean
ing said the young man, his brow contract
ing thoughtiuliy. Why do you speak of IA
sentinel n
You said you were off your guard just
now"
"Oh y The brows contracted a little
more"
" Can you bear plain speaking, Mr.. Wild
err? We are all friends"
" | never was afraid of plain speech, Mrs.
Dalton. Say Oh" replied the young man.
| noticed that his color heightened, and that
he had very uneasy movement.
Perhaps it might not he as WE'LL" said
Mrs. Dalton, observing his change of man
ner
con- yes. Say on ! insist upon your
speaking out freely. I'm not perfect No
one knows that better than myself The
wounds of friend are more to be desired
than the kisses of an enemy"
The occasion and the preparation seemed
fitting to Mrs. Dalton, and she did speak free.
ly. think the young man was benefited
by what she said, and will put it on record
that it may serve wider use. There ar,
some to what it will be as good seed sown il
good ground.
You said, just now, that you were sorry
but gave as the reason for having spokel
harshly Of Edward Grover, that you were of
your guard began Mrs. Dalton.
Yes. That is so. And an sorry" re
piled Mr.. Wilder.
Sorry for what ?"
'Ihat | was so far off my guard as to b
betrayed into incorporate speech"
- Why 2"
For several reasons. One is, hav
made an enemy, and it is bad policy to max
an enemy, even Of dog. You may be as
sauIted and injured at almost any time"
" You don't like Edward Grover ?"
4" Honestly, do not"
:" Did he ever do you any harm ?"
" | can't put my hand on anything; but
have no doubt Of his having tried"
Why do you think he has sought to in
jure Your
Why does dog bite ?" There was
cutting sharpness in Wider's voice.
:" have known him for several years. r,
piled Mrs. Dalton. Like the rest of u
he has good and bad qualities aud thin
the good predominant. OF one thing al
very sure. He has not the dogs biting pre-
pensities, In that, my friend, you have mi,
Judged him.
Wilder shrugged his shoulders, as one VIII
lets prejudice overtop evidence.
Maybe you're right" he answered; "bl
l have no fancy for him. Still for all tina
| am sorry for my hasty speech. 1t was a
together unguarded Hereafter, shall pu
q closer watch upon my lips"
" A guard over the heart would be bette
Mr.. Wilder"
The young man opened his eyes.
" This guarding of the lips is always a
imperfect thing said Mrs. Dalton. at
out of the abundance of the heart the mout
speaketh. If we feel unkindly, we will b
sure, in some unguarded moment, to spea
unkindly--if We think evil We will speak eyi
Lip sentinels are apt TO sleep at their pos
What then?
Mrs. Dalton paused, looking steadily
the young man. lie did not answer, but h
brow was knit in perplexed way. The e,
preston of his face said, What does a
this mean %
Did il ever occur to you Mr.. Wilder,
resumed the lady, A." that in our attempts
hurt others by hard words, we generally e,
the worst Of it p
"You speak in riddles, my dear MADAM
or else | am especially dull to-day" Wilder
perplexity Of manner increased.
You tried TO hurt Mr.. Grover"
That's putting the question rather stron,
ly, Mrs. Dalton" he answered
"Noj il is stating the case exactly. VIII
you said of him was not only meant by yol
to hurt him in the estimation of friends bl
win have that effect with those not well a,
quainted with him. You did him a serio,
wrong and whyf Now, this why involy,
all wish to sot forth. Why do You seek
injure him7 Was he assaulting you as q
enemy and you simply acting under the ju
tidable law Of self-defencef Or, were yo
really, assaulting him--going out of yo'
way to de him an unproyoked wrongf"
Wilder dropped his gaze to the floor, al
sat very still for short time. | saw Il
light go out Of bis face as the conyicti'