Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1870-01-27
OFF MY GUARD.
By 7. S. ARTHUR.

guard"
l looked at the speaker, a young
man not over twenty-three. His face
was handsome, and he had a clear
steady eye. Yet something in the
whole aspect of his countenance gave
the expression of concealment, as If he
were already learning 10 veil the toe
quick Interpretation of his thoughts.
"If l had given myself time to
think" he added.
Owe are never betrayed into impru-
dence of speech, if We feel right, ("
said one of the company, lady past
middle life, over whose countenance q
smile fitted as she spoke. There was
nothing, either in tone or manner, to
give offence; and 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 a single
sentence, Mr.. Wilder" answered the
lady. "When the heart is right there
is no need of sentinel"
81 am not sure that I get your full
meaning" said the young man, his
brow contracting in thought. "Why
do you speak of sentinel?"
"You said you were off your guard
just now
"Oh!" The brows contracted lit
tie more.
"Can you bear plain speaking, Mr.
Wilder? We are all friends"
81 never was afraid of plain speech,
Mrs. Dalton. Say on" replied the
young man. l noticed that his color
was heightened, and that he had a very
uneasy movement.
perhaps it might not be as WE'LL"
said Mrs. Dalton, observing his change
of manner.
"Oh! yes. Say on. I insist upon
your speaking out freely. Pm 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 freely. / think the
young man was benefited by what she
said, and l will put it on record that it
may serve a wider use. There are
some to whom it will be as good seed
sown in as good ground.
"You said, just now, that you were
sorry, but gave as the reason for hav-
ing spoken harshly of Edward Grover,
that you were off your guard" began
Mrs. Dalton.
Eyes, that is so. And am sorry,"
replied Wilder.
"Sorry for what?"
"That l was so far of my guard as
to be betrayed into Incorporate
speech"
"Why?"
"For several reasons. One is, II
have made an enemy, and it is bad pol
icy TO make an enemy, even of dog.
You may be assaulted and injured at
almost any time.
"You don't like Edward Grover?"
Honestly, 1 do not"
"Did he ever do you any harm?"
II can't put my hand on anything;
but l have no doubt of his having
tried"
"Why do you think he has sought to
injure you?"
"Why does dog bite?" There was
a cutting sharpness in Wilder's voice.
~ have known him for several
years." replied Mrs. Dalton. Like
the rest of us, he has good and bad quail
ties; and / think the good predominate.
Of one thing / am very sure. He has
not the dogs biting propensities. In
that, my friend, you have misjudged
him."
Wilder shrugged his shoulders, as
one who lets prejudice overleap evi-
dence.
Maybe you're right" he answered, |
"but I have no fancy for him. Still, |
for all that, / am sorry for my hasty
speech. Il was altogether unguarded.
Hereafter l shall put 3 closer guard
upon my lips"