The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1871-11-16
A Slight Mistake.

and his hat, fashioned a quarter Of 9
century before, showed a long and
close acquaintance with sunshine
and storm. He was quite old, too
although he stepped quite nimbly
upon the gravel walk, and tired, fol
he had tramped many miles under
the broiling heat Of that July sun
Withal there was a look of shrewd-
ness and knowldge of the world
about him, that seemed to belle his
INDECENT appearance.
He glanced about him at the
well cultivated fields, the comforta-
bic dwelling, the commodious barns
and the numerous outhouses, and
muttered,
"Very well situated, whoever they
are. I will stop and rest awhile, il
they will allow such a ragshan in
the house."
And the last thought seemed to
afford him immense pleasure.
He walked up to the front door,
which was open; but the sound of
voices within drew his attention,
and he stopped, with his hand yet
raised to rap.
"John Hayward, I'm ashamed of
your spoke a harsh, metallic, fe-
male voice. "That my son should
so forget himself as to even look at
my hired help, much more to make
love to her, is rediculous! shameful!
What is she? Everybody knows
that Harriet Sinclair is nothing
but beggar, at the best; and how
do we know that she is even as
good as that? Yet you persit in
seeing something attractive about
her. For my part, John I
do not see how you can even look
at her, while that splendid Maria
Dalton is here! Yes, John, splen-
did is the word and she is rich, too!
You know her uncle allows her an
annuity sufficient to keep you both
in style, and when he dies she will
have the whole. I cannot see in
to it; and, John Hayward, will
not have it! I will send the girl
awayp'
'Ha! ha! har' chuckled the old
man at the door. Breezy! I do
not like this eavesdropping, but 1
declare I must hear Johns reply"
''Mother," began a voice, deep
toned and calm, yet determined,
81 will overlook your aspersions,
for you are angry; but, if you send
Hattie away, shall go too She
shall not come to harm through
any means Of ours. AS to Miss
Dalton, I viii only say that she
never can be my wife"
"Ha! ha! hap again chuckled
the man at the door. ''He's the
right sort for me! Twill risk this
Hatty Sinclair with him. Now,
I'll step around to the other door,
and see what there is there"
He cautiously made his way
around to the rear door, which he
found open like the front, and he
also heard voices.
sLet's see what the weather is on
this side of the house." said he,
stopping to listen.
Harriet Sinclair, how dare you
look me in the face and tell me
thatp' came in shrill, angry tones
through the open door.
And the little old man chuckled
again, and muttered:
"Whoever this Harriet Sinclair
is, she is getting up quite a stir
among these folks. I rather like
her. There goes that other one
again. I suppose it is Maria Dal-
ton; but she's made a slight mis-
taker'
'What do you suppose John
Hayward cares for you? You have
not even a pretty face to re com
mend you; and, then, you are moth
ing but a beggar! Bah! what a
ninny you arer'
"Will you tell me one thingP'
came in q faint, pleading voice.
care you and John going to be mar
riedy'
There was quite a pause, and the |
man at the door grew impatient.
Then came the answer, sharp /
and malicious:
ayes, we arer'
"Ohr'
This exclamation came from /
and it was so full of pain
and despair, that the old man in
voluntarily stepped into the room.
"The weather seems TO be unset
tledY' said he to himself, ''and
shall not be surprised if some of /
these folks get wrecked in the storm
What q hornets nest it must be!
And there's the queen herself, he
added as his gaze fell upon Maria
Dalton's dark, handsome face.
She stood IN the door leading