The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1875-07-01
THE ONE FALSE STEP.

LO-uhy utuCo VIC IL De olu mari.
But here dainty hand was applied
blushingly TO the daring lips. And the
glowing prediction remained incomplete.
The subject was changed with a rompt-
ness that seemed a simultaneous inspi-
ration, and along the summer lane the
handsome pair joyously jaunted in
their cosy basket phaeton.
Walter Carleton was a rising young
merchant, the junior member OF a New
York firm. He was of British birth,
and his dark complexion, crisp ebon
curls, and deep black eyes he derived
from his Castilian mother.
Ella Goodrich was an Una-like crea-
ture, in the first flush of her gorgeous
blonde, and the only daughter of
wealthy old DIR. Goodrich, Of Kirkland
Walter had received his earliest heart
wound from the dart of Elias beauty
at a Saratoga hop, and since then the
course of their love had run as smoothly
as two enthusiastic hearts could make
it. Dr. Goodrich, besides closely OBJ
serving the young man, had made the
necessary inquiries respecting him, with
the result of thoroughly satisfying his
amiable partner and himself on the pro-
priety of their daughters choice.
1t was really pleasant afternoon
late IN the summer-and the gray pony
with the basket phaeton, and the pair of
turtle doves logged along with sort of
"sober certainty of waking bliss" as
Milton happily pbrased it.
The miles flew by on angels wings,
and when Walter consulted his watch,
10 and behold it was within a few
minutes of the Kirkland dinner hour
and they were a good five miles away?
We must make ali haste back, "
cried Ella, "pa dislikes TO wait for din
ner. Rufe, old man" this TO the gray
pony, "you must put your best foot
foremost " whereupon Rufe's mistress
proceeded to admOnish him with rein
and whip.
Now, Rufe had not been used to this
cavalier treatment, and he began to
protest against it by manifold head
shaking, tail-switching, elephantine
hops and snortings, and generally bv
moving forward rather slower than be-
fore. WheTeupon Ella scolded the per-
verse brute, and Walter took the whip
and administered sharp cut across the
tore-leg. This was enough. Rufus in
stantly performed some compound
circus trick, and cleverly separated
himself and the shafts from the body
OF the phaeton. Before you could say
Jack Robinson the pair of lovers were
rolling in the dust, and &" Rufe d" was
cOmplacently regarding the havoc he
had made. busted and discontented,
Walter and Ella regained their feet
more scared than hurt and amused than
vexed.
Ella said there was bIacksmitb-sbou
short distance of, and thither Walter
ran while she watched the wreck and
told Rufe what a disreputable old
william he was.
When Walter returned with the me.
chanic, tall, bony-lookipg man with
huge red whiskers and an immense PAN
anna hat was talking to Ella And not
merely talking it seemed to Walter
that the man was annoying her, aud at
tempting to take her hand-a liberty
she seemed to repel with indignant en-
ergy.
Well, be friends, anyhow, Ella. If
You won't shake hands," he of the red
whiskers was saying, as Walter, with
flashing eyes and vengeful looks, I'M
seen, approached.
" Stand off sir !" cried he. pushing
the intruder violently aside. "By
what right do you presume to annoy
this young lady?"
Ella uttered little scream. The
man staggered, and nearly fell but,
QUICKLY
faced round, and tiercely fixed his red.
dish, chestnut eyes upon his assaiIant.
Walter Carleton, as I'm a breathing
sinner |"
" DIR. Farjeon ?" with a violent start
and change of color. GOOD God, you
here beg your pardon for my rude.
ness. did not see your face it was
80 unexpected. Why, how in the name
i mean how on earth did YOU ever
turn up here?"
go, that is easily explained" SAID
DR.. Farieon, with meaning look.
You see, after we parted ut Liverpool
dock"
All yes Just So" said Walter. ner.
voqsly. ELLA, my dear, Dr. Farieor
and 1 are old cquaintances-frien
ana all that, You know. Doctor, I shall
be glad to meet you that is, confoupd
this mishap we must get il repaired
and get home at once mustn't We Ella p
Ella had looked with speechless sur
prise ut the chilling effect the doctors
sudden appearance had upon her lover
IL mad completely transformed him,
crushing his gayety as one brushes q
flower in the hand.
With supercilious good by. Miss
Goodrich" and "I'll see Won this even.
ing, Walter" DIR. Farjeon proceeded on
nus way when, with a mortified look.
Walter said
Why, Ella, what is that man doing
herep ?"
eff you had not interrupted him be
would have told you soon enough. the
hateful, detestable fellow" she replied
= He lately bought pas practice: and
has come proving about our house and
perseouting me ever since but TO-DAY
made him feel how intensely despised
MN. How on earth did You ever
form that Jaok.Sheppard-looking saw.
bones acquaintance ?"
Merely professionally in Europe. d
replied Walter, dryly.
walters attempts at cheerfulness dur.
ing the homewsrd drive were spasmodic
tailures; and after dinner a gloom set.
tied upon him which Ella vainly sought
10 disPel. he said he had a slight
IIeaoaehe, attributable, probably, to the
shock IN the afternoon drive.
just as night was closing in. DIR. Far.
icon was seen walking in the direction
y Sae mouse, and somewhat abruptly
MMIef uttered some unsatisfactory eX.
Planatlon and Joined him. The two ,,,a,,
proceeded toward the hemlocLr c-rogo
and Ella, watching from an nnnes win ~
now. could see that the doctor gea,;cn.
iatea threatenlngly, and that Walter
nSI caring and chivalrous Walter. seem
forbearancel 'iio O'uer
What can It meanP Oh. whatever
can 1t mean ?" sobbed the yeaTninS
youhg heart' as she stood, weary and
WI M.iT1etehed, watching the retreatinO forms
ulI they melted into the darkness
In about an hour Walter returned
INV M was almost boisterously cheerful
t fntie was triumph in his eye and salts
Iactlon on hia brow. Next dav Was So So
arday. and Ella and he spent 4 deI;s e2St-
t uI gay, notwithstanding that he in
formed her business would call him 70
J faS eily On Monday, but only for few
laws After that he said he would nv
t Surn and spend a whole unipteTrn,,t III
fortnight at Kirkland. '''ei i''e"
On Sunday, evening the lovers At.
'ehoeo the village church and as the