Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1895-11-01
FROM THE BACK SEAT.

pTOcesScS, llhc hhuinB u OOaL, Wntcn
anyone can master without previous
experience. Everybody knows that
there is nothing difficult about 1t, and
those that have never done it are per-
fectly aware Of their ability to do it.
if they choose.
But driving from the back seat" is
quite different thing; that is a grave
and serious affair, an undertaking of
tragic intensity. There Is not one mo-
ment OF calm, peaceful enjoyment for
those so employed. Every circum-
stance and incident to them is vital
and momentous; each turn In the road
bids fair to be certain pathway to
distinctions every signboard is false,
deceitful snare set to mislead them,
while each movement of the horse is
but an index of vicious propensitics
about to be revealed. In fact, this
method of driving is not only physical
ly exhausting, but mentally depressing
and spiritually demoralizing, and not
alone does the driver suffer, but also
all who are unfortunate enough to
find themselves in the same vehicle
with such one.
Perhaps brief description Of my
own will best serve to illustrate my
theme.
! had run down to spend couple of
days with my friends the Graziers,
who were occupying charming coun-
try place for the summer. On the
afternoon of my arrival my hostess
suggested that possibly might enjoy
drive over to Pine Knoll, which they
deemed most desirable point from
which to view the country round about.
l, of course, expressed my delight with
the idea OF quiet country drive after
the rush and turmoil OF the city, from
which had just escaped.
Immediately after luncheon light
two-seated wagon drawn by pair Of
spirited bays appeared at the door.
Mrs. Grazier and | took our seats be-.
hind and Mr.. Grazier, springing into
the seat in front, took the reins and
we were whirled away down the long,
smooth driveway, beneath rows Of fine
old elms. l glanced admiringly at
them as we passed along and turned
to my hostess enthusiastically: what
magnificent trees these are" ejacu-
lated
She, however, failed to respond, and
l noticed that her lips were tightly
compressed. BE careful, Willard.
when you turn into the road" she
said, warningly, and perceived that
we were approaching the picturesque
stone gateway, over which much SUI
perb English ivy was gracefully twin
ing.
We're very proud Of that ivy" Mr..
Grazier remarked, cycling it with salts
faction, as the bays turned smoothly
out into the road.
ut is beautiful" murmured, trans
ferring my attention to his wife, who
was holding her breath and firmly
grasping her side of the wagon.
Are you timid about driving?" l
asked, alphabetically,
"0h, no." she returned, 'only my
husband absolutely disregards every
suggestion of NINE" and she sighed
deeply.
Indeed" said, lowering my tone
SO that it might reach her ears alone
while eyed the bays uneasily, land
isn't MIR. Grazier used to driving?"
"He ought to be-" she responded,
''for he has driven since he was boy"
felt relieved, though still puzzled
"But you are great horsewoman
yourself, then" persisted.
She shrugged her shoulders. mot
in the least. / never touch the reins
if can help it," she concluded,
At this point / became convince
that Mr.. Grazier had very sharp ears,
for, as continued 10 regard her ques-
tioningly, he remarked, lightly: Mrs.
Grazier drives from the back seat"
laughed with all the fervor Of one
who does not see the joke, wondering
meanwhile what he could mean. Be-
fore the afternoon was over, however,
understood the meaning perfectly.
willard, here comes one of those
dreadful coaches" his mentor began
almost Immediately. "Be sure that you
turn out more than you did the other
afternoon. l never saw man take
such risks"
In few minutes one of the horses
whisked his tail over one of the reins,
which was promptly freed by Mr.. Ora
zier; this gave his better half chance
to suggest that tighter rein would
have prevented the catastrophe.
"Some one was telling me the other
day, Willard" she went on, that
when horse gets his tail over the
reins no one knows what he may do;
in fact, he is just as likely to run away
as not"
A little later we reached the shore OF
beautiful lake and exclaimed with
rapture over the glimpse of the yer.
dant hills rising majestically upon the
other side.
"This is indeed an ideal spot"
burst forth, but Mrs. Grazier had nc
eyes for the beauties of the landscape
just then.
willard, what is the matter with
the horse on this side? He looks very
strange"
He's all right, my dear; only the
flies bother him a little" and Mr. Ora.
zier waved his whip lightly over the
offending animals head
Willard, how can you do that, when
you know he is SO nervous, unless, "
she added, plaintively, you really
want him to run away and smash us
up!"
That's my idea, precisely" he an
swered, pleasantly, as we left the lake
drive and began to climb neighbour
ing Hill. During our ascent Mrs. Ora
zier fixed her attention upon the check