The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-10-23
Mistrllansuns.
Tho First Shadow.
ny 7. s. ARrHuR.

Ida was bride. Onward, througn 3
whole year Of patient waiting, had she
moved toward this blessed estate, all hel
thoughts golden over, all her ianeie:
radient with love and beauty. And now
she was a bride--a happy bride. He
who had won her, was worthy TO wear
her as crown. Kind, honorable and
gifted-his praise was ON the lips Of all
men.
Yes, Ida was happy bride. 1t was
the blooming, fragrant spring-timc.-
Singing birds were in all the trees; mus
ical water gliding through the peaceful
landscape; and cloudless sky bending
over all. The blessedness OF this new
life Was greater than she had even im-
agincd, IN all the warmth other maiden
fancies.
A moon had waxed and wancd since
the lover became the husband; moon
dropping the sweets OF Mount Hybla.
Ii was evening. and Ida stood by the
window, looking ont through the dusky
air, waiting and wishing for the return of
her husband, who was later than usual
from his home. At last her glad eyes
caught glimpse OF his wcll-known torn,
and starting back from the window, she
went with springing steps to meet him
at the door; opening 1t ere his hand
could ring the bell.
"Dcm Edward.' ~ What gushing
love was in her voice. She raised her
lips fora kiss, and a kiss Was given. But,
somehow, its warmth did not 30 down TO
her heart. ....... ...
"Aro YOU not well, dearr she asked
very tenderly, Us they entered their
pleasan: little paslor; and she looked up
into his face and tried TO read its express
sion. But the twilight was too deep.
"Quitc as well us usual, love-" The
voice OF her husband WAS low andgen,le;
but it had new and changed sound for
the Young wiie's car-.asound that made
her heart trcmbic. And vet, his arm
was around her, and he held one OF her
hands, tightly COMPRISING It within his
own.
II grew dark in the room before the
gas was lighted. When the strong rays
fell suddenly upon the face OF her hus-
band, Ida saw change there also. IL
was clouded. Not heavily cloudcd-but
still in shadow. Steadily and earnestly
she looked at him, until he turned his
face partly away, TO escape the searching
scrutiny.
"lou are not well, Edward" Ida
looked scrious-almost concerned.
"Don't trouble yourself. I'm very
we'll"
lie smiled, and pattcd her check, play
fully-or, rather, with an attempt at
playiulncSs. Ida WAS not deceived. y
change had passed over her husband
Something wrong. lie was not as he
had been.
In due time, tea was announced, and
the little family party Of two gathered
around the table in the neat breakfast
room.
"Burnt toast and dishwater tea, ~
usual" These were the iirst words spol;-
en- by the young husband, after sitting
down to the table; and the manner IN
which they were uttered left Ida in no
doubt rs to his state OF feeling. How
suddenly was the fine gold dinmed.
4 few hours earlier the Young hus-
band had called in to sec his mother, an
orderly, industrious woman, and a nota-
bic housekeepcr. A usual, he was full
of the praise of his beautiful young wife.
in whom he had Vet seen nothing to
blamc-nothing below perfection. But
his mother had looked at her with differ
ent eyes. Living in the world was, with
her, no holiday affair, and marriage no
mere honeymoon. She was too serious
in AL her views and feeling, TO have
much patience with what she esteemed
mere play-day life. n little jealous ot
her sons affection, she was, withal and
its going forth TO another, with an ardor
so different from what il had ever gonc
forth TO herself made her feel coel toward
the dear little wife OF Edward, who Wa
its fayorite object. .... r
''lt is time" she said, with dis tancc
OF manner that surprised her sou. ..fol
YOU and Ida 10 bc little serious. The
honeymoon Is over, and the quicker yor
come down TO sober realities the better
There is one thing about Ida that rather
disappoints me"
Edward was too much surprised at Thu
unexpected announcement, TO speak
His mother went on
"Shes no housekeeper"-
-She's young, mother. She'll learn,
he said, intcrruptipg her. . ..y.r,.
"She had no right TO marry until sh
knew how to make cup Of tea" Tn
old lady had spoken with considerable
apcrity. ..,
ri 81 say just what I mean. No, singl,
cup OF tea have vet tasted in Your house
that was fit to drink. ldon't know how
you can pat up with such stuff Yo'
wouldn't have done it at my table, In
very sure" .-----
,.Please, mother, don't talk 50 an,
moe about Ida! 4 can't bear to hca
IL aooa .s -.I,E ,-1DrI. r-. .".-.T .
4 .You can bear To hear the truth, Ed
ward. speak for Ida's good, aud You
own, too. She's a vito now; not . mer
sweetheart. Aud she's your housekecp
or, besides, with something more. to d'
and to care for, than dress, music, party
voinp. and endowment must saw, rs
y said little while ago, that i am disap