Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1857-09-26
lFrom Peterson's Magazine for August.
THE FIRST SHADOW,
RY T, s, ARTHUR.

all her thoughts golden over, all her
fancies radiant with love and beauty.
And now she was a bride--a happy
bride. He who had won her was wor-
thy to wear her as a 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 time.
Singing birds we're in all the trees !;
musical water gliding through the
peaceful landscape; and q cIondlcss
Sky bending over all. The blessedness
of this new life was greater than she
had even imagined, in all the warmth
of her maiden fancics.
a moon had waxed and waned since
the lover became the husband; a moon,
dropping the sweets Of Mount !lybla.
It was evening, and Ida stood by the
window, looking out through the dusliy
air, wailing and wishing for the return
Of her husband, who was later than
usual from his homo. At last her glad
eyes caught Il glimpse of his well known
form, and starting back from the win
dow, she went with springing steps to
meet him at the door; opening it ere
his hand could ring the bell.
Dear Edward.' What 4 gushing
love was in her voice! She raised her
lios for a kiss. and kiss was given.
But somehow, its warmth did hot go
down to her heart.
Are YOU not well, dear?' she ask
ed very tcnderly, as they entered their
pleasant little parlov; and she looked
up into his face and tried to read its
expression. But the twilight was too
deep.
'Quite as we'll as usual, love. =
The voice of her husband was low and
gentle: but it had new and changed
sound for the young wife's ears--a
sound that made her heart tremble -
And yet, his arm was around her, and
he held one Of her hands, tightly COM
pressed within his own.
It grew dark in the room before the
gas was lighted. When the strong
rays fell suddenly upon he face OF
Of her husband, Ida saw Change
there also. twas clouded. Not heav
lily cloudel-but still in shadow
Steadily and earnestly she looked at
him, until he turned his face partly
away. to escape the searching scrutiny.
"You are not well, Edward" Ida
looked serious-almoSt conceIned.-
Don't trouble yourself. Pm very
we'll"
He smiled, and patted her cheek,
playfullv or, rather, with an attempt
at playfuIness. LA was not deceived.
\ change had passed over her husband.
Something was 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 Leaf Breakfast
room.
Burnt toast ana dish water tea, as
usual" These were the first words
spoken by the young husband, after
sitting down to the table; and the
manner in which they were uttered, left
Ida in no doubt as to his state Of feel
Jug. How suddenly Was the fine gold
dImlned.
A few hours earlier the young hus-
band had called in to see his mother,
an orderly, industrious woman, and a
notable houSekeeper. AsusuaI, he WAS
full of praise Of his beautiful young
wife, in whom he had yet seen nothing
to blame-nothing below perfection
But his mother had looked at her with
different eyes. Living III the world
was, with her, no holiday affair, and
marriage no mere honeymoon. She
was too serious in all her views and
feelings, to have much patience with
what she esteemed mere play life.
A little Jealous of her sons affection,
she was, withal; and its going forth to
another, with an ardor SO different from
what it had ever gone forth to herself,
made her feel cold toward the dear little
wife Of Edward, who was its favoritc
object.
1T is time" she said, with dis
lance Of manner that surprised her son,
=" for YOU and Ida to be little serious
The honeymoon is over, and the quicker
YOU come down to sober realities the
better. There is one thing about Ida
that rather disappoinrs me-
Edward was too much surprised at
THIS unexpccted announcement to speak.
His mother went on.
.:She's no housekeeper---"
"She's young, mother. She'll
learn" he said, interrupting her.
::She had 10 right to marry until
she knew how to make a cup OF tea. ;"
The old lady spoke with considerable
asperity.
:. Mother !"
Il say just what I mean. Not
single cup Of tea have tasted in your
house, that was fit to drink. | don't
know how YOU can put up with such
stuff. You wouldn't have done 1t at
my table, Pm sure.'
"PIease, mother. don't talk so any
more about Ida. [ can't bear to hear
it,
y y