Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1857-10-07
The First Shadow.
BY T. 8. ARTHUR.

golden over, all her fancies radiant with love
and beauty. And now she was bride-a
happy bride. He who had won her was
worthy to wear her as crown. Kind, hon
orable 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 were in all the trees; musical water
gliding through the peaceful landscape; and
cloudless sky bending over all. The bless
edness of this new life was greater than she
had imagined, in all the warmth of her maid
en- fancies.
A moon had waxed and waned since the
lover had became the husband; moon,
dropping the sweets of Mount Hybla. 1t
was evening, and Ida stood by the window,
looking out 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 a glimpse of
his we'll known form, and starting back from
the window, she went with springing steps
to meet him at the door; opening it ere his
hand could ring the bell.
"Dear Edward" What a gushing love
was in her voice She raised her lips for a
kiss, and a kiss was given. But somehow,
its warmth did not 90 down to the heart.
Are you not we'll, dear?" she asked very
tenderly, as they entered their pleasant little
parlor; 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.
1t grew dark in the room before the gas
was lighted When the strong rays fell sud-
denly upon the face of her husband, Ida saw
a change there also. 1t was clouded. Not
heavily clouded-but still in shadow. Stead
lily 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 concerned.
Don't trouble yourself. I'm very WELL "
He smiled, and patted her cheek, playfully
Or, rather with an attempt at playfulness.
Ida was not deceived. A change had passed
over her husband. Something was wrong
He 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 dish water tea, as usual ~
These were the first words spoken by the
young husband, after sitting down to the ta-
bic; and the manner in which they were ut
tured, left Ida in no doubt as to his state OF
feeling. How suddenly was the fine gold
dimmed.
A few hours earlier, the young husband
had called in to see his mother an orderly,
industrious woman, and notable housekeep-
er. AS usual, he was full of praise of his
beautiful young wife, in whom he had yet
seen nothing to bame-nothing below per-
fection. But his mother had looked at her
6 with different eyes. Living in 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
day life. A little jealous of her sons affec-
tions, she was, withal; and its going forth to
another, with an ardor so different from what
it had ever gone forth to herself, made hel
feel cold toward the dear little wife of Ed
, ward, who was its favored object.
"It is time," she said, with distance Of
manner, that surprised her son, "for you and
Ida to be little more serious. The honey
moon is over now, and the quicker you come
down to the sober realities, the better. There
is one thing about Ida that rather disappoints
me-"
Edward was too much surprised at this un.
expected announcement, to speak. His
mother went on.
"She's no housekeeper-"
"She's young, mother. She'll learn," he
) said, interrupting her.
"She has no right to marry until she
knew how to make cup of teap' The old
lady spoke with some asperity.
"Mothern
say just what | mean. Not a single
cup Of tea have tasted in your house, that
was fit to drink. don't know how you
could put up with such stuff You wouldn't
have done it at my table, Pm very sure"
"Please mother, don't talk SO any more
{ about Ida! | can't bear to hear it."
"You can bear to hear the truth, Edward
speak for Ida's good and your own too.--