The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1884-09-24
THE FIRST SHADOW.

them one. For the first time since that
event, Arthur found himself alone with
his bride for moment. Prompted by
an impulse he could not restrain, he
kissed her tenderly, and then as he
pressed her to his bosom, whispered:
Darling, you are all my own now,
and VIC will be very happy all our lives;
will we not, dear wife ?"
"Oh, 30 much hope So" the fond
wife answered, bowling her head upon
his shoulder, and looking up into his
face with an expression Of tender love.
"But still, Arthur, / almost tremble
when Irecollect how many Of my dearest
friends have entered married life with
promises almost MS bright as mine, only
10 have them all crushed and trampled
into'domestic unhappiness.
"Do you fear that we shall be un.
happy?' the young man asked.
For a moment he seemed suspicious
that all was not right with his fair young
bride; but her very attitude was enough
to drive away such thoughts from his
mind, and he added, moment later:
~ know you have no fears, Belle; nor
have ]. Tis true there are many nm
happy marriages, but we will show all
our unfortunate friends how to have
peace and happiness in their house
holds"
Belle uttered her assurance that they
should be very happy, and then they
moved away to rejoin their friends.
Arthur Roberts had not made mis-
take in supposing that the keys Of hap
piness in the home circle lay in his own
possession.
During his minority his father died,
leaving all his hard-earned accumula.
tions in trust for him, 80 that upon
reaching his majority he found himself
with n good business knowledge and
several thousand dollars capital to de-
velop that knowledge.
For three years he had been engaged
IN business, and during that time his
course had been one OF success. Finally,
therefore, he felt justified in taking the
beautiful Belle to his home.
Arthur believed he had studied hui
man nature deeply, that he had traced
ont all the sources OF misery and uncon-
genialty in welded life. Hence arose
his positiveness upon the subject.
For some time everything moved along
perfectly, and all was happiness about
the young merchants hearlhstone. Ar
thur was in an ecstacy.
He knew the secret OF happy married
life, and many n brief lesson did he de-
liver to his bachelor friends upon his
now favorite theme. But he did not
consider that no carse Of sorrow or trial
had yet come TO them.
When the moment arrived, he was to
learn that perfect theories might not al
why's succeed. In fact, nm obstacle which
many less philosophic husband might
have made an element Of more perfect
strength, was to throw n more than pass-
ing shadow upon their happiness.
IL was some distance from his store TO
his residence, and during the busiest of
the season il was seldom he returned till
evening, taking lunch at the nearest
restaurant.
Then it was so pleasant to be met
when he returned by the smiling Belle,
with his slippers and dressing gown, and
to enjoy tho nice tea, served up ms he
prded himself only his wife could do il.
Yes; it was very pleasant but as the
time passed he began TO consider il his
right rather than privilege. The kind
acknowledgements with which these lit.
tie offices had been received at first were
finally disrcgarded, and he came to re-
ceive them rs only his Just deserts.
Yet this model husband knew not that
he was rapidly periling the happiness of
his entire life. Arthur was but human,
and tits human to err.
One evening he returned at the usual
time, but there was no quick steps to
meet him, and he was even obliged to
ring for admittance. The servant girl
opened the door, aud he pushed in with.
on. word. He was weary and vexed
with the duties OF the day, and wondered
why she was not waiting for him.
"Where is Belle ?" he asked pushing
into the little sitting room, where they
were accustomed to spend their even.
ings.
deed, sir, don't know, less she's
in her own room. Tho dear woman's
not bit well herself, and she may have
dropped asleep"
There was dissatisfied expression
upon the young merchants face, but he
threw open the window, and continued:
"If you please, Mary, you can bring
my dressing. gown and slippers"
Deed l will, Sir. Where'll I find
themq'
Here was poser. Arthur did not
know. Belle always brought them and
took them away again. He suggested
several places, from which they were not
forthcoming.
"Never mind" he said; ~ suppose
tea is ready"
"Deed, sir, it is not. I was going to
ask Mrs. Roberts about it. I'll 20
now"
mo, no; You see to getting It ready, |
and I'll find her. Pretty work, this"
be unused as the servant disappeared
He turned toward the stairway. but
before reaching it the door was opened
and Belle entered. There were pain
marks upon her palid face, and the most
careless observer must have seen that
she suffered deeply.
"Oh, you've come r tho husband ex-
n'a'mAd: bnt he did not turn to meet
her, or exhibit any pleasure at her ap-
pearanoe.
"Really, I did not think II 30 late,"
she said, In low tones. 'My sido and
head have ached terribly this Afternoon.
ana when they became little easier. 1
fell asleep and did not wake in time. /
am sorry to have kept You waiting"
"But You might have instructed Mary
o have tea, and placed my dressing
own and clippers where ttev could be
ound r.
Arthur did not speak as pleasantly rs
Q might, nor was it his manner alone
hich brought tears to Bellies eyes.
Without word she turned TO q small
oset opening out Of the apartment, and
reduced the articles mentioned. Placing
.x. IL l.. =. u. |