The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-11-21
ONE OCTOBER MORNING

Flowers stood on the window sills; all
sorts of pretty knick-knacks and femi-
nine appointments frightened up young
Mrs. Clifton's morning room, while over
rything the soft autumn sunshine fell
with enhancing touch.
The golden rays fingered longest in the
chestnut braids which crowned the
brides shapely head, but they found no
reflection in the face beneath; its beauty
was clouded by q look of sorrowful per
plexity. Elizabeth Clifton had been
married just a month, and the first
shadow had come over her happiness.
81 suppose it was some tiresome bust
ness that upset Henry so," she sighed,
''for it was just after he had read his
letters; it must have been the one he
thrust into his pocket that had the bad
news. But how completely his manner
to me changed! / don't understand it.
When asked him if anything was the
matter he actually mumbled something
/ couldn't make out, and then the clock
struck. and we heard the whistle of the
train; that provoking train! it always
comes at the wrong time. But the worst
Of all was his not kissing me good-byl
To be sure, he had done SO once when he
first got up from the breakfast table,
thinking he wouldn't wait for the mail,
and I know he was in a hurry when that
whistle sounded, for it just gives him
time to reach the station; but it
wouldn't have taken minute to say
good-by again, and instead he rushed
off without word!"
BY this time the young wife, in spite
Of herself, was crying quietly. But she
was brave girl, and did not give way
any more than she could help. After a
little she decided to go out and take a
walk. She would probably have time
before her mother-in-law had risen, and
the fresh air might do her good. No, she
would not sit and mope any longer; so,
jumping up suddenly, Elizabeth care
fully removed all traces Of weeping, and
put on her garden hat. She was about
to step toward the door when a knock
sounded thereat.
Looking hastily in the mirror to see
whether any tear stains were visible on
her face she opened the door, as little as
possible, that she might not be seen.
Her mother-in-law's maid stood in the
hall.
Mrs. Clifton is ready to sec you,
ma'am, whenever you wish to come, .
the girl said respectfully.
Every well, Jane; viii be there in a
few moments" And giving another
peep into the glass to be sure that hel
eyes were not red Elizabeth went to
make her regular morning visit to the
invalid.
The young couple had spent the first
part of their honeymoon in pleasant
trip to Niagara, returning thence to pay
a visit to the elder Mrs. Clifton In hel
pretty country home In one Of the pict.
uresque valleys of Pennsylvania.
The bride had never seen her husbands
mother, and had rather dreaded the or.
deal of making her acquaintance. She
found her very charming, but was
haunted by a secret fear that her ad.
miration was not returned; she fancied
that she was undergoing critical scru-
tiny from the fond parent whose only
child she had married. This morning
Elizabeth particularly shrank from the
interview. for she feared that her face
was telltale one. However, the visit
must be gone through with; so, sum
moning all her courage, she boldly
knocked at the door Of her mother-in,
laws sitting room, and was at once ad
mitted.
"Good morning, my DEAR" said the
elder Mrs. Clifton in low, sweet voice
and the young lady knelt to receive hel
usual kiss.
Fhe invalid pressed her pale thin lips
against Elizabeth's soft rosy ones, and
then, laying her hand gently on hel
daughter-in-law's shoulder, looked mildly
but searchingly into the upturned face.
"How do you feel this morning, moth
er?' asked Elizabeth gently.
every well, thank You, for me. But
how are you, my child2 Didn't you sleeI
we'll last 'nights Your eyes loek dull ant
heavy"
~ have q slight headache" !" answered
the young wife, hoping thus to account
th& aASA NAVet4SA 4oSSf law Nt4 yGF
think Henry seemed when he stopped IL
to say good morning and good-by to you
before he came into breakfast" she con
tinued, trying to speak carelessly.
The looked very well-splen wai
the reply. Didn't you think 80, toos'
'sQh, yes, certainly" said Elizabeth
hastily.
TIT Is too bad foFyop that he had to rusI
off to attend to that hpthersome buslnes,
Of mine, leaving you alone, with nobody
but astupid old woman to keep you com
panyi but never mind it; it won't taks
him more than a day or two, and the
matter was very important-it involved
considerable money, Besides" with q
little laugh. 'sthe honeymoon ended yes
terday; you must come down out o.
Paradise"
ssDon't frouble about that. / am not II