The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1890-03-27
THE LIFTED CLOUD.

II ever cause you moments unhappi-
ness may wear horns forever, like nv
fiendish prompter. Father and mother
dote upon you; won't you try to love
them, pet?"
Thus spoke young and handsome hus-
band to his beautiful bride during their
honeymoon. while on visit to his par
ents.
The youthful Rosa folded her hands
meekly over her bosom and answered
solemnly:
Wilbur, thy people shall be my peo-
ple."
So far good, but soon misunderstand-
lngs and heartaches, arising from con-
f1ict1ng tastes and habits. overshadowed
their little romance.
The happy couple became tired of
visiting and, disguised with boarding,
then they went to housekeeping, and,
having ample means, furnished their
house in elegant style. Rosa was salts
fed, but thought that one more picture
was needed to fill certain vacancy on
the parlor wall, and whenever she ex-
pressed particular wish for anything
Wilbur, lover like, was quick to CRAFTY
1t. One day she was surprised and de-
lighted to find that he had placed one
there. She was woman of cultivated
tastes, and was really shocked upon ex-
aiming it more closely.
1t was representation of the death of
Washington-the mourning family with
different expressions of grief upon their
countenances were grouped around the
dying hero; negro, black as night
peeped from behind the drapery of the
bed, while above lowered the goddess of
liberty with sorrowful, half averted
face. 1t was painted in glowing colors
in most execrable taste.
Rosa turned away in dismay, and met
the smiling eyes of her husband, who had
entered unperceived.
"What do you think of it, dearY' he
pleasantly inquired.
at is the most horrible daub / ever
saw" she replied, scornfully.
"Daub, Rosa? The painting is some
what faulty, 1 admit, but the design is
fine, is it not? Observe the figure of
Liberty mourning the loss of her cham
pion."
"Indeed, said his wife, mischievously
81 can't decide whether the goddess is
weeping over the dead general or over
the intensely black negro, who appears
to be wiping his nose upon the curtains.
I suppose this is one of your jokes, Will
bur, but pray remove this, unsightly blot
Immediately, lest some inopportune Wis
itor happen in and shame u.s."
"No, Rosa; intend it shall remain, /"
he replied emphatically; sit is a very
impressive picture"
Very" said she, sarcastically, "noth-
ing can be more impressive than death
scene-it is especially suggestive for the
walls of a parlor."
''Rosa!'
"Wilburr'
''You are FOOL" he exclaimed, with
rising anger.
''Then Pm not suitable wife for a
gentleman of discriminating tastes and
politeness," she retorted with bitterness
Then she rushed to her own room,
threw herself upon chair, flung her
arms half across the table and burst into
storm of hysterical sobs.
All their little variances rose to her
mind; how very singular that Wilbur
should admire this odious picture; she
had often heard his judicious comments
upon various works of art; never before
had she known him to be so deficient in
Judgment. Surely there must be some
hidden motive for such conduct.
What could it be? The longer she en-
tertained this idea the more convinced
she became that there was mystery at
tached to it, and feeling of jealousy
was aroused in her heart
While indulging in the luxury of this
good cry lady friend called and she was
obliged to calm herself sufficiently to re-
ceive her.
sDear Mrs Plant" she exclaimed, pit
eously, 81 am very unhappy; Wilbur has
called me fool-and II thought that
the first year of married life was always
the happiest."
''Not always, dear Rosa; it takes years
to learn the ms and outs of each others
character, as well as to assimilate in
habits and tastes, but don't be disconso-
late; love has as many lives as the pro-
verbal cat"
"You can joke. Mrs. Plant, but feel
my heart is breaking"
"Well-well, dear, one of the most
insupportable pangs that can afiict the
sensitive heart, Disseminating forever
the bright illusions of life, is the first
doubt of the idol of our affections" re-
piled her friend, laughing; "but serious
", Rosa, am veteran and have passed
through many slight skirmish. Come,
cheer up; your heart is tender, but not
past mending. You must go home with
me over the river; l dare say that irate
husband of yours has already eaten his
way through whole bill of fare. De-
pend upon it, if he starves his love for
a while, he will not starve his stomach"
Rosa accompanied Mrs. Plant to her
handsome home, leavAlg word for her
husband that she would return the next
day. While crossing the ferry her friend,
noticing her sadness, sought to divert
her thoughts from that dreadful epithet