Los Angeles herald., 1891-02-01
ONE OCTOBER MORNING.

ONE OCTOBER MORNING.
Flowers stood on the window siIls; all
sorts Of pretty knick-knacks and femi-
nine appointments frightened up young
Mrs. Cliftons morning room, while over
everything the soft autumnsunshine 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 month, and the first
shadow had come over her happiness.
II suppose it was some tiresome bust
ness that upset Henry so," she sighed,
''for 1t 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 mo changed! don't understand it.
When asked him if anything was the
matter he actually mumbled something
] couldn't make out, and then the dock
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 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 n
little she decided to go out and take q
walk. She would probably have time
before her Inother-in-law had risen, and
the fresh air might do her good. No, she
would not sit and NOPE 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 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 see you,
ma'am. whenever you wish to come"
the girl said respectfully.
Every well, Jane; will be there in a
few moments" And giving another
peep into the glass to be sure that her
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 a pleasant
trip to Niagara, returning thence to pay
q visit to the elder Mrs. Clifton in her
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 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-
znitted.
''Good morning, my dear" said the
elder Mrs. Clifton in q low, sweet voice,
and the young lady knelt to receive her
usual kiss.
The invalid pressed her pale thin lips
against Elizabeth's soft rosy ones, and
then, laying her hand gently on her
dsughter-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 childs Didn't you sleep
we'll last nights Your eyes look dull and
heavy"
II have slight headache. answered
the young wife, hoping thus to account
for her clouded face. Chow did you
think Henry seemed when.he stopped in
to say good morning and good-by to You
before he came into breakfast" she con-
tinued, trying to speak carelessly.
"He looked very well splendid" !" was
the reply. "Didn't you think SO. tooY'
"Oh, yes. certainly" said Elizabeth
hastily.
sIt is too bad for you that be had crush
of to attend to that bothersome business
Of mine, leaving you alone, with nobody
but sstupid old woman to keep you com
many; but mover mind it; it won't take
him more than day or two, and the
matter was very important-it involved
considerable money. Besides" with a
little laugh, ssthe honeymoon ended yes
tsrdsy; ycu must come down out Of
Paradise"
sfDon't trouble about that. I am not IN
tho least lonely" answered Elizabeth
Asand, asyou say, the ehoneymooni IS over.
But her heart sank within her at ths
.ominous words. Was this what Henry
-snnns,ey that ynorninnr meant?