The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1898-01-18


arms waiting to enfold me, of sweet,
motherly face bending over me to inn
print the kiss of greeting on my cheek,
of the whispered words: "Welcome, my
daughter" sounding in my ear; but no:
the door was thrown wide open by
servant i, livery, but the handsome hall
in its long vista presented to sight no
other occupants, aud, to INV anazement,
was hurried past the elegant drawing
room. where | caught sight of cheer
ful fire burning on the hearth, and up
stairs into my own luxuriously fur
nished apartments.
And how does my bird like her
nest?" questioned my husband, bend
ing over me with tender care as sank
exhausted into chair.
80 much, Hugh, that she feels as
though she must stay here forever. May
| not have tea here to-night?"
"Oh, darling, mother would be so dis
appointed not to see you! Come, change
your dress and look your prettiest, that
| may present you to her."
Change my dress! Even tonight, in
the quiet home circle, must remove my
dust-stained garb and go through the
exertion of a fresh toilet ere my hus-
bands mother extended to me her well
come? But could not refuse, and when,
my toilet completed, IIugh's proud
glance of approval met mine, felt re-
warded. Then he led me downstairs,
and we entered the drawing-room to-
gether. In the farthest corner a tall
figure rose from an armchair, and in
all the rustling dignity of velvet and
lace approached me.
"My wife, mother" Hugh said, while
| felt cold hand take mine in a pas
sionless grasp. A kiss as If a fallen
snowflake had rested on my brow, and
Mrs. Phillips fell back with graceful
ease into the chair from which she had
risen. s. 4 r.
1t was some six weeks before her
birthday that once heard her express
wish that she had a picture of her boy
(for so she ever called Hugh, and in
stantly resolution was formed in my
brain. l had always had talent for
painting. Before my fathers death it
had been my delight and his pride, and
determined upon carrying a miniature
of Hugh possessed to an artist knew
well, and ask his assistance in trans
ferring the likeness and painting por-
trait. Perhaps thought as my work it
might soften her heart toward me. SO
the next morning started out, and, to
my inexpressible delight, found my
desire feasible, and received the artists
permission to use his studio for four
hours each day-the hours knew Hugh
would be away from home. 1t was not
long ere / saw that Mrs. Phillips
watched my coming and going with sus-
picious eyes, but l, picturing her
shamed look of surprise when she found
my mission, went silently on my way
until the picture was almost completed,
and had received the artists congratu-
lGtion upon my success, when, entering
the house flushed and happy, ! over
heard her voice in the library address
ing my husband:
-Four hours every day, Hugh, she is
absent. What can be her purpose? |
told you when you brought a young,
giddy thing into this house you would
regret it. 1t is your duty TO see where
she goes and what she does"
But L could hear no more, as, with
flashing eyes and head erect, l entered
the room.
"Since entered this house six months
ago happy bride, a joyous girl, have
met, madam, at your hands, with in
suits and scorn, which | have suffered
in silence. AS my reward you now try
to take from me the last thing left me
my husbands confidence. What my
mission has been you shall know to-
morrow. Accept it as my gift--the gift
of an injured woman to a cruel injustice.
Hugh" Cunning to my husband) ''the
same house no longer can hold us two
Choose between us!" and turned and
left the room.
My husband following, strove to calm
me, but in vain.
~ will not live with your mother"
said. IF you must have her share your
home L will CO."
Darling, / cannot ask her to leave il
when old age is creeping upon her. She
does not know you yet. Wait! Have
patience yet little longer, and you
will find your way into her heart, and
once there, you will know how really
warm it is, which she conceals beneath