CHAPTER VI.
AFTER THE STORM.
_AFTER_ the storm.

Alas! that there should be a wreck-strewn shore so soon! That within three days of the bridal morning a tempest should have raged, scattering on the wind sweet blossoms which had just opened to the sunshine, tearing away the clinging vines of love, and leaving marks of desolation which no dew and sunshine could ever obliterate! It was not a blessed honeymoon to them.

How could it be, after what had passed?
Both were hurt and mortified; and while there was mutual forgiveness and great tenderness and fond concessions, one toward the other, there was a sober, thoughtful state of mind, not favorable to happiness.
Mr.Delancy hoped the lesson--a very severe one--might prove the guarantee of future peace.

It had, without doubt, awakened Irene's mind to sober thoughts--and closer self-examination than usual.

She was convicted in her own heart of folly, the memory of which could never return to her without a sense of pain.
At the end of three weeks from the day of their marriage, Mr.and Mrs.Emerson went down to the city to take possession of their new home.