noon
As they stood together at the altar -- he with his wavy raven locks swept back from his broad brow , with his dark eyes flashing with intelligence ; she with a face that rivalled in fairness the wreath of orange blossoms that crowned her luxuriant tresses of gold -- they presented a picture of manly strength and sweet , womanly beauty that is seldom equalled and scarcely ever excelled . As the guests congratulated them upon the happy consummation of their ardent desires , and expressed the hope that life would be to them as a summer 's day with few clouds , they had every reason to believe their most sanguine hopes would be realized . Alas ! many a day that has had a rosy morn , sweet with the breath of flowers and jocund with the voice of birds , has been dark with clouds and flashing angry lightnings ere noon . What a blessing it is that God in His mercy allows us to revel in the sunshine of the present , and does not darken our clear sky with the clouds of coming woe . A short time after their marriage Richard inherited the business and property of his father , whose health had been failing for years , and who died quite unexpectedly . His mother never recovered from the shock , but in a short time followed her loved husband to the grave .