The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1845-06-20
From the the Ladies' National Magazine.
THE MINIATURE;
OR, PRIDE AND PIQUE.

$50 you are going with the Misses Scots
and their party tonight" said Charles Here
fort, as with hat in hand he stood taking
leave Of his affianced bride, Mary Beaufort.
To be sure" she said, with pretty posi-
tiveness.
The Misses Scots were not ,fayourites
with Hereford. But especially he disliked
several gentlemen with whom they were
most intimate, and who he knew would ac-
company them on the party which had been
made up for that evening, to 60 upon the
water. Mary had been invited to the party,
but as Hereford's engagement with her had
not vel been made public, and as he had
always stunned the acquaintance of the
Misses Scots he was not one of those ask
ed. Afraid, however, that if he objected
too positively to Mary's geing she might at
tribute his opposition to the neglect, ormight
fancy him jealous Of the gentleman who was
to attend her, he was unwilling to tell the
reason why he did not wish her to go. And
Mary was unwilling to give up pleasant
party for what she thought mere whim on
his part. !" If he has reason,'' she said 10
herself, che ought to tell me; and if he
can't do that | will 60, just to punish him."
Hereford was an exacting lover. He wor-
shipped Mary with his whole soul; but, to
own the truth, he required, as proof of her
love, that she should yield to his slightest
wish, merely because it was his wish. He
was bitterly disappointed when he found
that she intended going with this party after
his intimation Of disapProval. He remained
silent, looking on the floor. Mary, toe, said
nothing. Hereford was hurt; the beauty
was piqued; and both we're proud.
81 have favour to ask, Mary" said he,
looking up at length, though with some cen-
, straint. u" Will you 60 with me to Riddal's
tonight"
g You forget that am engaged with the
Misses Scotts," she replied, little angry.
" But you will break that9''
al cannotD
"Not for me ~
"Not for you. II was prior engage
ment she added, seeing that Hereford
changed colour.
{" But consider our relations" said he,
with little haughtiness.
g aIndeed!" said Mary, {" you would play
the tyrant."
That is soon remedisd,' said Hereford
advancing to the door. He was about to
pass out without further word, but he seemed
to alter his mind; he stopped, and holding
the knob in his hand, looked back. "A flush
of naughty pride overspread Mary's face.
You will not go to-night?n he said.
Certainly Twill, sir, she replied. Then
the blood ebbsd from her cheeks, for Here.
ford had closed the door and Disappeared
She stood moment trembling VIOLENTLY
All her pride had vanished. Hereford W as
gone, gone in anger, and she had refused
his offer Of peace. She covered her face
with her hands and burst into tears.
The door opened softly and a well-known
step entered the room. Starting from her
seat, she turned her back to the light, and
haughtly confronted the intruder for sud
den revulsion had come over her feelings
Shame crmsoned her cheeks at the mere
though. that Hereford had seen her weak.
ness. Proud, proud Mary, how much that
naughty bosom wars with your peace!-
Hereford, who thought in the hall he heard
sob, started back atthe indignant juno
who now confronted him, her cheeks burn
ing, bosom heaving, her whole bearing indi
catiye of naughty anger.
aLet me understand you," he said a
length, rallying himself from his embarrass
ment. Are you serious in saying you vii
go tonight"
"To be sure am, sir"
"Then have nothing more to say.n
Very well, sir"
"Mary," said he, again looking back.
1Sir?"
At that cold reply-.so naughty, SO sting
ing to his pride-Hereford felt his proul
cheek burn, and turning quickly on his hee
he strobe from the apartment. The mex
moment Mary heard the hall door changing
behind him.
In spite of her anger, that sound struc
coldly to her bosom, for she knew how higf
spirited Hereford was, and her heart misgav
her that she would never see him again.
She tried, however, to shake this feeling of
and began humming gay tune. But
wsuld not do: her voice choked, her eye
filed with tears, and leaning against tn
mantel-piece she wept uncontrollably.
As for Hereford he left the house in
whirlwind of passion. Nothing, he though
could have been more calling than Mary
manner; when she rejected his last overture
He forgot that, after the tone he had a:
sumed, proud woman like Mary could NJ
be expected TO reply otherwise to his almo
imperious demand. Never again, he resolve
would he cross the threshold of her hous
But time brought better reflections, an
when his anger had little cooled he sa
that Mary was not wholly to blame. "Iwi
hasty and exacting," he said. "She will
sorry for what she said, and make a tac
apology by not going tp-night. Then, 4
rnnrrozr. 1 will call an her and all will /