The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1846-03-19
WHOLE no. 2e4.

sucked porch.
"Bertha, your beau seems mighty proud
chap" whispered brother John.
Tears rushed to the eyes of his sister, but
STOPPING to caress old Cato, who came
bounding tsward her, seeming to claim a
share of attention, her emotion passed eff
unnoticed.
Sleep that night forsook the pillow Of
Bertha. In vain she sought to excuse the
uncourteous manners of Melvlle---she could
no longer disguise from herself the fact that
he looked upon her family with conte mpt--
that however he might love her, those so
near and dear to her were objects Of reproach
in his eyes--and Of what Ualue ,UGs his lore
under such impressions.
Every day but confirmed her in the opin-
ion--every day some new wound caused her
heart to bleed afresh. Out of regard to her,
her parents and brother took no heed Of the
evident condeScensioa which marked their in
tercourse on the part of Melville---but she
saw they dcspised him--nor could she blame
them!
That the reader may have true concep-
ton of the character of 8ertha's parents,
will briefly say that they belonged to that
noble class of which our country may Justly
be SO proud--her independent, industrious
farmers--distinguished alike for their integ-
rity and sterling good sense-with manners
plain and unpretending, yet with open hands
and their hearts in them, with ever welcome
and hearty cheer both for friend and the
weary way-side traveller.
But false and contemplate pride gsv-
erned Melville. He saw the father and
brother of his intended bride in coarse gar
ments working with their men in the fields
--he saw the good old lady making her deli
cious butter, and Bertha, his Bertha, assist.
ing in what he chose to consider the naeniat
occupations Of the household and although
il did not lessen her in his affections, it
caused him TO desire more and more earnest
ly the moment when h might tear her for
ever from such degrading e6spanioaship'
A circumstance occurred decisive fereper
of the struggle which for so many days had
tortured the heart of Bertha.
Melville had been taking solitary stroll
through the village, some domestic duty
having detained Bertha at come. When he
returned it was plainly TO be seen something
unusual had occurred for his fine face bore
evident traces Of vexation. AS he entered,
Bertha, throwing open the door of the little
sitting room, placed before him tumbler of
rich milk and some delicious cake of her
own making, which he had praised the day
previous But Melville merely touched his
lips TO the pure beverage, then throwing
himself into chair, exclaimed:
"Bertha, who do you think are at the
hotel? | was never more surprised than
when recognized their livery"
"Friends ofyours, George?" asked Bertha,
bright blush suffusing her cheeks.
Yes my sister and her husband. Mover
was anything so unlucky--I am sorry they
are here--very, vsryp' and Melville jumped
up and paced the room as if sem great mis-
fortune had happened.
"Sorry your sister is here! you cannot
mean so?" said Bertha.
eyes | do mean so--I am ucry Sorry"
answered Melville. "It is strange they
should have chosen this route !" he added,
half aside.
Bertha locked almost as much perplexed
as her lover--for why he should regret a
meeting, which in her own case would have
been the cause of so much happiness, she
could not divine.
Melville sat down again.
"Well, they have seen me, Bertha, and Of
course know why am here--and Ellen in
sists upon seeing you too'
"Dear George" exclaimed Bertha, ~
shall be most happy to become acquainted
with your sister," and the bloom on her
cheek deepened, and her little heart futtersd
at the thought of meeting his relatives. "But
why did you not bring them here wit hout
any ceremonyV
Melville glanced around the simply fur
nished little parlor, and thought OF the rich
carpets--the luxurious couches, and the
splendid adornments of his sisters elegrant
mansion, and his lip curled somewhat con-
temptuously as he replied,--
" For the reason that had rather they
would see you at the hotel. The fact is,
Bertha, you--you are so different from
those around you, that IL should not like
i mean had rather they would meet only
you.''
81 understand you," answered Bertha,
and it seemed as if she was suddenly trans
formed from the blushing, timid girl, to the
lofty, digniied woman--even the man Of the
uorld quailed as he met the look of scorn
bent upon him. 81 understand you perfect
ly. You will excuse me, therefore, from
calling upon your friends"
mot call upon them, Bertha, d eafest,"
stammered Melville; "why, my d ear one,
they are dying to see you'll"
"No, Mr.. Melville" continued Bertha,
~ am too proud Of my friends to subject
either them or myself to further insult My
affections are indissolubly linked with the
beloved ones around me, and no station,