Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1844-11-15
A CLEVER STORY.

the city of Amsterdam was thrown into an un-
usual state of hustle and confusion by the en-
trance Ct the French army under Pichegru.-
While the troops with piled arms awaited their
billets and rations, the inhabitants fastened
to illuminate in honor of their arrival, and in
spite of the piercing cold thronged to welcome
the tired heroes.
| Amid the general rejoicings, one house a.
lone remained with enclosed doors and dark
ened windows. 1t was the dwelling OF the
wealthy merchant, Woerden who wholly oc-
cupled In his business. cared little for politics,
still less for the arrival of the French, and was
far too careful of his money to waste It like
lns neighbors in Examinations.
Wrapped in his fur dressing gown, a seal
skin cap drawn closely over the few grey hairs
time had left on his head, he had wheeled his
easy chair close to the chimney, as he rubbed
his hands over the bright coal fire, seemed
lost in reverie, from which neither the beer
can, nor long clay pipe on the table at his side.
had power to rouse him.
| All at once the silence was interrupted by
a violent ring at the house bell. The old man
started, and turning to stout red-cheeked
servant, who seated at respectful distance,
was occupying herself in knitting.
See who it is, Jacqueline,' said he, shat
comes to disturb US at this unreasonable
hour
In few minutes tall young man entered
and throwing off his cloak, saluted the mer-
chant as father.
'Ha is it you, Wilhelm did not expect
you back so soon.'
L have just rturned from Brock replied the
other, 'and should have arrived long ago, had
not the road been so encountered with troops
and idlers.'
'Haye you seen Van EIbure?'
yes answered the young man, taking his
seat by the fire, 'and he consents to my mar
rage with his daughter, but refuses to give
ry.'
Then he may take both ducats and daugh-
ter,' said the merchant angrily.
'But consider, father
: Consider what2' interrupted Woerden.-
There is nothing to consider. know that at
your age love outweighs gold, but time will
teach you, that when poverty comes in at the
, door, love soon flies out at the window
> Yes, father! argued the young man, 'Van
Elburg is one of the richest men in the coun-
try, and sooner or later his daughter must have
ID bis fortune.'
'Tut-tut!' said Woerden Van Elburg
, knows we'll what he is about, but cunning as
he is, he shall not put bad bargain on me.
AS for yous Wilhelm, have promised to give
you up my Business, and now recommend
, your taking word of advice with it; never
give more than you receive, and always con-
slider yourselfbefor other people in your trans
actions; rely on it, that is the only way to
prosper in business as well as love. And
now we will drop the subject
The young man knew his fathers humor
too we'll to press the matter, at least at that
5 moment.
: AS he sat broodng in silence over his dis.
appointment. the house bell again rang, and
the tread of horses feet was heard in the
!, courtyard, while the dog commenced a furi-
Gus barking.
1T is certainly stranger this time y said
Mynheer Woerden, there is no installing the
, dogs bark
He was interrupted by the servant bringing
in packet.
'Commissariat Department. said her mas
ter. with no little surprise, as he opened it !;
but an expression of uneasiness which had at
first slightly contracted his features, changed
into one of pleasure as he read on: 'An order
to deliver four hundred thousand behring's for
the use of the French army he continued: "a
: very acceptable commission. Wilhelmr he
suddenly exclaimed after a short pause
Wilhelm? you shall marry Van Elburg's
daughter, and he shall give her a handsome
dowry in spite of himself!
'How say you, my dear father!' replied the
son, unable to believe his senses at this sud-
den change.
Leave all to me, Wilhelm said Woerden.
I-:Order our horses to be saddled by day.
break, and mind that am called in time, for
we must be at Brock before twelve o'clock
and now good night!'
The rising sun saw our travellers on the
road to that celebrated village, where cleanli-
ness is carried TO such an extent, that before
entering the streets both farther and son, in
compliance with invariable custom, were o.
bliged to dismount and leave their horses to
the care of a servant. At the door of Van
Elburg's house they were required to do what
few years later neither Napoleon nor the
temperor of Alexander were exempted from;
and, taking off their boots, replaced them with
slippers before they were allowed to enter the
room where he sat with his daughter Clio
tide.
Good morning, Mynheer Woerden,' said
he. shaking his friend warmly by the hand
Have you been frightened out of your good
city by the French, that you honor me SO ear
ly with a yisit?'
'Not at all, Van Elburg:' said the other. ]
care nothing about the French, and as never
NEEDLE with politics it is quite immaterial to
: nee who governs our town. But | am come
to make you proposal. | have undertaken
to furnish the Commissarat with four hundred
thousand herrings on this day month, and l
} wish to know if it will suit you to procure
them for me in three weeks!'
!, AT what price2' asked his friend.
Ten guiders per thousand
; Ten guilders,' repeated the other musing-
Ivy GU shall have them.'
Draw out the contract then, said Woerden,
) sand when it is signed [ shall be happy to