Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-08-02
Frem Hoods Magazine.
4 ROLAND FOR AN OLIVER.
4 CLENER STORY.

ual state OF DuSte ana CONFUSION bV the entrance
of tho French army under Pichegru. While the
troops with piled arms awaited their billcts and
ra,ions, the inha bitants fastened to illuminate in
honor of their arrival and in spite of the piercing
cold thronged to welcome the tired heroes.
Amid the general reloicngs, house alone
remained with closed doors and darkened win
dows. 1t the dwelling of the wealthy mcr-
chant, Wocrden, who wholly occupied in his bus
mess, cared little for politics, still less for the
rival of the French and far TOO careful of his
money to waste it like his neighbors in unna-
tons.
Wrapped in his fur dressing gown. seal skin
cap drawn closely the few gray hairs time
had left on his head, he had wheeled his easy
chair close to the chimney. and he rubbed his
hands over the bright coal fire, seemed lost III a
reverie, from which neither the beer can, nor
long clay pipe OH the table at his side, had power
to rouse him.
All at once tho silence interrupted by a
violent ring at the house bell. The old man star
ted, and turning to stout, red-cheeked servant,
who, seated at a respectful distance, was occupy
ing herself in knitting.
Sec who it is, Jacqueline,' said he, that comes
to disturb at this unreasonable hour
In few minutes tall young man entered
and throwing off his cloak, salutcd the merchant
as father.
fla is it you, Wilhelm ! did not expect you
back soon.'
Il have Just returned from Brock, replied the
other 'and should have arrived long ago, had not
the road been so encumberod with troops and
idlers.'
'Havo you seen Van Elburg
Yes answered the young man. taking his scat
by the fire, 'and ho consents to my marriage with
his daughter, but refuses to give more than four
thousand ducats her dowry.'
Then he may keep both ducats and daughter
aid the merchant angriiy.
But consider, father -
Consider whatr interrupted Woorden. There
is nothing to consider. know that at your ago
love outweghs gold, but time will teach you, that
when poverty comes in at the door, love flies out
at the window.
yet, father' argued tho young man, Van
Elburg is one Of tho richest men in the country,
and sooner or later his daughter must have his
fortune
-Tat-.nt!' said Woerden; Van Elburg knows
vol what he IS about, but cunning as ho is, no
shril not put bad bargain mo. AS for you,
Wilhelm, havo promised to give you up my bu
siness, and now recommend your taking word
of advice with it never give moro than You
ceive, and always conduct yourself before other
people in your transactions rely on it, that is tho
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
well to press the matter, at least at that moment.
As he sat brooding in silence over his disap-
pointment, the house bell again rang, land the tread
of horses feet was heard in the court yard
while the dog commenced furious barking.
1t is certainly stranger this time said Myn-
heer Woerden, there is installing in the dog 8
bark
He was interrupted by the servant bringing in a
packet.
.Commissariat department said her master,
with no little surprise, rs he opened 1t; but an ex
presaio6aof s,neasincss which had at first slightly
cot ,is features, changed into ono of plea
o,H An ord 10
hundred thousand behring's for the of the
French army he continued: "a very acceptable
commission. Wilhelm he suddenly exclaimed
after short pause. 'Wilhelmi you shall marry
Van Eburg's daughter, and he shall give her u
handsome dowry in spite of himself!
'How saw you, my dear father!' replied his
son, unable to believe his senses at this sudden
change.
Leave all to me, Wilhem' said Woerden. 'Or-
der our horses to be saddled by day break, and
mind that am called in time for must DO at
Brock before twelve O'Clock; and good
night
Tho rising sun saw our travellers on tho road
to that celebrated village, where cleanliness is
carried to such extent, that before entering the
streets both father and son, in compliance with
invariabe custom, were obliged to dismount and
leave thcr horses to the care of servant. At
the door of Van EIburg's house they re-
uuired to submit to what few years later neither
NapoIean nor the Emperor Alexander were OK
empted from; and, taking off their boots, replaced
them with slippers before they were allowed to
onter the room where he sat with his daughter
Clotilde.
Good morning. Mynheer Wocrdcn, 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 carly with
visitl
Not at all, Van Elburg!' said the other. Il
care nothing about the French, and as | never
NEEDLE in politics it IS quite immaterial to me
who governs our town. But | am come to make
you a proposal. have undertaken to furnish the
Commissarit with four hundred thousand her
rings on this day month, and | wish to know if it
will suit you to procure them for mo IN three
weeks!'
AT what pricer asked his friend.
.Ton cr,,lders fhoaIsa nd.