The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1852-08-12
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The Two Merchants.
OR IU
TIE BITTER BIT.

TIE BITTER Blf.
It was on the Goth Of January, 1873.
The French had just made their entry
into Amsterdam their fusils were still
stacked in the principal square, while
the soldiers grouped around them wait
ed patiently to receive the billets desig-
mating their respective quarters.
In spite of the inclemency of the
weather, most of the inhabitants had left
their houses to gaze at and admire this
army Of liberators. The greatest enthu-
siasm reigned throughout the city, and
an soon as it was dark, innumerable
lamps blazed from the windows and bal
comics, in sign of rejoicing.
One house, however, at the extremity
of the town, remained dark and silent,
looking sombre and strange in contrast
with its brilliant neighbors. This was the
habitation of Master Wooden, one of the
richest merchants of Amsterdam. Ex-
clusively occupied with commercial mat.
ters, he remained supremely Indifferent
to all the great political events passing
around him, except so far as they affect
ed business. and the rise and fall OF
stocks. At the hour of which We speak,
Master Wooden was seated in great
easy chair, well stuffed and cushioned,
before large and brilliant fire. His
long furred palisse was crossed care ully
ever his knees, and his velvet cap was
pulled far down over his forehead, sur
rounded by locks of silvery white
ness.
Upon a table near him stood copper
lamp, polished to an intense brilliancy,
a large silver fagon of beer, and clay
lpipe, as yet unsullied.
ktrne corner of the fireplace crouch
ed an old servant, whose rotundity be-
trayed her German origin, and who,
while preserving a respectful silence, oc-
cupied herself with picking up the brands
as they fell upon the hearth and replac-
ing them in the fire.
All at once the sound of the street
door-bell was heard. At this sound the
old woman jumped up.
"Who can that be be ?" said the old
man. "Go and see."
The servant left the room, and in a
few moments the door opened, admitting
a tall young man who, throwing his cloak
upon a chair, advanced to fire, saying
"Good evening, father"
"What, is that you, William l did
not expect you tonight"
81 left Brock this morning, but the
roads are so encumbered with troops and
fugitives that l have consumed the whole
day in my journey"
swell, have you seen Van Elburg -
The young man, before answering
helped himself to tumbler of beer, and
seated himself before the fire.
eyes," said he at length, "Mastel
Van Elburg consents willingly to our
marriage, but he persists in limiting his
daughters dowry to four thousand du-
cats"
"Ahm said Wooden, raising hi:
great white eyebrows. " Then he shall
keep both his daughter and his dowry.'
"Oh, father"
"Hold your tongue, William. Al
your age never sacrifice all for love and
disdain fortune for the love passes
away, you see and the fortune remains. >
I" But, father Master Van Elburg is
one of the richest merchants in Holland
and what he does not give to his daugh.
ter now, he will leave her at his DEATH ,
Very well," responded the father
Perhaps Tcould measure purses with
Master Van Elburg. Listen, my son
You will probably succeed to my bust
ness. Recollect well these two max.
inns that l now con6de to you-Nevel
do any thing which only profits Other
people; and never give more than yor
receive in return. With these two max.
inns one is sure to do we'll in commerce,
consequently in marriage"
| "But-"
"Now, my boy, we will say no NOR,
about it."
William was too well acquainted will
the dogmatism and obstinacy of his faith.
er to insist, but he could not conceal hi
dissatisfaction, which displayed itsel
very ligibly on his fine features.
The old man took no notice of him
but filling his pipe, began to smoke. JUS
then the bell sounded again, and the
sound Of a horses feet was heard in th,
paved courtyard. The dogs set up
furious barking.