Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1874-07-18

plump Anna Van Worst caught her fish
than she lost her desire for it. What
she had been so anxious to obtain, she,
obtaining it, despised. Mature refec-
tion taught her that Pieter was too fond
of canary-his nose was little too red
his eyes somewhat smaller than was
becoming-his well-fedish appearance
was only caused by predisposition to
dropsy, and his high forehead was
made by badness consequent on age.
Before the wedding-day arrived, she
cared nothing for him-when it dawned,
she actually hated, and refused to marry
him.
She had taught Pieter Kock to think I;
so when she declared her unwillingness
to ratlfy a contract of her seeking, in
stead of falling on his knees, or tearing
his hair, he merely said, while he
crushed down the emotions that swelled
his heart we'll nigh to bursting, every
well, Anna you must suffer for this
act."
Anna was given plenty of time to
maze up ar opinion by which she in
tended to abide, and Pieter, not to
deprive her of the opportunity of
amending the wrong she had inflicted,
renewed and continued his visits as of
yore. Weeks slipped away without
bringing any change. Anna did not
love another, she said, but she could
not love him.
Then you are determined not to
marry me ?" said Pieter Kock, depre-
catingly, as he took up his cooked hat,
to quit the premises for the last time.
"I am, replied the obdurate woman,
coldly.
"Then beware of me p exclaimed
the rejected and suffering burgher, as
he rushed into the Breedeweg to
traverse the very limited precints of
the city.
That night he was seen in earnest
conversation with two of the city au-
thorities. What the substance of the
conference was he did not disclose but
it was observed he sought his home
with an air of alacrity that his counte.
nance was open and pleased in it's ex.
preston, and that his eye gave token
of the existence of a very tangible idea
in his brain. The following day the
murder was out. The schout served q
summons on Anna Van Worst to appear,
at the sound of the bell-all formal
and legal proceedings in those days
being commenced by the ringing of a
bell three times-before the city court
at the Town Hall, on the 18th day of
May, to answer to certain charges pre-
fer1ed against her, the nature of which
would be defined at that time.
Affrighted at this occurrence-and
ignorant of its true import--the lady
flew to consult with Pieter, forgetting
everything but her own danger.
can arrange the matter quietly"
said Kock, with an amiable air; al
know what it is all about"
"You know ?" exclaimed Anna, with
stare of astonishment.
"I do. 1t is for breaking your con-
tract with me. am the complainant"
"Then you are a wretch |"
Marry me !" responded Pieter with
contented-looking face" Marry me.
and I'll save you from disgrace"
"I'll endure anything rather than
that /" vociferated the beauty.
"Think of the cucking STOOL" re.
marked Pieter.
Z" I don't care for it.
Clancy yourself compelled to stand
at the gate of the Hall all day in a Ger.
tain position, with crier alongside to
proclaim your crime" ..
"Even that cannot alter my deter.
mination." u.t ..,
"Well, then, what say you to a ride
on the wooden horse with fifty pound
weight at each heel?" inquired Mr.
Kock, pleasantly.
"I'd rather die than become Mrs
Kock |" exclaimed Anna, as she lef
him. .ft. ..fsg. LIS
"I don't believe it p soliloquised
Pieter, as he poured out humber Of
his favorite wine, and tossed it off at 6
draught.
The awful day arrived. The cour
was composed of two burgomasters
four schepens, and twenty burghers
all of whom were of course anxious tt
protect the rights of one of their set
and who looked with exceedingly sterr
faces upon the violator of her faith
Pieter was there, his face shining witt
hope. The trial proceeded. Anni
acknowledged the charges, but denied
the right of the court to interfere in th,
matter, inasmuch as woman WASH
merchandise, and could dispose of her
self according to her own will. Where
at, two of the august court laughed
outright. --7,r -.. 80
Pieter Kock was then sworn, and tolC
| 1, ,fo cko TIa .ora,,ol 4Ho .ako -
the contract-related the story of hi
wooing, as Othello did, in "plain
unvarnished manner and after de
failing the amount and kind of damag
he would suffer, halted.
"How do you know the lady love,
you ?" inquired Burgher Johanne
Gelisen Verbruggins. Did she eve
tell you SO 2"
Here the complainant produced
half sixpence, pair of woolen garters
and fine neckcloth with his name EN-
broidered in one corner, around tw
bullock-looking hearts (even at that da
such emblems were peddled in Cupid
auction mart), all of which were he
gifts to him-and cunningly asked
the very act of making such present
could not be construed into certai
declaration of unadulterated love
whereupon all the members OF the coul
opened their eyes wide, shut thei
once, much after the fashion of fe
ure in Holland clock, gave a Lor
Burleigh shake of the head, and yer
gravely and emphatically uttered til
affirmative.
J After hearing of the affair in all il
phases, andduly celebrating, the cou
: commanded the parties to retire, an
J await second notice to appear. A
Anna passed out from the Hall, Piett
pointed maliciously, in order, first |