Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1892-12-16

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horses at an inn outside the village,
as neither horses nor carriages were
permitted to enter its steets. Brock
enjoys in Holland an extraordinary
reputation for neatness. The streets
are paved with polished stones in diff
ferent colors, which are arranged in
Mosaic designs. In front OF each
house is space reserved for the use
of its inhabitants, which is inclosed by
an iron railing with bright ornaments
OF brass and furnished with settees OF
carved wood. So great is the mania
! for cleanliness that withered leaf
cannot fall in one of those elegant
parquets without the family rushing
out in the utmost haste TO remove it.
When Master Woerden and his son
arrived with snowladen shoes. many
covert glances of Indignation followed
! their progress towards Master Van Ell
berg's house; but as they were at once
wel[known and greatly respected, no
open remonstrance was made. On
reaching their destination, however,
the servant met them at the door with
slippers in hand that they might leave
their heavy shoes outside.
When the travellers entered the par
lor, not only Master Van Elberg but
his charming daughter also received
them with much cordiality.
Clotilda wore the costume of her
country. The short, full skirt, richly
decorated with embroidery, the velvet
bodice and the dainty cap with its
border of lace, the gold band across
her dark hair, and the heavy gold
earrings thickly set with jewels, made
picturesque garb that daintiIy set
off her fair, placid features.
Good morning, Master Woerden y
cried Van Elberg, as he held out his
hand cheerily to his visitor. You
are welcome. Have the French scared |
you away from Amsterdam
They have not troubled me in the
least, replied Woerden. You know |
care as little for the French rs for
the Prince of Orange. Politics never
interests me. l come to propose IA
good speculation
That is we'll What is it?' return
ed Van Elberg.
Il have engaged to deliver 400, 900 |
herring in month. Can you furnish
them to me in three weeks"
'At what price?n
Ten fiorins a thousand
Ten forins? Yes! | will under
take to supply them"
"Goodr returned Woerden, rubbing
his hands together contentedly, as
the dining room door was now open,
displaying the plentiful breakfast
which awaited them.
After partaking literally Of the good
things before him, for the long ride
had sharpened his appetite, Master
Woerden glanced significantly at the
young girl who shyly turned her
eyes away from him as he began TO
discuss the question Of the young
folks marriage. Finding his host
firmly insisting on giving his daughter
only the dowry he had before fixed.
Master Woerden made but feigned
remonstrance to these terms, and in
the end conceded the disputed point.
1t was then decided that the marriage
should take place in eight days.
AS they returned to Amsterdam the
next day, William ventured to ask his
father why he had thus agreed to
Master Van Elberg's terms.
MY son." replied Master Woerden
gravely, do not disturb me about tri-
fles. This contract for herring is a
serious matter and requires all my
thoughts"
Once more in his own house. Master
Woerden shut himself up for hours in
his own room, and when he at length
came forth he gave his servant large
package of letters 10 mail.
Three days later the old man, with
his wrinkled face alighted with tri-
umph, whispered to his son:
"Ah, William, have your dowry
all ready for you"
On the appointed day for the we'd
ding Master Woerden and his son re-
turned to Brock. This time they
were received with great ceremony.
The wide folding doors that are only
opened for christenings, weddings and
funerals were drawn apart and large
party of friends and relatives were as
sembled. The master Of the house,
however, came to meet them with SO
pale and troubled a countenance that
William feared he had some bad news
TO make known. Master Woerden
did not share his sons alarm, for he
knew only too surely the cause of his
hosts distress.
What troubles you, dear friend 2
he said, with a hypocritical smile,
You look anxious and worried"
''Ah? | ain cruelty embarrassed l
must speak with you at once
Can it be this marriage that dis
pleases you? Do you wish to retract
your consents"
"Oh, no.''
well, then, let It's go Cn with the
ceremony; when that is over and your
friends are amusing themselves we
can speak Of other matters" "
Master Van EIberg hesitated. He
would gladly have put all else aside
till his distress of mid was explained;
but seeing also how much wiser it
would be to take the advice thus given
him, he gave the signal for the nar-