Middletown transcript., 1892-06-09
A DOWRY OF HERRING.

AuO G1CnSA a1Ay noV SnsSAOSA
Amsterdam, and the soldiers waited
in groups in the square where they
had stacked their guns to have their
lodgings assigned them.
Notwithstanding the inclemency Of
the weather, the inhabitants had left
their houses and were collecting in
the streets to welcome this liberating
army. The greatest enthusiasm reign
ed in the city, and in the evening
every house was illuminated.
Near the admiralty, however, stood
one house whose dark and silent
aspect contrasted strangely with the
brilliant exterior of its neighbors. A
narrow courtyard inclosed in high
wall, with porte cochere, interviewed
between the street and the house, and
all the doors and blinds were now
closely secured. This was the house
of Master Woerden.
Master Woerdon was a rich Dutch
merchant. Entirely taken up with
his commercial affairs be was totally
Indifferent to the political events
which SO interested his countrymen,
besides which he too thoroughly un-
derstood domestic economy to waste
candles after the prodigal fashion Of
his neighbors.
At this moment Master Woerdon
was seated in comfortable armchair
in front of q blazing fire. His fur
bordered robe was folded across biz
chest, and his wolfskin cap was press.
ed down upon his brow, whose few
scattered gray hairs offered no protec-
tion from the sharp currents of frosty
air that found entrance at every open.
ing Of the door.
On table near him stood q polish.
ed brass lamp, large pitcher Of beer
and clay pipe. In the chimney
corner an old servant, whose extreme
embonpoint betrayed her Flemish
origin, occupied herself with occasion.
allY stirring and feeding the open
fire.
Presently the doorbell rang and
the servant rose quickly to answer it.
A few moments later young man
entered, who threw his cloak on the
sofa and approached the old man.
is it you, William ?" exclaimed
Master Woerden. 81 had not expect
ed you 50 earlyl"
81 left Brock this morning." he
replied, with respectful salutation,
"but the roads are 80 numbered with
soldiers and fugitives that it has taken
me all day to get here"
"Did you see Van Eiberg 7"
The young man drank a glass Of
beer and sat down by the fire be. ore
answering this question.
Yes, sir" he said slowly, Master
Van Elberg consents to the marriage,
but be refuses to give his daughter
more than 4, 900 ducats az her dowry."
"Ahw cried Master Woerden.
frowning heavily, then he may
keep both his daughter and her
dowry."
But, father, let me -
Hold your tongue, William at
your age one would sacrifice every
thing to love, but let me tell you love
fades. while money remains"
But Master Van Elberg ia one Of
the richest merchants in Holland,
and what he will not give his daugh-
ter in his lifetime will surely come to
her at his DEATH"
What then? Am not / as rich as
he ? Listen to me. my son. You will
one day succeed me in my business.
Remember then these two maxims ;
never give more than you receive,
and do nothing for the sole benefit Of
others. These are good rules for
marriage as well as for commerce"
"But -
Let the matter rest, my son. We
will not speak further of it now"
William knew the self willed OBJ.
stinacy of his father too we'll to reply,
and sat still in great sorrow and per-
plexity, while the old man calmly
smoked his pipe.
| Again the doorbell rang, and the
dogs in the courtyard began to bark
furiously.
"Ah !" said Master Woerden, it
must be some stranger. Look out Of
the window, William, and see who it
is"
The young man did SO, saying in
tones of surprise.
at 10 mounted militiaman,
fatherl"
Presently the old servant brought
| in . letter, which Master Woerden