Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1892-10-29
A D0WRY OF HERRING.

a DUiN III VI IIEhhl III.
II was the 2Jth of January. 1875.
The French army had entered Amster-
dam and the soldiers waited in groups
in ne square where they had stacked
their guns to have their lodgings as
signed them.
Notwithstanding the iuclemency Of
the weather the Inhabitants had left
their houses and We're collecting in the
streets to welcome the liberatiug army.
The greatest enthusiasm reigucd 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 ueighbors. A
narrow courtyard inclosed in a high
wall, with porte cochorc, interviewed
between the street aud the house and
all the doors and blinds we're now
closely secured. This was the house
of Master Woerden
Master Woerden was rich Dutch
merchant. Entirely taken up with
his commercial affairs, he was totally
Indifferent to the political events which
So Interested his couutrymen, besides
which he too thoroughly understood
domestic economy to waste candles
after the prodigal fashion of his neigh
b0rs
At this momeutMaster Woerden was
seated ir a comfortable armchair in
'front.' of a blazing fire His fur
...I, !,
che.Land his w.ilskin cap was pressed
down upon his brow, whose few scat
tered gray hairs offered no protection
from the shGrp currents of frosty air
Shat found entrance at every opening
ot the door
On table near him stood polished
GRASS lamp large pitcher of beer and
"A clay pipe In the chimney corner an
cid servant, whose extreme enh0upoint
betrayed her Flemish origin, occupied
herself with occasionally stirring and
feeding the open fire.
Presently the ioorbell rang and the
servant rose quickly to answer it A
few moments later a young man en-
tered, who threw his cloak on the sofa
and approached the old man.
is that you, William" exclaimed
Master Woerden q had not expected
sou SO early~
81 left Brock this morning he re-
piled, with a respectful salutatiUn, but
che roads are socumbeIed with soldiers
and fugjtiyes that ii has taken me all
day to ger here
GDiI you see V4n ElbarU91
The young man drank q glass Of beer
and sat down by the fire before answer
Ing this question.
"Yes, sir.' he said slowly Master
Van Elberg consents to the marriage,
but he refuses to give his daughter
more than f,O)) ducats as her dowry."
All" cried Master Woerden, frown
ing heavily, "then he may keep both
hIs daughter and her doWry."
But. father, let mel
Hold your tongue, William. At
your age one would sacrifice every
thing to love, but let me tell You love
Gades away, while money remains"
But Master Van Elberg is one of
The richest merchants in Holland, and
what he viii not give his daughter in
ais lifetime win surely come to her at
his death
"What thena Am not I as rich as
Dep Listen to me. my son, You viii
one day succeed me in my business.
Remember then these two aXioms-
never give more than You receive, and
do nothing for the sole benefit OF others.
These are good rules for marriage as
well rs for com mprrg
But
Les the matter rest, my son. We
will not speak further Of it now
William knew the self-wilIed obstin-
acy of his father too well to reply, and
cat still in great sorrow and p2~peXlty,
while the old man calmly smoked his
pipe.
Again the do0r-bell rang, and the
dogs in the courtyard began to bark
sIriously.
All" said Master Woerden. "it
must be some stranger. Look ont Of
sae window William, and see who it
The young man did SO, saying in
tones Of surprise:
~ Is a mounted militiaman, father,7
Presently the Ola servant brought in
letter. which Master Woerden re-
celEel with an air IF great disguietU5e,
oat 0n tearing open the envelor, wita
impatient f"ger, his face assumed its
"7nted expression Of serenity as he
Ieaa the iBelosure.
That is wel}.7 he said, as he handed
the letter to his SON.
Y was a requi5ition from the Govern
neat t3r 100000 behring's to he de-
erred within month for the use Of
.4a French army.
Nilliam!' exclaimed the old man