Middletown transcript., 1892-06-09

quietude but on tearing open the
envelope with impatient fingers hil
face assumed its wonted expression ol
serenity as he read the inclosure.
"That is we'll r. be said, as he
handed the letter to his son.
It was q requisition from the gov
ernment for 100000 hsrrings to be
delivered within month for the use
Of the French army.
William" exclaimed the old
man after a moments reflection, II
have an idea! You shall marry Van
Elberg's daughter, and she shall have
good dowry too."
"Can it be possible I"
Leave it to me. As the canals
are all closed by the ice, be ready
with two saddle horses at daylight to-
morrow. All! my son! fyou only
inherit your fathers genius !"
The next morning tine rising sun
saw the two travellers on their way to
Brock. They arrived about midday,
but were obliged to leave their horses
at an inn outside the village, as
neither horses nor carriages were per-
mitted to enter its streets. Brock en-
joys in Holland an extraordinary re-
putation for neatness. The streets
are paved with polished stones in
different colors, which are arranged
in mosaic designs. In front of each
house is space reserved for the use
of its inhabitants. which is enclosed
by an iron railing with bright orna-
ments Of brass and furnished with
settees of carved wood. So great is
tie mania for cleanliness that with
cred leaf cannot fall in one of these
elegant parquets without the family's
rushing out in the utmost haste to re-
move it.
When Master Woerdon and bis
son arrived with snowladen shoes,
many covert glances of Indignation
followed their progress toward Master
Van Elberg's house: but as they
were at once well 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
parlor. not only Master Van Elberg
but lis charming daughter also re-
ceived 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 ita
border of lace, the gold band across
her dark hair, and the hesvy gold
earrings thickly set with jewels, made
a picturesque garb that daintily set
off her fair, placid features.
"Good morning, Master Woerdenl"
cried Van Elberg as he held his hand
cheerily to his visitor. "You are
welcome. Have the French scared
you away from Amsterdam 7"
"Thsy have not troubled me in
the least" replied Wosrden. /" You
know care as little for the French
as for the Prince of Orange. Politics
never interest me. | come to propose
good speculation"
That is well What is it," re.
turned Van Elberg.
"I have engaged to deliver 100000
herrings in month. Can you fur
nish them to me in three weeks2"
cat what price
" Ten forms thousand"
Ten forms? Yes I will under-
take to supply them"
"Good.l" returned Woerden, rub
bing his hands together contentsdly,
as the dining room door was now
open, displaying the plentiful break
fast 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
A
only the dowry he had before fixed,
Master Woerden made but feigned
remonstrance to these terms, and in
the end conceded the disputed point.
It 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.
i" My son." replied Master Woerden
grayely, do not disturb me about
triAes. This contract for herrings is
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