The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-09-27

Z
the heavy gold earrings thickly set with
jewels, made a picturesque garb that
daintily set of her fair, placid features.
"Good morning, Master Woerden y
cried Van Elberg, as he held out his hand
cheerily to his visitor. "You are vel
come. Have the French scared you
away from Amsterdam ?"
"They have not troubled me in the
least" replied Woerden. "You know
l care as little for the French as for the
Prince ofOrange. Politics never interest
me. come to propose a good .specula-
ton"
THAT is well! What is t?' returned
Van Elberg.
Il have engaged to deliver 100000 her
rings in month. Can you furnish them
to me in three weeks?"
"At What priee?'
"ren florins thousands"
Ten 1orins? Yes!I will undertake
to supply them"
Good" :" returned WoerdeD, rubbing
his hands together contentedly, as the
dining-room door was nov open, display
ing the plentiful breakfast which await
ed 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 frmly insisting on giving his
daughter only the dowry he had before
fixed, Master Woerden made but a feign-
ed remoRstrance to these terms, aad in
the end conceded the disputed point I,
was then decided tina. 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 Woerdon
gravely, edo not disturb me about trifes.
This contract for her.ings 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 small servant
large package of letters to mail.
Three days later the old man, with his
wrinkled face alight with triumph, whis-
pered to his son:
"Ah, William, have your dowry all
ready for you"
On the appointed day for the wedding
Master Woerden and his son returned to
Brock. This time they were received
with great ceremony. The wide folding
doors that are only opened for christen-
ings, weddings and funerals were drawn
apart and large party of friends and
relatives were assembled. The master
Of the house, however, came to meet
them So pale and troubled in counte-
nance that William feared he had some
bad news TO make known. Master Woer-
den did not share his sons alarm, for be
knew only too surely the causs Of his
hosts distress.
"What troubles you, dear friend ?" he
said, with a hypocritical smile. ''You
look anxious and worried
"Ah? 1 am cruelty embarrassed I
must speak with you at once"
Can it be this marrisge that displeas-
es you? Do you wish to retract your
CONSENT"
'Oh, no"
"Well, then, let Us 90 on with the care
mony; when tAat is over and your
friends are amusing themselves We can
speak Of other matters"
Master Van Elberg hesitated. He
would gladly have put all else aside till
his distress Of mind was explained; but
seeing also how much wiser II would be
TO take the advice thus given him, he
gave the signal for the marriage to 20 on.
A few moments later the welded pair
we're kneeling at the altar to receive the
church's blessing on their union, and
Immediately on the return of the party
TO the house, Master Van Elberg hurried
his guest into his private room.
"My friend" he said anxiously, as
soon as he had closed the door, 81 have
engaged to deliver 10000 herrings to
you in fifteen days, and have not yet
succeeded in getting single one. They
are all sold''
"Of course they are ~ cried Master
Woerien, with burst of laughter; Il
have myself bought them|
"Ah p cried Van Elberg, after staring
a moment at his companion in utter
amazement. "What then do you ex
2ect-"
That you will fulfill your engagement
Listen to me my friend. You will one
day leave your daughter large fortune,
and / shall do as much for my son. That
is all very well for the future, but for to-
day they are not on equal terms. l shall
give my son a share in my business, but
you give your daughter only 1000 ducats.
/ have not wished to dissppoint our chill
dren's hopes, but have planned to COM
pei you to be more just in your arrange
ments."
While Master Woerden thus spoks his
companion was becoming more and more
bewildered.