The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-02-19
From the Dutch.

Nicklaus van der List was an honest,
phlegnatic Dutchman. whose existence was
as methodioal az an eight day clock and was
exclusively divided between two occupa-
characterization work by day in the
large cheese mandatory, -Kaas-stremsel
en- Haas en- Boter Kleursel' where he was
employed, and in the evening, in the almost
equally serious business OF smoking his
long stemmed porcelain pipe and absorb
ing innumerable -moos' of beer. in com
pany with his friend jacob Bulevelt, in
the quiet tavern.
From o'clock until midnight. they sat
together. exchanging barely dozen words
and those at long intervals. II was all that
was necessary and they were perfectly
happy.
But. alasl even the greatest pleasures
become monotonous in time, and little by
little. Nickaus discovered that his pipe
and the conversation with Jaood we're not
enough 70 fill his ideal. He surprised him
self by signing at the moon, and he saw
strange figures in the blue smoke OF his
pipe
At first he did not know what ii was
that he wanted; but after a months serious
consideration he finally decided upon the
thing that he lacked
"Jacod. he said one evening, after they
had sat in silence for an hour, -Jacod, |
have an idea"
His friend contemplated Nicklauss re-
mark and il was not until fifteen minutes
had passed that he took his pipe from his
mouth and answered slowly;
'Ah,'
Yes continued the worthy cheese
maker when suitable length Of time had
elapsed, yes think will get married
jacob would have been a pleasing audi
enoe for Baron Munchausen. He received
this startling statement from his confirmed
bachelor comrade without a single tremor.
He drank his beer. called for second
moos. and it was not until he had filed his
third pipe and it was drawing properly
that he said with slightly scornful accent:
What for2'
i believe that am cut out for family
man" replied Nitklaus, almost enthusi-
asticaly. Il want a home. with wife
and children. Tell me, what DO you think
of my idea"
jacob reflected ten minutes. Then, puff
ing out a mouthfu OF blue smoke, he an
swered tersely:
NOtseISt
He WAS silent for moment. but evidently
his friends loquacity had been contagious
for he corroborated his opinion with the
remark
~Women-fusses; chidren-noise; bad
for the Digestion makes man dyspephc.
Better not
Then he once more lapsed into silence,
almost ashamed of having said so much
Like most of his compatrots. Nicklaus
was long in making up his mind but, once
decided. his resolution was adamant The
disapprobation OF thousand Jacobs could
not have shaken him. He had made up
his mind TO marry. He would marry.
But whom;
After second months serious considera-
ton Nicklaus decided upon IA blooming
beauty named Schrhvendyk, whose figure
was like that Of Juno.
Accordingly, the next Sunday ne went to
old Mynheer Sohrayendyk and made his
request
Willingly, willingly replied the plump
papa Schravendyk. 80 far as I am con-
cemed; but, as the matter somewhat de-
ponds upon my daughter, ! must consult
her Como back again on Sunday
The following week Nicklaus returned
only 20 learn that the Juno-lke Fiaulein
Schravendyk did not desire him for her
husband. She was ambitious and wished
a richer match.
Too bad said Nicklaus plaoidly. But
there Is more than one manageable young
lady in Holland. II II is not she, il will be
another
intact. il was not long after that he made
a second choice in Fraulein Van der Berg.