figure was short, and somewhat remarkable for pinguity. His countenance heavy and inexpressive; his eyes small, and dull as the fogs of his country; his hair long and lank, and his whole toute ensemble evincing the dull, heavy dryness of systematic stupidity.

What little he knew, for a Dutch Burgomaster was never yet famous for depth of learning or profundity of talent, any more than their brethren of other nations, had been almost beat into his head by time. For more than twenty years he had filled an honorable situation in Amsterdam. Intellect was not necessary, as the most stupid creature in existence might decide the fate of a culprit, from a written code of laws.

But, though nature had by no means been liberal to this sage pillar of the state, fortune had shed her flowers in his path with a prodigal hand. The Cæsars, clothed in imperial purple, were

not more proud of their dignity and power, than he was of his magisterial authority. In the ages of gothic barbarism, or of monkish ignorance, he might, perhaps, have passed for a prodigy, for the Hollanders were ever accustomed to term him, either in the simplicity of their hearts, or the subtlety of their wit, the GREAT Vander Dordrecht! Notwithstanding the natural stupidity of his mind, he was not deficient in good qualities. He was generous and charitable, particularly to the fair sex, who were lavish of their praise, whenever he became the theme of conversation. Aaltje he had always been particularly liberal, and if she had ever proved false, the fault could not be attributed to his neglect of her pecuniary concerns.

To

Aaltje was perfectly aware of the goodness of his heart, and the weakness of his head. To turn both to her own advantage, was her sole end and aim.

Huyp was the idol of her heart, and to see him rank with the proudest citizens of Amsterdam, was the height of her ambition and the settled purpose of her pursuit.

Her family, not overgifted with Chris-tian charity, had till very lately treated her with neglect. When they held forth the olive branch, Aaltje did not refuse it, but she was of too haughty a spirit to court their favour, or to endeavour to conciliate their prejudices. That her conduct had been indiscreet she wanted not to be told, but she looked upon their prior conduct as having been far more injurious to her reputation, than the faux pas she had been guilty of. Faults should be concealed; giving them pnblicity seldom does any good, and reflects discredit on the family, who, by exposing them, hope to save themselves from blame.

The celebrity which Huyp's early ge

nius had gained him from the good citi. zens of Amsterdam, had caused a change in their sentiments. They were proud to claim a relationship with a boy, who they doubted not would prove a second Ostade, and, besides, had some secret longings to be handed down to posterity on canvass. They were too obscure

"To point a moral, or adorn a tale;"

and therefore eagerly seized on a shorter passage to fame.

The aspirations of ambition beat high in the bosom of Aaltje. To accomplish her wishes she controlled even her tongue, and shed a honied poison into the heart of Vander Dordrecht, which was far more open to the attacks of love, than his head to the influence of reason. The watery exhalations emitted from the dykes of his country had not extended their chilly influence over his passions, though they had probably clouded the dawnings of his genius. Under

the old government of Holland he had been appointed to a pnblic situation: when the power of France predominated, he contrived to keep well with the ruling party, and when the family of the Stadtholder were again in possession of the land of their ancestors, he bent like a reed to his liege lord, and continued in his station.

A pliant politician, and always leaning to the right side of the question, Vander Dordrecht had amassed a very considerable property, while many of his friends who had more patriotism and less prudence, were reduced to the extremity of distress. Huyp was the only child of his love, and Aaltje hoped to see him the representative of the Vander Dordrechts and sole possessor of the riches of her husband.