arried clerks formed part of the household, and dined with him
punctually at one o'clock. On the day after Anton's arrival, a few
minutes before that hour, he was taken to be introduced to the lady of
the house, and gazed with wonder at the elegance and magnificence of the
rooms through which he passed on his way to her presence.

Sabine Schroeter's pale, delicate face, crowned with hair of raven black,
shone out very fair above her graceful summer attire. She seemed about
Anton's own age, but she had the dignity of a matron.

"My sister governs us all," said the merchant, looking fondly at her.
"If you have any wish, make it known to her; she is the good fairy who
keeps the house in order."

Anton looked at the fairy, and modestly replied, "Hitherto I have found
every thing exceed my wishes."

"Your life will, in time, appear a monotonous one," continued the
merchant. "Ours is a rigidly regular house, where you have much work to
look forward to, and little recreation. My time is much engrossed; but,
if you should ever need advice or assistance, I hope you will apply
directly to myself."

This short audience over, he rose and led Anton to the dining-room,
where all his colleagues were assembled; next, Sabine entered,
accompanied by an elderly lady, a distant relation, who looked very
good-natured. The clerks made their obeisance, and Anton took the seat
appointed to him at the end of a long table, among the younger of his
brethren. Opposite him sat Sabine, beside her brother, then the elderly
relative, and next to her, Fink. On the whole, it was a silent dinner.
Anton's neighbors said little, and that under their breath; but Fink
rattled away with thorough unconcern, told droll stories, mimicked
voices and manners, and was exaggerated in his attentions to the
good-natured relative. Anton was positively horrified at this freedom,
and fancied that the principal did not like it much better. The
black-coated domestics waited with the utmost propriety; and Anton rose
with the impression that this repast had been the most solemn and
stately of which he had ever partaken, and that he should get on with
all the household with the exception of "that Von Fink."

One day that they accidentally met on the staircase, Fink, who had not
for some time appeared conscious of his existence, stopped and asked
him, "Well, Master Wohlfart, how does this house suit you?"

To which Anton replied, "Exceedingly well, indeed. I see and hea