p of us all. It is the will of the
principal, and our united wish, that the term of your apprenticeship
should be abridged, and that you should to-morrow enter upon your duties
as a clerk. We congratulate you sincerely, and hope that, as our
colleague, you will show us the same friendly regard that you have
hitherto shown." So said worthy Mr. Jordan, and held out his hand.

Anton stood for a moment as if stupefied, and then there followed an
amount of hand-shaking and congratulation never witnessed before in that
apartment. Next came toasts, speeches, and, after an evening of most
hearty enjoyment, the colleagues separated at a late hour.

Anton could not go to bed, however, without imparting his good fortune
to his friend Fink. So he went to meet him on his return home, and told
him the important event in the bright moonlight. Fink made a grand
flourish in the air with his riding-whip, and said, "Bravo! bravo! I
should not have given our despot credit for such contempt of precedent.
You will be launched a year the sooner into life."

The following day the principal called the new clerk into his own
sanctuary, and received his thanks with a smile.

Last of all, at dinner, the ladies congratulated the new official.
Sabine even came down the whole length of the table to where Anton
stood, and greeted him in the kindest terms. A bottle of wine was placed
beside each cover; while the merchant, raising his glass, and bowing to
our happy hero, said, with earnest kindness, "Dear Wohlfart, we drink to
the memory of your excellent father."

CHAPTER X.

One winter morning Anton was reading diligently the "Last of the
Mohicans," while the first snow-flakes were dancing down outside his
window, when Fink came in hurriedly, saying, "Anton, let me have a look
at your wardrobe?" He opened the different drawers, examined their
contents, and, shaking his head, said, "I will send my tailor to measure
you for a new suit."

"I have no money," replied Anton, laughing.

"Nonsense!" cried Fink; "the tailor will give you as much credit as you
like."

"I do not, however, choose to buy on credit," said Anton, settling
himself upon the sofa to argue the point with his friend.

"You must make an exception in this case. It is high time that you
should see more of society, and I am going to introduce you."

Anton started up, blushed, and exclaimed, "It won't do, Fink; I am quite
a stranger, and have no position to give me confid