Mr.Schroeter had only been married for a very short time, his wife and child had died within the year, and his sister was now his only near relation.
The merchant adhered rigidly to the old customs of the firm.

All the unmarried 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.