CHAPTER XV.
The firm of T.O.Schroeter had one day in the year invariably dedicated to enjoyment.

It was the anniversary of their principal's first entrance into partnership with his father.

Upon this festive occasion there was a dinner given to the whole counting-house assembled, after which they all drove to a neighboring village, where the merchant had a country house, and whither a number of public gardens and summer concerts always attracted the inhabitants of the town.

There they drank coffee, enjoyed nature, and returned home before dark.
This year was the five-and-twentieth of these jubilees.

Early in the morning came deputations of servants and porters to congratulate, and all the clerks appeared at the early dinner in full state; M.Liebold in a new coat, which, for many years past, he had been in the habit of first wearing upon this auspicious day.
After dinner, the carriages drove up and took them to the great "Restauration" of the village.