'I have thus explained to you,' concluded Hiram,'that my object is to gain a full, thorough knowledge of business, with the hope of becoming, in time, a well-informed and, I trust, successful merchant.' 'And for that purpose--' 'For that purpose, I am very desirous to enter your service.' 'Really, I do not think there is a place vacant which would suit you, Mr. Meeker.' 'It is of little consequence whether or not the place would suit me, sir; only let me have the opportunity, and I will endeavor to adapt myself to it.' 'Oh! what I mean is, we have at present no situation fitted for a young man as old and as competent as you appear to be.' 'But if I were willing to undertake it?' 'You see there would be no propriety in placing you in a situation properly filled by a boy, or at least a youth. Still, I will not forget your request; and if occasion should require, you shall have the first hearing.' 'I had hoped,' continued Hiram, no way daunted, 'that possibly you might have been disposed to take me in your private employ.' 'How?' 'You have large, varied, and increasing interests. You must be severely tasked, at least at times, to properly manage all. Could I not serve you as an assistant? You would find me, I think, industrious and persevering. I bring certificates of character from the Rev. Mr. Goddard, our clergyman, and from both the deacons in our church.' This was said with a naive earnestness, coupled with a diffidence apparently _so_ genuine, that Mr. Burns could not but be favorably impressed by it. In fact, the idea of a general assistant had never before occurred to him. He reflected a moment, and replied: 'It is true I have much on my hands, but one who has a great deal to do can do a great deal; besides, the duties I undertake it would be impossible to devolve on another.' 'I wish you would give me a trial. The amount of salary would be no object. I want to learn business, and I know I can learn it of _you_.' Mr. Burns was not insensible to the compliment. His features relaxed into a smile, but his opinion remained unchanged. 'Well,' said Hiram, in a pathetic tone, 'I hate to go back and meet father. He said he presumed you had forgotten him, though he remembered you when you lived in Sudbury, a young man about my age; and he told me to make an engagement with you, if it were only as errand-boy.'