Hiram was almost on the point of denying the fact, but that would have been too much. 'Oh! yes, sir,' he replied. Again Mr. Burns was silent. Again Hiram calculated the chances, and would not venture to interrupt him. This time Mr. Burns's thoughts took another direction. It occurred to him that he had of late overtasked his daughter. 'True, it is a great source of pleasure for us both that she can be of so much assistance to me, but her duties naturally accumulate; she is doing too much. It is not appropriate.' So thought Mr. Burns while Hiram Meeker sat waiting for a decision. 'It is true,' continued Mr. Burns to himself, 'I think I ought to have a private clerk. The idea occurred even to this youth. I will investigate who and what he is, and will give him a trial if all is right.' He turned toward Hiram: 'Young man, I am inclined to favor your request. But if I give you employment in my _office_, your relations with me will necessarily be confidential, and the situation will be one of trust and confidence. I must make careful inquiries.' 'Certainly, sir,' replied Hiram, drawing a long breath, for he saw the victory was gained. 'I will leave these certificates, which may aid you in your inquiries. I was born and brought up in Hampton, and you will have no difficulty in finding persons who know my parents and me. When shall I call again, sir?' 'In a week.' * * * * * 'Won! won! yes, won!' exclaimed Hiram aloud, when he had walked a sufficient distance from the 'office' to enable him to do so without danger of being overheard. 'A close shave, though! If he had said 'No,' all Hampton would not have moved him. What a splendid place for me! How did I come to be smart enough to suggest such a thing to him? I rather think three years here will make me all right for New-York.' Hiram walked along to the hotel, and ordered dinner. While it was getting ready, he strolled over the village. He was in hopes to meet, by some accident, Miss Burns. He was not disappointed. Turning a corner, he came suddenly on Sarah, who had run out for a call on some friend. Hiram fancied he had produced a decided impression the evening they met at Mrs. Crofts', and with a slight fluttering at the heart, he was about to stop and extend his hand, when Miss Burns, hardly appearing to recognize him, only bowed slightly and passed on her way. 'You shall pay for this, young lady,' muttered Hiram between his teeth--'you shall pay for this, or my name is not Hiram Meeker! I would come here now for nothing else but to pull _her_ down!' continued Hiram savagely. 'I will let her know whom she has to deal with.' He walked back to the hotel in a state of great irritation. With the sight of a good dinner, however, this was in a degree dispelled, and before he finished it, his philosophy came to his relief.