Sarah, on her part, received him with a pleasant lady-like greeting, quite unconscious, as we have already intimated, of having given Hiram any cause of offense. Various topics were discussed: the condition of the Sunday-school, the health of the clergyman, the high water at Slab City, the lecture of the celebrated Charles Benjamin Bruce, the prospects of the Lyceum, the new town-hall. Mr. Burns said but little. It was very unusual to see him engrossed with any business matter to the exclusion of social enjoyments. _Was_ he thinking of business altogether? Occasionally and unconsciously his eye would glance from his daughter to Hiram and then back again. Little did he know, little could he guess what was passing in that crafty, scheming brain--else.... Mr. Burns was called out for a few moments just as tea was concluded. 'So,' exclaimed Sarah suddenly, 'you are going to New-York?' 'How do you know that?' returned Hiram. 'How do I know it? Are you not aware that I know _every thing_ going on? I was very jealous of you at first.' 'Of me?' 'Yes, for depriving me of my situation.' 'You speak in riddles.' 'Did you not know _I_ was father's 'confidential clerk' before you cut me out?' 'Indeed I did not. If I had, I should never have presumed to offer my services.' 'I suppose it was well you did. Some time I will tell you what I used to do. But father talks to me about every thing just as ever. Oh! I hope you _can_ do something with that Mr. Joslin. Do you think you can?' 'I hope so; I shall try, and--(he hesitated, looked down, and blushed--consummate actor that he was)--'and all the harder now that I find _you_ take such an interest in it.' 'Oh! thank you,' replied Sarah. [There was the slightest perceptible hauteur in her tone, and the slightest perceptible drawing in from her previous pleasant, free manner--only the slightest.] 'For,' continued Hiram, lifting his eyes and looking at her boldly, as if not noticing the remark, 'if you take so much interest in my mission, you will be forced to feel some sort of interest in me.' 'If you _succeed_, why, I will say yes,' replied Sarah, with entire good humor. 'If you do not--' 'I accept the alternative,' interrupted Hiram, 'but do not forget your pledge.' Here Mr. Burns came in, and the two proceeded at once to business. He did not see Sarah again. It was at a late hour that Hiram left the house. With Mr. Burns's aid he had mastered the whole subject, accounts and all. He was happy. Once as he walked along he turned and cast his eyes up at the window. I do not like to think of the look which flitted across his face. He nodded significantly, and went on his way. Louisa Hawkins opened the door for him the moment he put his foot on the step. 'Where _have_ you been?' she whispered, 'I was so frightened. I persuaded _them_ to go to bed. Did you think I would be waiting for you?' 'I was sure of it, Lily.' 'You _were_, weren't you?'