Hiram all this time was indefatigable. He watched the course of trade. He endeavored to discover the secret of the success of the great South street houses. He worked, he pondered, and yet all the time served Hendly, Layton & Gibb with fidelity. Eastman became attached to him. Mrs. Eastman said the man did not give her half the trouble she expected. So you see, in certain quarters, Hiram was as popular as ever. Meantime he had secured a seat in and joined Dr. Chellis's church. He duly presented himself at the Sunday school and obtained a fine class. From that time he never missed a service on Sunday, nor a lecture, or prayer meeting, or other weekly gathering. He even attended a funeral occasionally, in his zeal to 'wait' on all the ordinances. He was, however, exceedingly modest and unobtrusive. He did not seek to make acquaintances, but no one could help noticing his punctilious regularity and decorum. I have remarked that Hiram determined to cut off what had been a great source of pleasure--society; but he still paid the same attention to his personal appearance as before. After a while questions began to be asked: 'Who is this new comer, so constant, so devout, and so exemplary?' 'What a fine-looking fellow! I wonder who he is?' whispered Miss Tenant to Miss Stanley, one morning, as our hero passed their seats (they both had classes) to take his place with his Sunday school pupils. 'I don't know, I am sure,' replied her friend. 'I can't find any one who does. Do you know, _I_ think he is real handsome?' 'So do I, if he would only lift his head up and look people in the face; he is as bashful as a sheep.' 'My little brother is in his class, and he says they all like him so much. He takes such an interest in his pupils.' 'Then I should think you could find out something about him.' 'No: his name is Meeker; that's all any one seems to know.' 'Funny name; I don't like it.' 'Nor I. Still, we won't condemn him for his name. Besides, I like his face?' 'Hush!' Here the conversation of the two young people was interrupted by the rapping of the superintendent, and the services of the school commenced. If young ladies of the importance of Miss Tenant and Miss Stanley begin to talk about Hiram, you may be certain it will spread through the school and into the church. _He_ knew what was going on--of course he did; but only took still greater pains with his personal appearance, and became more shy and reserved and assiduously devout. The elders of the church could not help noticing him. The young ladies noticed him. Heads of families observed his exemplary deportment. Who could he be?