'To waltz?' exclaimed Hiram, in horror. 'No. I don't even know how to _dance_; I was taught to believe it sinful. As to waltzing, how can you ask me if I practise such a disgusting, such an immoral style of performance, invented by infidel German students to give additional zest to their orgies.' 'Did Dr. Chellis tell you that,' said Mr. Bennett, with something like a sneer. 'No; I read it in the _Christian Herald_.' 'I thought so. Dr. Chellis has too much sense to utter such stuff.' 'Does Mr. Myrtle approve of waltzing?' inquired Hiram, with a groan. 'Hiram, don't be a goose. Of course, Mr. Myrtle does not exactly _approve_ of it. That is, he don't waltz himself, his wife don't waltz, and his children are not old enough; but he does not object to any 'rational amusement,' and he leaves his congregation to decide what _is_ rational.' 'Well, I shall not waltz, that's certain.' 'Yes you will, too. The girl you are to marry--the girl who has a clear two hundred thousand in her own right--_she_ waltzes, and _you_ have got to waltz.' Hiram's head swam, as if already giddy in the revolving maze; but it was the thought of the two hundred thousand dollars, nothing else, which turned his brain. The color in his face went and came; he hesitated. 'I will think of it,' at last he ejaculated. 'Of course you will,' cried Mr. Bennett, 'of course you will, and decide like a sensible man afterward, not like an idiot; but you must decide quick, for I must put you in training for the fall campaign.' 'What do you mean?' 'Why, simply this; the girl will not look at you unless you are a fashionable fellow--don't put on any more wry faces, but think of the prize--and I must have you well up in all the accomplishments. For the rest, you are what I call, a finely-formed, good-looking, and rather graceful fellow, if you are my cousin.' Hiram's features relaxed. 'When can I call on Mr. Myrtle?' he asked. 'Not for several weeks. He is taking a longer vacation than usual. However, come with me every Sunday, and you will hear Mr. Strang, our curate, who officiates in Mr. Myrtle's absence. A most excellent man, and a very fair preacher.' 'Have you a Sunday school connected with the church?' 'Do you think we are heathen, Hiram? Have we a Sunday school? I should suppose so! What is more, the future Mrs. Meeker is one of the teachers,' 'Yet she waltzes?' 'Yet she waltzes.' 'Well, I hope I shall understand this better by and by.' 'Certainly you will.' The two proceeded down town to their business. * * * * *