'Well, will you tell me why you refused to be introduced to me, and who it is that has so prejudiced you against me?' 'No one, I assure you,' replied Hiram. 'Then why did you decline the introduction? It is of no use to deny it; I know you _did_ decline it.' 'I heard you were an heiress,' replied Hiram naively, 'and I don't like heiresses.' 'Why not, pray?' 'Oh, for various reasons. They are always such vain, stuck-up creatures. Then they are excessively requiring, and generally disagreeable.' 'You saucy thing, you,' exclaimed Miss Thorne, but by no means in a displeased tone. 'Then why did you ask me? I must tell the truth. I confess I did not want to make your acquaintance. Everybody was talking about Miss Thorne--Miss Thorne--Miss Thorne. For my part, it made me detest you.' 'Oh, you horrible creature,' said Arabella, now quite appeased. 'I don't deny it,' continued Hiram, pleasantly. 'I repeat, I can't bear an heiress. I wouldn't marry one for the whole world.' 'Why, pray?' 'Because she would want her separate purse and separate property, and it would be _her_ house, and _her_ horses and carriage, _her_ coachman, and so on. Oh no--nothing of that for me. I will be master of my own establishment.' 'What a savage you are! I declare it is as refreshing to hear you talk as it would be to visit a tribe of Indians.' 'You are complimentary.' 'You see I do you justice, though we are enemies. But tell me now that you have been introduced to me, do I seem at all dangerous?' Hiram Meeker's countenance changed from an expression of pleasant badinage to one of sentimental interest, while he gazed abstractedly in the young lady's face, without making any reply. Arabella's heart beat violently, she scarce knew why. 'You do not answer,' she said. 'I cannot tell,' said Hiram, dreamily; then, starting, as if from a revery, he said, in his former tone, 'Oh, your sex are all dangerous; only there are degrees.' 'I see you are not disposed to commit yourself. I will not urge you. But do you think you will be afraid to waltz with me at the next party?' 'It was the introduction I objected to, not the waltz.' 'Then you consent?' 'With your permission, gladly.' 'The first waltz at the next party?' 'The first waltz at the next party.' It is not necessary to detail the conversation which ensued, and which was of a more general nature, referring to New York society, life _a la mode_, the reigning belles, then by an easy transition to Mr. Myrtle, and topics connected with St. Jude's. Soon they fell into quite a confidential tone, as church subjects of mutual interest were discussed, so that, when Mrs. Bennett returned to the room, it seemed almost like an interruption. 'I knew you two would like each other if you ever became acquainted,' said Mrs. Bennett, with animation.