zest.

After the meeting with Miss Burns at the Sunday-school, Hiram no longer
avoided her. Still, he confined himself to courteous salutations, in
which he appeared perfectly at his ease, and unrestrained, without
getting into conversation or alluding to a previous acquaintance. But
pray, understand, if Sarah Burns had had the slightest idea that Hiram's
course was premeditated, she would have cut his acquaintance instanter,
for she was a girl of spirit, with a vein of her father's impetuosity of
character. As it was, she imagined every reason for Hiram's reserve but
the right one, and so was anxious he should do away with it. To this end
she always returned his greeting in a manner calculated to give him
confidence if he were diffident, and courage if he were timid. It
seemed to little purpose. 'What can be the matter with the fellow?' she
said to herself. She was piqued; she was puzzled; she felt annoyed.

Young ladies must excuse me for letting the public into some of their
secrets, but as a faithful historian, I am forced to record precisely
how Sarah Burns felt, as well as just what she did during the early part
of her acquaintance with my hero--an acquaintance which led, as the
reader may remember, to an engagement of marriage.

Meantime, Hiram began to gain in Mr. Burns's regard. He soon discovered
how very capable his new clerk was. He certainly had never had any such
person in his employment before. He found himself by degrees leaving
many things for Hiram to attend to which he supposed no one but himself
was capable of transacting. In such cases he was astonished with what
facility Hiram performed the work; how apt and ready he was. What a
comfort for a man with as much on his hands as Mr. Burns, to have such a
person near him!

* * * * *

Yet, somehow, with all his readiness, and capability, and actual value
to his employer, he was _not_ a comfort to him. Despite all, Hiram's
presence cast a shadow across the _soul_ of Mr. Burns. While he approved
of every thing he did, while he appreciated his extraordinary business
abilities, while he could not but feel satisfied and pleased with his
competency, his assiduity, and his untiring devotion, the quick,
sensitive nature of this truthful, genuine man felt magnetically the
malign force working in the brain of the subtle and calculating schemer.

* * * * *

It was remarked after a while about the