village, that Hiram never
visited. It was soon understood though, what a moral, pious youth he
was. The Rev. Mr. Baker said he never conversed with a young person
whose religious experience was so interesting, and who manifested such
implicit trust in Providence.

Hiram was quick-witted enough to perceive that his situation with Mr.
Burns was enough of itself to give him a prominent position in the
village. The girls were crazy to be introduced to him, and one young
lady who had hitherto held out against it, took a class in Sunday-school
so as to make young Meeker's acquaintance at the meetings of the
teachers. I have said Hiram never visited; I will tell you why. So long
as he made _no_ visits, it would not appear singular that he did not
call at Mr. Burns's, otherwise his omission to do so would certainly
attract attention. True, Hiram did not, perhaps, require an invitation
to justify his going to see Miss Burns, but he resolved he would not go
without one. He was careful, however, that not a soul should know he
felt slighted, and this led him to spend his time at home, and devote
himself to the widow Hawkins and her daughters. It is true he rapidly
made the acquaintance of the whole church. Some very pleasant seasons he
enjoyed with the young ladies at the various gatherings connected with
it. He was rallied on his being so much of a recluse. Arch hints were
conveyed that doubtless his home was specially agreeable. Was it Louisa
or Charlotte? Both these young ladies would simper and look conscious
when they were attacked on the subject; for both candidly believed they
were liable to the innuendoes.

* * * * *

Thus matters went on during the first six months of Hiram's career at
Burnsville. In that time he managed to make himself fully acquainted
with Mr. Burns's affairs. In fact, he knew more about them with
reference to value and availability than did Mr. Burns himself. For with
the latter life possessed higher objects than the mere acquisition of
property; while with Hiram it was _the_ great earthly good, and not a
thought or a fancy entered his brain which did not have reference to it.
We can see how very useful such a person would be to Mr. Burns. Indeed,
after a while he found himself listening to occasional suggestions
which Hiram modestly put forth about this or that matter.

The liberal terms allowed to every one in his service was a matter of
great annoyance to the confid