same might
be said of Sarah herself. The casual observer would not notice it, one
of her own sex would.

One minute past the appointed time master Hiram arrived, direct from the
office, where he had been so immersed in accounts, head and hands so
full of business, as almost to forget the tea-hour.

Yes, he came direct from the office. But previously he had stepped to
his room, and without 'dressing up,' or apparently disturbing the usual
arrangement of his wardrobe, managed to make himself especially
presentable. In short, he had done just what Sarah Burns had done.

I wish you could have witnessed the meeting between them. You would have
thought Hiram in the habit of going all his life to the house, instead
of entering it for the first time. No forwardness, though, no
assumption, yet entire freedom from awkwardness or embarrassment.

Sarah, on her part, received him with a pleasant lady-like greeting,
quite unconscious, as we have already intimated, of having given Hiram
any cause of offense.

Various topics were discussed: the condition of the Sunday-school, the
health of the clergyman, the high water at Slab City, the lecture of the
celebrated Charles Benjamin Bruce, the prospects of the Lyceum, the new
town-hall.

Mr. Burns said but little. It was very unusual to see him engrossed with
any business matter to the exclusion of social enjoyments. _Was_ he
thinking of business altogether? Occasionally and unconsciously his eye
would glance from his daughter to Hiram and then back again. Little did
he know, little could he guess what was passing in that crafty, scheming
brain--else....

Mr. Burns was called out for a few moments just as tea was concluded.

'So,' exclaimed Sarah suddenly, 'you are going to New-York?'

'How do you know that?' returned Hiram.

'How do I know it? Are you not aware that I know _every thing_ going on?
I was very jealous of you at first.'

'Of me?'

'Yes, for depriving me of my situation.'

'You speak in riddles.'

'Did you not know _I_ was father's 'confidential clerk' before you cut
me out?'

'Indeed I did not. If I had, I should never have presumed to offer my
services.'

'I suppose it was well you did. Some time I will tell you what I used to
do. But father talks to me about every thing just as ever. Oh! I hope
you _can_ do something with that Mr. Joslin. Do you think you can?'

'I hope so; I shall try, and--(he hesitated, looked down, and
blushed--consummate actor th