the Joslin business, that for once he neglected
this invariable duty. Now this was not singular under the circumstances.
To a genuine spirit the omission would have been followed by no morbid
recollections. As Hiram, after the affair of the hearse, took his way to
the hotel, the fact that he had not sought God's blessing on his
morning's work suddenly presented itself. He was persuaded the shock he
received was providential. Arrived at the Franklin, he mounted to his
room, and read three or four times the customary amount in the Bible,
and prayed longer and more energetically than he ever did before in his
life. He was now much more calm, but still a good deal depressed. It was
not till after he had partaken of an excellent dinner that he felt
entire equanimity.

That evening Hiram was to spend at Mr. Bennett's. True to his rule,
which he applied with severity, not to let pleasure interfere with
business, he had declined all his cousin's invitations. Now he was at
liberty to go and enjoy himself. Mr. Bennett lived in a very handsome
house in a fashionable street. His daughters were all older than Hiram,
but still they were very pretty, and by no means _passee_. Mrs. Bennett
was quite a grand lady. Mr. B. received Hiram very cordially, and asked
immediately how he had got along. Hiram replied briefly. Mr. B. was
delighted. Mrs. B. received Hiram very graciously, but with something of
a patronizing manner, very different from what she exhibited when
spending several weeks at Hampton. The two girls were more cordial.
Hiram's country-bred politeness, which omitted not the least point
required by books of etiquette, amused them much as the vigorous and
very scientific dancing of a country belle amuses the city-bred girl who
walks languidly through the measure. Notwithstanding, Hiram managed to
make himself agreeable. It was not till two or three young gentlemen of
the city came in that they showed slight signs of weariness, and Hiram
was transferred to mamma. Our hero was not slow to perceive the
disadvantage under which he labored. He was not one whit discouraged. He
watched his rivals closely. He smiled occasionally in disdain while
listening to some of the conversation. 'They are almost fools,' he said
to himself. 'The tailor has done the whole.' Never mind, I can afford to
wait.

* * * * *

The next morning Hiram took the boat for New Haven, and on the following
morning reached Burnsvill