port was made. Mr. Burns received it
in silence. He saw at once how his messenger had been over-reached.

When the latter left the office he turned toward Hiram and said:

'This is an unfortunate business.'

'I want to ask an especial favor of you,' said Hiram.

'What is it?'

'I want you to permit me to go to New-York and try what I can do.'

'Have you any plan?'

'I can not say I have. It would depend on circumstances.'

'Have you confidence in achieving something?'

'I have sufficient to induce me to wish to make the attempt.'

'Well, you shall go.'

'I would like to start to-morrow.'

'Very well; come to my house after tea and we will look over the
papers.'

'I am much obliged to you, sir.'

Mr. Burns started to leave the office; he opened the door and was half
out; then he turned.

'By the way, Meeker, come and take tea with me; we will then be ready to
go at once into the accounts.'

'Thank you, sir.'

The door closed and Hiram was left alone. What a moment of triumph, as
he regarded it!

'_Invited_ to the house at last! I knew I should fetch it. Let us see
... very good.... Now, young lady....'

The murmurings finally became inaudible as Hiram rose and walked up and
down the room, stopping occasionally, and then starting rapidly on.

Mr. Burns proceeded homeward, quite unconscious of the excitement he had
raised in Hiram's breast. Always considerate and just, it occurred to
him since he had requested the young man to come to his house on
business, thus breaking over his usual rule, that he ought to ask him to
tea, and accordingly he did so. He announced the fact to Sarah as he
entered the house. He was too much preoeccupied to observe a slight flush
rise to her cheeks as he spoke. She, however, only replied:

'Any thing unusual, father?'

'Yes; Stevens has returned from New-York, accomplishing nothing. I am
going to send Meeker. We are to look over matters this evening.'

'Indeed, Do you think he can do better than Stevens?'

'Yes, I think so. Besides, he wants to go. He volunteered to go.'

'Is it possible?'

'Why not, my child?'

'I am sure I don't know; it seems strange.'

'Perhaps it does; but I confess I have a great deal of confidence that
he will bring something about.'

That evening the appearance of the table was slightly changed--not
enough to attract Mr. Burns's attention, but there was a greater display
of silver than usual, and a nicer regard to arrangement. The