n deed of your half the
paper mill, according to this agreement, I will tear up these little
documents'--exhibiting some law papers. 'Don't forget. You have
undertaken to settle with me. I shan't have settled with you till I get
the deed. Good morning.'

It was only twelve o'clock when all this was concluded. Hiram marched
out of the store triumphant. His impulse on touching the pavement was to
jump up and down, run, kick up his heels, and shout all sorts of huzzas.
He did none of these, but walked up to the Park very quietly, and then
into Broadway. But his heart beat exultantly. A glow of absolute
satisfaction suffused his mental, moral, and physical system. It was
just the happiest moment of his life. The day was fine--the air clear
and bracing. Broadway was filled to overflowing. How he enjoyed the
promenade! It was when turning to retrace his steps, after reaching the
limits of fashionable resort, that his feelings became so buoyant that
it seemed as if he must find some outlet for them. The exquisite beauty
of the ladies, the richness of their dresses, and the air and style with
which they glided along, put new excitement into his soul.

'One of these days I shall make their acquaintance. Oh! what a place
this is,' he muttered.

Unconsciously he stopped quite still, almost in an ecstacy.

At that moment his attention was attracted by a hearse, which, having
accomplished its task, was proceeding at a rapid rate up Broadway.
Careening this way and that, it jolted swiftly over the pavement. The
driver, either hardened by habit, or, it may be, a little tipsy,
exhibited a rollicking, reckless air, as he urged his horse along. As he
came opposite Hiram, their eyes met. Influenced by I know not what,
perhaps for a joke, perhaps to give the young fellow who was so
verdantly staring at him a start, he half checked the animal, as if
about to pull up, and gesturing to Hiram in the style of an omnibus
driver, motioned him to get inside!

Never before, never afterward, did Hiram receive such a shock. Dismay
was so evident on his face, that the man gave vent to a coarse laugh at
the success of his experiment, applied the lash to his brute, and dashed
furiously on.

What sent that hearse along just then and there? It gave you a ghostly
reminder, Hiram. It made you recollect that you were not to lose sight
of the other side.

That morning Hiram forgot, yes, _forgot_ to say his prayers. So entirely
was he carried away by