. On
the contrary, he was hopeful. He read the verse over carefully, and said
to him self: 'I am all right, after all. It means whosoever shall say
the word _to_ his brother. I did not make any reply to Frank, much as he
irritated me. I restrained my anger, and suffered humiliation before
him. I may have been too violent in giving utterance to these
expressions, but it is doubtful if I have even incurred _any_ penalty,
for I surely was not angry _without a cause_. God has heard my prayers,
and has relieved my mind in answer thereto. I shan't have to make a
confession either. Glad of that. How he would have triumphed over me!'

So Hiram went forth to his usual 'duties,' his complacency fully
restored, and his faith confirmed that he was one of the 'elect.'

CHAPTER V.

'Already she guessed who it was!'

And who _could_ he be--the intelligent, handsome, but, as it would seem,
over-bold young man, who had presumed to place himself so confidently in
her path and interrupt her walk till he had said his say, and then
disappear as abruptly as he came?

She guessed who.

The arrival of her father with the guest he was to bring proved she had
divined right. For coming up the avenue, she saw that it was the same
handsome young man she had a little before encountered. And she could
perceive in her father's countenance a glowing look of satisfaction as
the two mounted the steps (Sarah was peeping through the blinds) and
proceeded to enter the house. Before they had accomplished this,
however, the room was vacant. Sarah was nowhere to be found--that is,
for the moment; but in due time she presented herself, and thereupon Dr.
James Egerton--that was his name--was formally introduced to her.

'I recollect you now,' said Sarah, seriously. 'Your features have not at
all changed, except they seem larger and--'

'Older, doubtless,' interrupted the young man. 'You, too, have changed,
even more than I; but I knew you the moment my eyes fell on you.' * * *

Seven years had passed since grievous afflictions befell Joel
Burns--when his wife died and his daughter was stricken low, and he
himself was brought to the very gates of death. The reader has already
been made acquainted with these circumstances, and will scarcely forget
that, when the famous medical man returned to New Haven after visiting
Sarah, he despatched his favorite student, with directions to devote
himself to the case. It is known, too, with what earnestness and ski