All this time he had visited Mrs. Haven's cottage but once. Ella had been in several times to inquire for him, and felt quite indignant at his having forsaken them, until Mrs. Danforth explained to her, with a sigh, that his business allowed him no time for recreation, scarcely for necessary rest. And when Ella asked, "Does he like being a merchant? does he look just as he did? does he whistle now?" the good woman was obliged to confess that he seemed rather overworked, and consequently not so merry as formerly. Ah! she little knew the struggle that was going on in the mind of her boy; that when at a late hour he retired to bed he could not sleep, that a heavy weight of care lay upon his heart! But I will not anticipate.
It was now July. Many of the more wealthy citizens were leaving for the sea-side, or for their country-seats; but though the heat was extremely oppressive, Harrison's energies did not flag. On the contrary he had seemed for a short time more active and busy than ever. For two days he had carried his breakfast and dinner with him, so that he was absent from home from half-past five in the morning till past eight at night. When his mother remonstrated, he assured her that he had extra labors to perform in the absence of one of the accountants. Mr. Grant finding he could do the work, had imposed it upon him in addition to his own.
One morning, however, he returned to breakfast, and, having asked to see Mr. Cowles, walked up to him with the inquiry, "What is the name of the gentleman who is in company with Mr. Grant?"
"I don't know," replied the other, gazing with considerable surprise upon the flushed, earnest countenance of the youth.
"Can you help me find out, sir."
"I suppose so, if it is any object for you to know."
"It is of the utmost consequence, sir. When will you do it?"
"To-day."
"Thank you, sir. I'll call at dinner time," and the excited boy went from the house forgetting that he had not eaten his breakfast.
He returned, however, at dinner-time, and having dispatched his meal in haste went to Mr. Cowles sitting-room and knocked at the door. The family were eating in the basement; but our good friend, hearing Harrison's voice, kept the table; and, entering the room, gave him the information he sought. "I asked my employer," he began, "who said he supposed it was Kilby."