'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 preöccupied 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.'