'I do not think I shall be able to see her,' said Hiram, with a groan.
'Not see her; not see Emma? Why, what do you mean?' exclaimed the mother, now fully roused.
'This is no period to devote myself to things of time and sense. I feel that all my thoughts should be centred on eternity.'
[You should have seen the activity Hiram had been displaying in his counting room since his return.]
This was enough for Mrs. Tenant. She understood him now, and determined to bring matters at once to a crisis.
'Mr. Meeker,' she said, 'will you be so kind as to step with me into the library a few moments?'
Hiram acquiesced.
She rang the bell, and said to the servant:
'When Miss Tenant comes in, request her to go to my room, and wait for me there.
'Now, Mr. Meeker,' she said, as soon as they were seated, 'let me ask you a plain question: Is it your intention to break your engagement with my daughter?'