A dreadful mistake they made, since no properly consecrated hands administered on that occasion. But nevertheless, Hiram is safe. Lucky fellow, he has discovered the mistake, and repaired it in season.
'I think, Mr. Meeker, your conversations with Mr. Strang have proved very instructive to you. Here is a work I have written, which embraces the whole of my controversy with Mr. Howland on the true church (and there is not salvation in any other) and the apostolic succession. Having read and approved this,' he added with a pleasant smile, 'I will vouch for you as a good churchman.'
Hiram was delighted. He took the volume, and was about to express his thanks, when Mrs. Myrtle appeared at the door, which had been left open.
'My dear, I regret to disturb you, but'—
'I will join you at once,' said Mr. Myrtle, rising. This is Mr. Meeker, a cousin of your friend Mrs. Bennett'—as if she did not know it.
Mrs. Myrtle bowed graciously, and said, with charming condescension:
'Then it is you I have heard such a good report of. You are coming to our church away from——'
'Never mind from where, my dear,' said Mr, Myrtle pleasantly, and he bowed Hiram out in a manner which positively charmed our hero.
That evening Mr. Bennett told Hiram he had purchased a pew for him—price sixteen hundred and fifty dollars.
'Sixteen hundred and fifty dollars,' exclaimed the other, in amazement.