Hiram entered on his new duties--I was about to say with zeal and
activity; such are not the words I would employ to describe his conduct
or character, but rather earnestness and fidelity. Neither do these
terms precisely convey my meaning, but none better occur to me. He was
quiet and unobtrusive, at the same time alert and ready. Absolutely
negative in his manner, he did not leave a salient point for Mr. Burns
to lay hold of. His first object was to learn exactly the situation of
his employer's affairs, and that without manifesting the least curiosity
on the subject.
Of course, such an event as the introduction of a young man into Mr.
Burns's private office was soon known all over town. The appearance of
the new-comer was scrutinized, and every word and gesture watched. This
Hiram knew very well, and bore himself accordingly. Wherever he went,
whether on some business to Slab City with Mr. Burns's horse and wagon,
or into the store, or about the village, he carried with him the
careful, considerate air of one who is charged with affairs of the
greatest importance.
Do not think Hiram was so foolish as to assume a consequential air--not
he. His manner appeared quite involuntary; produced necessarily by the
grave matters he had in charge. He was by no means reserved. He was
always ready to enter into conversation and to answer questions,
provided the questions did not refer to his employer's business. Thus he
soon gained the reputation in Burnsville which he had in Hampton, of
being a very agreeable young man. At first his presence rather puzzled
the good people, and some would inquire of Hiram what he was 'hired
for;' his answer was ready and explicit: 'To act as confidential clerk
for Mr. Burns.' This would be pronounced in a tone so decided, that
while it only stimulated the curiosity of the inquirer, it checked
further questioning.
In this way, without appearing conceited, arrogant, or consequential,
our hero managed to impress every body with the importance and
responsibility of his position. Wherever he appeared, folks would say:
'There goes Meeker.' As Mr. Burns's representative, he was noticed more
than Mr. Burns himself. Hiram knew very well how to manage all this, and
he did so to perfection.
It would have done you good to see Hiram on Sunday, elaborately dressed,
going to church with the Widow Hawkins on his arm, followed by the two
Miss Hawkins. Walking up the aisle, his countenance composed and
serious, he would open the pew-door and wait reverently for Mrs. H. and
the young ladies, to pass in. They, 'the young ladies,' would flutter
along and enter the pew with a pleased, satisfied air--they were already
in love with Hiram--and after the usual turnings and twistings and
adjustments, would take their seats, the one next our hero giving him a
little bit of a smile or a brief whisper ere she settled down into the
ordinary church decorum.
Hiram all the while would not move a muscle. He never cast his eyes
around the congregation--he never looked any where except at the
clergyman, to whom he paid profound attention. When the services were
over, he escorted Mrs. Hawkins back to her house, while the young ladies
sometimes stopped to say a few words to their companions.
In a fortnight Hiram had taken a class in the Sunday-school, of which
Mr. Burns was superintendent, and on the next communion Sabbath he
joined the church by letter.
For some time Hiram confined himself in the office to following
implicitly the instructions of Mr. Burns, without venturing to ask any
questions or make any suggestions. He carried out these instructions to
the letter. He wrote a beautiful hand. He was, as the reader knows, an
admirable accountant. For several days Mr. Burns seemed disposed to
ascertain his capabilities by putting a variety of matters into his
hands. He gave him a contract to copy, and then asked for an abstract of
it. He submitted several long accounts to him for arrangement. He sent
him to the mill or factory, sometimes to deliver a message simply,
sometimes to look after a matter of consequence. Mr. Burns found Hiram
on all these occasions to be intelligent, accurate, and prompt. He
invariably manifested this single characteristic, to wit, undivided
attention to the matter in hand.
'He is an invaluable fellow, I declare,' said Mr. Burns to himself; 'I
wish I could feel differently toward him. Strange how a first prejudice
will stick to one!'
'I think I am gaining ground,' soliloquized Hiram. 'Let him try me--the
more the better. I shall do him good in spite of himself.'
* * * * *
During this period, which we may term Hiram's novitiate, he had been
careful, without appearing to avoid her, not to come in contact with
Sarah Burns. Mr. Burns was a very hospitable man, but he had omitted to
ask Hiram to visit him. The latter was not slow to perceive and
appreciate the neglect. He did not mind it much, though. He had gained
his position, and felt he could take care of himself.
Meantime Sarah frequently inquired of her father how he liked his new
clerk. At first, as we have stated, she felt jealous that any one should
share his business confidences with her, but soon she resigned herself
to this, and learning who was to enter her father's service, she hoped
that she would find an agreeable acquaintance in the young man with
whom--if the truth be told--she was really much pleased when they met at
Mrs. Crofts'. We have already described the wrath of young Meeker at
receiving, as he supposed, the cut direct from Sarah Burns the first day
he visited the place. Sarah, entirely unconscious of having given
offense, began to wonder how it happened that she never encountered him
on any occasion. They attended the same church, each had a class in the
Sunday-school, they met in the lecture-room, but never where an
opportunity was afforded for them to speak. At last, one Sunday, after
he had finished with his class, Hiram started to go to the library to
procure some books for his pupils, and perceived, when it was too late,
that Miss Burns herself was making choice of some. Another moment, and
Hiram was close at her side, but intent on his selections.
'He is diffident,' said Sarah to herself, 'and thinks I do not recognize
him because I did not when we met so unexpectedly. It is proper I should
speak to him.'
'How do you do, Mr. Meeker?' she said.
Hiram looked up with well-feigned surprise.
'Very well, I thank you,' he replied, with polite formality; 'I hope you
are quite well;' and barely waiting for her bow of assent, he busied
himself with the books again.
'How he _has_ altered! What can be the matter with him?' thought Sarah
as she turned to resume her place.
'Pretty well for encounter Number two,' muttered Hiram, as he walked
back to his class. 'Wait a little, young lady, and we will see who comes
off second best.'
* * * * *
Louisa and Charlotte Hawkins were both very pretty girls. Their mother,
now several years a widow, was an estimable lady, who had by no means
lost her good looks. Possessing excellent health, she made a very
youthful appearance, and seemed more like an elder sister than the
mother of her daughters. Her husband left her a moderate income, which
an unforeseen occurrence had the last season diminished. It was this
circumstance which induced her to listen to Hiram's application to
become a member of her family. His recommendations were so ample, what
Mr. Burns said about him was so satisfactory, and the price which Hiram
volunteered to pay for his accommodations so generous, that Mrs. Hawkins
found it impossible to refuse him. I will not say that Hiram's manner
and address did not serve to turn the scale. The widow was gratified
with the extraordinary deference paid to her, with which was mingled a
species of admiration, while the young ladies, who were of course
brought into the consultation, were somehow severally impressed with the
idea that Hiram must be perfectly charming in a private _tête-à-tête_
with mamma and sister out of the room.
Hiram's plan with the ladies was literally to divide and conquer. Mrs.
Hawkins had too much good sense to take matters seriously, but she could
not help being flattered by the assiduous and persevering attentions of
so young and handsome a fellow. In fact, she looked five years younger
herself, after Hiram came to her house. These attentions, however, were
not out of the common course. They were apparently just what it was
eminently proper and polite to render; but we have already explained
that Hiram had a delicate and most insinuating way of giving force and
meaning to them.
Ah! well, after all, we would not intimate that the widow Hawkins, now
forty years of age, ever entertained any other thought toward Hiram than
that he would make a most delightful son-in-law, or if she did
experience feelings which people take for granted belong only to the
young, (people are much mistaken,) it is not for me to betray or expose
them.
But the young ladies, Miss Louisa and Miss Charlotte--here was a more
difficult task, to render equal justice to each. Candidly, however, I
think Hiram accomplished it. Louisa was already one-and-twenty, but she
had glossy dark hair which she wore in curls down her neck, and served
to give her a very youthful appearance. Charlotte, who was nearly two
years younger than her sister, was always taken by strangers to be the
eldest. She was a blonde, and wore her light brown hair plain over her
face. Both these young ladies soon had their private impression that
there were peculiar confidences between them and Hiram. It was the old
story again. Our hero had lost none of his powers of fascination in
removing from Hampton to Burnsville.
You see, reader, how pleasantly Hiram was quartered. I do not suppose
that a thought of Mary Jessup ever entered his brain (to say nothing of
his heart, if he had any) after he came to Mrs. Hawkins's. He attended
to his business devotedly, and never in a single instance sacrificed it
to his pleasure, his comfort, or his inclinations. When it was finished,
he found solace and enjoyment in the society of these ladies, much as he
would enjoy his dinner, though in a higher degree, and with a keener
zest.
After the meeting with Miss Burns at the Sunday-school, Hiram no longer
avoided her. Still, he confined himself to courteous salutations, in
which he appeared perfectly at his ease, and unrestrained, without
getting into conversation or alluding to a previous acquaintance. But
pray, understand, if Sarah Burns had had the slightest idea that Hiram's
course was premeditated, she would have cut his acquaintance instanter,
for she was a girl of spirit, with a vein of her father's impetuosity of
character. As it was, she imagined every reason for Hiram's reserve but
the right one, and so was anxious he should do away with it. To this end
she always returned his greeting in a manner calculated to give him
confidence if he were diffident, and courage if he were timid. It
seemed to little purpose. 'What can be the matter with the fellow?' she
said to herself. She was piqued; she was puzzled; she felt annoyed.
Young ladies must excuse me for letting the public into some of their
secrets, but as a faithful historian, I am forced to record precisely
how Sarah Burns felt, as well as just what she did during the early part
of her acquaintance with my hero--an acquaintance which led, as the
reader may remember, to an engagement of marriage.
Meantime, Hiram began to gain in Mr. Burns's regard. He soon discovered
how very capable his new clerk was. He certainly had never had any such
person in his employment before. He found himself by degrees leaving
many things for Hiram to attend to which he supposed no one but himself
was capable of transacting. In such cases he was astonished with what
facility Hiram performed the work; how apt and ready he was. What a
comfort for a man with as much on his hands as Mr. Burns, to have such a
person near him!
* * * * *
Yet, somehow, with all his readiness, and capability, and actual value
to his employer, he was _not_ a comfort to him. Despite all, Hiram's
presence cast a shadow across the _soul_ of Mr. Burns. While he approved
of every thing he did, while he appreciated his extraordinary business
abilities, while he could not but feel satisfied and pleased with his
competency, his assiduity, and his untiring devotion, the quick,
sensitive nature of this truthful, genuine man felt magnetically the
malign force working in the brain of the subtle and calculating schemer.
* * * * *
It was remarked after a while about the village, that Hiram never
visited. It was soon understood though, what a moral, pious youth he
was. The Rev. Mr. Baker said he never conversed with a young person
whose religious experience was so interesting, and who manifested such
implicit trust in Providence.
Hiram was quick-witted enough to perceive that his situation with Mr.
Burns was enough of itself to give him a prominent position in the
village. The girls were crazy to be introduced to him, and one young
lady who had hitherto held out against it, took a class in Sunday-school
so as to make young Meeker's acquaintance at the meetings of the
teachers. I have said Hiram never visited; I will tell you why. So long
as he made _no_ visits, it would not appear singular that he did not
call at Mr. Burns's, otherwise his omission to do so would certainly
attract attention. True, Hiram did not, perhaps, require an invitation
to justify his going to see Miss Burns, but he resolved he would not go
without one. He was careful, however, that not a soul should know he
felt slighted, and this led him to spend his time at home, and devote
himself to the widow Hawkins and her daughters. It is true he rapidly
made the acquaintance of the whole church. Some very pleasant seasons he
enjoyed with the young ladies at the various gatherings connected with
it. He was rallied on his being so much of a recluse. Arch hints were
conveyed that doubtless his home was specially agreeable. Was it Louisa
or Charlotte? Both these young ladies would simper and look conscious
when they were attacked on the subject; for both candidly believed they
were liable to the innuendoes.
* * * * *
Thus matters went on during the first six months of Hiram's career at
Burnsville. In that time he managed to make himself fully acquainted
with Mr. Burns's affairs. In fact, he knew more about them with
reference to value and availability than did Mr. Burns himself. For with
the latter life possessed higher objects than the mere acquisition of
property; while with Hiram it was _the_ great earthly good, and not a
thought or a fancy entered his brain which did not have reference to it.
We can see how very useful such a person would be to Mr. Burns. Indeed,
after a while he found himself listening to occasional suggestions
which Hiram modestly put forth about this or that matter.
The liberal terms allowed to every one in his service was a matter of
great annoyance to the confidential clerk. But here he touched a vital
principle in Mr. Burns's course of action, which was, to regard all who
served him as entitled to share according to their usefulness in the
benefits of the business or enterprise in which they were engaged. The
result was, that their wages or salaries were on a generous scale. A
further result appeared in the pleasing aspect of the village,
betokening a more diffused prosperity than is ordinarily observed.
Now, Hiram had early mastered the doctrine of making the many contribute
to the success and fortunes of the few. It had already become one of his
cardinal ideas. The reader will recollect that about the first thing
which impressed our hero on coming to Burnsville, was the fact that Mr.
Burns was not as rich as he ought to be considering the facilities he
had to make money. Here was a point beyond Hiram Meeker's comprehension.
Turn it whichever way he would, he failed to understand Mr. Burns in
this. You see, Hiram could have no more idea of his employer's large and
humanizing views than a blind man of colors. He could not attribute it
to lack of sagacity, for he saw such abundant proofs as compelled his
admiration and respect. It did not appear to grow out of any strict
religious theories, for Mr. Burns held mere professions in such low
esteem that he never _spoke_ of an act or of a course as dictated or
regulated by a sense of duty, so called. Since his wife died, he had
tried to obey her dying injunction, 'to live right,' which he soon
discovered had reference to the state of his heart, and thus to his
motives, while his actions were such as would naturally flow from such a
condition of the 'inner man.' Hiram, on the other hand, practiced on the
philosophical principle of 'means to ends.' He had two ends in view,
namely: To be SUCCESSFUL here, and to be SUCCESSFUL hereafter. He was
determined to omit nothing which could further these ends. But since
these (as we have before stated) had no reference to or connection with
any thing except _self_, the reader will readily see how Hiram failed to
understand Mr. Burns.
On other points there was no difficulty. And on his part, Mr. Burns
could not help being struck with the clear, rapid, comprehensive
business mind of the young man. Despite his prejudices, Hiram advanced
daily in his confidence.
* * * * *
There was one matter, and that an important one, in Mr. Burns's affairs
which was going wrong. I refer to the paper-mill. Mr. Burns had
undertaken the enterprise in connection with an excellent man, an old
friend and an extensive paper-dealer, residing in New-York. Each
furnished half the capital for the erection of the mill and for the
machinery, and they were, therefore, joint owners of the property. The
season after it went into operation, his friend failed and felt himself
obliged, without having time to consult Mr. Burns, to convey his portion
of the mill to a Mr. Joslin--Mr. Elihu Joslin, one of the largest
paper-merchants in the city, to whom he owed a heavy confidential debt.
This Joslin was a very rich man and also very unscrupulous--such was his
reputation with the trade. Not a few thought he was the means of forcing
his brother-merchant into bankruptcy, having first lent him considerable
sums of money on a pledge that it should be considered confidential in
any event. In this way Elihu Joslin came to be owner of one half the
paper-mill with Joel Burns. At the first interview every thing passed
pleasantly between the two. Joslin was planning how to get the other in
his power, and so finally possess the whole of the property. It was
arranged, as was very proper, that Mr. Joslin should act as merchant for
the mill, as his predecessor had done. He was to purchase and forward
rags of which to manufacture paper, and should receive on consignment
all paper produced at the mill. He sounded Mr. Burns on his own wants
for money, and was disappointed to find him in no need whatever. On the
rendering of the first accounts, Mr. Burns was much chagrined at the
state of things which they discovered. True, every thing was correct on
paper. Rags were entered at the market price; consignments when sold
were properly credited. But there were charges for all sorts of
commissions, for accepting, and paying, and accepting again, because
paper remained unsold, and for a variety of things hitherto unheard of
in ordinary dealings, and which the previous correspondent of Mr. Burns
had never made, which were positively startling. Mr. Burns remonstrated
by letter. It did not do the least good. He was dealing with a bold,
daring, unscrupulous man, who, in the language of his acquaintances,
always practiced the grab-game.
Mr. Burns finally made the best settlement of the account in his power,
determining, before another six months should pass, that he would make a
change of some sort. Unfortunately, he was at that time rather short of
money, for he was expending considerable sums in other enterprises, and
supposed the paper-mill could not fail of taking care of itself. So he
continued to send forward to Mr. Joslin the consignments of paper, and
to draw on him as usual. The next rendering of accounts showed affairs
in a sad plight. Paper was very dull, so Joslin wrote. The lots sent
forward were not as good as usual, (which was a falsehood,) so that much
that had been sold was returned to him, (another lie,) and he had been
forced to sell the most of it at auction to cover his advances, and the
last cargo of rags still remained unpaid.
Mr. Burns was thunderstruck. He saw at once that he had fallen into the
hands of a knave; but what was to be done? The idea of going to New-York
to obtain satisfaction and thus encounter the scoundrel on his own
ground was not pleasant; but what else could be done? He decided, after
some reflection, as he could not just then leave the place, to send the
superintendent of the mill to Mr. Joslin for the purpose of
investigating the account, and all the circumstances connected with the
business. He prepared a strong letter to Joslin, in which he spoke with
great severity of the course pursued by that individual.
At this juncture Hiram was taken into the consultation. He begged Mr.
Burns to write no letter, but to send any message he chose. 'The man
will accomplish nothing,' he rather curtly added, 'still, it is well
enough to send him.' Mr. Burns thought Hiram's suggestion a prudent one,
so the head man of the paper-mill was dispatched with his instructions.
He returned in three days very well satisfied with his journey. He had
been received by Mr. Elihu Joslin with the utmost politeness. He
expressed entire willingness to go over the account and correct any
mistakes in it. Indeed, he had succeeded in convincing Mr. Joslin of one
error of thirty-one dollars and twenty-six cents, which the latter at
once made right. As to the main points at issue, however, Mr. Joslin
could not alter the amount. There were the advances, here the sales,
there the charges, here the credits. As to the commissions for buying,
for selling, and guaranteeing, and for accepting, why, let him consult
the very first houses in the city, the _very_ first. He would leave it
to Mr. Burns to select the house, and abide by its decision.
The man came back to Burnsville completely bamboozled. Hiram was present
in Mr. Burns's office when this report was made. Mr. Burns received it
in silence. He saw at once how his messenger had been over-reached.
When the latter left the office he turned toward Hiram and said:
'This is an unfortunate business.'
'I want to ask an especial favor of you,' said Hiram.
'What is it?'
'I want you to permit me to go to New-York and try what I can do.'
'Have you any plan?'
'I can not say I have. It would depend on circumstances.'
'Have you confidence in achieving something?'
'I have sufficient to induce me to wish to make the attempt.'
'Well, you shall go.'
'I would like to start to-morrow.'
'Very well; come to my house after tea and we will look over the
papers.'
'I am much obliged to you, sir.'
Mr. Burns started to leave the office; he opened the door and was half
out; then he turned.
'By the way, Meeker, come and take tea with me; we will then be ready to
go at once into the accounts.'
'Thank you, sir.'
The door closed and Hiram was left alone. What a moment of triumph, as
he regarded it!
'_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.'
'Perhaps it does; but I confess I have a great deal of confidence that
he will bring something about.'
That evening the appearance of the table was slightly changed--not
enough to attract Mr. Burns's attention, but there was a greater display
of silver than usual, and a nicer regard to arrangement. The same might
be said of Sarah herself. The casual observer would not notice it, one
of her own sex would.
One minute past the appointed time master Hiram arrived, direct from the
office, where he had been so immersed in accounts, head and hands so
full of business, as almost to forget the tea-hour.
Yes, he came direct from the office. But previously he had stepped to
his room, and without 'dressing up,' or apparently disturbing the usual
arrangement of his wardrobe, managed to make himself especially
presentable. In short, he had done just what Sarah Burns had done.
I wish you could have witnessed the meeting between them. You would have
thought Hiram in the habit of going all his life to the house, instead
of entering it for the first time. No forwardness, though, no
assumption, yet entire freedom from awkwardness or embarrassment.
Sarah, on her part, received him with a pleasant lady-like greeting,
quite unconscious, as we have already intimated, of having given Hiram
any cause of offense.
Various topics were discussed: the condition of the Sunday-school, the
health of the clergyman, the high water at Slab City, the lecture of the
celebrated Charles Benjamin Bruce, the prospects of the Lyceum, the new
town-hall.
Mr. Burns said but little. It was very unusual to see him engrossed with
any business matter to the exclusion of social enjoyments. _Was_ he
thinking of business altogether? Occasionally and unconsciously his eye
would glance from his daughter to Hiram and then back again. Little did
he know, little could he guess what was passing in that crafty, scheming
brain--else....
Mr. Burns was called out for a few moments just as tea was concluded.
'So,' exclaimed Sarah suddenly, 'you are going to New-York?'
'How do you know that?' returned Hiram.
'How do I know it? Are you not aware that I know _every thing_ going on?
I was very jealous of you at first.'
'Of me?'
'Yes, for depriving me of my situation.'
'You speak in riddles.'
'Did you not know _I_ was father's 'confidential clerk' before you cut
me out?'
'Indeed I did not. If I had, I should never have presumed to offer my
services.'
'I suppose it was well you did. Some time I will tell you what I used to
do. But father talks to me about every thing just as ever. Oh! I hope
you _can_ do something with that Mr. Joslin. Do you think you can?'
'I hope so; I shall try, and--(he hesitated, looked down, and
blushed--consummate actor that he was)--'and all the harder now that I
find _you_ take such an interest in it.'
'Oh! thank you,' replied Sarah.
[There was the slightest perceptible hauteur in her tone, and the
slightest perceptible drawing in from her previous pleasant, free
manner--only the slightest.]
'For,' continued Hiram, lifting his eyes and looking at her boldly, as
if not noticing the remark, 'if you take so much interest in my mission,
you will be forced to feel some sort of interest in me.'
'If you _succeed_, why, I will say yes,' replied Sarah, with entire good
humor. 'If you do not--'
'I accept the alternative,' interrupted Hiram, 'but do not forget your
pledge.'
Here Mr. Burns came in, and the two proceeded at once to business. He
did not see Sarah again.
It was at a late hour that Hiram left the house. With Mr. Burns's aid he
had mastered the whole subject, accounts and all. He was happy. Once as
he walked along he turned and cast his eyes up at the window. I do not
like to think of the look which flitted across his face. He nodded
significantly, and went on his way.
Louisa Hawkins opened the door for him the moment he put his foot on the
step.
'Where _have_ you been?' she whispered, 'I was so frightened. I
persuaded _them_ to go to bed. Did you think I would be waiting for
you?'
'I was sure of it, Lily.'
'You _were_, weren't you?'
They went in and sat half an hour in the parlor together. But Hiram gave
her no inkling of where he passed the evening.
The next day our hero started for New-York. Of his adventures there, and
the result of his interview with Elihu Joslin, we will speak in another
chapter.