I'LL SEE ABOUT IT. 89

 

dren. I must look after them a little more
closely than I have heretofore done.”

This resolution relieved the mind of Mr.
Easy a good deal.

When Hiram left the counting-room of
the merchant, his spirits were crushed to
the very earth. He found his way back,
how he hardly knew, to his place of busi-
ness, and mechanically performed the tasks
allotted him until evening. Then he re-
turned home, reluctant to meet his mother,
and yet anxious to relieve her state of sus-
pense, even if in doing so he should dash
a last hope from her heart. When he
came in, Mrs. Mayberry lifted her eyes to his
inquiringly; but dropped them instantly—
she needed no words to tell her that he
had suffered a bitter disappointment.

“You did not get the place?” she’ at
length said, with forced composure.

““No—it was taken this morning. Mr.
Easy promised to see about it. But he
didn’t do so. When he went this after-
noon, it was too late.”