‘I must not lose the chance,’ said Hiram to himself, as he jumped out of bed.  ’With that amount in cash I would teach all South street a lesson.  I wonder if this is the true church after all;’ and he took up the prayer book this time without fear, as if determined to find out.

He spent some time in reading the prayers, and confessed to himself that they were quite unobjectionable.  Mr. Bennett’s warning that there was no certainty of salvation, out of the church (i.e. his church) was not without its effect.  As Hiram sought religion for the purpose of security on the other side, you can readily suppose any question of the validity of his title would make him very nervous; once convinced of his mistake, he would hasten to another church, just as he would change his insurance policies, when satisfied of the insolvency of the company which had taken his risks.

After breakfast Hiram renewed the subject of the last night’s conversation, and Mr. Bennett was pleased to find that his views were already undergoing a decided change.

‘Now, Hiram,’ he exclaimed, ’if you do come over to us, it’s no reason you should join my church.  You may not like our clergyman.  You know, when you first came to New York, I recommended you to join Dr. Pratt’s congregation instead of Dr. Chellis’s; but you wanted severe preaching, and you have had it.  Now there are similar varieties among the Episcopalians.  Dr. Wing, though a strict churchman, will give you sharp exercise, if you listen to him.  He will handle you without gloves.  He is fond of using the sword of the spirit, and you had best stand from under, or he will cleave you through and through.  My clergyman, Mr. Myrtle, is a very different man.  He believes in the gospel as a message of peace and love, and his sermons are beautiful.  One feels so safe and happy to hear him discourse of the mercy of God, and the joys of heaven.’

‘Nevertheless,’ replied Hiram, stoutly, ’I hold to my old opinion, and I confess I prefer such a preacher as Dr. Wing to one like Mr. Myrtle.  But under existing circumstances I shall go with you.’

He was thinking about the splendid match Mr. Bennett had hinted at.

‘I am glad to hear you say so,’ said Mr. Bennett; ’it will bring us more frequently together.  You have a brilliant future, if you will listen to me; but it won’t do to make another blunder, such as you have just committed.’

‘I suppose you will tell me now about that young lady?’ asked Hiram, with an interest he could not conceal.

‘Not one word, not one syllable,’ replied the other, good humoredly, ‘until you are actually within the pale.  Don’t be alarmed,’ he continued, seeing Hiram look disappointed.  ’To tell you would not do the least good, and might frustrate my plans.  But I will work the matter for you, my boy, if it is a possible thing; and for my part I see no difficulty in it.  When my family come in town we will organize.  Meantime let me ask, have you learned to waltz?’