‘A connection of the Bennetts,’ whispered Mrs. Myrtle, ’a fine young man, immensely rich.  He is to come in future to our church.’

‘Ah,’ ‘Yes,’ ‘Indeed,’ ‘Excellent.’  Such were the responses.

Meanwhile Mr. Myrtle had greeted Hiram courteously, and invited him to his library.  This was across the hall, in a room which formed a part of the church edifice.

As Hiram followed Mr. Myrtle out of the parlor, several of the ladies took another look at him.  They could not but remark that he was finely formed, fashionably dressed, and, thanks to Signor Alberto, of a very graceful carriage.

The interview between Mr. Myrtle and Hiram was brief.  The latter, thoroughly tutored by his cousin, was careful to say nothing about his previous conviction and wonderful conversion, but left Mr. Myrtle, as was very proper, to lead in the conversation.  He had previously talked with Mr. Strang, which, with the recommendation of Mrs. Bennett, left no doubt in his mind as to Hiram’s fitness to receive confirmation.

It was very hard for him to be informed that his early baptism must go for nothing—­what time his father and mother, in their ignorance and simplicity, brought their child to present before God, and receive the beautiful rite of the sprinkling of water.

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.

‘Yes.’

’Why, I can’t stand that.  The dearest pews in Dr. Chellis’s church were not over six hundred.  You are joking.’

‘You are an idiot,’ retorted Mr. Bennett, half pettishly, half playfully.  ’Have you not placed yourself in my hands?  Shall I not manage your interests as I please?  I say I want sixteen hundred and fifty dollars.  I know you can draw the money without the least inconvenience.  If I thought you could not, I would advance it myself.  Are you content?’