I must look after them a little more closely than I have heretofore done." This resolution reliever 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 business, and mechanically performed the tasks allotted to him, until evening.

Then he returned home, reluctant to meet his mother, and yet anxious to relieve her state of suspense, 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.