Along the great artery of the city press the crowd. Their steps tend homeward.
Still Hiram sits by the window, but oblivious of the current which sweeps by.
His thoughts go back to Hampton. He is a clerk in the 'opposition store,' making love to Mary Jessup.
'What a pretty girl she used to be!-how much she always did for me-what pains she took to please me!' he mutters to himself.
* * * * *
Now he is thinking of Burnsville. His mind seems principally to dwell on what was formerly of secondary importance to him.
'Those Hawkins girls-they were good girls-very kind to me always-nice girls-handsome girls-both of them in love with me. The widow Hawkins, too....
* * * * *
'Sarah Burns-she was a different sort from the rest. I don't think I ever cared so much about her-too independent-thought too much of herself. How quick she broke the engagement! I remember it was preparatory lecture-preparatory lecture....
* * * * *
'Emma Tenant-_she_ wasn't proud-Emma really loved me-I always, knew she did.