We have devoted a large part of this volume to Hiram's early career,
going into the minutiae of his education, his religious training, and his
business life. This was not without design. For the reader, once in
possession of these circumstances, had no need to be informed in detail
of the achievements of those years in which Hiram worked vigorously on
through successive stages in his career, while his heart grew hard as
the nether millstone.
As you see him now, pursuing his way along the street, he has really but
one single absorbing idea--ACQUISITION. True, he clings to his
belief in the importance of church membership. He has long been the
leading vestryman at St. Jude's. He is the friend and adviser of the
Bishop.
Famous is Hiram Meeker the millionaire!
Famous is Hiram Meeker the Churchman!
Still, I repeat, he has but one thought--one all-absorbing,
all-engrossing passion.
You have not forgotten, I am sure, the early calculating policy of
Hiram, and to what degree he had carried it when we took leave of him.
Imagine this developed and intensified day by day, month by month, and
year by year, over more than a quarter of a century.
Since we first made his acquaintance, he has kept on rigidly. In all his
intercourse with his fellow beings--man to man--with high and low--with
the sex--with his nearest relations,--he has never, no, _never_ looked
to anything except what he considered his personal advantage.
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