position and power, to do great and good things for his country and for
humanity. He brooded over all this.

To begin, he resolved to become a printer.

So, when the spring opened, he came to Rockhold and bade good-by to his
little friend, and went, at the age of fourteen, to the city to seek his
fortune, walking all the way, and taking with him testimonials as to his
character for truth, honesty, and industry.

There were at that time three printing offices in that city. Rule
applied to the first and to the second without success, but when he
applied to the third--the office of the _Watch_--and showed his
credentials, the proprietor took him on.

He and his little friend corresponded regularly from month to month.

No one objected to this letter writing, any more than to the lesson
giving. It was but the charity of the little lady given for the
encouragement of the poor, struggling orphan boy.

* * * * *

It was nearly four years after the departure of Rule from the works at
North End to seek his fortune in a printing office of the neighboring
city. He had never yet returned to see his friends, though his
correspondence with Cora had been kept up.

In the four years that Rose Flowers had lived at Rockhold she had won
the hearts of all the household, from the master down to the meanest
drudge. She was, indeed, the fragrance of the house. All admired her
much and loved her more, and yet--

And yet in every mind there was a latent distrust of her, which seemed
unjust, and for which all who felt it reproached themselves--in every
mind but one.

The Iron King felt no distrust of the submissive, beautiful creature,
whom he continually held up to other members of his family as the very
model of perfect womanhood.

He did not see, he said, why she should now, when it was finally decided
that Cora should be sent to the young ladies' institute, at the city,
why Rose should leave the house. She might remain as companion for Mrs.
Rockharrt. But when this was proposed to Miss Flowers, the young
governess explained, with much regret, that, not anticipating this
generous offer, she had already secured another situation.

With tears in her beautiful eyes, Rose Flowers took the old man's hand
and pressed it to her heart and then to her lips as she bent her head
and cooed:

"I will remember all you have told me--all the wise and good counsel
you have ever given me, all the precious acts o