Later, she loaned him a “Boy’s Life of Benjamin Franklin.”  It was that book, perhaps, that decided the boy’s destiny.  He read it with avidity, with enthusiasm.  The impression made upon his mind was so deep and intense that his heart became fired with a fine ambition.  He longed to tread in the steps of Benjamin Franklin—­to become a printer, to rise to 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 of kindness you have ever shown me.  And when I cease to remember them, sir, may heaven forget me!”