Rule saw that the enterprise would be a benefit to the community at large, and especially to the workingmen, the farmers, shop keepers and mechanics; so when he had heard all the old Iron King had to say on the subject, he promptly gave a promise which neither favor, affection nor self-interest could ever have won from him, but which reason, conscience and the public good constrained him to give—­namely, to present the petition for the charter to the assembly, and to support it with all his might.

After this Regulas Rothsay came often and more often, until at length he passed every evening with the Rockharrts when they were at home.  Old Aaron Rockharrt esteemed him as he esteemed very, very few of his fellow creatures.  Mrs. Rockharrt really loved him.  Mr. Fabian and Mr. Clarence liked him.  Cora admired and honored him.  He was made so welcome in the family circle that he felt himself quite at home among them.

On the second of January the first business taken up was that of the bill to charter the projected railroad.  It was presented by Mr. Rothsay, and referred to the proper committee.

The charter bill was reported with certain amendments, sent back again and reported again, with modified amendments, laid on the table, taken up and generally tormented for ten days, and then passed by a small majority.

Rule had conscientiously done his best, and this was the result:  Old Aaron Rockharrt thanked him stiffly.

“You have worked it through, sir!  No one but yourself could have done it!  And it is a wonder that even you could do so with such a set of pig-headed rascals as our assemblymen.  And now, will it pass the senate?”

“I believe it will, Mr. Rockharrt.  I have been speaking to many of the senators, and find them well disposed toward it,” said Rule.

To be brief, the bill was soon taken up by the senate; and after much the same treatment it had received in the assembly, it came safely through the ordeal, and was passed—­again by a small majority.

Old Aaron Rockharrt was triumphant, in his sullen, dogged and undemonstrative way.

But having gained his ends, for which alone he had come to the city, he ordered his family to pack up and be ready to leave town for Rockhold the next day but one.

But the worst was to come.

When all the household were assembled at luncheon, he shot his last bolt.

“Now look you here, all of you!  We are going to Rockhold to-morrow.  I do not wish to have any company there.  I am tired of company!  I hate company!  I am going to the country to get rid of company.  So see that you do not, any of you, invite any one to visit us.”

The next morning the Rockharrt family left town for North End, where they arrived early in the afternoon.

A monotonous season followed, at least for the two ladies, who led a very secluded life at the dreary old stone house on the mountain side.