No; MOTHER hasn't been in California these twelve years."

There was an intentional emphasizing of the title and of its distinction
that began to interest coldly Prince after his first astonishment was
past.

"As I come from your stepmother now," he went on with a slight laugh,
"I must ask you to go back for a few moments to that point. After your
father's death, your mother--I mean your stepmother--recognized the fact
that your mother, the first Mrs. Tretherick, was legally and morally
your guardian and, although much against her inclination and affections,
placed you again in her charge."

"My stepmother married again within a month after father died, and sent
me home," said Carry with great directness, and the faintest toss of her
head.

Mr. Prince smiled so sweetly, and apparently so sympathetically, that
Carry began to like him. With no other notice of the interruption
he went on, "After your stepmother had performed this act of simple
justice, she entered into an agreement with your mother to defray the
expenses of your education until your eighteenth year, when you were to
elect and choose which of the two should thereafter be your guardian,
and with whom you would make your home. This agreement, I think, you are
already aware of, and, I believe, knew at the time."

"I was a mere child then," said Carry.

"Certainly," said Mr. Prince, with the same smile. "Still the
conditions, I think, have never been oppressive to you nor your mother;
and the only time they are likely to give you the least uneasiness will
be when you come to make up your mind in the choice of your guardian.
That will be on your eighteenth birthday--the twentieth, I think, of the
present month."

Carry was silent.

"Pray do not think that I am here to receive your decision, even if it
be already made. I only came to inform you that your stepmother, Mrs.
Starbottle, will be in town tomorrow, and will pass a few days at the
hotel. If it is your wish to see her before you make up your mind, she
will be glad to meet you. She does not, however, wish to do anything to
influence your judgment.

"Does Mother know she is coming?" said Carry hastily.

"I do not know," said Prince gravely. "I only know that if you conclude
to see Mrs. Starbottle, it will be with your mother's permission. Mrs.
Starbottle will keep sacredly this part of the agreement, made ten years
ago. But her health is very poor; and the change and country quiet of
a few days