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 to-morrow, 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 any thing 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 may benefit her.” Mr. Prince bent his keen, bright eyes upon the young girl, and almost held his breath until she spoke again.
“Mother's coming up to-day or to-morrow,” she said, looking up.
“Ah!” said Mr. Prince with a sweet and languid smile.
“Is Col. Starbottle here too?” asked Carry, after a pause.
“Col. Starbottle is dead. Your stepmother is again a widow.”
“Dead!” repeated Carry.
“Yes,” replied Mr. Prince. “Your step-mother has been singularly unfortunate in surviving her affections.”