"You know," he said with some hesitation, "it is possible I may have to go to California."
"Nonsense! What is Benton paid for? I need you. We ought to select a city home, and I want your taste, your judgment."
"My dear mother, the city home will be yours. Why haven't you chosen one long since?"
"As if I would without consulting you!"
He smiled, but forebore to remind her that he had not been consulted with regard to Stormpoint. "Whatever is your taste is mine," he said. "These gilded cages are for pretty birds like you and Paula; as for me——"
"That's nonsense. I am willing to keep your nest warm, but——"
"If I were to consult my own taste, I would re-erect old Eliphalet's cabin and be a hermit."
"Mark, you actually hurt me——"
"My dear mother, you know I'm joking. About this house, then. New York, I suppose, is the place for good Californians."
"It would be pleasanter; but it might be policy to remain in the State."