"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 today or tomorrow," she said, looking up.
"Ah!" said Mr.Prince with a sweet and languid smile.
"Is Colonel Starbottle here too ?" asked Carry, after a pause.
"Colonel Starbottle is dead.

Your stepmother is again a widow." "Dead!" repeated Carry.
"Yes," replied Mr.Prince.

"Your stepmother has been singularly unfortunate in surviving her affections." Carry did not know what he meant, and looked so.