only if I should die before I become of age. Her own share of papa's estate is situated further up the lake, at Berryport."
At this announcement Josiah Crabtree started back. "You—you are not telling the truth," he faltered.
"I am."
"But your mother is the executrix of your father's will."
"Yes."
"Exactly. Consequently she has full control of all the property until you are twenty-one."
"She has—but certain changes suggested by you or her would be subject to the approval of the court or the surrogate, so I have been told," answered Dora quietly.
Josiah Crabtree glared at the girl, and then began to pace the floor impatiently.
"Dora, see here," he said finally. "Let us come to terms."
"What terms?"
"Your mother and I are bound to get married. Remove your opposition to this, and I will promise not to interfere with you in the least. You can do as you please and go where you please, and you shall have all the spending money from time to time that the estate can afford."
At this the girl's lip curled proudly.
