Crabtree? It will be hers only if I die before I become of age.
Her own shares 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. "I do not thank you for
your offer, Mr. Crabtree. "The whole difficulty is just here -- I
do not like you; and my mother shall never marry you so long as I
can prevent it.
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