Only in this one thing, I see you will go your own way."
Lady Bassett put in her word. "Well, but this one thing is the
happiness or misery of her whole life. I cannot blame her for looking
well before she leaps."
A grateful look from Ruperta's glorious eyes repaid the speaker.
"But," said Lady Bassett, tenderly, "it is something to have two
mothers when you marry, instead of one; and you would have two, my
love; I would try and live for you."
This touched Ruperta to the heart; she curled round Lady Bassett's
neck, and they kissed each other like mother and daughter.
"This is too great a temptation," said Ruperta. "Yes; I _will_ engage
myself to Cousin Compton, if papa's consent can be obtained. Without
his consent I could not marry any one."
"Nobody can obtain it, if you cannot," said Mrs. Bassett.
Ruperta shook her head. "Mark my words, mamma, it will take me years to
gain it. Papa is as obstinate as a mule. To be sure, I am as obstinate
as fifty."
"It shall not take years, nor yet months," said Lady Bassett. "I know
_Mr. Bassett's_ objection, and I will remove it, cost me what it may."
This speech surprised the other two ladies so, they made no reply.
Said Lady Bassett firmly, "Do you pledge yourself to me, if I can
obtain Mr. Bassett's consent?"
"I do," said Ruperta.
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