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They came up with her flushed and panting; and now it was Compton's turn to be shy the lady was so tall and stately too. But Ruperta was not much afraid of anything in petticoats. "Oh, madam," said she, "if you please, may we speak to you?" Mrs. Marsh turned round, and her somewhat aquiline features softened instantly at the two specimens of beauty and innocence that had run after her.
After that they made friends and laid their little hearts bare to each other; and it soon appeared that Compton had learned more, but Ruperta had thought more for herself, and was sorely puzzled about many things, and of a vastly inquisitive mind. "Why," said she, "is good thing's so hard, and had things so nice and easy? It would be much better if good things were nice and bad ones nasty.
"Well, well, well," said Richard, kindly enough; then to Ruperta, "Did I ever say she was not the best woman in England? So you need not set up your throats neck and neck at me, like two geese at a fox. Unfortunately, she is the simplest woman in England, as well as the best, and she is going to visit the cunningest. That Lady Bassett will turn our mother inside out in no time.
"Yes, I do, sir," said Ruperta, shyly. "How you are grown!" "Yes, sir." "You are taller than I am, and more beautiful than ever." No answer, but a blush. "You are not angry with me for speaking to you?" "No, sir." "I wouldn't offend you." "I am not offended. Only " "Oh, Miss Bassett, of course I know you will never be we shall never be like we used." A very deep blush, and dead silence.
"No such thing," said she: "they tell me the bells were ringing for you being found, and then I was found to catechism you." "There! then you see I am older than you, Ruperta." "Yes, dear," said Ruperta, very gravely; "I'm younger in my body, but older in my head." This matter being settled so that neither party could complain, since antiquity was evenly distributed, the catechizing recommenced.
As soon as the young lady had passed and was out of hearing, Sir Charles said to Compton, "Who is that lovely girl? Why, how the boy is blushing!" "Oh, papa!" "Well, what is the matter?" "Don't you see? It is herself come back from school." "I have no doubt it is herself, and not her sister, but who is herself?" "Ruperta Bassett." "Richard Bassett's daughter! impossible.
Master Compton's dinner hour was two P.M., and yet, at three o'clock of this day, he did not come in. This was reported to Lady Bassett, and it gave her some little anxiety; for she suspected he might possibly be in the company of Ruperta Bassett; and, although she did not herself much object to that, she objected very much to have it talked about and made a fuss.
Ruperta stopped growing at fifteen, but Compton went slowly on; caught her at seventeen, and at nineteen had passed her by a head. He won a scholarship at Oxford, he rowed in college races, and at last in the University race on the Thames.
The fourth day was lovely, and he spent a long time in the meadow, in hopes: he saw her for a moment at the gate; but she speedily retired. He was disappointed. However, he collected a good store of cowslips, and then came home. As he passed the door out popped Ruperta from some secret ambush, and said, "Well?" "WELL," replied Compton. "Are you better, dear?"
Bassett! how can I help fearing it especially if we provoke him? Mr. Reginald Bassett has returned, and you know he once gave your husband cause for just resentment." "Well, but he is older now, and has more sense. Even if he should, Ruperta and I must try and keep the peace." "Ruperta! I wish I had asked you to bring her with you. But I feared to ask too much at once."
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