Ruperta kept her countenance with difficulty.
“It is not a request, it is a command.”
Mrs. Bassett for once in her life fired up. “And a most tyrannical one,” said she.
Ruperta put her hand before her mother's mouth, then turned to her father.
“There was no need to express your wish so harshly, papa. We shall obey.”
Then she whispered her mother, “And Mr. Rutland shall pay for it.”
Mrs. Bassett communicated this behest to Lady Bassett in a letter.
Then Lady Bassett summoned all her courage, and sent for her son Compton. “Compton,” said she, “I must speak to Reginald. Can you find him?”
“Oh yes, I can find him. I am sorry to say anybody can find him at this time of day.”
“Why, where is he?”