Mrs.Blake had insisted on coming along in spite of her niece's protests.

Shirley argued that she had crossed alone when coming; she could go back the same way.
Besides, was not Mr.Ryder returning home on the same ship?
He would be company and protection both.

But Mrs.Blake was bent on making the voyage.

She had not seen her sister for many years and, moreover, this sudden return to America had upset her own plans.
She was a poor sailor, yet she loved the ocean and this was a good excuse for a long trip.

Shirley was too exhausted with worry to offer further resistance and by great good luck the two women had been able to secure at the last moment a cabin to themselves amidships.