On the whole, a very good understanding existed between the two, of such a nature that it would have been hard to destroy it.

For it was impossible to quarrel with the Marchesa, for the simple reason that she never attempted to oppose her daughter, and rarely tried to oppose any one else.

She was quite insensible to Beatrice's occasional reproaches concerning her indolence, and Beatrice had so much sense, in spite of her small caprices and whims, that it was always safe to let her have her own way.
The consequence was that difficulties rarely arose between the two.
Beatrice smiled carelessly at the affectionate speech.

She knew its exact value, but was not inclined to depreciate it in her own estimation.

Just then she would rather have been left alone with her mother than with any one else, unless she could be left quite to herself.
"You are always very good to me, mamma," she answered; "you let me have my own way, and that is what I like best." "Let you have it, carissima! You take it.