"No. I will retain my post of mistress till you get a substitute."

He smiled approbation: we shook hands，and he took leave. I need not narrate in detail the further struggles I had，and arguments I used，to get matters regarding the legacy settled as I wished. My task was a very hard one; but，as I was absolutely resolved- as my cousins saw at length that my mind was really and immutably fixed on making a just division of the property- as they must in their own hearts have felt the equity of the intention; and must，besides，have been innately conscious that in my place they would have done precisely what I wished to do- they yielded at length so far as to consent to put the affair to arbitration. The judges chosen were Mr. Oliver and an able lawyer: both coincided in my opinion: I carried my point. The instruments of transfer were drawn out: St. John，Diana，Mary，and I，each became possessed of a petency.