CHAPTER14
　　Thenextmorningwasfair，andCatherinealmostexpectedanotherattackfromtheassembledparty。
　　WithMr。Allentosupporther，shefeltnodreadoftheevent:butshewouldgladlybesparedacontest，wherevictoryitselfwaspainful，andwasheartilyrejoicedthereforeatneitherseeingnorhearinganythingofthem。
　　TheTilneyscalledforherattheappointedtime；
　　andnonewdifficultyarising，nosuddenrecollection，nounexpectedsummons，noimpertinentintrusiontodisconcerttheirmeasures，myheroinewasmostunnaturallyabletofulfilherengagement，thoughitwasmadewiththeherohimself。
　　TheydeterminedonwalkingroundBeechenCliff，thatnoblehillwhosebeautifulverdureandhangingcoppicerenderitsostrikinganobjectfromalmosteveryopeninginBath。
　　“Ineverlookatit，“saidCatherine，astheywalkedalongthesideoftheriver，“withoutthinkingofthesouthofFrance。”
　　“Youhavebeenabroadthen?“saidHenry，alittlesurprised。
　　“Oh！No，IonlymeanwhatIhavereadabout。
　　ItalwaysputsmeinmindofthecountrythatEmilyandherfathertravelledthrough，inTheMysteriesofUdolpho。
　　Butyouneverreadnovels，Idaresay?“
　　“Whynot?“
　　“Becausetheyarenotcleverenoughforyou——gentlemenreadbetterbooks。”
　　“Theperson，beitgentlemanorlady，whohasnotpleasureinagoodnovel，mustbeintolerablystupid。
　　IhavereadallMrs。Radcliffe'sworks，andmostofthemwithgreatpleasure。TheMysteriesofUdolpho，whenIhadoncebegunit，Icouldnotlaydownagain；
　　Irememberfinishingitintwodays——myhairstandingonendthewholetime。”
　　“Yes，“addedMissTilney，“andIrememberthatyouundertooktoreaditaloudtome，andthatwhenIwascalledawayforonlyfiveminutestoansweranote，insteadofwaitingforme，youtookthevolumeintotheHermitageWalk，andIwasobligedtostaytillyouhadfinishedit。”
　　“Thankyou，Eleanor——amosthonourabletestimony。
　　Yousee，MissMorland，theinjusticeofyoursuspicions。
　　HerewasI，inmyeagernesstogeton，refusingtowaitonlyfiveminutesformysister，breakingthepromiseIhadmadeofreadingitaloud，andkeepingherinsuspenseatamostinterestingpart，byrunningawaywiththevolume，which，youaretoobserve，washerown，particularlyherown。IamproudwhenIreflectonit，andIthinkitmustestablishmeinyourgoodopinion。”
　　“Iamverygladtohearitindeed，andnowIshallneverbeashamedoflikingUdolphomyself。ButIreallythoughtbefore，youngmendespisednovelsamazingly。”
　　“Itisamazingly；itmaywellsuggestamazementiftheydo——fortheyreadnearlyasmanyaswomen。
　　Imyselfhavereadhundredsandhundreds。DonotimaginethatyoucancopewithmeinaknowledgeofJuliasandLouisas。Ifweproceedtoparticulars，andengageinthenever-ceasinginquiryof'Haveyoureadthis?'
　　and'Haveyoureadthat?'Ishallsoonleaveyouasfarbehindmeas——whatshallIsay?——lwantanappropriatesimile——asfarasyourfriendEmilyherselfleftpoorValancourtwhenshewentwithherauntintoItaly。
　　ConsiderhowmanyyearsIhavehadthestartofyou。
　　IhadenteredonmystudiesatOxford，whileyouwereagoodlittlegirlworkingyoursamplerathome！“
　　“Notverygood，Iamafraid。Butnowreally，donotyouthinkUdolphothenicestbookintheworld?“
　　“Thenicest——bywhichIsupposeyoumeantheneatest。
　　Thatmustdependuponthebinding。”
　　“Henry，“saidMissTilney，“youareveryimpertinent。
　　MissMorland，heistreatingyouexactlyashedoeshissister。
　　Heisforeverfindingfaultwithme，forsomeincorrectnessoflanguage，andnowheistakingthesamelibertywithyou。
　　Theword'nicest，'asyouusedit，didnotsuithim；
　　andyouhadbetterchangeitassoonasyoucan，orweshallbeoverpoweredwithJohnsonandBlairalltherestoftheway。”
　　“Iamsure，“criedCatherine，“Ididnotmeantosayanythingwrong；butitisanicebook，andwhyshouldnotIcallitso?“
　　“Verytrue，“saidHenry，“andthisisaveryniceday，andwearetakingaverynicewalk，andyouaretwoveryniceyoungladies。Oh！Itisaverynicewordindeed！Itdoesforeverything。Originallyperhapsitwasappliedonlytoexpressneatness，propriety，delicacy，orrefinement——peoplewereniceintheirdress，intheirsentiments，ortheirchoice。Butnoweverycommendationoneverysubjectiscomprisedinthatoneword。”
　　“While，infact，“criedhissister，“itoughtonlytobeappliedtoyou，withoutanycommendationatall。
　　Youaremorenicethanwise。Come，MissMorland，letusleavehimtomeditateoverourfaultsintheutmostproprietyofdiction，whilewepraiseUdolphoinwhatevertermswelikebest。Itisamostinterestingwork。
　　Youarefondofthatkindofreading?“
　　“Tosaythetruth，Idonotmuchlikeanyother。”
　　“Indeed！“
　　“Thatis，Icanreadpoetryandplays，andthingsofthatsort，anddonotdisliketravels。Buthistory，realsolemnhistory，Icannotbeinterestedin。
　　Canyou?“
　　“Yes，Iamfondofhistory。”
　　“IwishIweretoo。Ireaditalittleasaduty，butittellsmenothingthatdoesnoteithervexorwearyme。
　　Thequarrelsofpopesandkings，withwarsorpestilences，ineverypage；themenallsogoodfornothing，andhardlyanywomenatall——itisverytiresome:
　　andyetIoftenthinkitoddthatitshouldbesodull，foragreatdealofitmustbeinvention。Thespeechesthatareputintotheheroes'mouths，theirthoughtsanddesigns——thechiefofallthismustbeinvention，andinventioniswhatdelightsmeinotherbooks。”
　　“Historians，youthink，“saidMissTilney，“arenothappyintheirflightsoffancy。Theydisplayimaginationwithoutraisinginterest。Iamfondofhistory——andamverywellcontentedtotakethefalsewiththetrue。
　　Intheprincipalfactstheyhavesourcesofintelligenceinformerhistoriesandrecords，whichmaybeasmuchdependedon，Iconclude，asanythingthatdoesnotactuallypassunderone'sownobservation；andasforthelittleembellishmentsyouspeakof，theyareembellishments，andIlikethemassuch。Ifaspeechbewelldrawnup，Ireaditwithpleasure，bywhomsoeveritmaybemade——andprobablywithmuchgreater，iftheproductionofMr。HumeorMr。Robertson，thanifthegenuinewordsofCaractacus，Agricola，orAlfredtheGreat。”
　　“Youarefondofhistory！AndsoareMr。Allenandmyfather；andIhavetwobrotherswhodonotdislikeit。
　　Somanyinstanceswithinmysmallcircleoffriendsisremarkable！Atthisrate，Ishallnotpitythewritersofhistoryanylonger。Ifpeopleliketoreadtheirbooks，itisallverywell，buttobeatsomuchtroubleinfillinggreatvolumes，which，asIusedtothink，nobodywouldwillinglyeverlookinto，tobelabouringonlyforthetormentoflittleboysandgirls，alwaysstruckmeasahardfate；
　　andthoughIknowitisallveryrightandnecessary，Ihaveoftenwonderedattheperson'scouragethatcouldsitdownonpurposetodoit。”
　　“Thatlittleboysandgirlsshouldbetormented，“
　　saidHenry，“iswhatnooneatallacquaintedwithhumannatureinacivilizedstatecandeny；butinbehalfofourmostdistinguishedhistorians，Imustobservethattheymightwellbeoffendedatbeingsupposedtohavenohigheraim，andthatbytheirmethodandstyle，theyareperfectlywellqualifiedtotormentreadersofthemostadvancedreasonandmaturetimeoflife。
　　Iusetheverb'totorment，'asIobservedtobeyourownmethod，insteadof'toinstruct，'supposingthemtobenowadmittedassynonymous。”
　　“Youthinkmefoolishtocallinstructionatorment，butifyouhadbeenasmuchusedasmyselftohearpoorlittlechildrenfirstlearningtheirlettersandthenlearningtospell，ifyouhadeverseenhowstupidtheytheycanbeforawholemorningtogether，andhowtiredmypoormotherisattheendofit，asIaminthehabitofseeingalmosteverydayofmylifeathome，youwouldallowthat'totorment'and'toinstruct'mightsometimesbeusedassynonymouswords。”
　　“Veryprobably。Buthistoriansarenotaccountableforthedifficultyoflearningtoread；andevenyouyourself，whodonotaltogetherseemparticularlyfriendlytoverysevere，veryintenseapplication，mayperhapsbebroughttoacknowledgethatitisverywellworth-whiletobetormentedfortwoorthreeyearsofone'slife，forthesakeofbeingabletoreadalltherestofit。
　　Consider——ifreadinghadnotbeentaught，Mrs。Radcliffewouldhavewritteninvain——orperhapsmightnothavewrittenatall。”
　　Catherineassented——andaverywarmpanegyricfromheronthatlady'smeritsclosedthesubject。
　　TheTilneysweresoonengagedinanotheronwhichshehadnothingtosay。Theywereviewingthecountrywiththeeyesofpersonsaccustomedtodrawing，anddecidedonitscapabilityofbeingformedintopictures，withalltheeagernessofrealtaste。HereCatherinewasquitelost。
　　Sheknewnothingofdrawing——nothingoftaste:andshelistenedtothemwithanattentionwhichbroughtherlittleprofit，fortheytalkedinphraseswhichconveyedscarcelyanyideatoher。Thelittlewhichshecouldunderstand，however，appearedtocontradicttheveryfewnotionsshehadentertainedonthematterbefore。
　　Itseemedasifagoodviewwerenolongertobetakenfromthetopofanhighhill，andthataclearblueskywasnolongeraproofofafineday。Shewasheartilyashamedofherignorance。Amisplacedshame。
　　Wherepeoplewishtoattach，theyshouldalwaysbeignorant。
　　Tocomewithawell-informedmindistocomewithaninabilityofadministeringtothevanityofothers，whichasensiblepersonwouldalwayswishtoavoid。
　　Awomanespecially，ifshehavethemisfortuneofknowinganything，shouldconcealitaswellasshecan。
　　Theadvantagesofnaturalfollyinabeautifulgirlhavebeenalreadysetforthbythecapitalpenofasisterauthor；andtohertreatmentofthesubjectIwillonlyadd，injusticetomen，thatthoughtothelargerandmoretriflingpartofthesex，imbecilityinfemalesisagreatenhancementoftheirpersonalcharms，thereisaportionofthemtooreasonableandtoowellinformedthemselvestodesireanythingmoreinwomanthanignorance。ButCatherinedidnotknowherownadvantages——didnotknowthatagood-lookinggirl，withanaffectionateheartandaveryignorantmind，cannotfailofattractingacleveryoungman，unlesscircumstancesareparticularlyuntoward。Inthepresentinstance，sheconfessedandlamentedherwantofknowledge，declaredthatshewouldgiveanythingintheworldtobeabletodraw；
　　andalectureonthepicturesqueimmediatelyfollowed，inwhichhisinstructionsweresoclearthatshesoonbegantoseebeautyineverythingadmiredbyhim，andherattentionwassoearnestthathebecameperfectlysatisfiedofherhavingagreatdealofnaturaltaste。
　　Hetalkedofforegrounds，distances，andseconddistances——side-screensandperspectives——lightsandshades；
　　andCatherinewassohopefulascholarthatwhentheygainedthetopofBeechenCliff，shevoluntarilyrejectedthewholecityofBathasunworthytomakepartofalandscape。
　　Delightedwithherprogress，andfearfulofwearyingherwithtoomuchwisdomatonce，Henrysufferedthesubjecttodecline，andbyaneasytransitionfromapieceofrockyfragmentandthewitheredoakwhichhehadplacednearitssummit，tooaksingeneral，toforests，theenclosureofthem，wastelands，crownlandsandgovernment，heshortlyfoundhimselfarrivedatpolitics；andfrompolitics，itwasaneasysteptosilence。ThegeneralpausewhichsucceededhisshortdisquisitiononthestateofthenationwasputanendtobyCatherine，who，inratherasolemntoneofvoice，utteredthesewords，“IhaveheardthatsomethingveryshockingindeedwillsooncomeoutinLondon。”
　　MissTilney，towhomthiswaschieflyaddressed，wasstartled，andhastilyreplied，“Indeed！Andofwhatnature?““ThatIdonotknow，norwhoistheauthor。
　　Ihaveonlyheardthatitistobemorehorriblethananythingwehavemetwithyet。”
　　“Goodheaven！Wherecouldyouhearofsuchathing?“
　　“AparticularfriendofminehadanaccountofitinaletterfromLondonyesterday。Itistobeuncommonlydreadful。
　　Ishallexpectmurderandeverythingofthekind。”
　　“Youspeakwithastonishingcomposure！ButIhopeyourfriend'saccountshavebeenexaggerated；andifsuchadesignisknownbeforehand，propermeasureswillundoubtedlybetakenbygovernmenttopreventitscomingtoeffect。”
　　“Government，“saidHenry，endeavouringnottosmile，“neitherdesiresnordarestointerfereinsuchmatters。
　　Theremustbemurder；andgovernmentcaresnothowmuch。”
　　Theladiesstared。Helaughed，andadded，“Come，shallImakeyouunderstandeachother，orleaveyoutopuzzleoutanexplanationasyoucan?No——Iwillbenoble。Iwillprovemyselfaman，nolessbythegenerosityofmysoulthantheclearnessofmyhead。
　　Ihavenopatiencewithsuchofmysexasdisdaintoletthemselvessometimesdowntothecomprehensionofyours。
　　Perhapstheabilitiesofwomenareneithersoundnoracute——neithervigorousnorkeen。Perhapstheymaywantobservation，discernment，judgment，fire，genius，andwit。”
　　“MissMorland，donotmindwhathesays；buthavethegoodnesstosatisfymeastothisdreadfulriot。”
　　“Riot！Whatriot?“
　　“MydearEleanor，theriotisonlyinyourownbrain。
　　Theconfusionthereisscandalous。MissMorlandhasbeentalkingofnothingmoredreadfulthananewpublicationwhichisshortlytocomeout，inthreeduodecimovolumes，twohundredandseventy-sixpagesineach，withafrontispiecetothefirst，oftwotombstonesandalantern——doyouunderstand?Andyou，MissMorland——mystupidsisterhasmistakenallyourclearestexpressions。YoutalkedofexpectedhorrorsinLondon——andinsteadofinstantlyconceiving，asanyrationalcreaturewouldhavedone，thatsuchwordscouldrelateonlytoacirculatinglibrary，sheimmediatelypicturedtoherselfamobofthreethousandmenassemblinginSt。George'sFields，theBankattacked，theTowerthreatened，thestreetsofLondonflowingwithblood，adetachmentoftheTwelfthLightDragoonsthehopesofthenationcalledupfromNorthamptontoquelltheinsurgents，andthegallantCaptainFrederickTilney，inthemomentofchargingattheheadofhistroop，knockedoffhishorsebyabrickbatfromanupperwindow。
　　Forgiveherstupidity。Thefearsofthesisterhaveaddedtotheweaknessofthewoman；butsheisbynomeansasimpletoningeneral。”
　　Catherinelookedgrave。“Andnow，Henry，“saidMissTilney，“thatyouhavemadeusunderstandeachother，youmayaswellmakeMissMorlandunderstandyourself——unlessyoumeantohaveherthinkyouintolerablyrudetoyoursister，andagreatbruteinyouropinionofwomeningeneral。
　　MissMorlandisnotusedtoyouroddways。”
　　“Ishallbemosthappytomakeherbetteracquaintedwiththem。”
　　“Nodoubt；butthatisnoexplanationofthepresent。”
　　“WhatamItodo?“
　　“Youknowwhatyououghttodo。Clearyourcharacterhandsomelybeforeher。Tellherthatyouthinkveryhighlyoftheunderstandingofwomen。”
　　“MissMorland，Ithinkveryhighlyoftheunderstandingofallthewomenintheworld——especiallyofthose——whoevertheymaybe——withwhomIhappentobeincompany。”
　　“Thatisnotenough。Bemoreserious。”
　　“MissMorland，noonecanthinkmorehighlyoftheunderstandingofwomenthanIdo。Inmyopinion，naturehasgiventhemsomuchthattheyneverfinditnecessarytousemorethanhalf。”
　　“Weshallgetnothingmoreseriousfromhimnow，MissMorland。Heisnotinasobermood。ButIdoassureyouthathemustbeentirelymisunderstood，ifhecaneverappeartosayanunjustthingofanywomanatall，oranunkindoneofme。”
　　ItwasnoefforttoCatherinetobelievethatHenryTilneycouldneverbewrong。Hismannermightsometimessurprise，buthismeaningmustalwaysbejust:andwhatshedidnotunderstand，shewasalmostasreadytoadmire，aswhatshedid。Thewholewalkwasdelightful，andthoughitendedtoosoon，itsconclusionwasdelightfultoo；
　　herfriendsattendedherintothehouse，andMissTilney，beforetheyparted，addressingherselfwithrespectfulform，asmuchtoMrs。AllenastoCatherine，petitionedforthepleasureofhercompanytodinneronthedayafterthenext。NodifficultywasmadeonMrs。Allen'sside，andtheonlydifficultyonCatherine'swasinconcealingtheexcessofherpleasure。
　　Themorninghadpassedawaysocharminglyastobanishallherfriendshipandnaturalaffection，fornothoughtofIsabellaorJameshadcrossedherduringtheirwalk。
　　WhentheTilneysweregone，shebecameamiableagain，butshewasamiableforsometimetolittleeffect；
　　Mrs。Allenhadnointelligencetogivethatcouldrelieveheranxiety；shehadheardnothingofanyofthem。
　　Towardstheendofthemorning，however，Catherine，havingoccasionforsomeindispensableyardofribbonwhichmustbeboughtwithoutamoment'sdelay，walkedoutintothetown，andinBondStreetovertookthesecondMissThorpeasshewasloiteringtowardsEdgar'sBuildingsbetweentwoofthesweetestgirlsintheworld，whohadbeenherdearfriendsallthemorning。Fromher，shesoonlearnedthatthepartytoCliftonhadtakenplace。
　　“Theysetoffateightthismorning，“saidMissAnne，“andIamsureIdonotenvythemtheirdrive。IthinkyouandIareverywellofftobeoutofthescrape。
　　itmustbethedullestthingintheworld，forthereisnotasoulatCliftonatthistimeofyear。Bellewentwithyourbrother，andJohndroveMaria。”
　　Catherinespokethepleasureshereallyfeltonhearingthispartofthearrangement。
　　“Oh！yes，“rejoinedtheother，“Mariaisgone。
　　Shewasquitewildtogo。Shethoughtitwouldbesomethingveryfine。IcannotsayIadmirehertaste；
　　andformypart，Iwasdeterminedfromthefirstnottogo，iftheypressedmeeversomuch。”
　　Catherine，alittledoubtfulofthis，couldnothelpanswering，“Iwishyoucouldhavegonetoo。
　　Itisapityyoucouldnotallgo。”
　　“Thankyou；butitisquiteamatterofindifferencetome。Indeed，Iwouldnothavegoneonanyaccount。
　　IwassayingsotoEmilyandSophiawhenyouovertookus。
　　Catherinewasstillunconvinced；butgladthatAnneshouldhavethefriendshipofanEmilyandaSophiatoconsoleher，shebadeheradieuwithoutmuchuneasiness，andreturnedhome，pleasedthatthepartyhadnotbeenpreventedbyherrefusingtojoinit，andveryheartilywishingthatitmightbetoopleasanttoalloweitherJamesorIsabellatoresentherresistanceanylonger。
　　CHAPTER15
　　Earlythenextday，anotefromIsabella，speakingpeaceandtendernessineveryline，andentreatingtheimmediatepresenceofherfriendonamatteroftheutmostimportance，hastenedCatherine，inthehappieststateofconfidenceandcuriosity，toEdgar'sBuildings。
　　ThetwoyoungestMissThorpeswerebythemselvesintheparlour；and，onAnne'squittingittocallhersister，Catherinetooktheopportunityofaskingtheotherforsomeparticularsoftheiryesterday'sparty。
　　Mariadesirednogreaterpleasurethantospeakofit；
　　andCatherineimmediatelylearntthatithadbeenaltogetherthemostdelightfulschemeintheworld，thatnobodycouldimaginehowcharmingithadbeen，andthatithadbeenmoredelightfulthananybodycouldconceive。
　　Suchwastheinformationofthefirstfiveminutes；
　　thesecondunfoldedthusmuchindetail——thattheyhaddrivendirectlytotheYorkHotel，atesomesoup，andbespokeanearlydinner，walkeddowntothepump-room，tastedthewater，andlaidoutsomeshillingsinpursesandspars；
　　thenceadjoinedtoeaticeatapastry-cook's，andhurryingbacktothehotel，swallowedtheirdinnerinhaste，topreventbeinginthedark；andthenhadadelightfuldriveback，onlythemoonwasnotup，anditrainedalittle，andMr。Morland'shorsewassotiredhecouldhardlygetitalong。
　　Catherinelistenedwithheartfeltsatisfaction。
　　ItappearedthatBlaizeCastlehadneverbeenthoughtof；
　　and，asforalltherest，therewasnothingtoregretforhalfaninstant。Maria'sintelligenceconcludedwithatendereffusionofpityforhersisterAnne，whomsherepresentedasinsupportablycross，frombeingexcludedtheparty。
　　“Shewillneverforgiveme，Iamsure；but，youknow，howcouldIhelpit?Johnwouldhavemego，forhevowedhewouldnotdriveher，becauseshehadsuchthickankles。
　　Idaresayshewillnotbeingoodhumouragainthismonth；
　　butIamdeterminedIwillnotbecross；itisnotalittlematterthatputsmeoutoftemper。”
　　Isabellanowenteredtheroomwithsoeagerastep，andalookofsuchhappyimportance，asengagedallherfriend'snotice。Mariawaswithoutceremonysentaway，andIsabella，embracingCatherine，thusbegan:“Yes，mydearCatherine，itissoindeed；yourpenetrationhasnotdeceivedyou。Oh！Thatarcheyeofyours！Itseesthrougheverything。”
　　Catherinerepliedonlybyalookofwonderingignorance。
　　“Nay，mybeloved，sweetestfriend，“continuedtheother，“composeyourself。Iamamazinglyagitated，asyouperceive。
　　Letussitdownandtalkincomfort。Well，andsoyouguesseditthemomentyouhadmynote?Slycreature！
　　Oh！MydearCatherine，youalone，whoknowmyheart，canjudgeofmypresenthappiness。Yourbrotheristhemostcharmingofmen。IonlywishIweremoreworthyofhim。
　　Butwhatwillyourexcellentfatherandmothersay?Oh！
　　Heavens！WhenIthinkofthemIamsoagitated！“
　　Catherine'sunderstandingbegantoawake:anideaofthetruthsuddenlydartedintohermind；and，withthenaturalblushofsonewanemotion，shecriedout，“Goodheaven！MydearIsabella，whatdoyoumean?Canyou——canyoureallybeinlovewithJames?“
　　Thisboldsurmise，however，shesoonlearntcomprehendedbuthalfthefact。Theanxiousaffection，whichshewasaccusedofhavingcontinuallywatchedinIsabella'severylookandaction，had，inthecourseoftheiryesterday'sparty，receivedthedelightfulconfessionofanequallove。HerheartandfaithwerealikeengagedtoJames。NeverhadCatherinelistenedtoanythingsofullofinterest，wonder，andjoy。
　　Herbrotherandherfriendengaged！Newtosuchcircumstances，theimportanceofitappearedunspeakablygreat，andshecontemplateditasoneofthosegrandevents，ofwhichtheordinarycourseoflifecanhardlyaffordareturn。
　　Thestrengthofherfeelingsshecouldnotexpress；
　　thenatureofthem，however，contentedherfriend。
　　Thehappinessofhavingsuchasisterwastheirfirsteffusion，andthefairladiesmingledinembracesandtearsofjoy。
　　Delighting，however，asCatherinesincerelydidintheprospectoftheconnection，itmustbeacknowledgedthatIsabellafarsurpassedherintenderanticipations。
　　“Youwillbesoinfinitelydearertome，myCatherine，thaneitherAnneorMaria:IfeelthatIshallbesomuchmoreattachedtomydearMorland'sfamilythantomyown。”
　　ThiswasapitchoffriendshipbeyondCatherine。
　　“Youaresolikeyourdearbrother，“continuedIsabella，“thatIquitedotedonyouthefirstmomentIsawyou。
　　Butsoitalwaysiswithme；thefirstmomentsettleseverything。TheveryfirstdaythatMorlandcametouslastChristmas——theveryfirstmomentIbeheldhim——myheartwasirrecoverablygone。IrememberIworemyyellowgown，withmyhairdoneupinbraids；andwhenI
　　cameintothedrawing-room，andJohnintroducedhim，IthoughtIneversawanybodysohandsomebefore。”
　　HereCatherinesecretlyacknowledgedthepoweroflove；for，thoughexceedinglyfondofherbrother，andpartialtoallhisendowments，shehadneverinherlifethoughthimhandsome。
　　“Iremembertoo，MissAndrewsdrankteawithusthatevening，andworeherpuce-colouredsarsenet；
　　andshelookedsoheavenlythatIthoughtyourbrothermustcertainlyfallinlovewithher；Icouldnotsleepawinkallrightforthinkingofit。Oh！Catherine，themanysleeplessnightsIhavehadonyourbrother'saccount！IwouldnothaveyousufferhalfwhatIhavedone！
　　Iamgrownwretchedlythin，Iknow；butIwillnotpainyoubydescribingmyanxiety；youhaveseenenoughofit。
　　IfeelthatIhavebetrayedmyselfperpetually——sounguardedinspeakingofmypartialityforthechurch！ButmysecretIwasalwayssurewouldbesafewithyou。”
　　Catherinefeltthatnothingcouldhavebeensafer；
　　butashamedofanignorancelittleexpected，shedarednolongercontestthepoint，norrefusetohavebeenasfullofarchpenetrationandaffectionatesympathyasIsabellachosetoconsiderher。Herbrother，shefound，waspreparingtosetoffwithallspeedtoFullerton，tomakeknownhissituationandaskconsent；andherewasasourceofsomerealagitationtothemindofIsabella。
　　Catherineendeavouredtopersuadeher，asshewasherselfpersuaded，thatherfatherandmotherwouldneveropposetheirson'swishes。“Itisimpossible，“
　　saidshe，“forparentstobemorekind，ormoredesirousoftheirchildren'shappiness；Ihavenodoubtoftheirconsentingimmediately。”
　　“Morlandsaysexactlythesame，“repliedIsabella；
　　“andyetIdarenotexpectit；myfortunewillbesosmall；
　　theynevercanconsenttoit。Yourbrother，whomightmarryanybody！“
　　HereCatherineagaindiscernedtheforceoflove。
　　“Indeed，Isabella，youaretoohumble。Thedifferenceoffortunecanbenothingtosignify。”
　　“Oh！MysweetCatherine，inyourgenerousheartI
　　knowitwouldsignifynothing；butwemustnotexpectsuchdisinterestednessinmany。Asformyself，IamsureIonlywishoursituationswerereversed。HadIthecommandofmillions，wereImistressofthewholeworld，yourbrotherwouldbemyonlychoice。”
　　Thischarmingsentiment，recommendedasmuchbysenseasnovelty，gaveCatherineamostpleasingremembranceofalltheheroinesofheracquaintance；andshethoughtherfriendneverlookedmorelovelythaninutteringthegrandidea。
　　“Iamsuretheywillconsent，“washerfrequentdeclaration；
　　“Iamsuretheywillbedelightedwithyou。”
　　“Formyownpart，“saidIsabella，“mywishesaresomoderatethatthesmallestincomeinnaturewouldbeenoughforme。
　　Wherepeoplearereallyattached，povertyitselfiswealth；
　　grandeurIdetest:IwouldnotsettleinLondonfortheuniverse。
　　Acottageinsomeretiredvillagewouldbeecstasy。
　　TherearesomecharminglittlevillasaboutRichmond。”
　　“Richmond！“criedCatherine。“YoumustsettlenearFullerton。Youmustbenearus。”
　　“IamsureIshallbemiserableifwedonot。
　　IfIcanbutbenearyou，Ishallbesatisfied。
　　Butthisisidletalking！Iwillnotallowmyselftothinkofsuchthings，tillwehaveyourfather'sanswer。
　　MorlandsaysthatbysendingittonighttoSalisbury，wemayhaveittomorrow。Tomorrow?IknowIshallneverhavecouragetoopentheletter。Iknowitwillbethedeathofme。”
　　Areveriesucceededthisconviction——andwhenIsabellaspokeagain，itwastoresolveonthequalityofherwedding-gown。
　　Theirconferencewasputanendtobytheanxiousyoungloverhimself，whocametobreathehispartingsighbeforehesetoffforWiltshire。Catherinewishedtocongratulatehim，butknewnotwhattosay，andhereloquencewasonlyinhereyes。Fromthem，however，theeightpartsofspeechshoneoutmostexpressively，andJamescouldcombinethemwithease。Impatientfortherealizationofallthathehopedathome，hisadieuswerenotlong；
　　andtheywouldhavebeenyetshorter，hadhenotbeenfrequentlydetainedbytheurgententreatiesofhisfaironethathewouldgo。Twicewashecalledalmostfromthedoorbyhereagernesstohavehimgone。“Indeed，Morland，Imustdriveyouaway。Considerhowfaryouhavetoride。
　　Icannotbeartoseeyoulingerso。Forheaven'ssake，wastenomoretime。There，go，go——Iinsistonit。”
　　Thetwofriends，withheartsnowmoreunitedthanever，wereinseparablefortheday；andinschemesofsisterlyhappinessthehoursflewalong。Mrs。Thorpeandherson，whowereacquaintedwitheverything，andwhoseemedonlytowantMr。Morland'sconsent，toconsiderIsabella'sengagementasthemostfortunatecircumstanceimaginablefortheirfamily，wereallowedtojointheircounsels，andaddtheirquotaofsignificantlooksandmysteriousexpressionstofillupthemeasureofcuriositytoberaisedintheunprivilegedyoungersisters。
　　ToCatherine'ssimplefeelings，thisoddsortofreserveseemedneitherkindlymeant，norconsistentlysupported；
　　anditsunkindnessshewouldhardlyhaveforbornepointingout，haditsinconsistencybeenlesstheirfriend；
　　butAnneandMariasoonsetherheartateasebythesagacityoftheir“Iknowwhat“；andtheeveningwasspentinasortofwarofwit，adisplayoffamilyingenuity，ononesideinthemysteryofanaffectedsecret，ontheotherofundefineddiscovery，allequallyacute。
　　Catherinewaswithherfriendagainthenextday，endeavouringtosupportherspiritsandwhileawaythemanytedioushoursbeforethedeliveryoftheletters；
　　aneedfulexertion，forasthetimeofreasonableexpectationdrewnear，Isabellabecamemoreandmoredesponding，andbeforetheletterarrived，hadworkedherselfintoastateofrealdistress。Butwhenitdidcome，wherecoulddistressbefound?“Ihavehadnodifficultyingainingtheconsentofmykindparents，andampromisedthateverythingintheirpowershallbedonetoforwardmyhappiness，“werethefirstthreelines，andinonemomentallwasjoyfulsecurity。ThebrightestglowwasinstantlyspreadoverIsabella'sfeatures，allcareandanxietyseemedremoved，herspiritsbecamealmosttoohighforcontrol，andshecalledherselfwithoutscruplethehappiestofmortals。
　　Mrs。Thorpe，withtearsofjoy，embracedherdaughter，herson，hervisitor，andcouldhaveembracedhalftheinhabitantsofBathwithsatisfaction。Herheartwasoverflowingwithtenderness。Itwas“dearJohn“
　　and“dearCatherine“ateveryword；“dearAnneanddearMaria“
　　mustimmediatelybemadesharersintheirfelicity；
　　andtwo“dears“atoncebeforethenameofIsabellawerenotmorethanthatbelovedchildhadnowwellearned。
　　Johnhimselfwasnoskulkerinjoy。HenotonlybestowedonMr。Morlandthehighcommendationofbeingoneofthefinestfellowsintheworld，butsworeoffmanysentencesinhispraise。
　　Theletter，whencesprangallthisfelicity，wasshort，containinglittlemorethanthisassuranceofsuccess；
　　andeveryparticularwasdeferredtillJamescouldwriteagain。
　　ButforparticularsIsabellacouldwellaffordtowait。
　　TheneedfulwascomprisedinMr。Morland'spromise；
　　hishonourwaspledgedtomakeeverythingeasy；andbywhatmeanstheirincomewastobeformed，whetherlandedpropertyweretoberesigned，orfundedmoneymadeover，wasamatterinwhichherdisinterestedspirittooknoconcern。Sheknewenoughtofeelsecureofanhonourableandspeedyestablishment，andherimaginationtookarapidflightoveritsattendantfelicities。Shesawherselfattheendofafewweeks，thegazeandadmirationofeverynewacquaintanceatFullerton，theenvyofeveryvaluedoldfriendinPutney，withacarriageathercommand，anewnameonhertickets，andabrilliantexhibitionofhoopringsonherfinger。
　　Whenthecontentsoftheletterwereascertained，JohnThorpe，whohadonlywaiteditsarrivaltobeginhisjourneytoLondon，preparedtosetoff。“Well，MissMorland，“
　　saidhe，onfindingheraloneintheparlour，“Iamcometobidyougood-bye。”Catherinewishedhimagoodjourney。
　　Withoutappearingtohearher，hewalkedtothewindow，fidgetedabout，hummedatune，andseemedwhollyself-occupied。
　　“ShallnotyoubelateatDevizes?“saidCatherine。
　　Hemadenoanswer；butafteraminute'ssilenceburstoutwith，“Afamousgoodthingthismarryingscheme，uponmysoul！AcleverfancyofMorland'sandBelle's。
　　Whatdoyouthinkofit，MissMorland?Isayitisnobadnotion。”
　　“IamsureIthinkitaverygoodone。”
　　“Doyou?That'shonest，byheavens！Iamgladyouarenoenemytomatrimony，however。Didyoueverheartheoldsong'GoingtoOneWeddingBringsonAnother?'
　　Isay，youwillcometoBelle'swedding，Ihope。”
　　“Yes；Ihavepromisedyoursistertobewithher，ifpossible。”
　　“Andthenyouknow“——twistinghimselfaboutandforcingafoolishlaugh——“Isay，thenyouknow，wemaytrythetruthofthissameoldsong。”
　　“Maywe?ButIneversing。Well，Iwishyouagoodjourney。
　　IdinewithMissTilneytoday，andmustnowbegoinghome。”
　　“Nay，butthereisnosuchconfoundedhurry。
　　Whoknowswhenwemaybetogetheragain?NotbutthatI
　　shallbedownagainbytheendofafortnight，andadevilishlongfortnightitwillappeartome。”
　　“Thenwhydoyoustayawaysolong?“
　　repliedCatherine——findingthathewaitedforananswer。
　　“Thatiskindofyou，however——kindandgood-natured。
　　Ishallnotforgetitinahurry。Butyouhavemoregoodnatureandallthat，thananybodyliving，Ibelieve。
　　Amonstrousdealofgoodnature，anditisnotonlygoodnature，butyouhavesomuch，somuchofeverything；
　　andthenyouhavesuch——uponmysoul，Idonotknowanybodylikeyou。”
　　“Oh！dear，thereareagreatmanypeoplelikeme，Idaresay，onlyagreatdealbetter。Goodmorningtoyou。”
　　“ButIsay，MissMorland，IshallcomeandpaymyrespectsatFullertonbeforeitislong，ifnotdisagreeable。”
　　“Praydo。Myfatherandmotherwillbeverygladtoseeyou。”
　　“AndIhope——Ihope，MissMorland，youwillnotbesorrytoseeme。”
　　“Oh！dear，notatall。ThereareveryfewpeopleIamsorrytosee。Companyisalwayscheerful。”
　　“Thatisjustmywayofthinking。Givemebutalittlecheerfulcompany，letmeonlyhavethecompanyofthepeopleIlove，letmeonlybewhereIlikeandwithwhomIlike，andthedeviltaketherest，sayI。AndIamheartilygladtohearyousaythesame。ButIhaveanotion，MissMorland，youandIthinkprettymuchalikeuponmostmatters。”
　　“Perhapswemay；butitismorethanIeverthoughtof。
　　Andastomostmatters，tosaythetruth，therearenotmanythatIknowmyownmindabout。”
　　“ByJove，nomoredoI。Itisnotmywaytobothermybrainswithwhatdoesnotconcernme。Mynotionofthingsissimpleenough。LetmeonlyhavethegirlIlike，sayI，withacomfortablehouseovermyhead，andwhatcareIforalltherest?Fortuneisnothing。
　　Iamsureofagoodincomeofmyown；andifshehadnotapenny，why，somuchthebetter。”
　　“Verytrue。Ithinklikeyouthere。Ifthereisagoodfortuneononeside，therecanbenooccasionforanyontheother。Nomatterwhichhasit，sothatthereisenough。
　　Ihatetheideaofonegreatfortunelookingoutforanother。
　　AndtomarryformoneyIthinkthewickedestthinginexistence。Goodday。WeshallbeverygladtoseeyouatFullerton，wheneveritisconvenient。”Andawayshewent。Itwasnotinthepowerofallhisgallantrytodetainherlonger。Withsuchnewstocommunicate，andsuchavisittopreparefor，herdeparturewasnottobedelayedbyanythinginhisnaturetourge；andshehurriedaway，leavinghimtotheundividedconsciousnessofhisownhappyaddress，andherexplicitencouragement。
　　Theagitationwhichshehadherselfexperiencedonfirstlearningherbrother'sengagementmadeherexpecttoraisenoinconsiderableemotioninMr。andMrs。Allen，bythecommunicationofthewonderfulevent。
　　Howgreatwasherdisappointment！Theimportantaffair，whichmanywordsofpreparationusheredin，hadbeenforeseenbythembotheversinceherbrother'sarrival；
　　andallthattheyfeltontheoccasionwascomprehendedinawishfortheyoungpeople'shappiness，witharemark，onthegentleman'sside，infavourofIsabella'sbeauty，andonthelady's，ofhergreatgoodluck。ItwastoCatherinethemostsurprisinginsensibility。Thedisclosure，however，ofthegreatsecretofJames'sgoingtoFullertonthedaybefore，didraisesomeemotioninMrs。Allen。
　　Shecouldnotlistentothatwithperfectcalmness，butrepeatedlyregrettedthenecessityofitsconcealment，wishedshecouldhaveknownhisintention，wishedshecouldhaveseenhimbeforehewent，assheshouldcertainlyhavetroubledhimwithherbestregardstohisfatherandmother，andherkindcomplimentstoalltheSkinners。
　　CHAPTER16
　　Catherine'sexpectationsofpleasurefromhervisitinMilsomStreetweresoveryhighthatdisappointmentwasinevitable；andaccordingly，thoughshewasmostpolitelyreceivedbyGeneralTilney，andkindlywelcomedbyhisdaughter，thoughHenrywasathome，andnooneelseoftheparty，shefound，onherreturn，withoutspendingmanyhoursintheexaminationofherfeelings，thatshehadgonetoherappointmentpreparingforhappinesswhichithadnotafforded。InsteadoffindingherselfimprovedinacquaintancewithMissTilney，fromtheintercourseoftheday，sheseemedhardlysointimatewithherasbefore；
　　insteadofseeingHenryTilneytogreateradvantagethanever，intheeaseofafamilyparty，hehadneversaidsolittle，norbeensolittleagreeable；and，inspiteoftheirfather'sgreatcivilitiestoher——inspiteofhisthanks，invitations，andcompliments——ithadbeenareleasetogetawayfromhim。Itpuzzledhertoaccountforallthis。ItcouldnotbeGeneralTilney'sfault。
　　Thathewasperfectlyagreeableandgood-natured，andaltogetheraverycharmingman，didnotadmitofadoubt，forhewastallandhandsome，andHenry'sfather。
　　Hecouldnotbeaccountableforhischildren'swantofspirits，orforherwantofenjoymentinhiscompany。
　　Theformershehopedatlastmighthavebeenaccidental，andthelattershecouldonlyattributetoherownstupidity。
　　Isabella，onhearingtheparticularsofthevisit，gaveadifferentexplanation:“Itwasallpride，pride，insufferablehaughtinessandpride！Shehadlongsuspectedthefamilytobeveryhigh，andthismadeitcertain。
　　SuchinsolenceofbehaviourasMissTilney'sshehadneverheardofinherlife！Nottodothehonoursofherhousewithcommongoodbreeding！Tobehavetoherguestwithsuchsuperciliousness！Hardlyeventospeaktoher！“
　　“Butitwasnotsobadasthat，Isabella；therewasnosuperciliousness；shewasverycivil。”
　　“Oh！Don'tdefendher！Andthenthebrother，he，whohadappearedsoattachedtoyou！Goodheavens！Well，somepeople'sfeelingsareincomprehensible。Andsohehardlylookedonceatyouthewholeday?“
　　“Idonotsayso；buthedidnotseemingoodspirits。”
　　“Howcontemptible！Ofallthingsintheworldinconstancyismyaversion。Letmeentreatyounevertothinkofhimagain，mydearCatherine；indeedheisunworthyofyou。”
　　“Unworthy！Idonotsupposeheeverthinksofme。”
　　“ThatisexactlywhatIsay；heneverthinksofyou。Suchfickleness！Oh！Howdifferenttoyourbrotherandtomine！IreallybelieveJohnhasthemostconstantheart。”
　　“ButasforGeneralTilney，Iassureyouitwouldbeimpossibleforanybodytobehavetomewithgreatercivilityandattention；itseemedtobehisonlycaretoentertainandmakemehappy。”
　　“Oh！Iknownoharmofhim；Idonotsuspecthimofpride。Ibelieveheisaverygentleman-likeman。
　　Johnthinksverywellofhim，andJohn'sjudgment——“
　　“Well，Ishallseehowtheybehavetomethisevening；
　　weshallmeetthemattherooms。”
　　“AndmustIgo?“
　　“Donotyouintendit?Ithoughtitwasallsettled。”
　　“Nay，sinceyoumakesuchapointofit，Icanrefuseyounothing。Butdonotinsistuponmybeingveryagreeable，formyheart，youknow，willbesomefortymilesoff。
　　Andasfordancing，donotmentionit，Ibeg；thatisquiteoutofthequestion。CharlesHodgeswillplaguemetodeath，Idaresay；butIshallcuthimveryshort。
　　Tentoonebutheguessesthereason，andthatisexactlywhatIwanttoavoid，soIshallinsistonhiskeepinghisconjecturetohimself。”
　　Isabella'sopinionoftheTilneysdidnotinfluenceherfriend；shewassuretherehadbeennoinsolenceinthemannerseitherofbrotherorsister；andshedidnotcredittherebeinganyprideintheirhearts。
　　Theeveningrewardedherconfidence；shewasmetbyonewiththesamekindness，andbytheotherwiththesameattention，asheretofore:MissTilneytookpainstobenearher，andHenryaskedhertodance。
　　HavingheardthedaybeforeinMilsomStreetthattheirelderbrother，CaptainTilney，wasexpectedalmosteveryhour，shewasatnolossforthenameofaveryfashionable-looking，handsomeyoungman，whomshehadneverseenbefore，andwhonowevidentlybelongedtotheirparty。Shelookedathimwithgreatadmiration，andevensupposeditpossiblethatsomepeoplemightthinkhimhandsomerthanhisbrother，though，inhereyes，hisairwasmoreassuming，andhiscountenancelessprepossessing。Histasteandmannerswerebeyondadoubtdecidedlyinferior；for，withinherhearing，henotonlyprotestedagainsteverythoughtofdancinghimself，butevenlaughedopenlyatHenryforfindingitpossible。
　　Fromthelattercircumstanceitmaybepresumedthat，whatevermightbeourheroine'sopinionofhim，hisadmirationofherwasnotofaverydangerouskind；
　　notlikelytoproduceanimositiesbetweenthebrothers，norpersecutionstothelady。Hecannotbetheinstigatorofthethreevillainsinhorsemen'sgreatcoats，bywhomshewillhereafterbeforcedintoatraveling-chaiseandfour，whichwilldriveoffwithincrediblespeed。
　　Catherine，meanwhile，undisturbedbypresentimentsofsuchanevil，orofanyevilatall，exceptthatofhavingbutashortsettodancedown，enjoyedherusualhappinesswithHenryTilney，listeningwithsparklingeyestoeverythinghesaid；and，infindinghimirresistible，becomingsoherself。
　　Attheendofthefirstdance，CaptainTilneycametowardsthemagain，and，muchtoCatherine'sdissatisfaction，pulledhisbrotheraway。Theyretiredwhisperingtogether；
　　and，thoughherdelicatesensibilitydidnottakeimmediatealarm，andlayitdownasfact，thatCaptainTilneymusthaveheardsomemalevolentmisrepresentationofher，whichhenowhastenedtocommunicatetohisbrother，inthehopeofseparatingthemforever，shecouldnothaveherpartnerconveyedfromhersightwithoutveryuneasysensations。
　　Hersuspensewasoffullfiveminutes'duration；andshewasbeginningtothinkitaverylongquarterofanhour，whentheybothreturned，andanexplanationwasgiven，byHenry'srequestingtoknowifshethoughtherfriend，MissThorpe，wouldhaveanyobjectiontodancing，ashisbrotherwouldbemosthappytobeintroducedtoher。Catherine，withouthesitation，repliedthatshewasverysureMissThorpedidnotmeantodanceatall。
　　Thecruelreplywaspassedontotheother，andheimmediatelywalkedaway。
　　“Yourbrotherwillnotmindit，Iknow，“saidshe，“becauseIheardhimsaybeforethathehateddancing；
　　butitwasverygood-naturedinhimtothinkofit。
　　IsupposehesawIsabellasittingdown，andfanciedshemightwishforapartner；butheisquitemistaken，forshewouldnotdanceuponanyaccountintheworld。”
　　Henrysmiled，andsaid，“Howverylittletroubleitcangiveyoutounderstandthemotiveofotherpeople'sactions。”
　　“Why?Whatdoyoumean?“
　　“Withyou，itisnot，Howissuchaonelikelytobeinfluenced，Whatistheinducementmostlikelytoactuponsuchaperson'sfeelings，age，situation，andprobablehabitsoflifeconsidered——but，HowshouldIbeinfluenced，Whatwouldbemyinducementinactingsoandso?“
　　“Idonotunderstandyou。”
　　“Thenweareonveryunequalterms，forIunderstandyouperfectlywell。”
　　“Me?Yes；Icannotspeakwellenoughtobeunintelligible。”
　　“Bravo！Anexcellentsatireonmodernlanguage。”
　　“Butpraytellmewhatyoumean。”
　　“ShallIindeed?Doyoureallydesireit?Butyouarenotawareoftheconsequences；itwillinvolveyouinaverycruelembarrassment，andcertainlybringonadisagreementbetweenus。
　　“No，no；itshallnotdoeither；Iamnotafraid。”
　　“Well，then，Ionlymeantthatyourattributingmybrother'swishofdancingwithMissThorpetogoodnaturealoneconvincedmeofyourbeingsuperioringoodnatureyourselftoalltherestoftheworld。”
　　Catherineblushedanddisclaimed，andthegentleman'spredictionswereverified。Therewasasomething，however，inhiswordswhichrepaidherforthepainofconfusion；
　　andthatsomethingoccupiedhermindsomuchthatshedrewbackforsometime，forgettingtospeakortolisten，andalmostforgettingwhereshewas；till，rousedbythevoiceofIsabella，shelookedupandsawherwithCaptainTilneypreparingtogivethemhandsacross。
　　Isabellashruggedhershouldersandsmiled，theonlyexplanationofthisextraordinarychangewhichcouldatthattimebegiven；butasitwasnotquiteenoughforCatherine'scomprehension，shespokeherastonishmentinveryplaintermstoherpartner。
　　“Icannotthinkhowitcouldhappen！Isabellawassodeterminednottodance。”
　　“AnddidIsabellaneverchangehermindbefore?“
　　“Oh！But，because——Andyourbrother！Afterwhatyoutoldhimfromme，howcouldhethinkofgoingtoaskher?“
　　“Icannottakesurprisetomyselfonthathead。
　　Youbidmebesurprisedonyourfriend'saccount，andthereforeIam；butasformybrother，hisconductinthebusiness，Imustown，hasbeennomorethanI
　　believedhimperfectlyequalto。Thefairnessofyourfriendwasanopenattraction；herfirmness，youknow，couldonlybeunderstoodbyyourself。”
　　“Youarelaughing；but，Iassureyou，Isabellaisveryfirmingeneral。”
　　“Itisasmuchasshouldbesaidofanyone。Tobealwaysfirmmustbetobeoftenobstinate。Whenproperlytorelaxisthetrialofjudgment；and，withoutreferencetomybrother，IreallythinkMissThorpehasbynomeanschosenillinfixingonthepresenthour。”
　　Thefriendswerenotabletogettogetherforanyconfidentialdiscoursetillallthedancingwasover；
　　butthen，astheywalkedabouttheroomarminarm，Isabellathusexplainedherself:“Idonotwonderatyoursurprise；andIamreallyfatiguedtodeath。Heissucharattle！Amusingenough，ifmymindhadbeendisengaged；
　　butIwouldhavegiventheworldtositstill。”
　　“Thenwhydidnotyou?“
　　“Oh！Mydear！Itwouldhavelookedsoparticular；
　　andyouknowhowIabhordoingthat。IrefusedhimaslongasIpossiblycould，buthewouldtakenodenial。
　　Youhavenoideahowhepressedme。Ibeggedhimtoexcuseme，andgetsomeotherpartner——butno，nothe；
　　afteraspiringtomyhand，therewasnobodyelseintheroomhecouldbeartothinkof；anditwasnotthathewantedmerelytodance，hewantedtobewithme。
　　Oh！Suchnonsense！Itoldhimhehadtakenaveryunlikelywaytoprevailuponme；for，ofallthingsintheworld，Ihatedfinespeechesandcompliments；andso——andsothenIfoundtherewouldbenopeaceifIdidnotstandup。
　　Besides，IthoughtMrs。Hughes，whointroducedhim，mighttakeitillifIdidnot:andyourdearbrother，IamsurehewouldhavebeenmiserableifIhadsatdownthewholeevening。Iamsogladitisover！Myspiritsarequitejadedwithlisteningtohisnonsense:andthen，beingsuchasmartyoungfellow，Isaweveryeyewasuponus。”
　　“Heisveryhandsomeindeed。”
　　“Handsome！Yes，Isupposehemay。Idaresaypeoplewouldadmirehimingeneral；butheisnotatallinmystyleofbeauty。Ihateafloridcomplexionanddarkeyesinaman。However，heisverywell。Amazinglyconceited，Iamsure。Itookhimdownseveraltimes，youknow，inmyway。”
　　Whentheyoungladiesnextmet，theyhadafarmoreinterestingsubjecttodiscuss。JamesMorland'ssecondletterwasthenreceived，andthekindintentionsofhisfatherfullyexplained。Aliving，ofwhichMr。Morlandwashimselfpatronandincumbent，ofaboutfourhundredpoundsyearlyvalue，wastoberesignedtohissonassoonasheshouldbeoldenoughtotakeit；
　　notriflingdeductionfromthefamilyincome，noniggardlyassignmenttooneoftenchildren。Anestateofatleastequalvalue，moreover，wasassuredashisfutureinheritance。
　　Jamesexpressedhimselfontheoccasionwithbecominggratitude；andthenecessityofwaitingbetweentwoandthreeyearsbeforetheycouldmarry，being，howeverunwelcome，nomorethanhehadexpected，wasbornebyhimwithoutdiscontent。Catherine，whoseexpectationshadbeenasunfixedasherideasofherfather'sincome，andwhosejudgmentwasnowentirelyledbyherbrother，feltequallywellsatisfied，andheartilycongratulatedIsabellaonhavingeverythingsopleasantlysettled。
　　“Itisverycharmingindeed，“saidIsabella，withagraveface。“Mr。Morlandhasbehavedvastlyhandsomeindeed，“saidthegentleMrs。Thorpe，lookinganxiouslyatherdaughter。“IonlywishIcoulddoasmuch。Onecouldnotexpectmorefromhim，youknow。
　　Ifhefindshecandomorebyandby，Idaresayhewill，forIamsurehemustbeanexcellentgood-heartedman。
　　Fourhundredisbutasmallincometobeginonindeed，butyourwishes，mydearIsabella，aresomoderate，youdonotconsiderhowlittleyoueverwant，mydear。”
　　“ItisnotonmyownaccountIwishformore；butI
　　cannotbeartobethemeansofinjuringmydearMorland，makinghimsitdownuponanincomehardlyenoughtofindoneinthecommonnecessariesoflife。Formyself，itisnothing；Ineverthinkofmyself。”
　　“Iknowyouneverdo，mydear；andyouwillalwaysfindyourrewardintheaffectionitmakeseverybodyfeelforyou。Thereneverwasayoungwomansobelovedasyouarebyeverybodythatknowsyou；andIdaresaywhenMr。Morlandseesyou，mydearchild——butdonotletusdistressourdearCatherinebytalkingofsuchthings。
　　Mr。Morlandhasbehavedsoveryhandsome，youknow。
　　Ialwaysheardhewasamostexcellentman；andyouknow，mydear，wearenottosupposebutwhat，ifyouhadhadasuitablefortune，hewouldhavecomedownwithsomethingmore，forIamsurehemustbeamostliberal-mindedman。”
　　“NobodycanthinkbetterofMr。MorlandthanIdo，Iamsure。Buteverybodyhastheirfailing，youknow，andeverybodyhasarighttodowhattheylikewiththeirownmoney。”Catherinewashurtbytheseinsinuations。
　　“Iamverysure，“saidshe，“thatmyfatherhaspromisedtodoasmuchashecanafford。”
　　Isabellarecollectedherself。“Astothat，mysweetCatherine，therecannotbeadoubt，andyouknowmewellenoughtobesurethatamuchsmallerincomewouldsatisfyme。Itisnotthewantofmoremoneythatmakesmejustatpresentalittleoutofspirits；Ihatemoney；
　　andifourunioncouldtakeplacenowupononlyfiftypoundsayear，Ishouldnothaveawishunsatisfied。
　　Ah！myCatherine，youhavefoundmeout。There'sthesting。
　　Thelong，long，endlesstwoyearsandhalfthataretopassbeforeyourbrothercanholdtheliving。”
　　“Yes，yes，mydarlingIsabella，“saidMrs。Thorpe，“weperfectlyseeintoyourheart。Youhavenodisguise。
　　Weperfectlyunderstandthepresentvexation；andeverybodymustloveyouthebetterforsuchanoblehonestaffection。”
　　Catherine'suncomfortablefeelingsbegantolessen。
　　SheendeavouredtobelievethatthedelayofthemarriagewastheonlysourceofIsabella'sregret；andwhenshesawherattheirnextinterviewascheerfulandamiableasever，endeavouredtoforgetthatshehadforaminutethoughtotherwise。Jamessoonfollowedhisletter，andwasreceivedwiththemostgratifyingkindness。
　　CHAPTER17
　　TheAllenshadnowenteredonthesixthweekoftheirstayinBath；andwhetheritshouldbethelastwasforsometimeaquestion，towhichCatherinelistenedwithabeatingheart。TohaveheracquaintancewiththeTilneysendsosoonwasanevilwhichnothingcouldcounterbalance。
　　Herwholehappinessseemedatstake，whiletheaffairwasinsuspense，andeverythingsecuredwhenitwasdeterminedthatthelodgingsshouldbetakenforanotherfortnight。
　　WhatthisadditionalfortnightwastoproducetoherbeyondthepleasureofsometimesseeingHenryTilneymadebutasmallpartofCatherine'sspeculation。
　　Onceortwiceindeed，sinceJames'sengagementhadtaughtherwhatcouldbedone，shehadgotsofarastoindulgeinasecret“perhaps，“butingeneralthefelicityofbeingwithhimforthepresentboundedherviews:thepresentwasnowcomprisedinanotherthreeweeks，andherhappinessbeingcertainforthatperiod，therestofherlifewasatsuchadistanceastoexcitebutlittleinterest。
　　Inthecourseofthemorningwhichsawthisbusinessarranged，shevisitedMissTilney，andpouredforthherjoyfulfeelings。
　　Itwasdoomedtobeadayoftrial。NosoonerhadsheexpressedherdelightinMr。Allen'slengthenedstaythanMissTilneytoldherofherfather'shavingjustdetermineduponquittingBathbytheendofanotherweek。
　　Herewasablow！Thepastsuspenseofthemorninghadbeeneaseandquiettothepresentdisappointment。
　　Catherine'scountenancefell，andinavoiceofmostsincereconcernsheechoedMissTilney'sconcludingwords，“Bytheendofanotherweek！“
　　“Yes，myfathercanseldombeprevailedontogivethewaterswhatIthinkafairtrial。Hehasbeendisappointedofsomefriends'arrivalwhomheexpectedtomeethere，andasheisnowprettywell，isinahurrytogethome。”
　　“Iamverysorryforit，“saidCatherinedejectedly；
　　“ifIhadknownthisbefore——“
　　“Perhaps，“saidMissTilneyinanembarrassedmanner，“youwouldbesogood——itwouldmakemeveryhappyif——“
　　Theentranceofherfatherputastoptothecivility，whichCatherinewasbeginningtohopemightintroduceadesireoftheircorresponding。Afteraddressingherwithhisusualpoliteness，heturnedtohisdaughterandsaid，“Well，Eleanor，mayIcongratulateyouonbeingsuccessfulinyourapplicationtoyourfairfriend?“
　　“Iwasjustbeginningtomaketherequest，sir，asyoucamein。”
　　“Well，proceedbyallmeans。Iknowhowmuchyourheartisinit。Mydaughter，MissMorland，“
　　hecontinued，withoutleavinghisdaughtertimetospeak，“hasbeenformingaveryboldwish。WeleaveBath，asshehasperhapstoldyou，onSaturdayse'nnight。A
　　letterfrommystewardtellsmethatmypresenceiswantedathome；andbeingdisappointedinmyhopeofseeingtheMarquisofLongtownandGeneralCourteneyhere，someofmyveryoldfriends，thereisnothingtodetainmelongerinBath。Andcouldwecarryourselfishpointwithyou，weshouldleaveitwithoutasingleregret。
　　Canyou，inshort，beprevailedontoquitthissceneofpublictriumphandobligeyourfriendEleanorwithyourcompanyinGloucestershire?Iamalmostashamedtomaketherequest，thoughitspresumptionwouldcertainlyappeargreatertoeverycreatureinBaththanyourself。
　　Modestysuchasyours——butnotfortheworldwouldIpainitbyopenpraise。Ifyoucanbeinducedtohonouruswithavisit，youwillmakeushappybeyondexpression。
　　'Tistrue，wecanofferyounothinglikethegaietiesofthislivelyplace；wecantemptyouneitherbyamusementnorsplendour，forourmodeofliving，asyousee，isplainandunpretending；yetnoendeavoursshallbewantingonoursidetomakeNorthangerAbbeynotwhollydisagreeable。”
　　NorthangerAbbey！Thesewerethrillingwords，andwoundupCatherine'sfeelingstothehighestpointofecstasy。
　　Hergratefulandgratifiedheartcouldhardlyrestrainitsexpressionswithinthelanguageoftolerablecalmness。
　　Toreceivesoflatteringaninvitation！Tohavehercompanysowarmlysolicited！Everythinghonourableandsoothing，everypresentenjoyment，andeveryfuturehopewascontainedinit；andheracceptance，withonlythesavingclauseofPapaandMamma'sapprobation，waseagerlygiven。
　　“Iwillwritehomedirectly，“saidshe，andiftheydonotobject，asIdaresaytheywillnot——“
　　GeneralTilneywasnotlesssanguine，havingalreadywaitedonherexcellentfriendsinPulteneyStreet，andobtainedtheirsanctionofhiswishes。“Sincetheycanconsenttopartwithyou，“saidhe，“wemayexpectphilosophyfromalltheworld。”
　　MissTilneywasearnest，thoughgentle，inhersecondarycivilities，andtheaffairbecameinafewminutesasnearlysettledasthisnecessaryreferencetoFullertonwouldallow。
　　ThecircumstancesofthemorninghadledCatherine'sfeelingsthroughthevarietiesofsuspense，security，anddisappointment；buttheywerenowsafelylodgedinperfectbliss；andwithspiritselatedtorapture，withHenryatherheart，andNorthangerAbbeyonherlips，shehurriedhometowriteherletter。Mr。andMrs。Morland，relyingonthediscretionofthefriendstowhomtheyhadalreadyentrustedtheirdaughter，feltnodoubtoftheproprietyofanacquaintancewhichhadbeenformedundertheireye，andsentthereforebyreturnofposttheirreadyconsenttohervisitinGloucestershire。
　　Thisindulgence，thoughnotmorethanCatherinehadhopedfor，completedherconvictionofbeingfavouredbeyondeveryotherhumancreature，infriendsandfortune，circumstanceandchance。Everythingseemedtocooperateforheradvantage。Bythekindnessofherfirstfriends，theAllens，shehadbeenintroducedintosceneswherepleasuresofeverykindhadmether。Herfeelings，herpreferences，hadeachknownthehappinessofareturn。
　　Wherevershefeltattachment，shehadbeenabletocreateit。TheaffectionofIsabellawastobesecuredtoherinasister。TheTilneys，they，bywhom，aboveall，shedesiredtobefavourablythoughtof，outstrippedevenherwishesintheflatteringmeasuresbywhichtheirintimacywastobecontinued。Shewastobetheirchosenvisitor，shewastobeforweeksunderthesameroofwiththepersonwhosesocietyshemostlyprized——and，inadditiontoalltherest，thisroofwastobetheroofofanabbey！HerpassionforancientedificeswasnextindegreetoherpassionforHenryTilney——andcastlesandabbeysmadeusuallythecharmofthosereverieswhichhisimagedidnotfill。
　　Toseeandexploreeithertherampartsandkeepoftheone，orthecloistersoftheother，hadbeenformanyweeksadarlingwish，thoughtobemorethanthevisitorofanhourhadseemedtoonearlyimpossiblefordesire。