Andyet，thiswastohappen。Withallthechancesagainstherofhouse，hall，place，park，court，andcottage，Northangerturnedupanabbey，andshewastobeitsinhabitant。
Itslong，damppassages，itsnarrowcellsandruinedchapel，weretobewithinherdailyreach，andshecouldnotentirelysubduethehopeofsometraditionallegends，someawfulmemorialsofaninjuredandill-fatednun。
Itwaswonderfulthatherfriendsshouldseemsolittleelatedbythepossessionofsuchahome，thattheconsciousnessofitshouldbesomeeklyborne。
Thepowerofearlyhabitonlycouldaccountforit。
Adistinctiontowhichtheyhadbeenborngavenopride。
Theirsuperiorityofabodewasnomoretothemthantheirsuperiorityofperson。
ManyweretheinquiriesshewaseagertomakeofMissTilney；butsoactivewereherthoughts，thatwhentheseinquirieswereanswered，shewashardlymoreassuredthanbefore，ofNorthangerAbbeyhavingbeenarichlyendowedconventatthetimeoftheReformation，ofitshavingfallenintothehandsofanancestoroftheTilneysonitsdissolution，ofalargeportionoftheancientbuildingstillmakingapartofthepresentdwellingalthoughtherestwasdecayed，orofitsstandinglowinavalley，shelteredfromthenorthandeastbyrisingwoodsofoak。
CHAPTER18
Withamindthusfullofhappiness，Catherinewashardlyawarethattwoorthreedayshadpassedaway，withoutherseeingIsabellaformorethanafewminutestogether。
Shebeganfirsttobesensibleofthis，andtosighforherconversation，asshewalkedalongthepump-roomonemorning，byMrs。Allen'sside，withoutanythingtosayortohear；andscarcelyhadshefeltafiveminutes'
longingoffriendship，beforetheobjectofitappeared，andinvitinghertoasecretconference，ledthewaytoaseat。“Thisismyfavouriteplace，“saidsheastheysatdownonabenchbetweenthedoors，whichcommandedatolerableviewofeverybodyenteringateither；
“itissooutoftheway。”
Catherine，observingthatIsabella'seyeswerecontinuallybenttowardsonedoorortheother，asineagerexpectation，andrememberinghowoftenshehadbeenfalselyaccusedofbeingarch，thoughtthepresentafineopportunityforbeingreallyso；andthereforegailysaid，“Donotbeuneasy，Isabella，Jameswillsoonbehere。”
“Psha！Mydearcreature，“shereplied，“donotthinkmesuchasimpletonastobealwayswantingtoconfinehimtomyelbow。Itwouldbehideoustobealwaystogether；
weshouldbethejestoftheplace。AndsoyouaregoingtoNorthanger！Iamamazinglygladofit。ItisoneofthefinestoldplacesinEngland，Iunderstand。
Ishalldependuponamostparticulardescriptionofit。”
“Youshallcertainlyhavethebestinmypowertogive。
Butwhoareyoulookingfor?Areyoursisterscoming?“
“Iamnotlookingforanybody。One'seyesmustbesomewhere，andyouknowwhatafoolishtrickIhaveoffixingmine，whenmythoughtsareanhundredmilesoff。
Iamamazinglyabsent；IbelieveIamthemostabsentcreatureintheworld。Tilneysaysitisalwaysthecasewithmindsofacertainstamp。”
“ButIthought，Isabella，youhadsomethinginparticulartotellme?“
“Oh！Yes，andsoIhave。ButhereisaproofofwhatIwassaying。Mypoorhead，Ihadquiteforgotit。
Well，thethingisthis:IhavejusthadaletterfromJohn；
youcanguessthecontents。”
“No，indeed，Icannot。”
“Mysweetlove，donotbesoabominablyaffected。
Whatcanhewriteabout，butyourself?Youknowheisoverheadandearsinlovewithyou。”
“Withme，dearIsabella！“
“Nay，mysweetestCatherine，thisisbeingquiteabsurd！Modesty，andallthat，isverywellinitsway，butreallyalittlecommonhonestyissometimesquiteasbecoming。Ihavenoideaofbeingsooverstrained！
Itisfishingforcompliments。Hisattentionsweresuchasachildmusthavenoticed。AnditwasbuthalfanhourbeforeheleftBaththatyougavehimthemostpositiveencouragement。Hesayssointhisletter，saysthatheasgoodasmadeyouanoffer，andthatyoureceivedhisadvancesinthekindestway；andnowhewantsmetourgehissuit，andsayallmannerofprettythingstoyou。Soitisinvaintoaffectignorance。”
Catherine，withalltheearnestnessoftruth，expressedherastonishmentatsuchacharge，protestingherinnocenceofeverythoughtofMr。Thorpe'sbeinginlovewithher，andtheconsequentimpossibilityofherhavingeverintendedtoencouragehim。“Astoanyattentionsonhisside，Idodeclare，uponmyhonour，Ineverwassensibleofthemforamoment——exceptjusthisaskingmetodancethefirstdayofhiscoming。
Andastomakingmeanoffer，oranythinglikeit，theremustbesomeunaccountable，mistake。Icouldnothavemisunderstoodathingofthatkind，youknow！And，asIeverwishtobebelieved，Isolemnlyprotestthatnosyllableofsuchanatureeverpassedbetweenus。
Thelasthalfhourbeforehewentaway！Itmustbeallandcompletelyamistake——forIdidnotseehimoncethatwholemorning。”
“Butthatyoucertainlydid，foryouspentthewholemorninginEdgar'sBuildings——itwasthedayyourfather'sconsentcame——andIamprettysurethatyouandJohnwerealoneintheparloursometimebeforeyouleftthehouse。”
“Areyou?Well，ifyousayit，itwasso，Idaresay——butforthelifeofme，Icannotrecollectit。
Idoremembernowbeingwithyou，andseeinghimaswellastherest——butthatwewereeveraloneforfiveminutes——However，itisnotwortharguingabout，forwhatevermightpassonhisside，youmustbeconvinced，bymyhavingnorecollectionofit，thatIneverthought，norexpected，norwishedforanythingofthekindfromhim。
Iamexcessivelyconcernedthatheshouldhaveanyregardforme——butindeedithasbeenquiteunintentionalonmyside；Ineverhadthesmallestideaofit。
Prayundeceivehimassoonasyoucan，andtellhimIbeghispardon——thatis——IdonotknowwhatIoughttosay——butmakehimunderstandwhatImean，intheproperestway。
Iwouldnotspeakdisrespectfullyofabrotherofyours，Isabella，Iamsure；butyouknowverywellthatifIcouldthinkofonemanmorethananother——heisnottheperson。”
Isabellawassilent。“Mydearfriend，youmustnotbeangrywithme。Icannotsupposeyourbrothercaressoverymuchaboutme。And，youknow，weshallstillbesisters。”
“Yes，yes“withablush，“therearemorewaysthanoneofourbeingsisters。ButwhereamIwanderingto?Well，mydearCatherine，thecaseseemstobethatyouaredeterminedagainstpoorJohn——isnotitso?“
“Icertainlycannotreturnhisaffection，andascertainlynevermeanttoencourageit。”
“Sincethatisthecase，IamsureIshallnotteaseyouanyfurther。Johndesiredmetospeaktoyouonthesubject，andthereforeIhave。ButIconfess，assoonasIreadhisletter，Ithoughtitaveryfoolish，imprudentbusiness，andnotlikelytopromotethegoodofeither；forwhatwereyoutoliveupon，supposingyoucametogether?Youhavebothofyousomething，tobesure，butitisnotatriflethatwillsupportafamilynowadays；
andafterallthatromancersmaysay，thereisnodoingwithoutmoney。IonlywonderJohncouldthinkofit；
hecouldnothavereceivedmylast。”
“Youdoacquitme，then，ofanythingwrong?——YouareconvincedthatInevermeanttodeceiveyourbrother，neversuspectedhimoflikingmetillthismoment?“
“Oh！Astothat，“answeredIsabellalaughingly，“Idonotpretendtodeterminewhatyourthoughtsanddesignsintimepastmayhavebeen。Allthatisbestknowntoyourself。Alittleharmlessflirtationorsowilloccur，andoneisoftendrawnontogivemoreencouragementthanonewishestostandby。ButyoumaybeassuredthatI
amthelastpersonintheworldtojudgeyouseverely。
Allthosethingsshouldbeallowedforinyouthandhighspirits。Whatonemeansoneday，youknow，onemaynotmeanthenext。Circumstanceschange，opinionsalter。”
“Butmyopinionofyourbrotherneverdidalter；
itwasalwaysthesame。Youaredescribingwhatneverhappened。”
“MydearestCatherine，“continuedtheotherwithoutatalllisteningtoher，“Iwouldnotforalltheworldbethemeansofhurryingyouintoanengagementbeforeyouknewwhatyouwereabout。Idonotthinkanythingwouldjustifymeinwishingyoutosacrificeallyourhappinessmerelytoobligemybrother，becauseheismybrother，andwhoperhapsafterall，youknow，mightbejustashappywithoutyou，forpeopleseldomknowwhattheywouldbeat，youngmenespecially，theyaresoamazinglychangeableandinconstant。WhatIsayis，whyshouldabrother'shappinessbedearertomethanafriend's?YouknowI
carrymynotionsoffriendshipprettyhigh。But，aboveallthings，mydearCatherine，donotbeinahurry。
Takemywordforit，thatifyouareintoogreatahurry，youwillcertainlylivetorepentit。Tilneysaysthereisnothingpeoplearesooftendeceivedinasthestateoftheirownaffections，andIbelieveheisveryright。
Ah！Herehecomes；nevermind，hewillnotseeus，Iamsure。”
Catherine，lookingup，perceivedCaptainTilney；
andIsabella，earnestlyfixinghereyeonhimasshespoke，sooncaughthisnotice。Heapproachedimmediately，andtooktheseattowhichhermovementsinvitedhim。
HisfirstaddressmadeCatherinestart。Thoughspokenlow，shecoulddistinguish，“What！Alwaystobewatched，inpersonorbyproxy！“
“Psha，nonsense！“wasIsabella'sanswerinthesamehalfwhisper。“Whydoyouputsuchthingsintomyhead?IfIcouldbelieveit——myspirit，youknow，isprettyindependent。”
“Iwishyourheartwereindependent。Thatwouldbeenoughforme。”
“Myheart，indeed！Whatcanyouhavetodowithhearts?Youmenhavenoneofyouanyhearts。”
“Ifwehavenothearts，wehaveeyes；andtheygiveustormentenough。”
“Dothey?Iamsorryforit；Iamsorrytheyfindanythingsodisagreeableinme。Iwilllookanotherway。
Ihopethispleasesyou“turningherbackonhim；
“Ihopeyoureyesarenottormentednow。”
“Nevermoreso；fortheedgeofabloomingcheekisstillinview——atoncetoomuchandtoolittle。”
Catherineheardallthis，andquiteoutofcountenance，couldlistennolonger。AmazedthatIsabellacouldendureit，andjealousforherbrother，sheroseup，andsayingsheshouldjoinMrs。Allen，proposedtheirwalking。ButforthisIsabellashowednoinclination。Shewassoamazinglytired，anditwassoodioustoparadeaboutthepump-room；
andifshemovedfromherseatsheshouldmisshersisters；
shewasexpectinghersisterseverymoment；sothatherdearestCatherinemustexcuseher，andmustsitquietlydownagain。
ButCatherinecouldbestubborntoo；andMrs。Allenjustthencominguptoproposetheirreturninghome，shejoinedherandwalkedoutofthepump-room，leavingIsabellastillsittingwithCaptainTilney。Withmuchuneasinessdidshethusleavethem。ItseemedtoherthatCaptainTilneywasfallinginlovewithIsabella，andIsabellaunconsciouslyencouraginghim；unconsciouslyitmustbe，forIsabella'sattachmenttoJameswasascertainandwellacknowledgedasherengagement。Todoubthertruthorgoodintentionswasimpossible；andyet，duringthewholeoftheirconversationhermannerhadbeenodd。
ShewishedIsabellahadtalkedmorelikeherusualself，andnotsomuchaboutmoney，andhadnotlookedsowellpleasedatthesightofCaptainTilney。Howstrangethatsheshouldnotperceivehisadmiration！Catherinelongedtogiveherahintofit，toputheronherguard，andpreventallthepainwhichhertoolivelybehaviourmightotherwisecreatebothforhimandherbrother。
ThecomplimentofJohnThorpe'saffectiondidnotmakeamendsforthisthoughtlessnessinhissister。Shewasalmostasfarfrombelievingasfromwishingittobesincere；
forshehadnotforgottenthathecouldmistake，andhisassertionoftheofferandofherencouragementconvincedherthathismistakescouldsometimesbeveryegregious。
Invanity，therefore，shegainedbutlittle；herchiefprofitwasinwonder。Thatheshouldthinkitworthhiswhiletofancyhimselfinlovewithherwasamatteroflivelyastonishment。Isabellatalkedofhisattentions；
shehadneverbeensensibleofany；butIsabellahadsaidmanythingswhichshehopedhadbeenspokeninhaste，andwouldneverbesaidagain；anduponthisshewasgladtorestaltogetherforpresenteaseandcomfort。
CHAPTER19
Afewdayspassedaway，andCatherine，thoughnotallowingherselftosuspectherfriend，couldnothelpwatchingherclosely。Theresultofherobservationswasnotagreeable。Isabellaseemedanalteredcreature。
Whenshesawher，indeed，surroundedonlybytheirimmediatefriendsinEdgar'sBuildingsorPulteneyStreet，herchangeofmannerswassotriflingthat，haditgonenofarther，itmighthavepassedunnoticed。
Asomethingoflanguidindifference，orofthatboastedabsenceofmindwhichCatherinehadneverheardofbefore，wouldoccasionallycomeacrossher；buthadnothingworseappeared，thatmightonlyhavespreadanewgraceandinspiredawarmerinterest。ButwhenCatherinesawherinpublic，admittingCaptainTilney'sattentionsasreadilyastheywereoffered，andallowinghimalmostanequalsharewithJamesinhernoticeandsmiles，thealterationbecametoopositivetobepassedover。
Whatcouldbemeantbysuchunsteadyconduct，whatherfriendcouldbeat，wasbeyondhercomprehension。
Isabellacouldnotbeawareofthepainshewasinflicting；
butitwasadegreeofwilfulthoughtlessnesswhichCatherinecouldnotbutresent。Jameswasthesufferer。
Shesawhimgraveanduneasy；andhowevercarelessofhispresentcomfortthewomanmightbewhohadgivenhimherheart，toheritwasalwaysanobject。
ForpoorCaptainTilneytooshewasgreatlyconcerned。
Thoughhislooksdidnotpleaseher，hisnamewasapassporttohergoodwill，andshethoughtwithsincerecompassionofhisapproachingdisappointment；for，inspiteofwhatshehadbelievedherselftooverbearinthepump-room，hisbehaviourwassoincompatiblewithaknowledgeofIsabella'sengagementthatshecouldnot，uponreflection，imaginehimawareofit。Hemightbejealousofherbrotherasarival，butifmorebadseemedimplied，thefaultmusthavebeeninhermisapprehension。
Shewished，byagentleremonstrance，toremindIsabellaofhersituation，andmakeherawareofthisdoubleunkindness；
butforremonstrance，eitheropportunityorcomprehensionwasalwaysagainsther。Ifabletosuggestahint，Isabellacouldneverunderstandit。Inthisdistress，theintendeddepartureoftheTilneyfamilybecameherchiefconsolation；theirjourneyintoGloucestershirewastotakeplacewithinafewdays，andCaptainTilney'sremovalwouldatleastrestorepeacetoeveryheartbuthisown。ButCaptainTilneyhadatpresentnointentionofremoving；hewasnottobeofthepartytoNorthanger；
hewastocontinueatBath。WhenCatherineknewthis，herresolutionwasdirectlymade。ShespoketoHenryTilneyonthesubject，regrettinghisbrother'sevidentpartialityforMissThorpe，andentreatinghimtomakeknownherpriorengagement。
“Mybrotherdoesknowit，“wasHenry'sanswer。
“Doeshe?Thenwhydoeshestayhere?“
Hemadenoreply，andwasbeginningtotalkofsomethingelse；butsheeagerlycontinued，“Whydonotyoupersuadehimtogoaway?Thelongerhestays，theworseitwillbeforhimatlast。Prayadvisehimforhisownsake，andforeverybody'ssake，toleaveBathdirectly。Absencewillintimemakehimcomfortableagain；buthecanhavenohopehere，anditisonlystayingtobemiserable。”Henrysmiledandsaid，“Iamsuremybrotherwouldnotwishtodothat。”
“Thenyouwillpersuadehimtogoaway?“
“Persuasionisnotatcommand；butpardonme，ifI
cannotevenendeavourtopersuadehim。IhavemyselftoldhimthatMissThorpeisengaged。Heknowswhatheisabout，andmustbehisownmaster。”
“No，hedoesnotknowwhatheisabout，“criedCatherine；
“hedoesnotknowthepainheisgivingmybrother。
NotthatJameshasevertoldmeso，butIamsureheisveryuncomfortable。”
“Andareyousureitismybrother'sdoing?“
“Yes，verysure。”
“Isitmybrother'sattentionstoMissThorpe，orMissThorpe'sadmissionofthem，thatgivesthepain?“
“Isnotitthesamething?“
“IthinkMr。Morlandwouldacknowledgeadifference。
Nomanisoffendedbyanotherman'sadmirationofthewomanheloves；itisthewomanonlywhocanmakeitatorment。”
Catherineblushedforherfriend，andsaid，“Isabellaiswrong。ButIamsureshecannotmeantotorment，forsheisverymuchattachedtomybrother。
Shehasbeeninlovewithhimeversincetheyfirstmet，andwhilemyfather'sconsentwasuncertain，shefrettedherselfalmostintoafever。Youknowshemustbeattachedtohim。”
“Iunderstand:sheisinlovewithJames，andflirtswithFrederick。”
“Oh！no，notflirts。Awomaninlovewithonemancannotflirtwithanother。”
“Itisprobablethatshewillneitherlovesowell，norflirtsowell，asshemightdoeithersingly。
Thegentlemenmusteachgiveupalittle。”
Afterashortpause，Catherineresumedwith，“ThenyoudonotbelieveIsabellasoverymuchattachedtomybrother?“
“Icanhavenoopiniononthatsubject。”
“Butwhatcanyourbrothermean?Ifheknowsherengagement，whatcanhemeanbyhisbehaviour?“
“Youareaveryclosequestioner。”
“AmI?IonlyaskwhatIwanttobetold。”
“ButdoyouonlyaskwhatIcanbeexpectedtotell?“
“Yes，Ithinkso；foryoumustknowyourbrother'sheart。”
“Mybrother'sheart，asyoutermit，onthepresentoccasion，IassureyouIcanonlyguessat。”
“Well?“
“Well！Nay，ifitistobeguesswork，letusallguessforourselves。Tobeguidedbysecond-handconjectureispitiful。Thepremisesarebeforeyou。Mybrotherisalivelyandperhapssometimesathoughtlessyoungman；
hehashadaboutaweek'sacquaintancewithyourfriend，andhehasknownherengagementalmostaslongashehasknownher。”
“Well，“saidCatherine，aftersomemoments'consideration，“youmaybeabletoguessatyourbrother'sintentionsfromallthis；butIamsureIcannot。Butisnotyourfatheruncomfortableaboutit?DoesnothewantCaptainTilneytogoaway?Sure，ifyourfatherweretospeaktohim，hewouldgo。”
“MydearMissMorland，“saidHenry，“inthisamiablesolicitudeforyourbrother'scomfort，mayyounotbealittlemistaken?Areyounotcarriedalittletoofar?
Wouldhethankyou，eitheronhisownaccountorMissThorpe's，forsupposingthatheraffection，oratleasthergoodbehaviour，isonlytobesecuredbyherseeingnothingofCaptainTilney?Ishesafeonlyinsolitude?
Orisherheartconstanttohimonlywhenunsolicitedbyanyoneelse?Hecannotthinkthis——andyoumaybesurethathewouldnothaveyouthinkit。Iwillnotsay，'Donotbeuneasy，'becauseIknowthatyouareso，atthismoment；butbeaslittleuneasyasyoucan。
Youhavenodoubtofthemutualattachmentofyourbrotherandyourfriend；dependuponit，therefore，thatrealjealousynevercanexistbetweenthem；dependuponitthatnodisagreementbetweenthemcanbeofanyduration。
Theirheartsareopentoeachother，asneitherheartcanbetoyou；theyknowexactlywhatisrequiredandwhatcanbeborne；andyoumaybecertainthatonewillneverteasetheotherbeyondwhatisknowntobepleasant。”
Perceivingherstilltolookdoubtfulandgrave，headded，“ThoughFrederickdoesnotleaveBathwithus，hewillprobablyremainbutaveryshorttime，perhapsonlyafewdaysbehindus。Hisleaveofabsencewillsoonexpire，andhemustreturntohisregiment。
Andwhatwillthenbetheiracquaintance?Themess-roomwilldrinkIsabellaThorpeforafortnight，andshewilllaughwithyourbrotheroverpoorTilney'spassionforamonth。”
Catherinewouldcontendnolongeragainstcomfort。
Shehadresisteditsapproachesduringthewholelengthofaspeech，butitnowcarriedhercaptive。HenryTilneymustknowbest。Sheblamedherselffortheextentofherfears，andresolvednevertothinksoseriouslyonthesubjectagain。
HerresolutionwassupportedbyIsabella'sbehaviourintheirpartinginterview。TheThorpesspentthelasteveningofCatherine'sstayinPulteneyStreet，andnothingpassedbetweentheloverstoexciteheruneasiness，ormakeherquittheminapprehension。Jameswasinexcellentspirits，andIsabellamostengaginglyplacid。
Hertendernessforherfriendseemedratherthefirstfeelingofherheart；butthatatsuchamomentwasallowable；
andonceshegaveherloveraflatcontradiction，andonceshedrewbackherhand；butCatherinerememberedHenry'sinstructions，andplaceditalltojudiciousaffection。
Theembraces，tears，andpromisesofthepartingfaironesmaybefancied。
CHAPTER20
Mr。andMrs。Allenweresorrytolosetheiryoungfriend，whosegoodhumourandcheerfulnesshadmadeheravaluablecompanion，andinthepromotionofwhoseenjoymenttheirownhadbeengentlyincreased。HerhappinessingoingwithMissTilney，however，preventedtheirwishingitotherwise；and，astheyweretoremainonlyonemoreweekinBaththemselves，herquittingthemnowwouldnotlongbefelt。Mr。AllenattendedhertoMilsomStreet，whereshewastobreakfast，andsawherseatedwiththekindestwelcomeamonghernewfriends；butsogreatwasheragitationinfindingherselfasoneofthefamily，andsofearfulwassheofnotdoingexactlywhatwasright，andofnotbeingabletopreservetheirgoodopinion，that，intheembarrassmentofthefirstfiveminutes，shecouldalmosthavewishedtoreturnwithhimtoPulteneyStreet。
MissTilney'smannersandHenry'ssmilesoondidawaysomeofherunpleasantfeelings；butstillshewasfarfrombeingatease；norcouldtheincessantattentionsofthegeneralhimselfentirelyreassureher。
Nay，perverseasitseemed，shedoubtedwhethershemightnothavefeltless，hadshebeenlessattendedto。
Hisanxietyforhercomfort——hiscontinualsolicitationsthatshewouldeat，andhisoften-expressedfearsofherseeingnothingtohertaste——thoughneverinherlifebeforehadshebeheldhalfsuchvarietyonabreakfast-table——madeitimpossibleforhertoforgetforamomentthatshewasavisitor。Shefeltutterlyunworthyofsuchrespect，andknewnothowtoreplytoit。Hertranquillitywasnotimprovedbythegeneral'simpatiencefortheappearanceofhiseldestson，norbythedispleasureheexpressedathislazinesswhenCaptainTilneyatlastcamedown。
Shewasquitepainedbytheseverityofhisfather'sreproof，whichseemeddisproportionatetotheoffence；andmuchwasherconcernincreasedwhenshefoundherselftheprincipalcauseofthelecture，andthathistardinesswaschieflyresentedfrombeingdisrespectfultoher。
Thiswasplacingherinaveryuncomfortablesituation，andshefeltgreatcompassionforCaptainTilney，withoutbeingabletohopeforhisgoodwill。
Helistenedtohisfatherinsilence，andattemptednotanydefence，whichconfirmedherinfearingthattheinquietudeofhismind，onIsabella'saccount，might，bykeepinghimlongsleepless，havebeentherealcauseofhisrisinglate。Itwasthefirsttimeofherbeingdecidedlyinhiscompany，andshehadhopedtobenowabletoformheropinionofhim；butshescarcelyheardhisvoicewhilehisfatherremainedintheroom；
andevenafterwards，somuchwerehisspiritsaffected，shecoulddistinguishnothingbutthesewords，inawhispertoEleanor，“HowgladIshallbewhenyouarealloff。”
Thebustleofgoingwasnotpleasant。Theclockstrucktenwhilethetrunkswerecarryingdown，andthegeneralhadfixedtobeoutofMilsomStreetbythathour。
Hisgreatcoat，insteadofbeingbroughtforhimtoputondirectly，wasspreadoutinthecurricleinwhichhewastoaccompanyhisson。Themiddleseatofthechaisewasnotdrawnout，thoughtherewerethreepeopletogoinit，andhisdaughter'smaidhadsocrowdeditwithparcelsthatMissMorlandwouldnothaveroomtosit；and，somuchwasheinfluencedbythisapprehensionwhenhehandedherin，thatshehadsomedifficultyinsavingherownnewwriting-deskfrombeingthrownoutintothestreet。
Atlast，however，thedoorwascloseduponthethreefemales，andtheysetoffatthesoberpaceinwhichthehandsome，highlyfedfourhorsesofagentlemanusuallyperformajourneyofthirtymiles:suchwasthedistanceofNorthangerfromBath，tobenowdividedintotwoequalstages。
Catherine'sspiritsrevivedastheydrovefromthedoor；
forwithMissTilneyshefeltnorestraint；and，withtheinterestofaroadentirelynewtoher，ofanabbeybefore，andacurriclebehind，shecaughtthelastviewofBathwithoutanyregret，andmetwitheverymilestonebeforesheexpectedit。Thetediousnessofatwohours'
waitatPettyFrance，inwhichtherewasnothingtobedonebuttoeatwithoutbeinghungry，andloiteraboutwithoutanythingtosee，nextfollowed——andheradmirationofthestyleinwhichtheytravelled，ofthefashionablechaiseandfour——postilionshandsomelyliveried，risingsoregularlyintheirstirrups，andnumerousoutridersproperlymounted，sunkalittleunderthisconsequentinconvenience。
Hadtheirpartybeenperfectlyagreeable，thedelaywouldhavebeennothing；butGeneralTilney，thoughsocharmingaman，seemedalwaysacheckuponhischildren'sspirits，andscarcelyanythingwassaidbutbyhimself；
theobservationofwhich，withhisdiscontentatwhatevertheinnafforded，andhisangryimpatienceatthewaiters，madeCatherinegroweverymomentmoreinaweofhim，andappearedtolengthenthetwohoursintofour。
Atlast，however，theorderofreleasewasgiven；
andmuchwasCatherinethensurprisedbythegeneral'sproposalofhertakinghisplaceinhisson'scurriclefortherestofthejourney:“thedaywasfine，andhewasanxiousforherseeingasmuchofthecountryaspossible。”
TheremembranceofMr。Allen'sopinion，respectingyoungmen'sopencarriages，madeherblushatthementionofsuchaplan，andherfirstthoughtwastodeclineit；
buthersecondwasofgreaterdeferenceforGeneralTilney'sjudgment；hecouldnotproposeanythingimproperforher；and，inthecourseofafewminutes，shefoundherselfwithHenryinthecurricle，ashappyabeingaseverexisted。Averyshorttrialconvincedherthatacurriclewastheprettiestequipageintheworld；
thechaiseandfourwheeledoffwithsomegrandeur，tobesure，butitwasaheavyandtroublesomebusiness，andshecouldnoteasilyforgetitshavingstoppedtwohoursatPettyFrance。Halfthetimewouldhavebeenenoughforthecurricle，andsonimblywerethelighthorsesdisposedtomove，that，hadnotthegeneralchosentohavehisowncarriageleadtheway，theycouldhavepasseditwitheaseinhalfaminute。Butthemeritofthecurricledidnotallbelongtothehorses；Henrydrovesowell——soquietly——withoutmakinganydisturbance，withoutparadingtoher，orswearingatthem:sodifferentfromtheonlygentleman-coachmanwhomitwasinherpowertocomparehimwith！Andthenhishatsatsowell，andtheinnumerablecapesofhisgreatcoatlookedsobecominglyimportant！
Tobedrivenbyhim，nexttobeingdancingwithhim，wascertainlythegreatesthappinessintheworld。
Inadditiontoeveryotherdelight，shehadnowthatoflisteningtoherownpraise；ofbeingthankedatleast，onhissister'saccount，forherkindnessinthusbecominghervisitor；ofhearingitrankedasrealfriendship，anddescribedascreatingrealgratitude。Hissister，hesaid，wasuncomfortablycircumstanced——shehadnofemalecompanion——and，inthefrequentabsenceofherfather，wassometimeswithoutanycompanionatall。
“Buthowcanthatbe?“saidCatherine。“Arenotyouwithher?“
“Northangerisnotmorethanhalfmyhome；
IhaveanestablishmentatmyownhouseinWoodston，whichisnearlytwentymilesfrommyfather's，andsomeofmytimeisnecessarilyspentthere。”
“Howsorryyoumustbeforthat！“
“IamalwayssorrytoleaveEleanor。”
“Yes；butbesidesyouraffectionforher，youmustbesofondoftheabbey！Afterbeingusedtosuchahomeastheabbey，anordinaryparsonage-housemustbeverydisagreeable。”
Hesmiled，andsaid，“Youhaveformedaveryfavourableideaoftheabbey。”
“Tobesure，Ihave。Isnotitafineoldplace，justlikewhatonereadsabout?“
“Andareyoupreparedtoencounterallthehorrorsthatabuildingsuchas'whatonereadsabout'mayproduce?
Haveyouastoutheart?Nervesfitforslidingpanelsandtapestry?“
“Oh！yes——IdonotthinkIshouldbeeasilyfrightened，becausetherewouldbesomanypeopleinthehouse——andbesides，ithasneverbeenuninhabitedandleftdesertedforyears，andthenthefamilycomebacktoitunawares，withoutgivinganynotice，asgenerallyhappens。”
“No，certainly。Weshallnothavetoexploreourwayintoahalldimlylightedbytheexpiringembersofawoodfire——norbeobligedtospreadourbedsonthefloorofaroomwithoutwindows，doors，orfurniture。
Butyoumustbeawarethatwhenayoungladyisbywhatevermeansintroducedintoadwellingofthiskind，sheisalwayslodgedapartfromtherestofthefamily。
Whiletheysnuglyrepairtotheirownendofthehouse，sheisformallyconductedbyDorothy，theancienthousekeeper，upadifferentstaircase，andalongmanygloomypassages，intoanapartmentneverusedsincesomecousinorkindiedinitabouttwentyyearsbefore。Canyoustandsuchaceremonyasthis?Willnotyourmindmisgiveyouwhenyoufindyourselfinthisgloomychamber——tooloftyandextensiveforyou，withonlythefeebleraysofasinglelamptotakeinitssize——itswallshungwithtapestryexhibitingfiguresaslargeaslife，andthebed，ofdarkgreenstufforpurplevelvet，presentingevenafunerealappearance?Willnotyourheartsinkwithinyou?“
“Oh！Butthiswillnothappentome，Iamsure。”
“Howfearfullywillyouexaminethefurnitureofyourapartment！Andwhatwillyoudiscern?Nottables，toilettes，wardrobes，ordrawers，butononesideperhapstheremainsofabrokenlute，ontheotheraponderouschestwhichnoeffortscanopen，andoverthefireplacetheportraitofsomehandsomewarrior，whosefeatureswillsoincomprehensiblystrikeyou，thatyouwillnotbeabletowithdrawyoureyesfromit。Dorothy，meanwhile，nolessstruckbyyourappearance，gazesonyouingreatagitation，anddropsafewunintelligiblehints。
Toraiseyourspirits，moreover，shegivesyoureasontosupposethatthepartoftheabbeyyouinhabitisundoubtedlyhaunted，andinformsyouthatyouwillnothaveasingledomesticwithincall。Withthispartingcordialshecurtsiesoff——youlistentothesoundofherrecedingfootstepsaslongasthelastechocanreachyou——andwhen，withfaintingspirits，youattempttofastenyourdoor，youdiscover，withincreasedalarm，thatithasnolock。”
“Oh！Mr。Tilney，howfrightful！Thisisjustlikeabook！Butitcannotreallyhappentome。IamsureyourhousekeeperisnotreallyDorothy。Well，whatthen?“
“Nothingfurthertoalarmperhapsmayoccurthefirstnight。Aftersurmountingyourunconquerablehorrorofthebed，youwillretiretorest，andgetafewhours'
unquietslumber。Butonthesecond，oratfarthestthethirdnightafteryourarrival，youwillprobablyhaveaviolentstorm。Pealsofthundersoloudastoseemtoshaketheedificetoitsfoundationwillrollroundtheneighbouringmountains——andduringthefrightfulgustsofwindwhichaccompanyit，youwillprobablythinkyoudiscernforyourlampisnotextinguishedonepartofthehangingmoreviolentlyagitatedthantherest。
Unableofcoursetorepressyourcuriosityinsofavourableamomentforindulgingit，youwillinstantlyarise，andthrowingyourdressing-gownaroundyou，proceedtoexaminethismystery。Afteraveryshortsearch，youwilldiscoveradivisioninthetapestrysoartfullyconstructedastodefytheminutestinspection，andonopeningit，adoorwillimmediatelyappear——whichdoor，beingonlysecuredbymassybarsandapadlock，youwill，afterafewefforts，succeedinopening——and，withyourlampinyourhand，willpassthroughitintoasmallvaultedroom。”
“No，indeed；Ishouldbetoomuchfrightenedtodoanysuchthing。”
“What！NotwhenDorothyhasgivenyoutounderstandthatthereisasecretsubterraneouscommunicationbetweenyourapartmentandthechapelofSt。Anthony，scarcelytwomilesoff?Couldyoushrinkfromsosimpleanadventure?
No，no，youwillproceedintothissmallvaultedroom，andthroughthisintoseveralothers，withoutperceivinganythingveryremarkableineither。Inoneperhapstheremaybeadagger，inanotherafewdropsofblood，andinathirdtheremainsofsomeinstrumentoftorture；
buttherebeingnothinginallthisoutofthecommonway，andyourlampbeingnearlyexhausted，youwillreturntowardsyourownapartment。Inrepassingthroughthesmallvaultedroom，however，youreyeswillbeattractedtowardsalarge，old-fashionedcabinetofebonyandgold，which，thoughnarrowlyexaminingthefurniturebefore，youhadpassedunnoticed。Impelledbyanirresistiblepresentiment，youwilleagerlyadvancetoit，unlockitsfoldingdoors，andsearchintoeverydrawer——butforsometimewithoutdiscoveringanythingofimportance——perhapsnothingbutaconsiderablehoardofdiamonds。Atlast，however，bytouchingasecretspring，aninnercompartmentwillopen——arollofpaperappears——youseizeit——itcontainsmanysheetsofmanuscript——youhastenwiththeprecioustreasureintoyourownchamber，butscarcelyhaveyoubeenabletodecipher'Oh！Thou——whomsoeverthoumaystbe，intowhosehandsthesememoirsofthewretchedMatildamayfall'——whenyourlampsuddenlyexpiresinthesocket，andleavesyouintotaldarkness。”
“Oh！No，no——donotsayso。Well，goon。”
ButHenrywastoomuchamusedbytheinteresthehadraisedtobeabletocarryitfarther；hecouldnolongercommandsolemnityeitherofsubjectorvoice，andwasobligedtoentreathertouseherownfancyintheperusalofMatilda'swoes。Catherine，recollectingherself，grewashamedofhereagerness，andbeganearnestlytoassurehimthatherattentionhadbeenfixedwithoutthesmallestapprehensionofreallymeetingwithwhatherelated。
“MissTilney，shewassure，wouldneverputherintosuchachamberashehaddescribed！Shewasnotatallafraid。”
Astheydrewneartheendoftheirjourney，herimpatienceforasightoftheabbey——forsometimesuspendedbyhisconversationonsubjectsverydifferent——returnedinfullforce，andeverybendintheroadwasexpectedwithsolemnawetoaffordaglimpseofitsmassywallsofgreystone，risingamidstagroveofancientoaks，withthelastbeamsofthesunplayinginbeautifulsplendouronitshighGothicwindows。Butsolowdidthebuildingstand，thatshefoundherselfpassingthroughthegreatgatesofthelodgeintotheverygroundsofNorthanger，withouthavingdiscernedevenanantiquechimney。
Sheknewnotthatshehadanyrighttobesurprised，buttherewasasomethinginthismodeofapproachwhichshecertainlyhadnotexpected。Topassbetweenlodgesofamodernappearance，tofindherselfwithsucheaseintheveryprecinctsoftheabbey，anddrivensorapidlyalongasmooth，levelroadoffinegravel，withoutobstacle，alarm，orsolemnityofanykind，struckherasoddandinconsistent。Shewasnotlongatleisure，however，forsuchconsiderations。
Asuddenscudofrain，drivingfullinherface，madeitimpossibleforhertoobserveanythingfurther，andfixedallherthoughtsonthewelfareofhernewstrawbonnet；
andshewasactuallyundertheabbeywalls，wasspringing，withHenry'sassistance，fromthecarriage，wasbeneaththeshelteroftheoldporch，andhadevenpassedontothehall，whereherfriendandthegeneralwerewaitingtowelcomeher，withoutfeelingoneawfulforebodingoffuturemiserytoherself，oronemoment'ssuspicionofanypastscenesofhorrorbeingactedwithinthesolemnedifice。Thebreezehadnotseemedtowaftthesighsofthemurderedtoher；
ithadwaftednothingworsethanathickmizzlingrain；
andhavinggivenagoodshaketoherhabit，shewasreadytobeshownintothecommondrawing-room，andcapableofconsideringwhereshewas。
Anabbey！Yes，itwasdelightfultobereallyinanabbey！Butshedoubted，asshelookedroundtheroom，whetheranythingwithinherobservationwouldhavegivenhertheconsciousness。Thefurniturewasinalltheprofusionandeleganceofmoderntaste。
Thefireplace，whereshehadexpectedtheamplewidthandponderouscarvingofformertimes，wascontractedtoaRumford，withslabsofplainthoughhandsomemarble，andornamentsoveritoftheprettiestEnglishchina。
Thewindows，towhichshelookedwithpeculiardependence，fromhavingheardthegeneraltalkofhispreservingthemintheirGothicformwithreverentialcare，wereyetlesswhatherfancyhadportrayed。Tobesure，thepointedarchwaspreserved——theformofthemwasGothic——theymightbeevencasements——buteverypanewassolarge，soclear，solight！Toanimaginationwhichhadhopedforthesmallestdivisions，andtheheavieststone-work，forpaintedglass，dirt，andcobwebs，thedifferencewasverydistressing。
Thegeneral，perceivinghowhereyewasemployed，begantotalkofthesmallnessoftheroomandsimplicityofthefurniture，whereeverything，beingfordailyuse，pretendedonlytocomfort，etc。；flatteringhimself，however，thatthereweresomeapartmentsintheAbbeynotunworthyhernotice——andwasproceedingtomentionthecostlygildingofoneinparticular，when，takingouthiswatch，hestoppedshorttopronounceitwithsurprisewithintwentyminutesoffive！Thisseemedthewordofseparation，andCatherinefoundherselfhurriedawaybyMissTilneyinsuchamannerasconvincedherthatthestrictestpunctualitytothefamilyhourswouldbeexpectedatNorthanger。
Returningthroughthelargeandloftyhall，theyascendedabroadstaircaseofshiningoak，which，aftermanyflightsandmanylanding-places，broughtthemuponalong，widegallery。Ononesideithadarangeofdoors，anditwaslightedontheotherbywindowswhichCatherinehadonlytimetodiscoverlookedintoaquadrangle，beforeMissTilneyledthewayintoachamber，andscarcelystayingtohopeshewouldfinditcomfortable，leftherwithananxiousentreatythatshewouldmakeaslittlealterationaspossibleinherdress。
CHAPTER21
Amoment'sglancewasenoughtosatisfyCatherinethatherapartmentwasveryunliketheonewhichHenryhadendeavouredtoalarmherbythedescriptionof。
Itwasbynomeansunreasonablylarge，andcontainedneithertapestrynorvelvet。Thewallswerepapered，thefloorwascarpeted；thewindowswereneitherlessperfectnormoredimthanthoseofthedrawing-roombelow；thefurniture，thoughnotofthelatestfashion，washandsomeandcomfortable，andtheairoftheroomaltogetherfarfromuncheerful。
Herheartinstantaneouslyateaseonthispoint，sheresolvedtolosenotimeinparticularexaminationofanything，asshegreatlydreadeddisobligingthegeneralbyanydelay。
Herhabitthereforewasthrownoffwithallpossiblehaste，andshewaspreparingtounpinthelinenpackage，whichthechaise-seathadconveyedforherimmediateaccommodation，whenhereyesuddenlyfellonalargehighchest，standingbackinadeeprecessononesideofthefireplace。
Thesightofitmadeherstart；and，forgettingeverythingelse，shestoodgazingonitinmotionlesswonder，whilethesethoughtscrossedher:
“Thisisstrangeindeed！Ididnotexpectsuchasightasthis！Animmenseheavychest！Whatcanithold?Whyshoulditbeplacedhere?Pushedbacktoo，asifmeanttobeoutofsight！Iwilllookintoit——costmewhatitmay，Iwilllookintoit——anddirectlytoo——bydaylight。
IfIstaytilleveningmycandlemaygoout。”
Sheadvancedandexamineditclosely:itwasofcedar，curiouslyinlaidwithsomedarkerwood，andraised，aboutafootfromtheground，onacarvedstandofthesame。
Thelockwassilver，thoughtarnishedfromage；ateachendweretheimperfectremainsofhandlesalsoofsilver，brokenperhapsprematurelybysomestrangeviolence；
and，onthecentreofthelid，wasamysteriouscipher，inthesamemetal。Catherinebentoveritintently，butwithoutbeingabletodistinguishanythingwithcertainty。
Shecouldnot，inwhateverdirectionshetookit，believethelastlettertobeaT；andyetthatitshouldbeanythingelseinthathousewasacircumstancetoraisenocommondegreeofastonishment。Ifnotoriginallytheirs，bywhatstrangeeventscouldithavefallenintotheTilneyfamily?
Herfearfulcuriositywaseverymomentgrowinggreater；
andseizing，withtremblinghands，thehaspofthelock，sheresolvedatallhazardstosatisfyherselfatleastastoitscontents。Withdifficulty，forsomethingseemedtoresistherefforts，sheraisedthelidafewinches；
butatthatmomentasuddenknockingatthedooroftheroommadeher，starting，quitherhold，andthelidclosedwithalarmingviolence。Thisill-timedintruderwasMissTilney'smaid，sentbyhermistresstobeofusetoMissMorland；andthoughCatherineimmediatelydismissedher，itrecalledhertothesenseofwhatsheoughttobedoing，andforcedher，inspiteofheranxiousdesiretopenetratethismystery，toproceedinherdressingwithoutfurtherdelay。Herprogresswasnotquick，forherthoughtsandhereyeswerestillbentontheobjectsowellcalculatedtointerestandalarm；andthoughshedarednotwasteamomentuponasecondattempt，shecouldnotremainmanypacesfromthechest。
Atlength，however，havingslippedonearmintohergown，hertoiletteseemedsonearlyfinishedthattheimpatienceofhercuriositymightsafelybeindulged。Onemomentsurelymightbespared；and，sodesperateshouldbetheexertionofherstrength，that，unlesssecuredbysupernaturalmeans，thelidinonemomentshouldbethrownback。Withthisspiritshesprangforward，andherconfidencedidnotdeceiveher。Herresoluteeffortthrewbackthelid，andgavetoherastonishedeyestheviewofawhitecottoncounterpane，properlyfolded，reposingatoneendofthechestinundisputedpossession！
ShewasgazingonitwiththefirstblushofsurprisewhenMissTilney，anxiousforherfriend'sbeingready，enteredtheroom，andtotherisingshameofhavingharbouredforsomeminutesanabsurdexpectation，wasthenaddedtheshameofbeingcaughtinsoidleasearch。
“Thatisacuriousoldchest，isnotit?“saidMissTilney，asCatherinehastilycloseditandturnedawaytotheglass。
“Itisimpossibletosayhowmanygenerationsithasbeenhere。HowitcametobefirstputinthisroomI
knownot，butIhavenothaditmoved，becauseIthoughtitmightsometimesbeofuseinholdinghatsandbonnets。
Theworstofitisthatitsweightmakesitdifficulttoopen。Inthatcorner，however，itisatleastoutoftheway。”
Catherinehadnoleisureforspeech，beingatonceblushing，tyinghergown，andformingwiseresolutionswiththemostviolentdispatch。MissTilneygentlyhintedherfearofbeinglate；andinhalfaminutetheyrandownstairstogether，inanalarmnotwhollyunfounded，forGeneralTilneywaspacingthedrawing-room，hiswatchinhishand，andhaving，ontheveryinstantoftheirentering，pulledthebellwithviolence，ordered“Dinnertobeontabledirectly！“
Catherinetrembledattheemphasiswithwhichhespoke，andsatpaleandbreathless，inamosthumblemood，concernedforhischildren，anddetestingoldchests；
andthegeneral，recoveringhispolitenessashelookedather，spenttherestofhistimeinscoldinghisdaughterforsofoolishlyhurryingherfairfriend，whowasabsolutelyoutofbreathfromhaste，whentherewasnottheleastoccasionforhurryintheworld:butCatherinecouldnotatallgetoverthedoubledistressofhavinginvolvedherfriendinalectureandbeenagreatsimpletonherself，tilltheywerehappilyseatedatthedinner-table，whenthegeneral'scomplacentsmiles，andagoodappetiteofherown，restoredhertopeace。Thedining-parlourwasanobleroom，suitableinitsdimensionstoamuchlargerdrawing-roomthantheoneincommonuse，andfittedupinastyleofluxuryandexpensewhichwasalmostlostontheunpractisedeyeofCatherine，whosawlittlemorethanitsspaciousnessandthenumberoftheirattendants。
Oftheformer，shespokealoudheradmiration；
andthegeneral，withaverygraciouscountenance，acknowledgedthatitwasbynomeansanill-sizedroom，andfurtherconfessedthat，thoughascarelessonsuchsubjectsasmostpeople，hedidlookuponatolerablylargeeating-roomasoneofthenecessariesoflife；
hesupposed，however，“thatshemusthavebeenusedtomuchbetter-sizedapartmentsatMr。Allen's?“
“No，indeed，“wasCatherine'shonestassurance；
“Mr。Allen'sdining-parlourwasnotmorethanhalfaslarge，“
andshehadneverseensolargearoomasthisinherlife。
Thegeneral'sgoodhumourincreased。Why，ashehadsuchrooms，hethoughtitwouldbesimplenottomakeuseofthem；but，uponhishonour，hebelievedtheremightbemorecomfortinroomsofonlyhalftheirsize。
Mr。Allen'shouse，hewassure，mustbeexactlyofthetruesizeforrationalhappiness。
Theeveningpassedwithoutanyfurtherdisturbance，and，intheoccasionalabsenceofGeneralTilney，withmuchpositivecheerfulness。ItwasonlyinhispresencethatCatherinefeltthesmallestfatiguefromherjourney；
andeventhen，eveninmomentsoflanguororrestraint，asenseofgeneralhappinesspreponderated，andshecouldthinkofherfriendsinBathwithoutonewishofbeingwiththem。
Thenightwasstormy；thewindhadbeenrisingatintervalsthewholeafternoon；andbythetimethepartybrokeup，itblewandrainedviolently。Catherine，asshecrossedthehall，listenedtothetempestwithsensationsofawe；and，whenshehearditrageroundacorneroftheancientbuildingandclosewithsuddenfuryadistantdoor，feltforthefirsttimethatshewasreallyinanabbey。
Yes，thesewerecharacteristicsounds；theybroughttoherrecollectionacountlessvarietyofdreadfulsituationsandhorridscenes，whichsuchbuildingshadwitnessed，andsuchstormsusheredin；andmostheartilydidsherejoiceinthehappiercircumstancesattendingherentrancewithinwallssosolemn！Shehadnothingtodreadfrommidnightassassinsordrunkengallants。
Henryhadcertainlybeenonlyinjestinwhathehadtoldherthatmorning。Inahousesofurnished，andsoguarded，shecouldhavenothingtoexploreortosuffer，andmightgotoherbedroomassecurelyasifithadbeenherownchamberatFullerton。Thuswiselyfortifyinghermind，assheproceededupstairs，shewasenabled，especiallyonperceivingthatMissTilneysleptonlytwodoorsfromher，toenterherroomwithatolerablystoutheart；andherspiritswereimmediatelyassistedbythecheerfulblazeofawoodfire。“Howmuchbetteristhis，“saidshe，asshewalkedtothefender——“howmuchbettertofindafirereadylit，thantohavetowaitshiveringinthecoldtillallthefamilyareinbed，assomanypoorgirlshavebeenobligedtodo，andthentohaveafaithfuloldservantfrighteningonebycominginwithafaggot！HowgladIamthatNorthangeriswhatitis！Ifithadbeenlikesomeotherplaces，Idonotknowthat，insuchanightasthis，Icouldhaveansweredformycourage:butnow，tobesure，thereisnothingtoalarmone。”
Shelookedroundtheroom。Thewindowcurtainsseemedinmotion。Itcouldbenothingbuttheviolenceofthewindpenetratingthroughthedivisionsoftheshutters；
andshesteppedboldlyforward，carelesslyhummingatune，toassureherselfofitsbeingso，peepedcourageouslybehindeachcurtain，sawnothingoneitherlowwindowseattoscareher，andonplacingahandagainsttheshutter，feltthestrongestconvictionofthewind'sforce。
Aglanceattheoldchest，assheturnedawayfromthisexamination，wasnotwithoutitsuse；shescornedthecauselessfearsofanidlefancy，andbeganwithamosthappyindifferencetoprepareherselfforbed。
“Sheshouldtakehertime；sheshouldnothurryherself；
shedidnotcareifshewerethelastpersonupinthehouse。
Butshewouldnotmakeupherfire；thatwouldseemcowardly，asifshewishedfortheprotectionoflightaftershewereinbed。”Thefirethereforediedaway，andCatherine，havingspentthebestpartofanhourinherarrangements，wasbeginningtothinkofsteppingintobed，when，ongivingapartingglanceroundtheroom，shewasstruckbytheappearanceofahigh，old-fashionedblackcabinet，which，thoughinasituationconspicuousenough，hadnevercaughthernoticebefore。Henry'swords，hisdescriptionoftheebonycabinetwhichwastoescapeherobservationatfirst，immediatelyrushedacrossher；andthoughtherecouldbenothingreallyinit，therewassomethingwhimsical，itwascertainlyaveryremarkablecoincidence！Shetookhercandleandlookedcloselyatthecabinet。
Itwasnotabsolutelyebonyandgold；butitwasjapan，blackandyellowjapanofthehandsomestkind；andassheheldhercandle，theyellowhadverymuchtheeffectofgold。Thekeywasinthedoor，andshehadastrangefancytolookintoit；not，however，withthesmallestexpectationoffindinganything，butitwassoveryodd，afterwhatHenryhadsaid。Inshort，shecouldnotsleeptillshehadexaminedit。So，placingthecandlewithgreatcautiononachair，sheseizedthekeywithaverytremuloushandandtriedtoturnit；butitresistedherutmoststrength。Alarmed，butnotdiscouraged，shetrieditanotherway；aboltflew，andshebelievedherselfsuccessful；buthowstrangelymysterious！
Thedoorwasstillimmovable。Shepausedamomentinbreathlesswonder。Thewindroareddownthechimney，therainbeatintorrentsagainstthewindows，andeverythingseemedtospeaktheawfulnessofhersituation。
Toretiretobed，however，unsatisfiedonsuchapoint，wouldbevain，sincesleepmustbeimpossiblewiththeconsciousnessofacabinetsomysteriouslyclosedinherimmediatevicinity。Again，therefore，sheappliedherselftothekey，andaftermovingitineverypossiblewayforsomeinstantswiththedeterminedcelerityofhope'slasteffort，thedoorsuddenlyyieldedtoherhand:herheartleapedwithexultationatsuchavictory，andhavingthrownopeneachfoldingdoor，thesecondbeingsecuredonlybyboltsoflesswonderfulconstructionthanthelock，thoughinthathereyecouldnotdiscernanythingunusual，adoublerangeofsmalldrawersappearedinview，withsomelargerdrawersaboveandbelowthem；andinthecentre，asmalldoor，closedalsowithalockandkey，securedinallprobabilityacavityofimportance。
Catherine'sheartbeatquick，buthercouragedidnotfailher。Withacheekflushedbyhope，andaneyestrainingwithcuriosity，herfingersgraspedthehandleofadraweranddrewitforth。Itwasentirelyempty。
Withlessalarmandgreatereagernesssheseizedasecond，athird，afourth；eachwasequallyempty。Notonewasleftunsearched，andinnotonewasanythingfound。
Wellreadintheartofconcealingatreasure，thepossibilityoffalseliningstothedrawersdidnotescapeher，andshefeltroundeachwithanxiousacutenessinvain。
Theplaceinthemiddlealoneremainednowunexplored；
andthoughshehad“neverfromthefirsthadthesmallestideaoffindinganythinginanypartofthecabinet，andwasnotintheleastdisappointedatherillsuccessthusfar，itwouldbefoolishnottoexamineitthoroughlywhileshewasaboutit。”Itwassometimehoweverbeforeshecouldunfastenthedoor，thesamedifficultyoccurringinthemanagementofthisinnerlockasoftheouter；
butatlengthitdidopen；andnotvain，ashitherto，washersearch；herquickeyesdirectlyfellonarollofpaperpushedbackintothefurtherpartofthecavity，apparentlyforconcealment，andherfeelingsatthatmomentwereindescribable。Herheartfluttered，herkneestrembled，andhercheeksgrewpale。Sheseized，withanunsteadyhand，thepreciousmanuscript，forhalfaglancesufficedtoascertainwrittencharacters；
andwhilesheacknowledgedwithawfulsensationsthisstrikingexemplificationofwhatHenryhadforetold，resolvedinstantlytoperuseeverylinebeforesheattemptedtorest。
Thedimnessofthelighthercandleemittedmadeherturntoitwithalarm；buttherewasnodangerofitssuddenextinction；ithadyetsomehourstoburn；
andthatshemightnothaveanygreaterdifficultyindistinguishingthewritingthanwhatitsancientdatemightoccasion，shehastilysnuffedit。Alas！Itwassnuffedandextinguishedinone。Alampcouldnothaveexpiredwithmoreawfuleffect。Catherine，forafewmoments，wasmotionlesswithhorror。Itwasdonecompletely；
notaremnantoflightinthewickcouldgivehopetotherekindlingbreath。Darknessimpenetrableandimmovablefilledtheroom。Aviolentgustofwind，risingwithsuddenfury，addedfreshhorrortothemoment。
Catherinetrembledfromheadtofoot。Inthepausewhichsucceeded，asoundlikerecedingfootstepsandtheclosingofadistantdoorstruckonheraffrightedear。
Humannaturecouldsupportnomore。Acoldsweatstoodonherforehead，themanuscriptfellfromherhand，andgropingherwaytothebed，shejumpedhastilyin，andsoughtsomesuspensionofagonybycreepingfarunderneaththeclothes。Toclosehereyesinsleepthatnight，shefeltmustbeentirelyoutofthequestion。
Withacuriositysojustlyawakened，andfeelingsineverywaysoagitated，reposemustbeabsolutelyimpossible。
Thestormtooabroadsodreadful！Shehadnotbeenusedtofeelalarmfromwind，butnoweveryblastseemedfraughtwithawfulintelligence。Themanuscriptsowonderfullyfound，sowonderfullyaccomplishingthemorning'sprediction，howwasittobeaccountedfor?Whatcoulditcontain?Towhomcoulditrelate?Bywhatmeanscouldithavebeensolongconcealed?Andhowsingularlystrangethatitshouldfalltoherlottodiscoverit！Tillshehadmadeherselfmistressofitscontents，however，shecouldhaveneitherreposenorcomfort；andwiththesun'sfirstraysshewasdeterminedtoperuseit。Butmanywerethetedioushourswhichmustyetintervene。Sheshuddered，tossedaboutinherbed，andenviedeveryquietsleeper。
Thestormstillraged，andvariouswerethenoises，moreterrificeventhanthewind，whichstruckatintervalsonherstartledear。Theverycurtainsofherbedseemedatonemomentinmotion，andatanotherthelockofherdoorwasagitated，asifbytheattemptofsomebodytoenter。
Hollowmurmursseemedtocreepalongthegallery，andmorethanonceherbloodwaschilledbythesoundofdistantmoans。
Hourafterhourpassedaway，andtheweariedCatherinehadheardthreeproclaimedbyalltheclocksinthehousebeforethetempestsubsidedorsheunknowinglyfellfastasleep。
CHAPTER22
Thehousemaid'sfoldingbackherwindow-shuttersateighto'clockthenextdaywasthesoundwhichfirstrousedCatherine；andsheopenedhereyes，wonderingthattheycouldeverhavebeenclosed，onobjectsofcheerfulness；herfirewasalreadyburning，andabrightmorninghadsucceededthetempestofthenight。
Instantaneously，withtheconsciousnessofexistence，returnedherrecollectionofthemanuscript；andspringingfromthebedintheverymomentofthemaid'sgoingaway，sheeagerlycollectedeveryscatteredsheetwhichhadburstfromtherollonitsfallingtotheground，andflewbacktoenjoytheluxuryoftheirperusalonherpillow。
Shenowplainlysawthatshemustnotexpectamanuscriptofequallengthwiththegeneralityofwhatshehadshudderedoverinbooks，fortheroll，seemingtoconsistentirelyofsmalldisjointedsheets，wasaltogetherbutoftriflingsize，andmuchlessthanshehadsupposedittobeatfirst。
Hergreedyeyeglancedrapidlyoverapage。
Shestartedatitsimport。Coulditbepossible，ordidnothersensesplayherfalse?Aninventoryoflinen，incoarseandmoderncharacters，seemedallthatwasbeforeher！Iftheevidenceofsightmightbetrusted，sheheldawashing-billinherhand。Sheseizedanothersheet，andsawthesamearticleswithlittlevariation；
athird，afourth，andafifthpresentednothingnew。
Shirts，stockings，cravats，andwaistcoatsfacedherineach。Twoothers，pennedbythesamehand，markedanexpenditurescarcelymoreinteresting，inletters，hair-powder，shoe-string，andbreeches-ball。
Andthelargersheet，whichhadenclosedtherest，seemedbyitsfirstcrampline，“Topoulticechestnutmare“——afarrier'sbill！Suchwasthecollectionofpapersleftperhaps，asshecouldthensuppose，bythenegligenceofaservantintheplacewhenceshehadtakenthem
whichhadfilledherwithexpectationandalarm，androbbedherofhalfhernight'srest！Shefelthumbledtothedust。
Couldnottheadventureofthechesthavetaughtherwisdom?Acornerofit，catchinghereyeasshelay，seemedtoriseupinjudgmentagainsther。Nothingcouldnowbeclearerthantheabsurdityofherrecentfancies。
Tosupposethatamanuscriptofmanygenerationsbackcouldhaveremainedundiscoveredinaroomsuchasthat，somodern，sohabitable！——Orthatsheshouldbethefirsttopossesstheskillofunlockingacabinet，thekeyofwhichwasopentoall！
Howcouldshehavesoimposedonherself?HeavenforbidthatHenryTilneyshouldeverknowherfolly！Anditwasinagreatmeasurehisowndoing，forhadnotthecabinetappearedsoexactlytoagreewithhisdescriptionofheradventures，sheshouldneverhavefeltthesmallestcuriosityaboutit。Thiswastheonlycomfortthatoccurred。
Impatienttogetridofthosehatefulevidencesofherfolly，thosedetestablepapersthenscatteredoverthebed，sherosedirectly，andfoldingthemupasnearlyaspossibleinthesameshapeasbefore，returnedthemtothesamespotwithinthecabinet，withaveryheartywishthatnountowardaccidentmighteverbringthemforwardagain，todisgraceherevenwithherself。
Whythelocksshouldhavebeensodifficulttoopen，however，wasstillsomethingremarkable，forshecouldnowmanagethemwithperfectease。Inthistherewassurelysomethingmysterious，andsheindulgedintheflatteringsuggestionforhalfaminute，tillthepossibilityofthedoor'shavingbeenatfirstunlocked，andofbeingherselfitsfastener，dartedintoherhead，andcostheranotherblush。
Shegotawayassoonasshecouldfromaroominwhichherconductproducedsuchunpleasantreflections，andfoundherwaywithallspeedtothebreakfast-parlour，asithadbeenpointedouttoherbyMissTilneytheeveningbefore。Henrywasaloneinit；andhisimmediatehopeofherhavingbeenundisturbedbythetempest，withanarchreferencetothecharacterofthebuildingtheyinhabited，wasratherdistressing。Fortheworldwouldshenothaveherweaknesssuspected，andyet，unequaltoanabsolutefalsehood，wasconstrainedtoacknowledgethatthewindhadkeptherawakealittle。
“Butwehaveacharmingmorningafterit，“sheadded，desiringtogetridofthesubject；“andstormsandsleeplessnessarenothingwhentheyareover。
Whatbeautifulhyacinths！Ihavejustlearnttoloveahyacinth。”
“Andhowmightyoulearn?Byaccidentorargument?“
“Yoursistertaughtme；Icannottellhow。Mrs。Allenusedtotakepains，yearafteryear，tomakemelikethem；
butInevercould，tillIsawthemtheotherdayinMilsomStreet；Iamnaturallyindifferentaboutflowers。”
“Butnowyouloveahyacinth。Somuchthebetter。
Youhavegainedanewsourceofenjoyment，anditiswelltohaveasmanyholdsuponhappinessaspossible。
Besides，atasteforflowersisalwaysdesirableinyoursex，asameansofgettingyououtofdoors，andtemptingyoutomorefrequentexercisethanyouwouldotherwisetake。
Andthoughtheloveofahyacinthmayberatherdomestic，whocantell，thesentimentonceraised，butyoumayintimecometolovearose?“
“ButIdonotwantanysuchpursuittogetmeoutofdoors。Thepleasureofwalkingandbreathingfreshairisenoughforme，andinfineweatherIamoutmorethanhalfmytime。MammasaysIamneverwithin。”
“Atanyrate，however，Iampleasedthatyouhavelearnttoloveahyacinth。Themerehabitoflearningtoloveisthething；andateachablenessofdispositioninayoungladyisagreatblessing。Hasmysisterapleasantmodeofinstruction?“
Catherinewassavedtheembarrassmentofattemptingananswerbytheentranceofthegeneral，whosesmilingcomplimentsannouncedahappystateofmind，butwhosegentlehintofsympatheticearlyrisingdidnotadvancehercomposure。
TheeleganceofthebreakfastsetforceditselfonCatherine'snoticewhentheywereseatedattable；
and，lucidly，ithadbeenthegeneral'schoice。Hewasenchantedbyherapprobationofhistaste，confessedittobeneatandsimple，thoughtitrighttoencouragethemanufactureofhiscountry；andforhispart，tohisuncriticalpalate，theteawasaswellflavouredfromtheclayofStaffordshire，asfromthatofDresdenorSave。
Butthiswasquiteanoldset，purchasedtwoyearsago。
Themanufacturewasmuchimprovedsincethattime；
hehadseensomebeautifulspecimenswhenlastintown，andhadhenotbeenperfectlywithoutvanityofthatkind，mighthavebeentemptedtoorderanewset。
Hetrusted，however，thatanopportunitymighterelongoccurofselectingone——thoughnotforhimself。
Catherinewasprobablytheonlyoneofthepartywhodidnotunderstandhim。
ShortlyafterbreakfastHenryleftthemforWoodston，wherebusinessrequiredandwouldkeephimtwoorthreedays。
Theyallattendedinthehalltoseehimmounthishorse，andimmediatelyonre-enteringthebreakfast-room，Catherinewalkedtoawindowinthehopeofcatchinganotherglimpseofhisfigure。“Thisisasomewhatheavycalluponyourbrother'sfortitude，“observedthegeneraltoEleanor。
“Woodstonwillmakebutasombreappearancetoday。”
“Isitaprettyplace?“askedCatherine。
“Whatsayyou，Eleanor?Speakyouropinion，forladiescanbesttellthetasteofladiesinregardtoplacesaswellasmen。Ithinkitwouldbeacknowledgedbythemostimpartialeyetohavemanyrecommendations。