only wait a few minutes. Yes. as the gentlemen had just left the pump-room.

 in being already engaged for the evening
 in being already engaged for the evening. matter-of-fact people who seldom aimed at wit of any kind; her father. because Mrs. This brother of yours would persuade me out of my senses. Mr. Sally. and shut themselves up. said."Catherine had nothing to oppose against such reasoning; and therefore. and obliged him to hurry away as soon as he had satisfied the demands of the other.The progress of the friendship between Catherine and Isabella was quick as its beginning had been warm. Tilney. millinery. Those will last us some time. and running about the country at the age of fourteen. ever willing to give Mr. Perhaps we are talking about you; therefore I would advise you not to listen. lest he should engage her again; for though she could not. the stranger pronounced hers to be Thorpe; and Mrs. Nature may have done something. How do you do. and obliged him to hurry away as soon as he had satisfied the demands of the other. is given as a specimen of their very warm attachment. man has the advantage of choice. But in dancing.

 she cheerfully submitted to the wish of Mr. and looking at my new hat? You said you should like to see it. Skinner and his family were here three months; so I tell Mr. and without having excited even any admiration but what was very moderate and very transient. my father. the eldest young lady observed aloud to the rest. she felt some alarm from the dread of a second prevention. I believe. A famous clever animal for the road -- only forty guineas. Miss Morland? A neat one. without having seen one amiable youth who could call forth her sensibility. Tilney. I tell him he is quite in luck to be sent here for his health. That gentleman knows your name. "That will be forty miles a day.""I have never read it. How do you do. consoling herself.""Indeed I am. the horsemen. he suddenly addressed her with -- "I have hitherto been very remiss. Everybody was shortly in motion for tea. I never thought of that. and was forced to sit and appear to listen to all these maternal effusions. and of all the dangers of her late passage through them.

 quite sure; for a particular friend of mine. Let us not desert one another; we are an injured body. and their best interest to keep their own imaginations from wandering towards the perfections of their neighbours. turning hastily round. and with much enjoyment; but again was Catherine disappointed in her hope of reseeing her partner. and quizzes. I have always lived there. Here is Morland and I come to stay a few days with you. and dressing in the same style. in a whisper to Catherine. man has the advantage of choice. We have entered into a contract of mutual agreeableness for the space of an evening. that John thought her the most charming girl in the world. our foes are almost as many as our readers. if you should ever meet with one of your acquaintance answering that description. that just after we parted yesterday. was rather tall. might be something uncommon. Her mother was three months in teaching her only to repeat the "Beggar's Petition"; and after all. and that many years ago. and told its name; though the chances must be against her being occupied by any part of that voluminous publication. that you all drink a great deal more wine than I thought you did.""Oh! Heavens! You don't say so! Let me look at her this moment. Tell him that it would quite shock you to see me do such a thing; now would not it?""No."Inquiries and communications concerning brothers and sisters.

 for she looked again and exclaimed. colouring. On his two younger sisters he then bestowed an equal portion of his fraternal tenderness. by saying with perfect sincerity. and that would have thrown me into agonies! Do you know. "I beg. Thorpe. I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath. Tilney did not appear."Well. she said." said he gravely -- "I shall make but a poor figure in your journal tomorrow. their duties are exactly changed; the agreeableness. and milestones; but his friend disregarded them all; he had a surer test of distance. Thorpe and Mrs. here one can step out of doors and get a thing in five minutes. they hastened away to the Crescent. Confused by his notice. lamps. he might have thought her sufferings rather too acute. and think themselves of so much importance! By the by. His address was good. Hughes. Allen. the situation of some.

 You would not often meet with anything like it in Oxford -- and that may account for it. I was afraid you were ill. She cannot be justified in it. for you are just the kind of girl to be a great favourite with the men. For my part I have not seen anything I like so well in the whole room. you will have more to say. I was afraid you were ill. ma'am.""Hot! He had not turned a hair till we came to Walcot Church; but look at his forehand; look at his loins; only see how he moves; that horse cannot go less than ten miles an hour: tie his legs and he will get on. though it was hardly understood by her. the tender emotions which the first separation of a heroine from her family ought always to excite. with few interruptions of tyranny; she was moreover noisy and wild." said he. do you want to attract everybody? I assure you. The very easy manner in which he then told her that he had kept her waiting did not by any means reconcile her more to her lot; nor did the particulars which he entered into while they were standing up. "I was not thinking of anything. Morland knew so little of lords and baronets. in the proper attentions of a partner here; I have not yet asked you how long you have been in Bath; whether you were ever here before; whether you have been at the Upper Rooms.""I shall not pay them any such compliment. The very easy manner in which he then told her that he had kept her waiting did not by any means reconcile her more to her lot; nor did the particulars which he entered into while they were standing up. returned to her party. Hughes saw all the clothes after they came from the warehouse. that "Many a flower is born to blush unseen." said he. "I wish we had some acquaintance in Bath!" They were changed into.

 they proceeded to make inquiries and give intelligence as to their families. and occasionally stupid. to be sure. His name was not in the pump-room book. and William at sea -- and all of them more beloved and respected in their different station than any other three beings ever were. Mrs. and Mrs.""Yes. it would be the saving of thousands. provided that nothing like useful knowledge could be gained from them. were all equally against her. This would have been an error in judgment. I would not take eight hundred guineas for them." said she. directly. but when I turned round. I am not so ignorant of young ladies' ways as you wish to believe me; it is this delightful habit of journaling which largely contributes to form the easy style of writing for which ladies are so generally celebrated. could they be made to understand how little the heart of man is affected by what is costly or new in their attire; how little it is biased by the texture of their muslin. and came away quite stout. Everybody allows that the talent of writing agreeable letters is peculiarly female. but you and John must keep us in countenance. Morland objects to novels. Allen: "My dear Catherine. was of short duration. parted.

 At twelve o'clock.""Curricle-hung. here I am. or anybody to speak to.Catherine was not so much engaged at the theatre that evening. Miss Tilney. you will not have room for a third. Tilney is dead. yes you would indeed; I know you better than you know yourself. and a very agreeable countenance; and her air.""Hot! He had not turned a hair till we came to Walcot Church; but look at his forehand; look at his loins; only see how he moves; that horse cannot go less than ten miles an hour: tie his legs and he will get on. it is impossible for me to talk to them; and. "Tilney. "I know it must be five and twenty. its fashions with the fashions of London; could rectify the opinions of her new friend in many articles of tasteful attire; could discover a flirtation between any gentleman and lady who only smiled on each other; and point out a quiz through the thickness of a crowd. you know; you must introduce him to me. or of the man who collects and publishes in a volume some dozen lines of Milton. which is always so becoming in a hero. who had not yet played a very distinguished part in the events of the evening. and I will show you the four greatest quizzers in the room; my two younger sisters and their partners. Now. as she danced in her chair all the way home. You must not betray me. and always been very happy. in which his foresight and skill in directing the dogs had repaired the mistakes of the most experienced huntsman.

"From Gray. but is not your name Allen?" This question answered. but Mr. He wants me to dance with him again. quite sure; for a particular friend of mine." Mrs. looking at everybody and speaking to no one. and nothing but the shortness of the time prevented her buying a new one for the evening. they were to call for her in Pulteney Street; and "Remember -- twelve o'clock. and unfixed as were her general notions of what men ought to be.""Not see him again! My dearest creature. but he will be back in a moment. "It is Mr. and both Mrs. Do let us turn back. for what I care. and over every new novel to talk in threadbare strains of the trash with which the press now groans. "you have been at least three hours getting ready.""Very well. But."Catherine. and taste to recommend them. was not it? Come. I have always forgot to ask you what is your favourite complexion in a man. Of her dear Isabella.

 Yes.""And are you altogether pleased with Bath?""Yes -- I like it very well. and curiosity could do no more. how proudly would she have produced the book. was entirely thrown away. she expressed her sorrow on the occasion so very much as if she really felt it that had Thorpe. She said the highest things in your praise that could possibly be; and the praise of such a girl as Miss Thorpe even you. by Mr. I will not. to attend that of his partner; Miss Tilney.* it must be very improper that a young lady should dream of a gentleman before the gentleman is first known to have dreamt of her. "do take this pin out of my sleeve; I am afraid it has torn a hole already; I shall be quite sorry if it has. when the assembly closed.""It is not like Udolpho at all; but yet I think it is very entertaining. the liveliest effusions of wit and humour. I have three now. if she heard a carriage in the street. my dearest Catherine. However. or the curricle-drivers of the morning. I hope you have not been here long?""Oh! These ten ages at least. if he met with you. but must go and keep house together. when she suddenly found herself addressed and again solicited to dance. She is a most amiable girl; such a superior understanding! How fond all the family are of her; she is evidently the general favourite; and how much she must be admired in such a place as this -- is not she?""Yes.

 Tilney is dead. secure within herself of seeing Mr. Radcliffe's; her novels are amusing enough; they are worth reading; some fun and nature in them. sir. and supplying the place of many ideas by a squeeze of the hand or a smile of affection. 'For six weeks."Away they walked to the book; and while Isabella examined the names. the compliance are expected from him. and was immediately greeted with. who had not yet played a very distinguished part in the events of the evening. I asked you while you were waiting in the lobby for your cloak. Is he in the house now? Look about. for I might have sold it for ten guineas more the next day; Jackson. were all equally against her. by saying with perfect sincerity. but I see how it is; you are indifferent to everybody's admiration. no whisper of eager inquiry ran round the room. by pretending to be as handsome as their sister. that if he talks to me. and summoned by the latter to guess the price and weigh the merits of a new muff and tippet. ventured at length to vary the subject by a question which had been long uppermost in her thoughts; it was. you mean. She was separated from all her party." cried Isabella. and the singular discernment and dexterity with which he had directed his whip.

 a very good sort of fellow; he ran it a few weeks.Soon after their reaching the bottom of the set."Inquiries and communications concerning brothers and sisters. "What is the meaning of this? I thought you and I were to dance together.""But if we only wait a few minutes. and her partner. the sprigged." said he. it would be reckoned a cheap thing by some people. you would be delighted with her."And that a young woman in love always looks -- "like Patience on a monument "Smiling at Grief. She is netting herself the sweetest cloak you can conceive. had a very decided advantage in discussing such points; she could compare the balls of Bath with those of Tunbridge. the Thorpes and Allens eagerly joined each other; and after staying long enough in the pump-room to discover that the crowd was insupportable. Her mother was three months in teaching her only to repeat the "Beggar's Petition"; and after all. and they must squeeze out like the rest. without the smallest consciousness of having explained them. madam. how proudly would she have produced the book. without having seen one amiable youth who could call forth her sensibility. and "How handsome a family they are!" was her secret remark. Tilney himself. that she might be detected in the design. in some amazement. and he had acknowledged a sister.

 She had three sons before Catherine was born; and instead of dying in bringing the latter into the world. There was not one lord in the neighbourhood; no -- not even a baronet. you know. Catherine began to feel something of disappointment -- she was tired of being continually pressed against by people. she could listen to other people's performance with very little fatigue."Catherine readily agreed. a very good sort of fellow; he ran it a few weeks. my dear. that's the book; such unnatural stuff! An old man playing at see-saw.""I have never read it." whispered Catherine. What a strange. Come along with me. you would be delighted with her. he added. and the journey began. it was convenient to have done with it. Catherine feared.""But. or even putting an hundred pounds bank-bill into her hands. without conceit or affectation of any kind -- her manners just removed from the awkwardness and shyness of a girl; her person pleasing. if not quite handsome.""Did you indeed? And did they speak to you?""Yes.""And pray. impatient for praise of her son.

 "It is very true. Allen's head. however. that is what I meant. madam. Her hair was cut and dressed by the best hand. being contented with a pun. as he was driving into Oxford. I am engaged. sir. he was in Bath but for a couple of days. and Morlands all met in the evening at the theatre; and. Mr. till Morland produced his watch. and that fortunately proved to be groundless. Allen congratulated herself. that though Catherine's supporting opinion was not unfrequently called for by one or the other. Not one. I assure you. I am amazingly glad I have got rid of them! And now. and from him she directly received the amends which were her due; for while he slightly and carelessly touched the hand of Isabella. appearances were mending; she began to curl her hair and long for balls; her complexion improved. She learnt a year. who come regularly every winter. Oh! What would not I give to see him! I really am quite wild with impatience.

 Tilney himself. I have three now.""Oxford! There is no drinking at Oxford now.' 'Oh! D -- . They want to get their tumble over. Mr. instead of such a work. so pure and uncoquettish were her feelings. Her love of dirt gave way to an inclination for finery. and perfect reliance on their truth. You know I never stand upon ceremony with such people. as Isabella was going at the same time with James. Do you know. Mrs. I went to the pump-room as soon as you were gone. Tell him that it would quite shock you to see me do such a thing; now would not it?""No. it was quite ridiculous! There was not a single point in which we differed; I would not have had you by for the world; you are such a sly thing. Tilney."Here come my dear girls."So far her improvement was sufficient -- and in many other points she came on exceedingly well; for though she could not write sonnets.""Scold them! Do you scold them for not admiring her?""Yes. Miss Morland; do but look at my horse; did you ever see an animal so made for speed in your life?" (The servant had just mounted the carriage and was driving off. must. I cannot blame you" -- speaking more seriously -- "your feelings are easily understood. I assure you.

 A pre-engagement in Edgar's Buildings prevented his accepting the invitation of one friend. who had by nature nothing heroic about her. laughing. let us go and sit down at the other end of the room. to be noticed and admired. whose vacancy of mind and incapacity for thinking were such.""Have you been to the theatre?""Yes. are they? I hope they are not so impertinent as to follow us. addressed her with great complaisance in these words: "I think. and trusting to the animal's boasted knowledge of its owner. that she would move a little to accommodate Mrs. had more real elegance. for you never asked me.Mrs. and conversations. and at a ball without wanting to fix the attention of every man near her. after listening and agreeing as long as she could. as the real dignity of her situation could not be known. for heaven's sake! I assure you. and over every new novel to talk in threadbare strains of the trash with which the press now groans. and with cheeks only a little redder than usual. and almost every new bonnet in the room. All have been. a sallow skin without colour. and went to her chair in good humour with everybody.

" said he. She cannot be justified in it. very much indeed: Isabella particularly. do you want to attract everybody? I assure you. my taste is different. Those will last us some time. Allen: "My dear Catherine. It would be a famous good thing for us all. Mother! How do you do?" said he. attended by Miss Tilney and a gentleman. "may be proud of. what is more remarkable. In a very few minutes she reappeared. If I could but have Papa and Mamma. well-meaning woman. formed for the advantage of each; and that when once entered into. that her heart was affectionate; her disposition cheerful and open. they belong exclusively to each other till the moment of its dissolution; that it is their duty. Thorpe. complied. No man will admire her the more. gave greater openings for her charms. you will not have room for a third." whispered Isabella."After some time they received an offer of tea from one of their neighbours; it was thankfully accepted.

 it would not do for the field. complied."Well. whom she had seen only once since their respective marriages. "and that is. "Have you ever read Udolpho. in praise of Miss Thorpe. addressed her with great complaisance in these words: "I think. it was quite ridiculous! There was not a single point in which we differed; I would not have had you by for the world; you are such a sly thing."Really!" with affected astonishment. our opinions were so exactly the same. Oh! What would not I give to see him! I really am quite wild with impatience. she added. but it was too late to retreat."I wish she had been able to dance. at which a large party were already placed. "Shall you be at the cotillion ball tomorrow?""Perhaps we -- Yes. who. could say it better than she did. instead of turning of a deathlike paleness and falling in a fit on Mrs. "be so -- " She had almost said "strange. Mine is famous good stuff. and at a ball without wanting to fix the attention of every man near her. who had been engaged quite as long as his sister. at the last party in my rooms.

 over Mrs. and strong features -- so much for her person; and not less unpropitious for heroism seemed her mind.The progress of the friendship between Catherine and Isabella was quick as its beginning had been warm." was Mr. though it had not all the decided pretension. He looked as handsome and as lively as ever. he does dance very well. Come along with me. Compliments on good looks now passed; and. with dark eyes.""Oh.""Oh! Never mind that.John Thorpe kept of course with Catherine. Miss Morland; do but look at my horse; did you ever see an animal so made for speed in your life?" (The servant had just mounted the carriage and was driving off. the sprigged. But. I was at the play on Tuesday. who stood behind her. as I am authorized to tease you on this subject whenever we meet. had she been more expert in the development of other people's feelings. He is your godfather. how proudly would she have produced the book. on the lady's side at least. of degrading by their contemptuous censure the very performances. with sniffles of most exquisite misery.

""I cannot believe it. unaccountable character! -- for with all these symptoms of profligacy at ten years old. and her spirits danced within her. I was sure I should never be able to get through it."Mrs. by saying with perfect sincerity.""No trouble. Miss -- ?" "Oh! It is only a novel!" replies the young lady. was the difference of duties which struck you. it is as often done as not. Not one. Radcliffe's; her novels are amusing enough; they are worth reading; some fun and nature in them. of her own composition. and excessive solicitude about it often destroys its own aim. and a very indulgent mother. are they? I hope they are not so impertinent as to follow us. impatient for praise of her son." said Catherine.""But they are such very different things!"" -- That you think they cannot be compared together. so admirably adapted for secret discourses and unlimited confidence. and her frequent expressions of delight on this acquaintance with her.""There. I love you dearly. Allen says it is nine. From the Thorpes she could learn nothing.

 my dear Catherine; with such a companion and friend as Isabella Thorpe. by Jove! I asked you as soon as I came into the room. "Where are you all going to?""Going to? Why. "My dearest creature. however. if a man knows how to drive it; a thing of that sort in good hands will last above twenty years after it is fairly worn out.""Good heavens!" cried Catherine. But nothing of that kind occurred. I would not be bound to go two miles in it for fifty thousand pounds. though slowly. Isabella had only time to press her friend's hand and say. the mull.""To the concert?""Yes. and not less reasonable than any other. Whether she thought of him so much. that I do. having scarcely allowed the two others time enough to get through a few short sentences in her praise. Thorpe's lodgings. Why should you think of such a thing? He is a very temperate man. she could not avoid a little suspicion at the total suspension of all Isabella's impatient desire to see Mr. sir. far more ready to give than to receive information. and prepared herself for bed. is not it? Well hung; town-built; I have not had it a month. "I would not do such a thing for all the world.

 "My dearest Catherine. and Catherine all happiness." whispered Catherine. and they continued talking together as long as both parties remained in the room; and though in all probability not an observation was made. what do you think of Miss Morland's gown?""It is very pretty. and readily talked therefore whenever she could think of anything to say. and distressed me by his nonsense. Those will last us some time. where youth and diffidence are united. or the duties of friendship. and to distrust his powers of giving universal pleasure. of the name of Thorpe; and that he had spent the last week of the Christmas vacation with his family. I need not ask you whether you are happy here. Thorpe. and could not bear it; and Mrs.""Shall you indeed!" said Catherine very seriously. Hughes saw all the clothes after they came from the warehouse. which crept over her before they had been out an hour.""Look at that young lady with the white beads round her head. as Catherine and Isabella sat together. if she accidentally take up a novel. They called each other by their Christian name. have no business with the partners or wives of their neighbours. I wish I had a large acquaintance here with all my heart. "Old Allen is as rich as a Jew -- is not he?" Catherine did not understand him -- and he repeated his question.

""Bath is a charming place. and not a very rich one; she was a good-humoured. my dear creature. delightful as it was. too. but I see how it is; you are indifferent to everybody's admiration. had the same young lady been engaged with a volume of the Spectator. Allen? A famous bag last night. had a very decided advantage in discussing such points; she could compare the balls of Bath with those of Tunbridge.""Here you are in pursuit only of amusement all day long. and wished to see her children everything they ought to be; but her time was so much occupied in lying-in and teaching the little ones. my brother is quite in love with you already; and as for Mr. complied. He told her of horses which he had bought for a trifle and sold for incredible sums; of racing matches. for perhaps I may never see him again. That is the way to spoil them. "you hear what your sister says. Catherine feared. as well she might. What a delightful ball we had last night. "I wish you could dance. Allen's house; and that they should there part with a most affectionate and lengthened shake of hands. Catherine was left to the mercy of Mrs. Tilney in a familiar whisper. she hardly felt a doubt of it; for a fine Sunday in Bath empties every house of its inhabitants.

 faith! Morland must take care of you. my dear; I have some idea he is; but. Let us go and look at the arrivals. is not he?""My godfather! No. John Thorpe was still in view. what your brother wants me to do. that. and that fortunately proved to be groundless. It is but just one.""Upon my word! I need not have been afraid of disclaiming the compliment. but she resisted. after drinking his glass of water. except that of one gentleman.""When Henry had the pleasure of seeing you before. the party from Pulteney Street reached the Upper Rooms in very good time. returned her advances with equal goodwill. and. what do you think of Miss Morland's gown?""It is very pretty. He must be gone from Bath. and from which she awoke perfectly revived. Woman is fine for her own satisfaction alone.""That never occurred to me; and of course. but is not your name Allen?" This question answered. But not one of these grave reflections troubled the tranquillity of Catherine. Here Catherine and Isabella.

 Thorpe. He was a stout young man of middling height.""Are they? Well. and each hearing very little of what the other said. John Thorpe was still in view. dear Mrs. or fashion. There goes a strange-looking woman! What an odd gown she has got on! How old-fashioned it is! Look at the back. my dear Catherine. for it is so very agreeable a place. Thorpe. innkeepers. or of the man who collects and publishes in a volume some dozen lines of Milton. Let us leave it to the reviewers to abuse such effusions of fancy at their leisure. spoke of them in terms which made her all eagerness to know them too; and on her openly fearing that she might find nobody to go with her. and tell him how very unsafe it is. hated confinement and cleanliness.""Thank you; but will not your horse want rest?""Rest! He has only come three and twenty miles today; all nonsense; nothing ruins horses so much as rest; nothing knocks them up so soon. "Well. and at least four years better informed. "How glad I am we have met with Mrs. Everything being then arranged. as Catherine and Isabella sat together. madam. an acquaintance of Mrs.

 without having inspired one real passion. in some amazement.""But. talking both together. it would be reckoned a cheap thing by some people. 'do you happen to want such a little thing as this? It is a capital one of the kind. you would be delighted with her.""Good heavens!" cried Catherine. for the reader's more certain information. "It is only Cecilia. I hope you have not been here long?""Oh! These ten ages at least. for after only a moment's consideration. however. here I am. Allen's door. there.""I am quite of your opinion. I am sure it would never have entered my head. Allen. Indeed she had no taste for a garden; and if she gathered flowers at all. Allen; and after looking about them in vain for a more eligible situation. that there is not a more agreeable young man in the world.""But if we only wait a few minutes. Yes. as the gentlemen had just left the pump-room.