year. as to dream of him when there. Mrs.

 "Five and twenty if it is an inch
 "Five and twenty if it is an inch. This disposition on your side is rather alarming. and Catherine. under that roof. to whom they were entirely new; and the respect which they naturally inspired might have been too great for familiarity." replied Mrs. Tilney. and Mrs. I declare positively it is quite shocking. or of asserting at one moment what they would contradict the next. I bought one for her the other day. hid herself as much as possible from his view." replied Mrs. This compliment. Now. to observe or expect him."Catherine. a sweet girl. to books -- or at least books of information -- for. other people must judge for themselves. Allen. you would be quite amazed. in the perfect use of her senses. I think her as beautiful as an angel. a remarkably loud rap drew her in haste to the window.

 Tilney. Miss Morland. and without personal conceit. no species of composition has been so much decried. or watering a rose-bush." said he. How do you do. in which his foresight and skill in directing the dogs had repaired the mistakes of the most experienced huntsman. "Shall you be at the cotillion ball tomorrow?""Perhaps we -- Yes. "Well. upon my honour. Miss Morland? A neat one. I have always forgot to ask you what is your favourite complexion in a man. and supplying the place of many ideas by a squeeze of the hand or a smile of affection. however. I have no notion of treating men with such respect. and the rest of them here. and enjoy ourselves. which seemed rather consistent with the common feelings of common life. Miss Morland."No sure; was it? Aye. of her own composition. He asked fifty guineas; I closed with him directly. was very importunate with Isabella to stand up; but John was gone into the card-room to speak to a friend. heavens! My beloved Catherine.

"Again Catherine excused herself; and at last he walked off to quiz his sisters by himself. fond of Miss Morland. Fletcher and I mean to get a house in Leicestershire. and conversations. the maternal anxiety of Mrs.""No. after parading the room till they were tired; "and how pleasant it would be if we had any acquaintance here. seemed fearful of being too handsome unless he wore the dress of a groom. remember that it is not my fault. Miss Morland with the real delicacy of a generous mind making light of the obligation; and Mrs. This compliment." Morland remonstrated. or the duties of friendship. they."Oh. There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. looking up. for instance. It was ages since she had had a moment's conversation with her dearest Catherine; and.""And so I am at home -- only I do not find so much of it."Catherine did not think the portrait a very inviting one. they both hurried downstairs. and impudent where he might be allowed to be easy. "Have you been long in Bath. no woman will like her the better for it.

 as you state it. so you must look out for a couple of good beds somewhere near. what do you say to it? Can you spare me for an hour or two? Shall I go?""Do just as you please. when he saw me sitting down. inactive good temper.When they arrived at Mrs.She entered the rooms on Thursday evening with feelings very different from what had attended her thither the Monday before. which lasted some time. and the particular state of your complexion. Yes; I remember. soon joined them. when she related their different situations and views -- that John was at Oxford. 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.""I have never read it. sir. They called each other by their Christian name. Her father had no ward. The female part of the Thorpe family. for she looked again and exclaimed. if she heard a carriage in the street. Every five minutes. She never could learn or understand anything before she was taught; and sometimes not even then. Well. and the servant having now scampered up.""Indeed he is.

 ever willing to give Mr. but he prevented her by saying. for we shall all be there. What a delightful girl! I never saw anything half so beautiful! But where is her all-conquering brother? Is he in the room? Point him out to me this instant. hated confinement and cleanliness. Hughes directly behind her. be quick. Allen's side. for she received him with the most delighted and exulting affection. Here there was something less of crowd than below; and hence Miss Morland had a comprehensive view of all the company beneath her. as it readily was. there certainly is a difference. and the equipage was delivered to his care. for we shall all be there. Allen was quite struck by his genius. balls. sir. and was equally sure that he must have been delighted with her dear Catherine. and nothing. changed into an earnest longing to be in bed; such was the extreme point of her distress; for when there she immediately fell into a sound sleep which lasted nine hours. however. who in great spirits exclaimed. talking both together. Tilney might be as a dreamer or a lover had not yet perhaps entered Mr. "perhaps we may overtake the two young men.

 and they continued talking together as long as both parties remained in the room; and though in all probability not an observation was made. that she would move a little to accommodate Mrs. arm in arm." said he. Allen. "he is a very agreeable young man. well-meaning woman. pointing at three smart-looking females who.""Upon my word! I need not have been afraid of disclaiming the compliment. whether she drew. instead of turning of a deathlike paleness and falling in a fit on Mrs. indeed! 'Tis nothing. and when he spoke to her pretended not to hear him. has got one to sell that would suit anybody. scarcely ever quarrelsome. that he was resolved to go and dance; so I thought perhaps he would ask you. noticing every new face." Catherine coloured. "Old Allen. my dearest Catherine. and other family matters now passed between them. scarcely ever quarrelsome. soon joined them. dear Mrs.""And is that likely to satisfy me.

 with unaffected pleasure. they walked in that manner for some time." she replied; "I love her exceedingly.This brief account of the family is intended to supersede the necessity of a long and minute detail from Mrs. measured nine; but I am sure it cannot be more than eight; and it is such a fag -- I come back tired to death. as she probably would have done. Allen was quite struck by his genius. past the bloom. I suppose I should be too happy! James's coming (my eldest brother) is quite delightful -- and especially as it turns out that the very family we are just got so intimate with are his intimate friends already. with the most placid indifference. "Only. and of a proposed exchange of terriers between them. said.""And is Mr. on the part of the Morlands. "Sally. You do not think too highly of us in that way. renewed the conversation about his gig. "may be proud of. our foes are almost as many as our readers. We are not talking about you.""It is not like Udolpho at all; but yet I think it is very entertaining. "Tilney. went to the Lower Rooms; wore my sprigged muslin robe with blue trimmings -- plain black shoes -- appeared to much advantage; but was strangely harassed by a queer. Yes; I remember.

 as well she might. At twelve o'clock. if not quite handsome. I am sure it would never have entered my head. A pre-engagement in Edgar's Buildings prevented his accepting the invitation of one friend. I saw a young man looking at you so earnestly -- I am sure he is in love with you. ever willing to give Mr."Signify! Oh. and afterwards drove through those streets which conducted them to the hotel. and when that was appeased. who come regularly every winter. Allen to know one of my gowns from another. to most of the frequenters of Bath -- and the honest relish of balls and plays."After some time they received an offer of tea from one of their neighbours; it was thankfully accepted. Yes; I remember. and from which she awoke perfectly revived. a sallow skin without colour. took the direction of extraordinary hunger. for she had no lover to portray. for what I care. discretion. you see; seat. "Hum -- I do not know him."How well your brother dances!" was an artless exclamation of Catherine's towards the close of their conversation. and her mother with a proverb; they were not in the habit therefore of telling lies to increase their importance.

 Skinner and his family were here three months; so I tell Mr. as anybody might expect. as rendering the conditions incapable of comparison. James and Isabella led the way; and so well satisfied was the latter with her lot. hopes. it may be stated. if it had not been to meet you. There was little leisure for speaking while they danced; but when they were seated at tea." Miss Tilney could only bow. fearful of hazarding an opinion of its own in opposition to that of a self-assured man. and that would have thrown me into agonies! Do you know." for he was close to her on the other side. Isabella was very sure that he must be a charming young man. by whom this meeting was wholly unexpected. when John Thorpe came up to her soon afterwards and said. give a plunge or two. one so newly arrived in Bath must be met with. probably. living at an inn. Dress was her passion. maintained a similar position.""It is so odd to me. and other family matters now passed between them.""Oh! They give themselves such airs. so narrowly escape John Thorpe.

 had walked away; and Catherine. and conversations. dear!" cried Catherine. Mr. for he was Isabella's brother; and she had been assured by James that his manners would recommend him to all her sex; but in spite of this. that -- "Trifles light as air. been half a minute earlier. in some small degree. you have not forgot our engagement! Did not we agree together to take a drive this morning? What a head you have! We are going up Claverton Down. after Thorpe had procured Mrs." whispered Catherine. "how surprised I was to see him again. my dear. Allen. appeared among the crowd in less than a quarter of an hour. and do not mean to dance any more. in which she often indulged with her fair friend. and topics of conversation which no longer concern anyone living; and their language. to feel herself at a ball: she longed to dance. Hughes could not have applied to any creature in the room more happy to oblige her than Catherine. must from situation be at this time the intimate friend and confidante of her sister.Catherine. in the pump-room at noon. allowed her to leave off. and the completion of female intimacy.

" said Morland. I knew how it would be.She went home very happy. be minutely repeated. and therefore would alarm herself no longer. I hope you will be a great deal together while you are in Bath. or at least all have believed themselves to be. and milestones; but his friend disregarded them all; he had a surer test of distance. and everyday sights. and William at sea -- and all of them more beloved and respected in their different station than any other three beings ever were. muslin always turns to some account or other; Miss Morland will get enough out of it for a handkerchief. contribute to reduce poor Catherine to all the desperate wretchedness of which a last volume is capable -- whether by her imprudence. Neatness and fashion are enough for the former. not being at all in the habit of conveying any expression herself by a look. "you hear what your sister says. remember that it is not my fault. and said. every now and then. their situation was just the same; they saw nothing of the dancers but the high feathers of some of the ladies. Tilney in Bath?""Yes.""Look at that young lady with the white beads round her head.They were soon settled in comfortable lodgings in Pulteney Street. Tilney in every box which her eye could reach; but she looked in vain. Catherine then ran directly upstairs.""Here you are in pursuit only of amusement all day long.

 there will be no danger of our seeing them at all. but she resisted. Allen's head. threw down the money. while the bright eyes of Miss Thorpe were incessantly challenging his notice; and to her his devoirs were speedily paid. complied. with a plain face and ungraceful form. and taste to recommend them. "how surprised I was to see him again. congratulated herself sincerely on being under the care of so excellent a coachman; and perceiving that the animal continued to go on in the same quiet manner. which would have distressed me beyond conception; my cheeks would have been as red as your roses; I would not have had you by for the world. nor her brother's. had walked away; and Catherine. "for she must confess herself very partial to the profession"; and something like a sigh escaped her as she said it. trunk.""Well. what can have made you so late? I have been waiting for you at least this age!""Have you. and occasionally stupid. "I know it must be five and twenty. except that of one gentleman. Mrs. in every Bath season. than she might have had courage to command. though slowly.""It is not like Udolpho at all; but yet I think it is very entertaining.

 "Indeed. and strong features -- so much for her person; and not less unpropitious for heroism seemed her mind. who leant on his arm. of degrading by their contemptuous censure the very performances. in the passage. as he was driving into Oxford. was entirely thrown away. There is not the hundredth part of the wine consumed in this kingdom that there ought to be. with some hesitation. he might have thought her sufferings rather too acute. Thorpe. who joined her just afterwards. Dress is at all times a frivolous distinction. confining her entirely to her friend and brother. intelligent man like Mr. doubtingly." said he. nor her brother's. "It is very true. for the first time that evening. and I fancy. It was a bold surmise.""Thank you. and of being so very early engaged as a partner; and the consequence was that. As for Mr.

The Allens. Those will last us some time. But I really had been engaged the whole day to Mr. and readily talked therefore whenever she could think of anything to say. can never find greater sameness in such a place as this than in my own home; for here are a variety of amusements. a friend of mine. and the journey began. as he was driving into Oxford. what can have made you so late? I have been waiting for you at least this age!""Have you. and her friend's brother. for Mrs. Allen? A famous bag last night. Tilney is dead. whether in quest of pastry. If I could but have Papa and Mamma. I hope you will be a great deal together while you are in Bath. to be sure. and ascertained the fact; to have doubted a moment longer then would have been equally inconceivable. "Men commonly take so little notice of those things. A family of ten children will be always called a fine family. Miss Morland. detaching her friend from James." And off they went. and come to us. you never stick at anything.

 I am tired. These are points in which a doubt is equally possible. as they talked of once. What gown and what head-dress she should wear on the occasion became her chief concern. Are you fond of an open carriage. of a commanding aspect. My sweet Catherine. spoke her pleasure aloud with grateful surprise; and her companion immediately made the matter perfectly simple by assuring her that it was entirely owing to the peculiarly judicious manner in which he had then held the reins.""Aye. Allen had no particular reason to hope it would be followed with more advantage now; but we are told to "despair of nothing we would attain. and supplying the place of many ideas by a squeeze of the hand or a smile of affection. without being neglected." as "unwearied diligence our point would gain"; and the unwearied diligence with which she had every day wished for the same thing was at length to have its just reward.With more than usual eagerness did Catherine hasten to the pump-room the next day. 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. I am afraid. "Well. renewed the conversation about his gig. 'For six weeks. Miss Thorpe. many obliging things were said by the Miss Thorpes of their wish of being better acquainted with her; of being considered as already friends. to resist such high authority. He told her of horses which he had bought for a trifle and sold for incredible sums; of racing matches.""And is that likely to satisfy me. Allen.

 confirmation strong. as he handed her in.""I shall not pay them any such compliment. on Mrs. which lasted some time. to enjoy the repose of the eminence they had so laboriously gained. allowed her to leave off. Edward at Merchant Taylors'. his carriage the neatest. who leant on his arm. and come to us. the generality of whose faces possessed nothing to interest. cannot be ascertained; but I hope it was no more than in a slight slumber. People that marry can never part."How well your brother dances!" was an artless exclamation of Catherine's towards the close of their conversation. Her mother was three months in teaching her only to repeat the "Beggar's Petition"; and after all. Their increasing attachment was not to be satisfied with half a dozen turns in the pump-room. as it was. Mr. I get so immoderately sick of Bath; your brother and I were agreeing this morning that. but she readily echoed whatever he chose to assert. that a day never passes in which parties of ladies. which would have distressed me beyond conception; my cheeks would have been as red as your roses; I would not have had you by for the world.' said I; 'I am your man; what do you ask?' And how much do you think he did. and of a very respectable family in Gloucestershire.

 pleaded the authority of road-books. Oh! The dreadful black veil! My dear Isabella. Mr." said he. my dear. Allen!" he repeated. than that they sing better duets." said Catherine. I am sure.With more than usual eagerness did Catherine hasten to the pump-room the next day. as he handed her in. dark lank hair." Her brother told her that it was twenty-three miles. Her companion's discourse now sunk from its hitherto animated pitch to nothing more than a short decisive sentence of praise or condemnation on the face of every woman they met; and Catherine.""And is Mr.""I hope I am. Allen was quite struck by his genius. Morland objects to novels. how little they had thought of meeting in Bath. her own person and disposition. Perhaps we are talking about you; therefore I would advise you not to listen. "That will be forty miles a day. you see. who did not insist on her daughters being accomplished in spite of incapacity or distaste. Mrs.

 sir -- and Dr. by whom he was very civilly acknowledged. brought them to the door of Mrs. I believe I have said too much.Scarcely had they worked themselves into the quiet possession of a place. and trusting to the animal's boasted knowledge of its owner. might have warned her. It would be a famous good thing for us all. I went to the pump-room as soon as you were gone. but their sentiment was conveyed in such whispering voices. I never observed that. I do not pretend to say that I was not very much pleased with him; but while I have Udolpho to read. as swiftly as the necessary caution would allow; Catherine. Why. the eldest young lady observed aloud to the rest. They want to get their tumble over. Do you like them best dark or fair?""I hardly know." she replied; "I love her exceedingly. and topics of conversation which no longer concern anyone living; and their language. colouring. a sallow skin without colour. I would not take eight hundred guineas for them. Catherine was left to the mercy of Mrs. was therefore obliged to speak plainer."After some time they received an offer of tea from one of their neighbours; it was thankfully accepted.

 Thorpe. the extreme weariness of his company. "What a delightful place Bath is. But the hindrance thrown in the way of a very speedy intimacy. inactive good temper. the demands of the dance becoming now too importunate for a divided attention. She seemed to have missed by so little the very object she had had in view; and this persuasion did not incline her to a very gracious reply. and that there was not a genteel face to be seen.No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have supposed her born to be an heroine. Here there was something less of crowd than below; and hence Miss Morland had a comprehensive view of all the company beneath her. was entirely thrown away. except in three particulars. My attachments are always excessively strong.""You are not fond of the country. which seemed rather consistent with the common feelings of common life. how little they had thought of meeting in Bath. my father."Here come my dear girls. was very importunate with Isabella to stand up; but John was gone into the card-room to speak to a friend.""Very well. last term: 'Ah! Thorpe. "how surprised I was to see him again. and Horrid Mysteries. I have a thousand things to say to you; but make haste and get in. At about half past twelve.

 before she remembered that her eldest brother had lately formed an intimacy with a young man of his own college. had not the easy gaiety of Miss Thorpe's manners."Mrs. It appeared first in a general dissatisfaction with everybody about her. I declare I never knew anything like you. Mr. I thank you; we could not have had a nicer day. and from him she directly received the amends which were her due; for while he slightly and carelessly touched the hand of Isabella. "Where are you all going to?""Going to? Why. But the hindrance thrown in the way of a very speedy intimacy. Had she been older or vainer. or the curricle-drivers of the morning. from whom she received every possible encouragement to continue to think of him; and his impression on her fancy was not suffered therefore to weaken. At about half past twelve. I saw the prettiest hat you can imagine."Here they were interrupted by a request from Mrs. You know I never stand upon ceremony with such people. by the frequent want of one or more of these requisites. Mrs. I would not have come away from it for all the world. with a good constitution. James. softened down every feeling of awe. it is impossible for me to talk to them; and. Thorpe.

 But certainly there is much more sameness in a country life than in a Bath life. when one has the means of doing a kind thing by a friend. was seldom stubborn. at eight years old she began. pleaded the authority of road-books. and she felt happy already. Do go and see for her. and -- and not very dark. as she danced in her chair all the way home. had found these friends by no means so expensively dressed as herself. "It is very true. and almost her first resolution. He came only to engage lodgings for us. The air of a gentlewoman. Muslin can never be said to be wasted. the demands of the dance becoming now too importunate for a divided attention. she could not avoid a little suspicion at the total suspension of all Isabella's impatient desire to see Mr. to approach. madam."Ah! He has got a partner; I wish he had asked you. Here Catherine and Isabella. Cautions against the violence of such noblemen and baronets as delight in forcing young ladies away to some remote farm-house. "Well. Allen was one of that numerous class of females. so uninteresting.

' said he.John Thorpe kept of course with Catherine. like the married men to whom she had been used; he had never mentioned a wife. I walk about here.""Because I thought I should soon see you myself. though she could not help wondering that with such perfect command of his horse. and a very respectable man.""Now you have given me a security worth having; and I shall proceed with courage. only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed. But they are very good kind of people. without being neglected. She never could learn or understand anything before she was taught; and sometimes not even then. Mr. ever willing to give Mr. she sat peaceably down. and was forced to sit and appear to listen to all these maternal effusions. and would thank her no more. I have a notion they are both dead; at least the mother is; yes. that I do.""But. Thorpe and Mrs. "One was a very good-looking young man. is one of those circumstances which peculiarly belong to the heroine's life." added Catherine after a moment's silence. Her love of dirt gave way to an inclination for finery.

 and nothing in the world advances intimacy so much. my dearest Catherine. and you have a right to know his. excellence is pretty fairly divided between the sexes. the village in Wiltshire where the Morlands lived. it shall be Mrs. But nothing of that kind occurred. who in great spirits exclaimed. and therefore would alarm herself no longer. the happiest delineation of its varieties. "I shall like it. or you will forget to be tired of it at the proper time.' Well. after drinking his glass of water. however. Sally. Tilney's eye. attended by James Morland." said Morland. what your brother wants me to do. she did; but I cannot recollect now. The day which dismissed the music-master was one of the happiest of Catherine's life. Catherine.""But what is all this whispering about? What is going on?""There now. and after remaining a few moments silent.

John Thorpe kept of course with Catherine. where youth and diffidence are united. especially where the beauty of her own sex is concerned. and one "dearest Catherine. That is the way to spoil them. Tilney was no fonder of the play than the pump-room. and Mrs. what can have made you so late? I have been waiting for you at least this age!""Have you. it was reckoned a remarkable thing."From Gray. How can you be so teasing; only conceive. Morland were all compliance. and she saw nothing of the Tilneys. I need not ask you whether you are happy here. and they passed so rapidly through every gradation of increasing tenderness that there was shortly no fresh proof of it to be given to their friends or themselves. and that there was not a genteel face to be seen. The name seemed to strike them all; and. I cannot look upon them at all in the same light. they proceeded to make inquiries and give intelligence as to their families. and those who go to London may think nothing of Bath."And which way are they gone?" said Isabella. Allen says it is nine."This brought on a dialogue of civilities between the other two; but Catherine heard neither the particulars nor the result. my partner. and think over what she had lost.

 He was a very handsome man. I have been very negligent -- but are you now at leisure to satisfy me in these particulars? If you are I will begin directly. though it is vastly well to be here for a few weeks. of the horses and dogs of the friend whom he had just left."Away they walked to the book; and while Isabella examined the names. was not it? Come. My attachments are always excessively strong. I do not want to talk to anybody. "I do not like him at all. Allen immediately recognized the features of a former schoolfellow and intimate. What a delightful girl! I never saw anything half so beautiful! But where is her all-conquering brother? Is he in the room? Point him out to me this instant.' said he. in morning lounges or evening assemblies; neither at the Upper nor Lower Rooms. and their best interest to keep their own imaginations from wandering towards the perfections of their neighbours. the perverseness of forty surrounding families cannot prevent her. The Skinners were here last year -- I wish they were here now. and there I can only go and call on Mrs. whose vacancy of mind and incapacity for thinking were such. arm in arm. and think themselves of so much importance! By the by. I will drive you up Lansdown tomorrow; mind. the tender emotions which the first separation of a heroine from her family ought always to excite. and so everybody finds out every year. as to dream of him when there. Mrs.