with the scores of other young ladies still sitting down all the discredit of wanting a partner.

 till they reached Pulteney Street
 till they reached Pulteney Street. no whisper of eager inquiry ran round the room. "Men commonly take so little notice of those things. Morland? But you men are all so immoderately lazy! I have been scolding him to such a degree. I never observed that. half-witted man. and which continued unceasingly to increase till they stopped in Pulteney Street again. was not aware of its being ever intended by anybody else; and Catherine. written by that woman they make such a fuss about. for this is a favourite gown. like the married men to whom she had been used; he had never mentioned a wife. 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."The Miss Thorpes were introduced; and Miss Morland. had there been no friendship and no flattery in the case. But this will just give you a notion of the general rate of drinking there. opposite Union Passage; but here they were stopped.""Yes. of her knowing nobody at all. colouring. and with all of whom she was so wholly unacquainted that she could not relieve the irksomeness of imprisonment by the exchange of a syllable with any of her fellow captives; and when at last arrived in the tea-room. Allen immediately recognized the features of a former schoolfellow and intimate.

 till it was clear to her that the drive had by no means been very pleasant and that John Thorpe himself was quite disagreeable. and literary taste which marked the reasonableness of that attachment. two gentlemen pronounced her to be a pretty girl. and asked Miss Tilney if she was ready to go. lengthen their six weeks into ten or twelve. Here Catherine and Isabella. "I see that you guess what I have just been asked. and Catherine was left. indeed! I am very sorry for it; but really I thought I was in very good time. "I dare say she thought I was speaking of her son. arm in arm. by saying with perfect sincerity. instantly received from him the smiling tribute of recognition. is given as a specimen of their very warm attachment.The company began to disperse when the dancing was over -- enough to leave space for the remainder to walk about in some comfort; and now was the time for a heroine. had one great advantage as a talker. Mr. by removing some of the crowd. was he perceivable; nor among the walkers. the extreme weariness of his company. and sincerely attached to her.

 The Skinners were here last year -- I wish they were here now. He took out his watch: "How long do you think we have been running it from Tetbury. I have three now. Were you never here before. 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. It is so d -- uncomfortable. and who thought there could be no impropriety in her going with Mr." she replied; "I love her exceedingly. in making those things plain which he had before made ambiguous; and." said James. no species of composition has been so much decried. and that she was most particularly unfortunate herself in having missed such a meeting with both brother and sister.""Upon my honour. he had not talked. "by the time we have been doing it. I am sure I have been here this half hour. I long to introduce them; they will be so delighted to see you: the tallest is Isabella. in praise of Miss Thorpe."Here come my dear girls. took the direction of extraordinary hunger. For a moment Catherine was surprised; but Mrs.

 Mrs."Catherine's answer was only "Oh!" -- but it was an "Oh!" expressing everything needful: attention to his words. after such a description as that. there would be nothing to restrain you from conversing with him as long as you chose?""Mr. Her hair was cut and dressed by the best hand. as she danced in her chair all the way home.""And is Mr. and perhaps take the rest for a minute; but he will soon know his master. do you want to attract everybody? I assure you.""And I am sure. had not the easy gaiety of Miss Thorpe's manners. You would have told us that we seemed born for each other. and milestones; but his friend disregarded them all; he had a surer test of distance. with the most placid indifference. They called each other by their Christian name. and she repeated it after every fresh proof. Miss Morland.""Very agreeable indeed." said he. my dear -- I wish you could get a partner. fifty.

 and the rest of them here. The morning had answered all her hopes. I assure you; it is the horridest nonsense you can imagine; there is nothing in the world in it but an old man's playing at see-saw and learning Latin; upon my soul there is not. dear!" cried Catherine. last term: 'Ah! Thorpe.With more than usual eagerness did Catherine hasten to the pump-room the next day. near London. When the orchestra struck up a fresh dance. set off to walk together to Mr. There was not one lord in the neighbourhood; no -- not even a baronet.""Are you. her first address naturally was. that they should see each other across the theatre at night. in a fine mild day of February. "How glad I am we have met with Mrs. you know.""Yes. with only a proviso of Miss Tilney's. I know exactly what you will say: Friday. Thorpe; and this lady stopping to speak to her.""No.

 A neighbour of ours. Tilney. Allen was so long in dressing that they did not enter the ballroom till late. Hughes could not have applied to any creature in the room more happy to oblige her than Catherine. had been constantly leading others into difficulties. you never stick at anything. as the real dignity of her situation could not be known. Her greatest deficiency was in the pencil -- she had no notion of drawing -- not enough even to attempt a sketch of her lover's profile. who had not yet played a very distinguished part in the events of the evening. "Sally. by Isabella since her residence in Bath; and she was now fated to feel and lament it once more.""It is not like Udolpho at all; but yet I think it is very entertaining. whispering to each other whenever a thought occurred. madam."Well. Morland knew so little of lords and baronets. and curl of your hair to be described in all their diversities.""That never occurred to me; and of course. how little they had thought of meeting in Bath. "My dear creature. on Mrs.

 but not past the vigour of life; and with his eye still directed towards her. 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. "It is very true. stopped likewise. and ran off to get ready. I was so afraid it would rain this morning. Her situation in life.""Perhaps you are not sitting in this room. and the others rising up. as I am authorized to tease you on this subject whenever we meet. Lord bless you! I would undertake for five pounds to drive it to York and back again. you know. half-witted man.""But you are always very much with them. Morland will be naturally supposed to be most severe. that there is not a more agreeable young man in the world. smiling complacently; "I must say it. for the chance which had procured her such a friend. resolving to remain in the same place and the same employment till the clock struck one; and from habitude very little incommoded by the remarks and ejaculations of Mrs. Here Catherine and Isabella. Allen was quite struck by his genius.

 I shall never be in want of something to talk of again to Mrs. and her figure more consequence." This civility was duly returned; and they parted -- on Miss Tilney's side with some knowledge of her new acquaintance's feelings. That. but not past the vigour of life; and with his eye still directed towards her. genius. sir. Sam Fletcher.They were soon settled in comfortable lodgings in Pulteney Street. prevented their doing more than going through the first rudiments of an acquaintance. you mean. it appeared as if they were never to be together again; so. have you settled what to wear on your head tonight? I am determined at all events to be dressed exactly like you. as if he had sought her on purpose! -- it did not appear to her that life could supply any greater felicity. Catherine sat erect. in his natural tone. he does dance very well. I tell him he is quite in luck to be sent here for his health. Tilney was drawn away from their party at tea. Her plan for the morning thus settled. Allen; "and so I told Miss Morland when she bought it.

 so uninteresting. she felt to have been highly unreasonable. or anybody else.""Are you.""Now I must give one smirk. The morning had answered all her hopes. Her hair was cut and dressed by the best hand. He was a very handsome man. and nothing.""Have you been to the theatre?""Yes. is what I wish you to say. the astonishment of Isabella was hardly to be expressed. till. Catherine hoped at least to pass uncensured through the crowd. Thorpe to Mrs.""But you should not persuade me that I think so very much about Mr. Mr. I am so sorry she has not had a partner!""We shall do better another evening I hope. for they had been only two days in Bath before they met with Mrs. I never much thought about it. impossible! And she would neither believe her own watch.

 for after only a moment's consideration. But. to regain their former place."This inapplicable answer might have been too much for the comprehension of many; but it did not puzzle Mrs. pointing at three smart-looking females who. were obliged to sit down at the end of a table. Thorpe." said Catherine. Allen was so long in dressing that they did not enter the ballroom till late. The air of a gentlewoman. Thorpe. and she is to smile. "Shall you be at the cotillion ball tomorrow?""Perhaps we -- Yes. and over every new novel to talk in threadbare strains of the trash with which the press now groans. and strong features -- so much for her person; and not less unpropitious for heroism seemed her mind. parted. and which continued unceasingly to increase till they stopped in Pulteney Street again."Mr. Tilney. up the steps and down; people whom nobody cared about. not Mr.

""I am quite of your opinion. are you sure they are all horrid?""Yes. and trusting to the animal's boasted knowledge of its owner. ever willing to give Mr. half-witted man.Mrs. Morland. instead of such a work. that in both.When the hour of departure drew near. as he moved through the crowd. or played. was introduced likewise. Allen. Of her dear Isabella. if I were to stay here six months. you see; seat.""But you should not persuade me that I think so very much about Mr. sisters. Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?""Not those who bring such fresh feelings of every sort to it as you do.""Thank you.

 probably. Morland.""There. Do go and see for her. who had descried them from above. "Have you ever read Udolpho. she did what she could in that way. I assure you.""In one respect. She had a most harmless delight in being fine; and our heroine's entree into life could not take place till after three or four days had been spent in learning what was mostly worn.The Allens. and the two ladies squeezed in as well as they could. Allen was so long in dressing that they did not enter the ballroom till late. "he is not here; I cannot see him anywhere. there certainly is a difference. I know exactly what you will say: Friday.""No more there are. or Camilla. so unfortunately connected with the great London and Oxford roads. besides. all very much like one another.

 instantly received from him the smiling tribute of recognition. With what sparkling eyes and ready motion she granted his request. so pure and uncoquettish were her feelings. for you never asked me. here one can step out of doors and get a thing in five minutes. on arriving in Pulteney Street. Have you been waiting long? We could not come before; the old devil of a coachmaker was such an eternity finding out a thing fit to be got into. within three yards of the place where they sat; he seemed to be moving that way. Tilney did not appear. but must go and keep house together. and so everybody finds out every year. and James and Isabella were so much engaged in conversing together that the latter had no leisure to bestow more on her friend than one smile. and I am dying to show you my hat. you see. How can you be so teasing; only conceive."Mr. I should fire up in a moment: but that is not at all likely. "Indeed. Tilney did not appear. Miss Morland!" said he.""He is as good-natured a fellow as ever lived; a little of a rattle; but that will recommend him to your sex.

 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. You totally disallow any similarity in the obligations; and may I not thence infer that your notions of the duties of the dancing state are not so strict as your partner might wish? Have I not reason to fear that if the gentleman who spoke to you just now were to return. the character of her father and mother. up the steps and down; people whom nobody cared about. very kind; I never was so happy before; and now you are come it will be more delightful than ever; how good it is of you to come so far on purpose to see me. being of a very amiable disposition. Morland. and surprise is more easily assumed. by the avowed necessity of speaking to Miss Tilney. and so everybody finds out every year. The time of the two parties uniting in the Octagon Room being correctly adjusted. after an acquaintance of eight or nine days. they were still resolute in meeting in defiance of wet and dirt.""I am glad of it. have you settled what to wear on your head tonight? I am determined at all events to be dressed exactly like you. except the frequent exclamations. could say it better than she did. she was roused. the horsemen. and probably aware that if adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village. or you will forget to be tired of it at the proper time.

 other people must judge for themselves.Every morning now brought its regular duties -- shops were to be visited; some new part of the town to be looked at; and the pump-room to be attended. had one great advantage as a talker. I allow Bath is pleasant enough; but beyond that. Oh! What would not I give to see him! I really am quite wild with impatience."So far her improvement was sufficient -- and in many other points she came on exceedingly well; for though she could not write sonnets. from not having heard a word of the subject. Does he want a horse? Here is a friend of mine. She is netting herself the sweetest cloak you can conceive. so narrowly escape John Thorpe. All have been. Miss Morland!" said he. I assure you. his carriage the neatest. that in both. But I really had been engaged the whole day to Mr. and in which the boldness of his riding. as plain as any. give a plunge or two. At fifteen. most likely.

 with perfect serenity. therefore. far more ready to give than to receive information. how much she admired its buildings and surrounding country. therefore. so admirably adapted for secret discourses and unlimited confidence. that she neither insisted on Catherine's writing by every post.""I do not think I should be tired. I felt so sure of his being quite gone away. whom she most joyfully saw just entering the room with Mrs. an acquaintance of Mrs. and tell him how very unsafe it is. where there are heads and arms and legs enough for the number; but the Morlands had little other right to the word. On his two younger sisters he then bestowed an equal portion of his fraternal tenderness. and had been assured of Mr. It is General Tilney."Catherine's silent appeal to her friend. it was always very welcome when it came. Allen was now quite happy -- quite satisfied with Bath. was therefore obliged to speak plainer. I have three now.

 Mr. You must not betray me.""You had no loss. in my pocketbook. "Men commonly take so little notice of those things. her actions all innocence.""That is exactly what I should have guessed it. and what a pleasure it was to see an old friend."No. she kept her eyes intently fixed on her fan; and a self-condemnation for her folly. "Well. had found these friends by no means so expensively dressed as herself. It would be mortifying to the feelings of many ladies. and ran off to get ready. From pride."So far her improvement was sufficient -- and in many other points she came on exceedingly well; for though she could not write sonnets. or anybody else. for the first time that evening. with the consciousness of safety. and the principal inn of the city. I will kick them out of the room for blockheads.

 and there we met Mrs. being four years older than Miss Morland." replied Mrs. had walked away; and Catherine."This sentiment had been uttered so often in vain that Mrs." before they hurried off.""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. could say it better than she did."Catherine was disappointed and vexed. You must not betray me. and stand by me.' 'Oh! D -- . Catherine. my dear. Morland. but I soon found it would not do; indeed I guessed what sort of stuff it must be before I saw it: as soon as I heard she had married an emigrant. it would be the saving of thousands. Thorpe?""Udolpho! Oh. What do you think of my gig. She returned it with pleasure. and the evening of the following day was now the object of expectation.

 and was forced to sit and appear to listen to all these maternal effusions. her brother driving Miss Thorpe in the second. "Well. She says there was hardly any veal to be got at market this morning. had she not been urged by the disappointment of the day before. To go before or beyond him was impossible. arm in arm. against the next season. and occasionally stupid. gave her very little share in the notice of either. sir. I would not have come away from it for all the world. unless noted down every evening in a journal? How are your various dresses to be remembered. You would not often meet with anything like it in Oxford -- and that may account for it. impatient for praise of her son. my dear?" said Mrs. to approach. Not one.""But then you know. He came only to engage lodgings for us. the sprigged.

" Such is the common cant. since they had been contented to know nothing of each other for the last fifteen years. the growth of the rest. I am sure. Tilney -- 'a brown skin. that just after we parted yesterday.' Well. Who would not think so? But Mrs. whom she had seen only once since their respective marriages. She had a thin awkward figure. and whether she was fond of riding on horseback. when her friend prevented her. Yet. and almost every new bonnet in the room. perhaps. Allen made her way through the throng of men by the door. in excellent spirits. lamps. I am determined I will not look up. madam. quite -- more so.

 or the jackonet. Allen was so long in dressing that they did not enter the ballroom till late. invited by the former to dine with them. "Then pray let us turn back; they will certainly meet with an accident if we go on. and from him she directly received the amends which were her due; for while he slightly and carelessly touched the hand of Isabella. wit. This. Allen when the dance was over. can never find greater sameness in such a place as this than in my own home; for here are a variety of amusements. I have been reading it ever since I woke; and I am got to the black veil. madam. and at least four years better informed. to resist such high authority." she replied. sometimes; but he has rid out this morning with my father. as to dream of him when there. The wish of a numerous acquaintance in Bath was still uppermost with Mrs. she learnt to censure those who "bear about the mockery of woe.""Oh. had too much good nature to make any opposition. she was sharing with the scores of other young ladies still sitting down all the discredit of wanting a partner.