Northanger Abbey

e latter to utter some few of the many thousand things which had been collecting within her for communication in the immeasurable length of time which had

heavenly style than ever; you mischievous creature, do you want to attract everybody? I assure you, my brother is quite in love with you already; and as for Mr. Tilney-but that is a settled thing-even your modesty cannot doubt his attachment now; his coming back to Bath makes it too plain. Oh! What w

"he is not here; I can

his morning that, though it is vastly well to be here for a few weeks, we would not live here for millions. We soon found out that our tastes were exactly alike in preferring the country to every other place; really, our opinions wer

eed I sh

seemed born for each other, or some nonsense of that kind, which would have distressed me beyond con

so improper a remark upon any account; and beside

ously and talked the res

mmediately took her usual place by the side of her friend. James, who was now in constant attendance, maintained a similar position, and separating themselves from the rest of their party, they walked in that manner for some time, till Catherine began to doubt the happiness of a situation which, confining her entirely to her friend and brother, gave her very little share in the notice of either. They were always engaged in some sentimental discussion or lively dispute, but their sentiment was conveyed in such whispering voices, and their vivacity attended with so much laughter, that though Catherine's supporting opinion was not unfrequently called for by one or the other, she was never able to give any, from not having heard a word of the subject. At length however she was empowered to disengage he

tion of Catherine's towards the close of their convers

ith a smile. "Yes, he

I really had been engaged the whole day to Mr. Thorpe." Miss Tilney could only bow. "You cannot think," added Cathe

efore, he was in Bath but for a couple of da

g him anywhere, I thought he must be gone. Was not t

uaintance of

ery glad to dance. Do

t v

to the pump-ro

he has rid out this m

y to go. "I hope I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again soo

, I think we ce

hey parted-on Miss Tilney's side with some knowledge of her new acquaintance's feeli

nesday night debating between her spotted and her tamboured muslin, and nothing but the shortness of the time prevented her buying a new one for the evening. This would have been an error in judgment, great though not uncommon, from which one of the other sex rather than her own, a brother rather than a great aunt, might have warned her, for man only can be aware of the insensibility of man towards a new gown. It would be mortifying to the feelings of many ladies, could they be made to understand how little the heart of man is affec

er wishes, hopes, and plans all centred in nothing less. Every young lady may feel for my heroine in this critical moment, for every young lady has at some time or other known the same agitation. All have been, or at least all have believed themselves to be, in danger from the pursuit of someone whom they wished to avoid; and all have been anxious for the at

I declare positively it is quite shocking. I tell him he ought to be ashamed of himself, but you and John must keep us

among such a crowd they should even meet with the Tilneys in any reasonable time, had just passed through her mind, when she suddenly found herself addressed and again solicited to dance, by Mr. Tilney himself. With what sparkling eyes and ready motion she granted his request, and with how pleasing a flutt

n her attention was claimed by John Thorpe, who stood behind her. "Heyday, Miss Morlan

ld think so, for y

ly came for the sake of dancing with you, and I firmly believe you were engaged to me ever since Monday. Yes; I remember, I asked you while you were waiting in the lobby for your cloak. And

think of me, after such

m Fletcher, has got one to sell that would suit anybody. A famous clever animal for the road-only forty guineas. I had fifty minds to buy it myself, for it is one of my maxims always to buy a good horse when I meet with one; but it would not answer my purpose, it would not do for

minute longer. He has no business to withdraw the attention of my partner from me. We have entered into a contract of mutual agreeableness for the space of an evening, and all our agreeableness belongs solely to each other for that time. Nobody can fasten themselves on the notice of

such very diff

they cannot be co

ust go and keep house together. People that dance only s

at in both, it is an engagement between man and woman, formed for the advantage of each; and that when once entered into, they belong exclusively to each other till the moment of its dissolution; that it is their duty, each to endeavour to give the other no cause fo

t still they are so very different. I cannot look upon them at a

o the man; he is to purvey, and she is to smile. But in dancing, their duties are exactly changed; the agreeableness, the compliance are expected from him, while

I never tho

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 wh

he talks to me, I must talk to him again; but there are hardly three

be my only secur

not know anybody, it is impossible for me to talk to

hall proceed with courage. Do you find Bath as agreeabl

te-more s

o be tired of it at the proper time. You

d be tired, if I were t

nough; but beyond that, it is the most tiresome place in the world.' You would be told so by people of all descriptions, who come

small retired village in the country, can never find greater sameness in such a place as this than in my own home; for h

t fond of t

. But certainly there is much more sameness in a country life tha

r time so much more rat

o

you

eve there is m

rsuit only of amuse

out here, and so I do there; but here I see a variety of people

was very

ual poverty! However, when you sink into this abyss again, you will have mo

gain-I do like it so very much. If I could but have Papa and Mamma, and the rest of them here, I suppose I should be too happy! James's coming (my eldest brother) is qu

s are a good deal gone by, to most of the frequenters of Bath-and the honest relish of balls and plays, and everyday sights, is

ot past the vigour of life; and with his eye still directed towards her, she saw him presently address Mr. Tilney in a familiar whisper. Confused by his notice, and blushing from the fear of its being excited by something wrong in her appearance, she tur

rds, and perfect reliance on their truth. With real interest and strong admiration did her eye now follo

they should join in a walk, some morning or other. "I shall like it," she cried, "beyond anything in the world; and do not let us put it off-let us go tomorrow." This was readily agreed to, with only a proviso of Miss Tilney's, that it did not rain, which Catherine was sure it would not. At twelve o'clock, they were to call for her in Pulteney Street; and "Remember-twelve o'clock," was her parting speech to her ne