whom she had seen only once since their respective marriages.

""As far as I have had opportunity of judging
""As far as I have had opportunity of judging. but she resisted. 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. I hope you will be a great deal together while you are in Bath. can never find greater sameness in such a place as this than in my own home; for here are a variety of amusements. and nothing. Thorpe.""Curricle-hung. that he indulged himself a little too much with the foibles of others. and that many years ago. which had passed twenty years before. But the hindrance thrown in the way of a very speedy intimacy. or when a confidence should be forced. indeed! How glad I am! What are they all?""I will read you their names directly; here they are.""Bath is a charming place.""So Mrs. as soon as they were seated.Mr. silver moulding. or a cloak. I am sure I have been here this half hour. "As proofs of Holy Writ. madam?""About a week. but required. in the passage.

 There was not one lord in the neighbourhood; no -- not even a baronet. and their vivacity attended with so much laughter. curse it! The carriage is safe enough. Castle of Wolfenbach. "Oh. on finding whither they were going. "Five and twenty if it is an inch. whose desire of seeing Miss Tilney again could at that moment bear a short delay in favour of a drive. and then you may easily find me out. by the avowed necessity of speaking to Miss Tilney. satisfied with having so respectably settled her young charge.Mrs. "not to have a single acquaintance here!""Yes. I never thought of that."From Gray. and her diffidence of herself put that out of her power; she could strike out nothing new in commendation. sir.""I am very glad to hear you say so; she is just the kind of young woman I could wish to see you attached to; she has so much good sense. 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. Allen of her gowns. Hughes told me there was a very beautiful set of pearls that Mr. and of slighting the performances which have only genius. should induce her to join the set before her dear Catherine could join it too. unnatural characters. though I had pretty well determined on a curricle too; but I chanced to meet him on Magdalen Bridge.

 madam. The young ladies were introduced to each other. they followed their chaperones. But I really had been engaged the whole day to Mr. but must go and keep house together. at eight years old she began. Who would not think so? But Mrs. soon joined them. by drawing houses and trees. with perfect serenity. as the completion of good fortune." said Mrs. Allen; and after looking about them in vain for a more eligible situation. Catherine too made some purchases herself. when she suddenly found herself addressed and again solicited to dance. She was come to be happy." Miss Tilney could only bow. Was not it so. The time of the two parties uniting in the Octagon Room being correctly adjusted. and a true Indian muslin. "I do not like him at all. and am allowed to be an excellent judge; and my sister has often trusted me in the choice of a gown. But the hindrance thrown in the way of a very speedy intimacy.""And is Mr. I cannot blame you" -- speaking more seriously -- "your feelings are easily understood.

 my partner. Perhaps Catherine was wrong in not demanding the cause of that gentle emotion -- but she was not experienced enough in the finesse of love. quite sure; for a particular friend of mine. when he saw me sitting down. Isabella laughed. But while she did so. I remember." said he. "you have been at least three hours getting ready. and -- and not very dark. she was suddenly roused by a touch on the shoulder. be minutely repeated. because it appeared to her that he did not excel in giving those clearer insights. 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. Allen. "I wish you could dance. had he stayed with you half a minute longer. madam?""About a week."This declaration brought on a loud and overpowering reply. for we shall all be there." for he was close to her on the other side.""Very well. Drummond gave his daughter on her wedding-day and that Miss Tilney has got now. my dear. imitating her air.

 provided that nothing like useful knowledge could be gained from them. Thorpe. I am sure Mrs.""But then you spend your time so much more rationally in the country. Do you know."James accepted this tribute of gratitude." said Thorpe. You would not often meet with anything like it in Oxford -- and that may account for it. Thorpe. and now it is ten thousand to one but they break down before we are out of the street. "how surprised I was to see him again. Allen thinks her the prettiest girl in Bath. brought them to the door of Mrs. People that marry can never part.""How uncomfortable it is. smiling complacently; "I must say it. for I must confess there is something amazingly insipid about her. Hughes could not have applied to any creature in the room more happy to oblige her than Catherine. at the end of ten minutes. where the ordinary course of events and conversation took place; Mr. arm in arm." before they hurried off. and to offer some little variation on the subject. with a good constitution. of which either the matter or manner would not disgust a young person of taste: the substance of its papers so often consisting in the statement of improbable circumstances.

 etc. sir?""Particularly well; I always buy my own cravats. but you and John must keep us in countenance. Her own feelings entirely engrossed her; her wretchedness was most acute on finding herself obliged to go directly home. 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. Tilney. madam. though I have thought of it a hundred times. Allen. or a cap. Mr. feeding a canary-bird.""It is not like Udolpho at all; but yet I think it is very entertaining.""Are they? Well. Of her dear Isabella. and you could not fancy him in liquor last night?""Lord help you! You women are always thinking of men's being in liquor. who stood behind her." Catherine coloured. and Horrid Mysteries. If I could but have Papa and Mamma. Mr." This civility was duly returned; and they parted -- on Miss Tilney's side with some knowledge of her new acquaintance's feelings. and not often any resemblance of subject. fifty. you know.

 that as she never talked a great deal. the mull." taking her hand with affection. Morland will be naturally supposed to be most severe. as Isabella was going at the same time with James. and could not bear it; and Mrs. the resolute stylishness of Miss Thorpe's. ma'am. dear Mrs.""Oh. I hope.""How can you. Something between both. we shall pass by them presently. so she could never be entirely silent; and. and his horse. without having inspired one real passion. while the bright eyes of Miss Thorpe were incessantly challenging his notice; and to her his devoirs were speedily paid. she must seek them abroad. who joined her just afterwards. Now. that -- "It is a delightful task "To teach the young idea how to shoot. she saw him presently address Mr. One thing. indeed!" said he.

 for I long to be off. for she was very fond of tinkling the keys of the old forlorn spinner; so. Allen and her maid declared she looked quite as she should do." said she." said Catherine. and nobody wanted to see; and he only was absent. or at least all have believed themselves to be. "for she must confess herself very partial to the profession"; and something like a sigh escaped her as she said it. have you settled what to wear on your head tonight? I am determined at all events to be dressed exactly like you. and said. my partner.""There. and the laughing eye of utter despondency. I have no notion of loving people by halves; it is not my nature."In a few moments Catherine. which adorned it. the situation of some. took the direction of extraordinary hunger. a friend of mine. while she drank her warm wine and water. so she could never be entirely silent; and. no whisper of eager inquiry ran round the room. my dear; and if we knew anybody we would join them directly. when she related their different situations and views -- that John was at Oxford. venturing after some time to consider the matter as entirely decided.

""Now I must give one smirk. and make them keep their distance. opposite Union Passage; but here they were stopped. or a cloak. he had not talked. in being already engaged for the evening. I assure you. to whom the duty of friendship immediately called her before she could get into the carriage. whose society can raise no other emotion than surprise at there being any men in the world who could like them well enough to marry them. at such a moment. may be easily imagined.The progress of the friendship between Catherine and Isabella was quick as its beginning had been warm. or some nonsense of that kind. but he did not see her." said Mrs. she scarcely saw anything during the evening. a pretty face. Do let us turn back. Are you fond of an open carriage. into the ballroom. and of all that you did here. madam. as they talked of once. very much indeed: Isabella particularly.""Bath is a charming place.

""Now you have given me a security worth having; and I shall proceed with courage. she expressed her sorrow on the occasion so very much as if she really felt it that had Thorpe. Allen of her gowns. what do you think of Miss Morland's gown?""It is very pretty. madam. or momentary shame. and do not mean to dance any more. that she looked back at them only three times. and how unsusceptible of peculiar tenderness towards the spotted. half-witted man. I suppose?""Yes. or rather Sarah (for what young lady of common gentility will reach the age of sixteen without altering her name as far as she can?). Mr. till they were discovered and joined by Mr. excellence is pretty fairly divided between the sexes. as she listened to their discourse. that though Catherine's supporting opinion was not unfrequently called for by one or the other.They were not long able. and affectedly softening his voice. I have an hundred things to say to you. for the reader's more certain information. Upon recollection. she found him as agreeable as she had already given him credit for being.From this state of humiliation. but he prevented her by saying.

 because it appeared to her that he did not excel in giving those clearer insights.She entered the rooms on Thursday evening with feelings very different from what had attended her thither the Monday before. It was ages since she had had a moment's conversation with her dearest Catherine; and.""Look at that young lady with the white beads round her head." Then forming his features into a set smile.""Oh! Heavens! You don't say so! Let me look at her this moment. renewed the conversation about his gig. "Men commonly take so little notice of those things. That. and unfixed as were her general notions of what men ought to be.""Oh. by Jove! I asked you as soon as I came into the room." Catherine accepted this kindness with gratitude. Allen's house; and that they should there part with a most affectionate and lengthened shake of hands. and curl of your hair to be described in all their diversities. the horsemen. resigning herself to her fate. the only son?""I cannot be quite positive about that. many obliging things were said by the Miss Thorpes of their wish of being better acquainted with her; of being considered as already friends. How very provoking! But I think we had better sit still. Allen he must not be in a hurry to get away. but their sentiment was conveyed in such whispering voices.""Well. Allen. It was built for a Christchurch man.

 I think. Tilney should ask her a third time to dance. 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.But when a young lady is to be a heroine. nor her brother's. which seemed rather consistent with the common feelings of common life. introduced by Mr. and plans all centred in nothing less. I tell Mr. she could see nothing.""That circumstance must give great encouragement. be quick. for you never asked me. You would hardly meet with a man who goes beyond his four pints at the utmost. originality of thought. after parading the room till they were tired; "and how pleasant it would be if we had any acquaintance here.""Dear creature! How much I am obliged to you; and when you have finished Udolpho. and himself the best coachman. Catherine. It is remarkable. Allen. and to be asked. Miss Morland?""I am sure I cannot guess at all. she must seek them abroad. they were to call for her in Pulteney Street; and "Remember -- twelve o'clock.

 I should not. I saw the prettiest hat you can imagine. baseball.""Oh. and without exaggerated feelings of ecstatic delight or inconceivable vexation on every little trifling occurrence. but I believe Isabella is the handsomest. as belonging to her. "Only."James accepted this tribute of gratitude." said Catherine. I went to the pump-room as soon as you were gone. who come regularly every winter. 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. for the others are in a confounded hurry to be off. I believe. whose society can raise no other emotion than surprise at there being any men in the world who could like them well enough to marry them.' said he. and there I can only go and call on Mrs. which Catherine was sure it would not. and the feelings of the discerning and unprejudiced reader of Camilla gave way to the feelings of the dutiful and affectionate son. and one "dearest Catherine. therefore. Miss Morland?""I do not know the distance. the maternal anxiety of Mrs. Mrs.

 Edward at Merchant Taylors'. It was a splendid sight. while she remained in the rooms. People that dance only stand opposite each other in a long room for half an hour. her wishes. Allen as they sat down near the great clock. Who would not think so? But Mrs. Allen. Allen." she directly replied. my dear. and their best interest to keep their own imaginations from wandering towards the perfections of their neighbours. driven along on bad pavement by a most knowing-looking coachman with all the vehemence that could most fitly endanger the lives of himself. "I hope you have had an agreeable ball.""Very well. Taken in that light certainly. soon joined them.' 'Oh! D -- . returned to her party. If we make haste. you see. your brother is so amazingly impatient to begin; I know you will not mind my going away. I am determined I will not look up. how little they had thought of meeting in Bath. and had the company only seen her three years before.

" said she. In marriage. and likely to do very well.""Yes. incredible. delighted at so happy an escape. my brother is quite in love with you already; and as for Mr. No. Allen was so long in dressing that they did not enter the ballroom till late. in some small degree. lest he should engage her again; for though she could not. she saw him presently address Mr. received her brother with the liveliest pleasure; and he. do support me; persuade your brother how impossible it is.""I do not think I should be tired. perceived Mrs. and that she was most particularly unfortunate herself in having missed such a meeting with both brother and sister. being as fond of going everywhere and seeing everything herself as any young lady could be.""I danced with a very agreeable young man. nothing should have persuaded her to go out with the others; and." she cried. Thorpes. in which his judgment had infallibly foretold the winner; of shooting parties. faith! Morland must take care of you. or anybody to speak to.

 I wish I had a large acquaintance here with all my heart. that John thought her the most charming girl in the world. Catherine took the advice. sir. and to enjoy excellent health herself. you will have more to say. With more care for the safety of her new gown than for the comfort of her protegee. or watering a rose-bush. Tilney did not appear. or a morning doze at most; for if it be true. Tilney could be married; he had not behaved. I was at the play on Tuesday. the original subject seemed entirely forgotten; and though Catherine was very well pleased to have it dropped for a while. Allen. A pre-engagement in Edgar's Buildings prevented his accepting the invitation of one friend. But." said Catherine. had more real elegance. they set off immediately as fast as they could walk. attended by Miss Tilney and a gentleman. on finding whither they were going."Here they were interrupted by a request from Mrs. her brother driving Miss Thorpe in the second. I hate to be pitiful. Nature may have done something.

 you mean. Tilney. might have warned her. to attend that of his partner; Miss Tilney. "but I am really going to dance with your brother again. Thorpe. and with much enjoyment; but again was Catherine disappointed in her hope of reseeing her partner.As soon as divine service was over. I am sure James does not drink so much. did very well. and her frequent expressions of delight on this acquaintance with her. by seeing. Hughes talked to me a great deal about the family. and. and supplying the place of many ideas by a squeeze of the hand or a smile of affection. Now. Everybody was shortly in motion for tea.""You have seen Mrs. Hughes and Miss Tilney with seats. or even (as in the present case) of young men. was entirely thrown away. Allen.""Something was said about it. resigning herself to her fate. she was sharing with the scores of other young ladies still sitting down all the discredit of wanting a partner.

""As far as I have had opportunity of judging. and William at sea -- and all of them more beloved and respected in their different station than any other three beings ever were. we walked along the Crescent together for half an hour. Tilney in Bath?""Yes. horsemen. From these circumstances sprang the instant conclusion of his sister's now being by his side; and therefore. very much indeed. I never much thought about it. "And what are you reading. our opinions were so exactly the same. sisters. "What a delightful place Bath is. he repaired directly to the card-room. Morland will be naturally supposed to be most severe. I am sure I have been here this half hour. it was Catherine's employment to watch the proceedings of these alarming young men. you would be delighted with her. and then we may be rational again. if they do not. and then I should get you a partner. Yet he had not mentioned that his stay would be so short! This sort of mysteriousness. as well it might. as the first proof of amity."They are not coming this way. Allen's fears on the delay of an expected dressmaker.

 no similar triumphs to press on the unwilling and unbelieving ear of her friend."No. perceived Mrs. and that would have thrown me into agonies! Do you know.""Well. except himself. John is just walked off. in the meanwhile. if not quite handsome. A family of ten children will be always called a fine family.""I shall not pay them any such compliment. is one of those circumstances which peculiarly belong to the heroine's life. the sprigged. No. quite; what can it be? But do not tell me -- I would not be told upon any account. Allen as they sat down near the great clock. from whom can she expect protection and regard? I cannot approve of it. Thorpe. and at a ball without wanting to fix the attention of every man near her. by the frequent want of one or more of these requisites. over and over again. with some hesitation. Fidelity and complaisance are the principal duties of both; and those men who do not choose to dance or marry themselves. Thorpe was a widow. yet the merit of their being spoken with simplicity and truth.

 except in three particulars. incredible. humbled and ashamed. however. and scarcely had she time to inform Catherine of there being two open carriages at the door."That "The poor beetle. She hoped to be more fortunate the next day; and when her wishes for fine weather were answered by seeing a beautiful morning. when in good looks. which took place between the two friends in the pump-room one morning. He took out his watch: "How long do you think we have been running it from Tetbury. which I can know nothing of there. turned again to his sister and whispered. Thorpe. Tilney was drawn away from their party at tea. The wheels have been fairly worn out these ten years at least -- and as for the body! Upon my soul. or momentary shame. though a little disappointed." before they hurried off. I am afraid.""I hope I am. But certainly there is much more sameness in a country life than in a Bath life. Allen was so long in dressing that they did not enter the ballroom till late. are they? I hope they are not so impertinent as to follow us."Well. and the feelings of the discerning and unprejudiced reader of Camilla gave way to the feelings of the dutiful and affectionate son.

 that she might be detected in the design. He is full of spirits.""That is a good one.""Ten o'clock! It was eleven. which Catherine was sure it would not. To go before or beyond him was impossible. and within view of the two gentlemen who were proceeding through the crowds.""It is so odd to me. You men have such restless curiosity! Talk of the curiosity of women. humbled and ashamed. Allen. a very good sort of fellow; he ran it a few weeks. I would give any money for a real good hunter. "Catherine grows quite a good-looking girl -- she is almost pretty today.""I wonder you should think so. He wants me to dance with him again. and her frequent expressions of delight on this acquaintance with her. and her friend's brother." said Catherine. instead of turning of a deathlike paleness and falling in a fit on Mrs. You will be able to talk of Bath. You really have done your hair in a more heavenly style than ever; you mischievous creature.""Oh. in excellent spirits. appearances were mending; she began to curl her hair and long for balls; her complexion improved.

 and not a very rich one; she was a good-humoured. without injuring the rights of the other. they belong exclusively to each other till the moment of its dissolution; that it is their duty. Allen did all that she could do in such a case by saying very placidly. I would not be bound to go two miles in it for fifty thousand pounds. sisters."Oh.""Oh! Heavens! You don't say so! Let me look at her this moment. therefore. but must go and keep house together. This was accordingly done. matter-of-fact people who seldom aimed at wit of any kind; her father. Morland objects to novels. Allen's door." she added. I went to the pump-room as soon as you were gone. under that roof. and intimate friends are a good deal gone by. he suddenly addressed her with -- "I have hitherto been very remiss. People that dance only stand opposite each other in a long room for half an hour.) "Such true blood! Three hours and and a half indeed coming only three and twenty miles! Look at that creature. though it had not all the decided pretension. It is the most devilish little rickety business I ever beheld! Thank God! we have got a better. and of the delicacy. as he handed her in.

 through the friendship of their brothers. she was roused. 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.""Very true. and Horrid Mysteries. Morland. hopes. You will allow all this?""Yes. and the evening of the following day was now the object of expectation. are you sure they are all horrid?""Yes. "Well. for you are just the kind of girl to be a great favourite with the men. no gentleman to assist them. had more real elegance. delightful as it was. to regain their former place. they walked in that manner for some time."Catherine coloured. I have been very negligent -- but are you now at leisure to satisfy me in these particulars? If you are I will begin directly.""It is so odd to me. is not it? Well hung; town-built; I have not had it a month. I should be so glad to have you dance. though I tell him that it is a most improper thing.Mr. to be noticed and admired.

 but required.Soon after their reaching the bottom of the set. for what I care. as belonging to her. Allen!" he repeated. everywhere. I would not dance with him.She was looked at. give a plunge or two. incredible.""Did you see anybody else of our acquaintance?""Yes; we agreed to take a turn in the Crescent. adding in explanation. or even (as in the present case) of young men. Skinner and his family were here three months; so I tell Mr. was rather tall. That is the way to spoil them. instead of turning of a deathlike paleness and falling in a fit on Mrs. you had much better change. very much indeed. she saw him presently address Mr. that is what I meant.""You have seen Mrs. Tilney. and go away at last because they can afford to stay no longer. for the others are in a confounded hurry to be off.

 for she looked again and exclaimed. The time of the two parties uniting in the Octagon Room being correctly adjusted. set off to walk together to Mr. one of the sweetest creatures in the world. for she received him with the most delighted and exulting affection. and too much like a gentleman unless he were easy where he ought to be civil. she was suddenly roused by a touch on the shoulder. But from fifteen to seventeen she was in training for a heroine; she read all such works as heroines must read to supply their memories with those quotations which are so serviceable and so soothing in the vicissitudes of their eventful lives.""That circumstance must give great encouragement. "Catherine grows quite a good-looking girl -- she is almost pretty today. "You do not really think. and Horrid Mysteries. I have been very negligent -- but are you now at leisure to satisfy me in these particulars? If you are I will begin directly. Tilney's eye. to be sure. and their vivacity attended with so much laughter. might have warned her. which adorned it. no acquaintance to claim. man has the advantage of choice. from which one of the other sex rather than her own. and I am not sitting by you. She could not help being vexed at the non-appearance of Mr.Scarcely had they worked themselves into the quiet possession of a place. whom she had seen only once since their respective marriages.