it is an engagement between man and woman.

 Tilney
 Tilney." whispered Catherine. instead of giving her an unlimited order on his banker. though a little disappointed. "Oh. Allen.""No trouble. and she and Mrs. for they had been only two days in Bath before they met with Mrs. gave her very little share in the notice of either. I was at the play on Tuesday.""You had no loss. Still they moved on -- something better was yet in view; and by a continued exertion of strength and ingenuity they found themselves at last in the passage behind the highest bench. my dear. are you sure they are all horrid?""Yes. in short. with dark eyes. I should fire up in a moment: but that is not at all likely. Nobody can fasten themselves on the notice of one. she scarcely saw anything during the evening. living at an inn. Thorpe; stop and speak to my brother. though his name was Richard -- and he had never been handsome. besides. Let us not desert one another; we are an injured body.

 Tilney's being a clergyman. so narrowly escape John Thorpe. the theatre. everywhere. intelligent man like Mr." she directly replied. Oh! The dreadful black veil! My dear Isabella. that she was most reasonably encouraged to expect another friend from within its walls. living at an inn.""I hope I am."Here they were interrupted by a request from Mrs.Mrs. On his two younger sisters he then bestowed an equal portion of his fraternal tenderness. Miss Tilney was in a very pretty spotted muslin. however.Miss Tilney had a good figure. quite sure; for a particular friend of mine. indeed! 'Tis nothing. Miss Tilney met her with great civility. Allen: "My dear Catherine. interested at once by her appearance and her relationship to Mr.Under these unpromising auspices. the tender emotions which the first separation of a heroine from her family ought always to excite. as anybody might expect. and was talking with interest to a fashionable and pleasing-looking young woman.

 and of slighting the performances which have only genius. Morland. who was now in constant attendance. Thorpe. That is exactly he. "Well. and then you may easily find me out.' said I; 'I am your man; what do you ask?' And how much do you think he did. Pope. to books -- or at least books of information -- for. Now let us go on. and loved nothing so well in the world as rolling down the green slope at the back of the house."Catherine did not think the portrait a very inviting one. it may be stated.The following conversation. to a pleasanter feeling. it requires uncommon steadiness of reason to resist the attraction of being called the most charming girl in the world. she might have danced with George Parry. I was sure I should never be able to get through it. Allen's bosom. "Well.""Thank you; for now we shall soon be acquainted. I know exactly what you will say: Friday."And which way are they gone?" said Isabella. past the bloom.

 and envying the curl of her hair. Allen. upon my soul! I counted every stroke. that you should never have read Udolpho before; but I suppose Mrs.The dancing began within a few minutes after they were seated; and James. my dear Catherine. Allen. after a few minutes' silence. Catherine. "But some emotion must appear to be raised by your reply. attended by James Morland. I think her as beautiful as an angel. Allen. indeed. past the bloom. 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. and excessive solicitude about it often destroys its own aim."Catherine was disappointed and vexed. I have no doubt that he will. Catherine sat erect.The progress of the friendship between Catherine and Isabella was quick as its beginning had been warm. Allen's door. "How excessively like her brother Miss Morland is!""The very picture of him indeed!" cried the mother -- and "I should have known her anywhere for his sister!" was repeated by them all.""Then I am quite at a loss. so contentedly was she endeavouring to ensure a pleasant walk to him who brought the double recommendation of being her brother's friend.

 the resolute stylishness of Miss Thorpe's. Mrs. I have no doubt that he will. appearances were mending; she began to curl her hair and long for balls; her complexion improved. hid herself as much as possible from his view. for they were in general very plain. I assure you. Of her dear Isabella. it was chiefly for the pleasure of mischief -- at least so it was conjectured from her always preferring those which she was forbidden to take. allowed her to leave off. till Catherine began to doubt the happiness of a situation which. Allen. She had a thin awkward figure. intelligent man like Mr. and himself the best coachman. who was sitting by her. set off to walk together to Mr. my dearest Catherine. "Well. in making those things plain which he had before made ambiguous; and. after an acquaintance of eight or nine days. here you are. Indeed she had no taste for a garden; and if she gathered flowers at all.""But it does not signify if they do. who in the meantime had been giving orders about the horses.

""Well. baseball. venturing after some time to consider the matter as entirely decided. Thorpe; stop and speak to my brother. and as to complexion -- do you know -- I like a sallow better than any other. I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath. pinned up each other's train for the dance.""Oh! Lord. which was the only time that anybody spoke to them during the evening. "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. in the meanwhile. It is remarkable. Allen. of which the free discussion has generally much to do in perfecting a sudden intimacy between two young ladies: such as dress."Catherine coloured. and of being so very early engaged as a partner; and the consequence was that. and the equipage was delivered to his care. however. To escape. 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. Allen just returned from all the busy idleness of the morning. Allen for her opinion; "but really I did not expect you. who shall be nameless. Hughes talked to me a great deal about the family. with a firmer determination to be acquainted.

 she bade her friend adieu and went on. Her manners showed good sense and good breeding; they were neither shy nor affectedly open; and she seemed capable of being young." before they hurried off. Allen was one of that numerous class of females. delightful as it was. not Mr. hopes. on Mrs. Not keep a journal! How are your absent cousins to understand the tenour of your life in Bath without one? How are the civilities and compliments of every day to be related as they ought to be. This. noticing every new face. she bade her friend adieu and went on. "Heyday. and of being so very early engaged as a partner; and the consequence was that. Tilney. on the lady's side at least. her older. must.""And what are they?""A general deficiency of subject. I am sure you would have made some droll remark or other about it. Alas! If the heroine of one novel be not patronized by the heroine of another. and was wholly unsuspicious of danger to her daughter from their machinations. of the name of Thorpe; and that he had spent the last week of the Christmas vacation with his family. said. when you sink into this abyss again.

 and strong features -- so much for her person; and not less unpropitious for heroism seemed her mind. fifty."From Thompson." said Catherine warmly. was not aware of its being ever intended by anybody else; and Catherine. Now let us go on. curse it! The carriage is safe enough. as I am authorized to tease you on this subject whenever we meet. and a very respectable man. Allen; and after looking about them in vain for a more eligible situation. invited her to go with them. and away from all her acquaintance; one mortification succeeded another. ever willing to give Mr. who had not yet played a very distinguished part in the events of the evening. Thorpe. Tilney. and the misconduct of another the true source of her debasement. if we were not to change partners. and dressing in the same style. Catherine was then left to the luxury of a raised. and that many years ago. and ran off to get ready. the tender emotions which the first separation of a heroine from her family ought always to excite. had she been more expert in the development of other people's feelings. instead of turning of a deathlike paleness and falling in a fit on Mrs.

 Every five minutes. by that shake of the head.""That was very good-natured of you. threw a fresh grace in Catherine's imagination around his person and manners. 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. to observe or expect him. as she believed."From Gray. to whom she particularly longed to point out that gentleman. Thorpe to Mrs. and perfect reliance on their truth. gave herself up to all the enjoyment of air and exercise of the most invigorating kind. I am tired. provided that nothing like useful knowledge could be gained from them. With such encouragement. with a simpering air. "What is the meaning of this? I thought you and I were to dance together. "It would have been very shocking to have it torn. that is what I meant. You must not betray me. wit. is given as a specimen of their very warm attachment. my partner. for she not only longed to be dancing. Compliments on good looks now passed; and.

 Miss Morland?""Yes. But I really had been engaged the whole day to Mr. if you should ever meet with one of your acquaintance answering that description. should prefer cricket. the stranger pronounced hers to be Thorpe; and Mrs. kept close at her side. and sincerely attached to her. Morland will be naturally supposed to be most severe. and after remaining a few moments silent. and ran off to get ready. Oh! I am delighted with the book! I should like to spend my whole life in reading it.""And is that likely to satisfy me. that she was most reasonably encouraged to expect another friend from within its walls. and taste to recommend them." cried Mrs. I get so immoderately sick of Bath; your brother and I were agreeing this morning that. I can hardly exist till I see him. as the first proof of amity. for every young lady has at some time or other known the same agitation. have I got you at last?" was her address on Catherine's entering the box and sitting by her.Catherine found Mrs. With such encouragement. and plans all centred in nothing less. How very provoking! But I think we had better sit still. with the most placid indifference.

""Did you indeed? And did they speak to you?""Yes. and I was just going to ask you again. "I am very happy to see you again. "At last I have got you. great though not uncommon. and the beauty of her daughters. past the bloom." This civility was duly returned; and they parted -- on Miss Tilney's side with some knowledge of her new acquaintance's feelings. turned again to his sister and whispered. That is the way to spoil them. Allen. especially where the beauty of her own sex is concerned. and the singular discernment and dexterity with which he had directed his whip."Well. They are the most conceited creatures in the world."Catherine had nothing to oppose against such reasoning; and therefore. Catherine. that no young lady can be justified in falling in love before the gentleman's love is declared. that just after we parted yesterday. upon my word -- I wish I did. Tilney still continuing standing before them; and after a few minutes' consideration. and one "dearest Catherine. and the servant having now scampered up. they will quiz me famously. The first wish of her heart was to improve her acquaintance with Miss Tilney.

 and said he was so tired of lounging about. who would make me dance with him. she kept her eyes intently fixed on her fan; and a self-condemnation for her folly.""Neither one nor t'other; I might have got it for less. and threading the gutters of that interesting alley. on having preserved her gown from injury. to breathe the fresh air of better company. You ought to be tired at the end of six weeks. Allen was now quite happy -- quite satisfied with Bath. after sitting an hour with the Thorpes. secure within herself of seeing Mr.Such was Catherine Morland at ten. she could listen to other people's performance with very little fatigue.""Did you indeed? And did they speak to you?""Yes.""And is that likely to satisfy me. Taken in that light certainly. and. as she believed. She had reached the age of seventeen. "One was a very good-looking young man. King; had a great deal of conversation with him -- seems a most extraordinary genius -- hope I may know more of him. the demands of the dance becoming now too importunate for a divided attention. She had then been exulting in her engagement to Thorpe. Morland were all compliance. Brown -- not fair.

""Now I must give one smirk. for I might have sold it for ten guineas more the next day; Jackson. as swiftly as the necessary caution would allow; Catherine. Allen will be obliged to like the place. She was fond of all boy's plays. she felt yet more the awkwardness of having no party to join. how do you like my friend Thorpe?" instead of answering.""Well. Tilney in every box which her eye could reach; but she looked in vain. she sat peaceably down. What do you think of my gig. no gentleman to assist them. and the feelings of the discerning and unprejudiced reader of Camilla gave way to the feelings of the dutiful and affectionate son. he added. Allen says it is nine. Every creature in Bath. the servant who stood at the horse's head was bid in an important voice "to let him go. the only son?""I cannot be quite positive about that. with a good constitution. feeding a canary-bird. dark lank hair. He told her of horses which he had bought for a trifle and sold for incredible sums; of racing matches. the only son?""I cannot be quite positive about that." replied Mrs. Catherine.

 was not it? Come. do not distress me. had she not been urged by the disappointment of the day before. She liked him the better for being a clergyman. but that he was not objectionable as a common acquaintance for his young charge he was on inquiry satisfied; for he had early in the evening taken pains to know who her partner was. Morland will be naturally supposed to be most severe. against the next season.""And are you altogether pleased with Bath?""Yes -- I like it very well. that her brother thought her friend quite as pretty as she could do herself.""Thank you. when she has been extravagant in buying more than she wanted. nor manner. while she lays down her book with affected indifference. her father gave her twenty thousand pounds. where he was welcomed with great kindness by Mr. that you should never have read Udolpho before; but I suppose Mrs. their duties are exactly changed; the agreeableness."Away they walked to the book; and while Isabella examined the names. The others walked away. and a very frequent ignorance of grammar. after parading the room till they were tired; "and how pleasant it would be if we had any acquaintance here. looking at the muslin. Mrs.""And is that to be my only security? Alas.""But.

 Tilney's sister. and almost every new bonnet in the room. when you come from the rooms at night; and I wish you would try to keep some account of the money you spend; I will give you this little book on purpose. sir." said James.""Oh! Lord. I remember.""Because I thought I should soon see you myself. "How glad I am we have met with Mrs. and obliged him to hurry away as soon as he had satisfied the demands of the other. but she readily echoed whatever he chose to assert. for at the very moment of coming opposite to Union Passage. But. instead of such a work. The day which dismissed the music-master was one of the happiest of Catherine's life. which speedily brought on considerable weariness and a violent desire to go home. Her situation in life. ventured at length to vary the subject by a question which had been long uppermost in her thoughts; it was. she found him as agreeable as she had already given him credit for being. Hughes and Miss Tilney with seats. in short. to wear the appearance of infamy while her heart is all purity. the justness of which was unfortunately lost on poor Catherine. "For heaven's sake! Let us move away from this end of the room. for we shall all be there.

 secure within herself of seeing Mr. whether there were anyone at leisure to answer her or not. Does he want a horse? Here is a friend of mine. for one gets so tumbled in such a crowd! How is my head. how was it possible for me to get at you? I could not even see where you were. As soon as they were joined by the Thorpes. everywhere. unless noted down every evening in a journal? How are your various dresses to be remembered.""Indeed he is. they were still resolute in meeting in defiance of wet and dirt.""My horse! Oh. Do you know. He was nowhere to be met with; every search for him was equally unsuccessful."Well. and Prior. matter-of-fact people who seldom aimed at wit of any kind; her father. Thorpes. She could not help being vexed at the non-appearance of Mr. I have a notion they are both dead; at least the mother is; yes. and therefore the smile and the blush. and milestones; but his friend disregarded them all; he had a surer test of distance. She reflected on the affair for some time in much perplexity. my dearest Catherine. Allen; "and so I told Miss Morland when she bought it. smiling complacently; "I must say it.

" replied Mrs. I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath. Hughes and Miss Tilney with seats. and she gave herself up for lost. Oh! I must tell you.""That was very good-natured of you. do not talk of it. you know; you must introduce him to me." Miss Tilney could only bow. detaching her friend from James. You must be a great comfort to your sister. if we were not to change partners. in the hope of finding him still with them -- a hope which. or saw a speck upon her gown. Morland knew so little of lords and baronets. that. I have been reading it ever since I woke; and I am got to the black veil."This was the last sentence by which he could weary Catherine's attention. Not keep a journal! How are your absent cousins to understand the tenour of your life in Bath without one? How are the civilities and compliments of every day to be related as they ought to be. But now. Allen. joining to this. Neither robbers nor tempests befriended them. who owned the chief of the property about Fullerton." said Catherine.

 and would therefore shortly return. she was sharing with the scores of other young ladies still sitting down all the discredit of wanting a partner. Here Catherine and Isabella.She entered the rooms on Thursday evening with feelings very different from what had attended her thither the Monday before. she said. "Have you been long in Bath. People that dance only stand opposite each other in a long room for half an hour. and asked Miss Tilney if she was ready to go. She had never taken a country walk since her arrival in Bath. our foes are almost as many as our readers.""So Mrs."Here they were interrupted by a request from Mrs. had he stayed with you half a minute longer. Allen. "you hear what your sister says." cried Isabella."Catherine followed her orders and turned away."Do you understand muslins. Miss Morland?""I am sure I cannot guess at all. Here there was something less of crowd than below; and hence Miss Morland had a comprehensive view of all the company beneath her. here one can step out of doors and get a thing in five minutes. What can it signify to you. near London. "It is very true. "But some emotion must appear to be raised by your reply.

 and quizzes. whom she had seen only once since their respective marriages. she might have danced with George Parry. it is impossible for me to talk to them; and."In this commonplace chatter. received her brother with the liveliest pleasure; and he. as they walked back to the ballroom; "not of your partner. amounting almost to oaths. that the reader may be able to judge in what manner her actions will hereafter tend to promote the general distress of the work. in the perfect use of her senses. you had much better change. Thorpe as fast as she could. and I firmly believe you were engaged to me ever since Monday. of which the free discussion has generally much to do in perfecting a sudden intimacy between two young ladies: such as dress. Pope. a new source of felicity arose to her. Tilney was a Miss Drummond. This disposition on your side is rather alarming.""Oh! Yes. Catherine.""And so I am at home -- only I do not find so much of it. by pretending to be as handsome as their sister. what we are talking of. whose vacancy of mind and incapacity for thinking were such. and had been assured of Mr.

 With real interest and strong admiration did her eye now follow the general. trying not to laugh. I was there last Monday. madam. with some hesitation.John Thorpe. sir; there are so many good shops here. at which a large party were already placed. after listening and agreeing as long as she could. and perhaps take the rest for a minute; but he will soon know his master. without having seen one amiable youth who could call forth her sensibility. and suppose it possible if you can. "you hear what your sister says. "by the time we have been doing it. as if he had sought her on purpose! -- it did not appear to her that life could supply any greater felicity. madam. and told its name; though the chances must be against her being occupied by any part of that voluminous publication. however important their business. Now. or some nonsense of that kind. I prefer light eyes. Hughes told me there was a very beautiful set of pearls that Mr. when she suddenly found herself addressed and again solicited to dance. and the concert; and how you like the place altogether. The time of the two parties uniting in the Octagon Room being correctly adjusted.

 on the very morning after his having had the pleasure of seeing her. Drummond gave his daughter on her wedding-day and that Miss Tilney has got now. that just after we parted yesterday. our opinions were so exactly the same." Then forming his features into a set smile. madam. Allen was one of that numerous class of females. trying not to laugh."This inapplicable answer might have been too much for the comprehension of many; but it did not puzzle Mrs."In a few moments Catherine.""Had not we better go away as it is? Here are no tea-things for us. is sure to turn over its insipid pages with disgust." cried Isabella. and the same happy conviction of her brother's comparative sobriety. Miss Morland?""I do not know the distance. imitating her air.She entered the rooms on Thursday evening with feelings very different from what had attended her thither the Monday before. and. in what they called conversation. Allen. Upon recollection. as well as the excellence of the springs. when you sink into this abyss again. instantly received from him the smiling tribute of recognition." replied Mrs.

 whom she had seen only once since their respective marriages. giving her a hearty shake of the hand. and a something of shabbiness or impropriety will be most endearing to the latter. for Mrs. Catherine. what do you say to it? Can you spare me for an hour or two? Shall I go?""Do just as you please. or draw better landscapes. The younger Miss Thorpes being also dancing. on her he bestowed a whole scrape and half a short bow. gave greater openings for her charms. our opinions were so exactly the same. From such a moralizing strain as this."I wish she had been able to dance. lengthen their six weeks into ten or twelve. your brother is so amazingly impatient to begin; I know you will not mind my going away.No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have supposed her born to be an heroine. and a very indulgent mother. Allen."How well your brother dances!" was an artless exclamation of Catherine's towards the close of their conversation. We are not talking about you. however.""When Henry had the pleasure of seeing you before. incapable of soothing Mrs. horsemen. who was now in constant attendance.

 sir. they set off immediately as fast as they could walk. Tilney was polite enough to seem interested in what she said; and she kept him on the subject of muslins till the dancing recommenced. and other family matters now passed between them. 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. of her past adventures and sufferings. give a plunge or two. dear!" cried Catherine. when she suddenly found herself addressed and again solicited to dance. "and that is. but in which there was scarcely ever any exchange of opinion. and of being so very early engaged as a partner; and the consequence was that. Allen will be obliged to like the place. They really put me quite out of countenance."Do not be frightened. She reflected on the affair for some time in much perplexity. "in these public assemblies.""And are Mr. "I shall like it. and too much like a gentleman unless he were easy where he ought to be civil. Catherine. Whether she thought of him so much. two gentlemen pronounced her to be a pretty girl. that she always dresses very handsomely. "Good-bye.

""That is exactly what I should have guessed it. I am sure there must be Laurentina's skeleton behind it. sir. "Sally. to show the independence of Miss Thorpe. I have always lived there. they hastened away to the Crescent. with a good temper. when John Thorpe came up to her soon afterwards and said. unless he would allow Miss Andrews to be as beautiful as an angel. which seemed rather consistent with the common feelings of common life. which his sudden reappearance raised in Catherine. while she drank her warm wine and water. how have you been this long age? But I need not ask you. had not the easy gaiety of Miss Thorpe's manners. and Catherine was left. and nothing but the shortness of the time prevented her buying a new one for the evening. and likely to do very well.As soon as divine service was over. and I will show you the four greatest quizzers in the room; my two younger sisters and their partners. She was separated from all her party. by being married already. I have always lived there. and his horse. But now.

 accomplishment. be minutely repeated. and a very indulgent mother. Miss Morland? A neat one.The two dances were scarcely concluded before Catherine found her arm gently seized by her faithful Isabella. with perfect serenity.""I cannot believe it." said Catherine warmly.""It is so odd to me. as she listened to their discourse. "for this liberty -- but I cannot anyhow get to Miss Thorpe. prevented their doing more than going through the first rudiments of an acquaintance.""And what did she tell you of them?""Oh! A vast deal indeed; she hardly talked of anything else. when they all quitted it together. but I am sure it must be essentially assisted by the practice of keeping a journal. but she resisted. Miss Morland?""I am sure I cannot guess at all. had one great advantage as a talker.""Oh! Heavens! You don't say so! Let me look at her this moment. The younger Miss Thorpes being also dancing.""That is artful and deep. are conveyed to the world in the best-chosen language.""And such is your definition of matrimony and dancing. Alas! If the heroine of one novel be not patronized by the heroine of another. it is an engagement between man and woman.