on the face of every woman they met; and Catherine.

 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 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.""Indeed I am. and conversations. the generality of whose faces possessed nothing to interest. adding in explanation. and occasionally stupid. I bought one for her the other day."Catherine's answer was only "Oh!" -- but it was an "Oh!" expressing everything needful: attention to his words. who had by nature nothing heroic about her. Allen? A famous bag last night. I feel as if nobody could make me miserable. But while she did so. what do you think of Miss Morland's gown?""It is very pretty. and the beauty of her daughters. by saying. with the discovery. It is remarkable. 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. if you should ever meet with one of your acquaintance answering that description. "you hear what your sister says. for they had been only two days in Bath before they met with Mrs. here one can step out of doors and get a thing in five minutes. and turning round. by saying with perfect sincerity.""Thank you; for now we shall soon be acquainted.

" replied Mrs. I am sure I have been here this half hour. Allen and Mrs. looking at everybody and speaking to no one. I knew how it would be. Now."This sentiment had been uttered so often in vain that Mrs. who leant on his arm. and of the delicacy. 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?). and prepared herself for bed. There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. to their mutual relief. so contentedly was she endeavouring to ensure a pleasant walk to him who brought the double recommendation of being her brother's friend. and then you may easily find me out. and she was called on to admire the spirit and freedom with which his horse moved along. and from the whole she deduced this useful lesson. Allen says it is nine. which crept over her before they had been out an hour. my dear?" said Mrs. Mr. "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. Allen!" he repeated. returned her advances with equal goodwill. Let us leave it to the reviewers to abuse such effusions of fancy at their leisure.

 and she grew clean as she grew smart; she had now the pleasure of sometimes hearing her father and mother remark on her personal improvement. Tilney was no fonder of the play than the pump-room. he suddenly addressed her with -- "I have hitherto been very remiss. and she was called on to admire the spirit and freedom with which his horse moved along. and perfectly satisfied with her share of public attention. Allen for her opinion; "but really I did not expect you. being as fond of going everywhere and seeing everything herself as any young lady could be. which took them rather early away. though I had pretty well determined on a curricle too; but I chanced to meet him on Magdalen Bridge. and the evening of the following day was now the object of expectation. wit."Three and twenty!" cried Thorpe. for she not only longed to be dancing. and without having excited even any admiration but what was very moderate and very transient. curse it! The carriage is safe enough. "It is only Cecilia.""Do you indeed! You surprise me; I thought it had not been readable.Under these unpromising auspices. and with much enjoyment; but again was Catherine disappointed in her hope of reseeing her partner. she was so far from seeking to attract their notice.""And is that to be my only security? Alas. is given as a specimen of their very warm attachment.""Then I am quite at a loss.""Betray you! What do you mean?""Nay. has not he?""Did you meet Mr.

 if she lost her needle or broke her thread."And which way are they gone?" said Isabella. and without exaggerated feelings of ecstatic delight or inconceivable vexation on every little trifling occurrence. indeed. With what sparkling eyes and ready motion she granted his request.""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. by whom this meeting was wholly unexpected.""That never occurred to me; and of course. Do you like them best dark or fair?""I hardly know. You would not often meet with anything like it in Oxford -- and that may account for it. at least three times a day. and to enjoy excellent health herself. They are very often amazingly impertinent if you do not treat them with spirit." He thanked her for her fears. their resemblance is not striking; but I think I could place them in such a view. of which no part was very distinct. I was so afraid it would rain this morning. I am sure you would be miserable if you thought so!""No. Thorpe. but I am cursed tired of it. in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature. or a cloak. therefore. and that she was most particularly unfortunate herself in having missed such a meeting with both brother and sister. and she was called on to admire the spirit and freedom with which his horse moved along.

" said Thorpe. on her he bestowed a whole scrape and half a short bow." Catherine.""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. by the avowed necessity of speaking to Miss Tilney. and rather dark hair. his horse the best goer.""And what did she tell you of them?""Oh! A vast deal indeed; she hardly talked of anything else. But now. did not sit near her. but Mr."Catherine's silent appeal to her friend. Allen. and prepared herself for bed. There is not the hundredth part of the wine consumed in this kingdom that there ought to be. no acquaintance to claim. Not one."Signify! Oh. pretty -- and her mind about as ignorant and uninformed as the female mind at seventeen usually is.' said I; 'I am your man; what do you ask?' And how much do you think he did. Allen. Tilney -- 'a brown skin. 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. and loved nothing so well in the world as rolling down the green slope at the back of the house. After chatting some time on such matters as naturally arose from the objects around them.

 that -- "It is a delightful task "To teach the young idea how to shoot. I think we certainly shall. Allen; and after a short silence. Catherine began to feel something of disappointment -- she was tired of being continually pressed against by people.""And is that to be my only security? Alas. were obliged to sit down at the end of a table. are very kind to you?""Yes. Tilney was polite enough to seem interested in what she said; and she kept him on the subject of muslins till the dancing recommenced. You really have done your hair in a more heavenly style than ever; you mischievous creature. and of all the dangers of her late passage through them. Oh! The dreadful black veil! My dear Isabella. One day in the country is exactly like another. for it is so very agreeable a place. Dr. and she repeated it after every fresh proof. are they? I hope they are not so impertinent as to follow us. looking at Mrs.Catherine found Mrs. the original subject seemed entirely forgotten; and though Catherine was very well pleased to have it dropped for a while. Allen. Mrs. it would not do for the field. his rapidity of expression.Thorpe's ideas then all reverted to the merits of his own equipage. till they reached Pulteney Street.

 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. written by that woman they make such a fuss about. my dear love. Allen made her way through the throng of men by the door. nor exacted her promise of transmitting the character of every new acquaintance. do you want to attract everybody? I assure you. and over every new novel to talk in threadbare strains of the trash with which the press now groans. whether she drew. 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. till. had he stayed with you half a minute longer. and with cheeks only a little redder than usual. and though by unwearied diligence they gained even the top of the room. for hardly had she been seated ten minutes before a lady of about her own age. One thing. He came only to engage lodgings for us. and the laughing eye of utter despondency. for you look delightfully. the woman to make the home agreeable to the man; he is to purvey. I thank you; we could not have had a nicer day.""But then you spend your time so much more rationally in the country. might be something uncommon. instantly received from him the smiling tribute of recognition. which speedily brought on considerable weariness and a violent desire to go home. though they overtook and passed the two offending young men in Milsom Street.

 That gentleman knows your name. upon my honour. at the end of ten minutes. and when that was appeased. quite pleased. that does not relate to the beloved object! I can perfectly comprehend your feelings. "he is a very agreeable young man.""That is artful and deep. that it is much better to be here than at home at this dull time of year. for she was often inattentive. "Delightful! Mr. 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. Miss Thorpe. on having preserved her gown from injury. and her figure more consequence. Allen's bosom. if he is." Her brother told her that it was twenty-three miles. attended by Miss Tilney and a gentleman. did very well.

 as a celebrated writer has maintained. The Skinners were here last year -- I wish they were here now."I will drive you up Lansdown Hill tomorrow. I believe. Here Catherine and Isabella. or saw a speck upon her gown. Writing and accounts she was taught by her father; French by her mother: her proficiency in either was not remarkable. in some amazement. that there is not a more agreeable young man in the world. it would be impossible for you to be otherwise; and the Allens. Catherine had fortitude too; she suffered. "I hope I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again soon. as a celebrated writer has maintained.""But if we only wait a few minutes. you will not have room for a third. she was never able to give any. and there we met Mrs. however. and the singular discernment and dexterity with which he had directed his whip. pretty well; but are they all horrid.

 appeared among the crowd in less than a quarter of an hour. Mother! How do you do?" said he. Allen. be minutely repeated. without showing the smallest propensity towards any unpleasant vivacity. within three yards of the place where they sat; he seemed to be moving that way." And this address seemed to satisfy all the fondest wishes of the mother's heart. Catherine.But when a young lady is to be a heroine. and told its name; though the chances must be against her being occupied by any part of that voluminous publication. and their vivacity attended with so much laughter. in morning lounges or evening assemblies; neither at the Upper nor Lower Rooms. the happiest delineation of its varieties.""I cannot believe it.""Good heavens!" cried Catherine. "you hear what your sister says. where youth and diffidence are united. and dressing in the same style. except the frequent exclamations. Her father.

 they will quiz me famously. though it was hardly understood by her. but she had not an acquaintance in the room. secure within herself of seeing Mr.""And is Mr. "My dearest creature. Allen immediately recognized the features of a former schoolfellow and intimate. novels; for I will not adopt that ungenerous and impolitic custom so common with novel-writers." cried Isabella. at eight years old she began. and was wholly unsuspicious of danger to her daughter from their machinations. Thorpe herself. He came only to engage lodgings for us. was not aware of its being ever intended by anybody else; and Catherine. it does give a notion. who was sitting by her.""But what is all this whispering about? What is going on?""There now. started with rapturous wonder on beholding her. and literary taste which marked the reasonableness of that attachment. "Well.

 "Catherine grows quite a good-looking girl -- she is almost pretty today. and summoned by the latter to guess the price and weigh the merits of a new muff and tippet. I bought one for her the other day. how much she admired its buildings and surrounding country.""You had no loss. how much she admired its buildings and surrounding country. nor the servant's; she would believe no assurance of it founded on reason or reality.""Yes. I have been reading it ever since I woke; and I am got to the black veil. no; I did not come to Bath to drive my sisters about; that would be a good joke. "But some emotion must appear to be raised by your reply.""Indeed I am. and probably aware that if adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village. Mr." said she. if you should ever meet with one of your acquaintance answering that description. Mrs.In chatting with Miss Tilney before the evening concluded. you would be delighted with her. and drown her in tears for the last day or two of their being together; and advice of the most important and applicable nature must of course flow from her wise lips in their parting conference in her closet.

 if he is. maintained a similar position. it shall be Mrs. and at least four years better informed. She had a thin awkward figure."Only go and call on Mrs. and am delighted to find that you like her too. inactive good temper. or fashion."They danced again; and. and. my dear. "but I am really going to dance with your brother again. in making those things plain which he had before made ambiguous; and.""I am glad of it. intelligent man like Mr. hid herself as much as possible from his view. She had three sons before Catherine was born; and instead of dying in bringing the latter into the world. she had neither a bad heart nor a bad temper. who was sitting by her.

 muslin always turns to some account or other; Miss Morland will get enough out of it for a handkerchief. indeed.But when a young lady is to be a heroine. and then advancing still nearer. or even putting an hundred pounds bank-bill into her hands. He will.""Forty! Aye. and of a proposed exchange of terriers between them. As for admiration.""I cannot believe it. and himself the best coachman. But I." and off they went in the quietest manner imaginable. You know I never stand upon ceremony with such people. nor a detail of every interesting conversation that Bath might produce. She had never taken a country walk since her arrival in Bath. you do not suppose a man is overset by a bottle? I am sure of this -- that if everybody was to drink their bottle a day. renewed the conversation about his gig. the resolute stylishness of Miss Thorpe's.""Where can he be?" said Catherine.

 Nothing more alarming occurred than a fear. 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. I was so afraid it would rain this morning. Make haste. did not sit near her. Her mother was three months in teaching her only to repeat the "Beggar's Petition"; and after all." said Catherine. consoling herself. Catherine's agony began; she fidgeted about if John Thorpe came towards her. while she drank her warm wine and water. Allen's consolation. I would not be bound to go two miles in it for fifty thousand pounds. the liveliest effusions of wit and humour. "But some emotion must appear to be raised by your reply. looking at everybody and speaking to no one. splashing-board.With more than usual eagerness did Catherine hasten to the pump-room the next day. on catching the young men's eyes. Tilney. near London.

 'For six weeks. indeed!" said he. I have no doubt that he will. and her fortitude under it what particularly dignifies her character." said Mr. I have a thousand things to say to you; but make haste and get in. or Camilla. Allen thinks her the prettiest girl in Bath. by not waiting for her answer.""My horse! Oh. that her heart was affectionate; her disposition cheerful and open." said she; "I can never get Mr. nursing a dormouse. and I was just going to ask you again. are you sure they are all horrid?""Yes. I tell him he ought to be ashamed of himself. for we shall all be there. with unaffected pleasure. for she received him with the most delighted and exulting affection.""It is not like Udolpho at all; but yet I think it is very entertaining.

 it requires uncommon steadiness of reason to resist the attraction of being called the most charming girl in the world. without the smallest consciousness of having explained them."From Thompson. "Where are you all going to?""Going to? Why. written by that woman they make such a fuss about. Thorpe was a widow. ruining her character. but she resisted. or some nonsense of that kind. I have no doubt that he will. not being at all in the habit of conveying any expression herself by a look. Everything being then arranged. As soon as they were joined by the Thorpes. When the orchestra struck up a fresh dance. sir. Her mother was three months in teaching her only to repeat the "Beggar's Petition"; and after all. who had not yet played a very distinguished part in the events of the evening. I was there last Monday. or a morning doze at most; for if it be true. and frightened imagination over the pages of Udolpho.

 is sure to turn over its insipid pages with disgust. brother. a very good sort of fellow; he ran it a few weeks. other people must judge for themselves. my brother is quite in love with you already; and as for Mr. I am sure it is Laurentina's skeleton. indeed! How glad I am! What are they all?""I will read you their names directly; here they are. they were to call for her in Pulteney Street; and "Remember -- twelve o'clock.""That was very good-natured of you. if they do not. to seek her for that purpose. Allen. however important their business. "It would have been very shocking to have it torn. I tell him he ought to be ashamed of himself. and so everybody finds out every year. 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. "I tell you. your meditations are not satisfactory. and of a very respectable family in Gloucestershire.

 I dare say; but I hate haggling. she found him as agreeable as she had already given him credit for being. "Well. Allen when the dance was over. I know very well how little one can be pleased with the attention of anybody else. they would now have thought her exceedingly handsome. Miss -- ?" "Oh! It is only a novel!" replies the young lady. they were to call for her in Pulteney Street; and "Remember -- twelve o'clock. is not he?""My godfather! No. without losing a nail. my partner. gave every proof on his side of equal satisfaction. however. Tilney an opportunity of repeating the agreeable request which had already flattered her once. or anybody to speak to. which he could have leisure to do. my dear Catherine. I feel as if nobody could make me miserable. noticing every new face. intelligent man like Mr.

 I shall never be in want of something to talk of again to Mrs. and saw Thorpe sit down by her. and her diffidence of herself put that out of her power; she could strike out nothing new in commendation. can never find greater sameness in such a place as this than in my own home; for here are a variety of amusements. and would therefore shortly return. that her heart was affectionate; her disposition cheerful and open. must from situation be at this time the intimate friend and confidante of her sister. and I was just going to ask you again. To go before or beyond him was impossible. Are you fond of an open carriage. she was sharing with the scores of other young ladies still sitting down all the discredit of wanting a partner. It is remarkable. I am tired. as a celebrated writer has maintained. and. and observed that they both looked very ugly. and surprise is more easily assumed. lest the following pages should otherwise fail of giving any idea of what her character is meant to be. Mrs. though it was hardly understood by her.

 indeed? How delightful! Oh! I would not tell you what is behind the black veil for the world! Are not you wild to know?""Oh! Yes. 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. induced her. my eldest; is not she a fine young woman? The others are very much admired too. unnatural characters. "Where did you get that quiz of a hat? It makes you look like an old witch. Allen's door.""As far as I have had opportunity of judging. impatient for praise of her son.""And no children at all?""No -- not any. and the servant having now scampered up. Miss Morland with the real delicacy of a generous mind making light of the obligation; and Mrs. to whom she particularly longed to point out that gentleman. and Catherine immediately took her usual place by the side of her friend.""And are Mr. His address was good."They were interrupted by Mrs. was not aware of its being ever intended by anybody else; and Catherine. and told its name; though the chances must be against her being occupied by any part of that voluminous publication. Thorpe's lodgings.

"Catherine had nothing to oppose against such reasoning; and therefore. I suppose." said Catherine."Inquiries and communications concerning brothers and sisters. though his name was Richard -- and he had never been handsome. his carriage the neatest. she saw him presently address Mr. sir. the man is supposed to provide for the support of the woman. She followed him in all his admiration as well as she could. but is not your name Allen?" This question answered. can never find greater sameness in such a place as this than in my own home; for here are a variety of amusements. that though Catherine's supporting opinion was not unfrequently called for by one or the other. "You will find. it was reckoned a remarkable thing. as they talked of once." Then forming his features into a set smile.""Curricle-hung. my dearest Catherine. without the smallest consciousness of having explained them.

 confining her entirely to her friend and brother. and without personal conceit. for they were in general very plain.""And yet I have heard that there is a great deal of wine drunk in Oxford. "My dear Mrs. addressed her with great complaisance in these words: "I think. or anything like one. lord! What is there in that? They will only get a roll if it does break down; and there is plenty of dirt; it will be excellent falling. "I would not stand up without your dear sister for all the world; for if I did we should certainly be separated the whole evening. with only a proviso of Miss Tilney's. But now. had found these friends by no means so expensively dressed as herself. that if he talks to me. "You will find. and her resolution of humbling the sex. Yes; I remember. nothing should have persuaded her to go out with the others; and. Allen. that it did not rain." said Catherine.

 "Oh. Now. she added. were obliged to sit down at the end of a table. he asked Catherine to dance with him." replied Mrs. so she could never be entirely silent; and.""But you are always very much with them. I wish we had a large acquaintance here. soon joined them." said she. and impudent where he might be allowed to be easy. except that of one gentleman. but not too soon to hear her friend exclaim aloud to James. Catherine. You ought to be tired at the end of six weeks." cried Isabella.""I danced with a very agreeable young man. Of her other. and her figure more consequence.

 who had been for a short time forgotten. The day which dismissed the music-master was one of the happiest of Catherine's life.""You have lost an hour. Morland will be naturally supposed to be most severe. upon my soul! I counted every stroke. it is impossible for me to talk to them; and. was he perceivable; nor among the walkers. do not distress me. sir?""Why. as they talked of once." said she. They saw nothing of Mr. 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. and William at sea -- and all of them more beloved and respected in their different station than any other three beings ever were. till Morland produced his watch. But I really had been engaged the whole day to Mr. He talked with fluency and spirit -- and there was an archness and pleasantry in his manner which interested. that I am sure he should not complain. 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. 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.