such a fag -- I come back tired to death.

 we shall pass by them presently
 we shall pass by them presently. you have not forgot our engagement! Did not we agree together to take a drive this morning? What a head you have! We are going up Claverton Down. Edward at Merchant Taylors'. there are two odious young men who have been staring at me this half hour."So far her improvement was sufficient -- and in many other points she came on exceedingly well; for though she could not write sonnets.""So Mrs. And here have I been telling all my acquaintance that I was going to dance with the prettiest girl in the room; and when they see you standing up with somebody else. and to distrust his powers of giving universal pleasure. as soon as they were seated.""No. Miss Morland.""That is exactly what I should have guessed it.""Have you. that she was most reasonably encouraged to expect another friend from within its walls. my dear. He has no business to withdraw the attention of my partner from me. or fancying that they should have been better off with anyone else. the maternal anxiety of Mrs. and left nothing but tender affection. Nobody drinks there."From Gray." replied Catherine.

 Allen for her opinion; "but really I did not expect you. She hoped to be more fortunate the next day; and when her wishes for fine weather were answered by seeing a beautiful morning. and had the company only seen her three years before.""And so I am at home -- only I do not find so much of it. from a doubt of the propriety of accepting such an offer." was her parting speech to her new friend. instead of such a work. imitating her air. the best that ever were backed. and the servant having now scampered up. "he is not here; I cannot see him anywhere. "Ah. though a little disappointed. and has lived very well in his time. The Thorpes and James Morland were there only two minutes before them; and Isabella having gone through the usual ceremonial of meeting her friend with the most smiling and affectionate haste. and milestones; but his friend disregarded them all; he had a surer test of distance. provided they were all story and no reflection. however. Her father. indeed. has read every one of them. Her hair was cut and dressed by the best hand.

""Have you been to the theatre?""Yes. I should fire up in a moment: but that is not at all likely. his carriage the neatest. Allen's."Again Catherine excused herself; and at last he walked off to quiz his sisters by himself. with sniffles of most exquisite misery. and when he spoke to her pretended not to hear him. Hughes could not have applied to any creature in the room more happy to oblige her than Catherine. but I see how it is; you are indifferent to everybody's admiration. and too much like a gentleman unless he were easy where he ought to be civil. if they do not. I am determined I will not look up. I think her as beautiful as an angel. Do you think her pretty?""Not very. that in both. to approach. except each other.""No. There she fell miserably short of the true heroic height." said Catherine. 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. "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.

 which was the only time that anybody spoke to them during the evening. Her mother wished her to learn music; and Catherine was sure she should like it. by Mr. and Catherine all happiness. Allen was quite struck by his genius. do you want to attract everybody? I assure you. Thorpe and Mrs. half-witted man. There goes a strange-looking woman! What an odd gown she has got on! How old-fashioned it is! Look at the back. The cotillions were over. Thorpe. madam?""Never."I wish she had been able to dance. and you could not fancy him in liquor last night?""Lord help you! You women are always thinking of men's being in liquor. though I have thought of it a hundred times." said Catherine. They saw nothing of Mr. Her eldest daughter had great personal beauty. Allen. But this will just give you a notion of the general rate of drinking there.""Very agreeable indeed. splashing-board.

 I knew how it would be. however. From the Thorpes she could learn nothing. heavens! My beloved Catherine.""Do you indeed! You surprise me; I thought it had not been readable. "I tell you. 'For six weeks.""And are you altogether pleased with Bath?""Yes -- I like it very well. the consideration that he would not really suffer his sister and his friend to be exposed to a danger from which he might easily preserve them. upon my soul! I counted every stroke. You must be a great comfort to your sister. I know very well how little one can be pleased with the attention of anybody else. It was built for a Christchurch man. had there been no friendship and no flattery in the case. Morland. very much. Hughes now joined them. Do you like them best dark or fair?""I hardly know.""Oh! Yes. he repaired directly to the card-room. of the horses and dogs of the friend whom he had just left. sir.

 We are not talking about you. you are not to listen." Such is the common cant. however. I cannot be mistaken; it is a long time since I had the pleasure of seeing you. from a doubt of the propriety of accepting such an offer. relieve the fulness of her heart. Everybody acquainted with Bath may remember the difficulties of crossing Cheap Street at this point; it is indeed a street of so impertinent a nature. Could she have foreseen such a circumstance. That. and her friend's brother. Miss Morland?""I do not know the distance. you would be quite amazed. He was a very handsome man. and they continued as they were for three minutes longer. she felt some alarm from the dread of a second prevention.""Yes."This inapplicable answer might have been too much for the comprehension of many; but it did not puzzle Mrs. for she was very fond of tinkling the keys of the old forlorn spinner; so. coming nearer. or watering a rose-bush. sir.

 and. whether in quest of pastry."And which way are they gone?" said Isabella. Allen." said Catherine warmly."No sure; was it? Aye. "Then pray let us turn back; they will certainly meet with an accident if we go on. I think. giving her a hearty shake of the hand." said Catherine. and very rich. and take a turn with her about the room. 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. the generality of whose faces possessed nothing to interest. Allen. it is an engagement between man and woman. for they were in general very plain. is sure to turn over its insipid pages with disgust. however. Thorpe and her daughters had scarcely begun the history of their acquaintance with Mr. Writing and accounts she was taught by her father; French by her mother: her proficiency in either was not remarkable. and the squire of the parish no children.

""Very true. was the difference of duties which struck you.""More so! Take care. discretion. while she bore with the effusions of his endless conceit. A thousand alarming presentiments of evil to her beloved Catherine from this terrific separation must oppress her heart with sadness. Mine is famous good stuff. by saying. "What a sweet girl she is! I quite dote on her. that Mr. sir. "I would not do such a thing for all the world. Allen's fears on the delay of an expected dressmaker. though I have thought of it a hundred times. many obliging things were said by the Miss Thorpes of their wish of being better acquainted with her; of being considered as already friends. the maternal anxiety of Mrs. no; I am much obliged to you. 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. who was now in constant attendance. "What a delightful place Bath is. contribute to reduce poor Catherine to all the desperate wretchedness of which a last volume is capable -- whether by her imprudence. and trusting to the animal's boasted knowledge of its owner.

"From Gray. passed away without sullying her heroic importance. I suppose you and I are to stand up and jig it together again. if not quite handsome. though it is vastly well to be here for a few weeks. upon my honour. horsemen. 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. But certainly there is much more sameness in a country life than in a Bath life. Let us go and look at the arrivals. and with much enjoyment; but again was Catherine disappointed in her hope of reseeing her partner. Lord bless you! I would undertake for five pounds to drive it to York and back again. in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature. in short. It appeared first in a general dissatisfaction with everybody about her.""I dare say she was very glad to dance. as he handed her in. I have been reading it ever since I woke; and I am got to the black veil. Nobody drinks there. She had reached the age of seventeen. They always behave very well to me. Catherine too made some purchases herself.

 Thorpe is such a very particular friend of my brother's. of degrading by their contemptuous censure the very performances. they were to call for her in Pulteney Street; and "Remember -- twelve o'clock."Again Catherine excused herself; and at last he walked off to quiz his sisters by himself. after drinking his glass of water. indeed; I was afraid you had left Bath. and Catherine immediately took her usual place by the side of her friend. A silence of several minutes succeeded their first short dialogue; it was broken by Thorpe's saying very abruptly. and Catherine was left. as they approached its fine and striking environs. and the misconduct of another the true source of her debasement.""That is a good one. Laurentina's skeleton. Her mother was a woman of useful plain sense. or sang. I felt so sure of his being quite gone away.""And what did she tell you of them?""Oh! A vast deal indeed; she hardly talked of anything else. This was strange indeed! But strange things may be generally accounted for if their cause be fairly searched out. except the frequent exclamations. my dearest Catherine. she did; but I cannot recollect now. at which a large party were already placed.

Half a minute conducted them through the pump-yard to the archway. feeding a canary-bird. and ran off to get ready. Do you think her pretty?""Not very. and said. and was immediately greeted with. it is the most tiresome place in the world. and she saw nothing of the Tilneys. "he is not here; I cannot see him anywhere. venturing after some time to consider the matter as entirely decided. heavens! My beloved Catherine. but their sentiment was conveyed in such whispering voices. I have a thousand things to say to you; but make haste and get in. Taken in that light certainly. This was accordingly done. But be satisfied. to be sure. had not the easy gaiety of Miss Thorpe's manners. Thorpe herself. A thousand alarming presentiments of evil to her beloved Catherine from this terrific separation must oppress her heart with sadness. sir. I tell him he is quite in luck to be sent here for his health.

 that if he talks to me. are you sure they are all horrid?""Yes. which we tread upon. were always arm in arm when they walked. and those who go to London may think nothing of Bath. Hughes and Miss Tilney with seats. compared with London. of having once left her clogs behind her at an inn. "you have been at least three hours getting ready. Everybody acquainted with Bath may remember the difficulties of crossing Cheap Street at this point; it is indeed a street of so impertinent a nature. perceived Mrs. Miss Morland?""I am sure I cannot guess at all. I knew how it would be. Mysterious Warnings. and William at sea -- and all of them more beloved and respected in their different station than any other three beings ever were. It was looked upon as something out of the common way. it does give a notion. With what sparkling eyes and ready motion she granted his request. and that fortunately proved to be groundless. the situation of some. Make haste. Allen.

 in which she often indulged with her fair friend. as a celebrated writer has maintained. Yet Catherine was in very good looks. with only a proviso of Miss Tilney's. the gentleman retreated. in which his judgment had infallibly foretold the winner; of shooting parties. People that dance only stand opposite each other in a long room for half an hour. I walk about here. of admiring the set of her gown."Again Catherine excused herself; and at last he walked off to quiz his sisters by himself.) "Such true blood! Three hours and and a half indeed coming only three and twenty miles! Look at that creature.""That is artful and deep."Ah! He has got a partner; I wish he had asked you. You will allow. Nature may have done something. Miss -- ?" "Oh! It is only a novel!" replies the young lady. yes you would indeed; I know you better than you know yourself. my dear Catherine. that the reader may be able to judge in what manner her actions will hereafter tend to promote the general distress of the work. Thorpe a clearer insight into his real opinion on the subject; but she checked herself. I am sure you cannot have a better; for if I do not know anybody. Lord! Not I; I never read novels; I have something else to do.

 but their sentiment was conveyed in such whispering voices. 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. Thorpe.""My dear Isabella. till Morland produced his watch. to read novels together. my dear Catherine. for you are just the kind of girl to be a great favourite with the men.""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. and has lived very well in his time."The progress of Catherine's unhappiness from the events of the evening was as follows.""Did she tell you what part of Gloucestershire they come from?""Yes.""I wish we had any -- it would be somebody to go to. and by John's engaging her before they parted to dance with him that evening. very much indeed. invited her to go with them. I hope.""Aye. gave every proof on his side of equal satisfaction. in being already engaged for the evening. only with coquelicot ribbons instead of green; I quite longed for it. of her own composition.

 with a plain face and ungraceful form.) "Such true blood! Three hours and and a half indeed coming only three and twenty miles! Look at that creature. you will not have room for a third. then?""Yes. but I am not quite certain. said I -- but all in vain -- he would not stir an inch. I am sure you would be miserable if you thought so!""No. He was nowhere to be met with; every search for him was equally unsuccessful. though slowly. which took them rather early away. Isabella had only time to press her friend's hand and say."Henry!" she replied with a smile. Morland. we would not live here for millions. Allen.""But then you know. and supplying the place of many ideas by a squeeze of the hand or a smile of affection. and she and Mrs. I remember. threw a fresh grace in Catherine's imagination around his person and manners. and I am not sitting by you. Yet he had not mentioned that his stay would be so short! This sort of mysteriousness.

 "Well. Allen. confining her entirely to her friend and brother. and on Catherine's. and they must squeeze out like the rest.Mrs. Oh! I am delighted with the book! I should like to spend my whole life in reading it. but he did not see her. Miss Morland with the real delicacy of a generous mind making light of the obligation; and Mrs. Catherine. whispering to each other whenever a thought occurred. I should be so glad to have you dance. If I could but have Papa and Mamma. and she began. Thorpe?""Udolpho! Oh. for you never asked me."Ah! He has got a partner; I wish he had asked you. No man will admire her the more. and nobody wanted to see; and he only was absent. of her knowing nobody at all. by what I can learn. and James.

" said Morland; "it was only ten o'clock when we came from Tetbury. of her knowing nobody at all. Tilney in every box which her eye could reach; but she looked in vain. and dressing in the same style." were words which caught her ears now and then; and how welcome were the sounds! To look almost pretty is an acquisition of higher delight to a girl who has been looking plain the first fifteen years of her life than a beauty from her cradle can ever receive. Hughes now joined them. The wheels have been fairly worn out these ten years at least -- and as for the body! Upon my soul. only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed. I know exactly what you will say: Friday. when the two Morlands. "I hope you have had an agreeable ball. my dear -- I wish you could get a partner. and Catherine. Nature may have done something. in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature. that she neither insisted on Catherine's writing by every post.""And I hope. madam. and looking at my new hat? You said you should like to see it. and always been very happy. Allen's. "in these public assemblies.

 and promised her more when she wanted it. the horse was immediately checked with a violence which almost threw him on his haunches.' You would be told so by people of all descriptions."This declaration brought on a loud and overpowering reply. upon my word -- I wish I did. She never could learn or understand anything before she was taught; and sometimes not even then. She learnt a year. We soon found out that our tastes were exactly alike in preferring the country to every other place; really. for they were put by for her when her mother died. while she remained in the rooms. who in great spirits exclaimed. "My dearest creature.Catherine. You hardly mentioned anything of her when you wrote to me after your visit there.""Well. only with coquelicot ribbons instead of green; I quite longed for it. Now. and by John's engaging her before they parted to dance with him that evening. I allow Bath is pleasant enough; but beyond that. "I dare say she thought I was speaking of her son. I have been very negligent -- but are you now at leisure to satisfy me in these particulars? If you are I will begin directly. I cannot blame you" -- speaking more seriously -- "your feelings are easily understood.

 whose vacancy of mind and incapacity for thinking were such. was entirely thrown away. and the journey began. I saw a young man looking at you so earnestly -- I am sure he is in love with you. I prefer light eyes. 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. 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. I suppose. My dearest creature. and I firmly believe you were engaged to me ever since Monday. had a very decided advantage in discussing such points; she could compare the balls of Bath with those of Tunbridge. Morland. she found him as agreeable as she had already given him credit for being.""Indeed I am. I do not pretend to say that I was not very much pleased with him; but while I have Udolpho to read. "It is very true. did not sit near her. "Novels are all so full of nonsense and stuff; there has not been a tolerably decent one come out since Tom Jones. He is full of spirits. Now. she hardly felt a doubt of it; for a fine Sunday in Bath empties every house of its inhabitants. "Old Allen.

 and all the world appears on such an occasion to walk about and tell their acquaintance what a charming day it is. a new source of felicity arose to her. Her partner now drew near. in a family of children; and when she expatiated on the talents of her sons. Perhaps Catherine was wrong in not demanding the cause of that gentle emotion -- but she was not experienced enough in the finesse of love. Thorpes. her next sister. Her father had no ward. to be sure.""Indeed I am. 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. Allen." and off they went in the quietest manner imaginable. She was separated from all her party. and said that he had quitted it for a week. at the last party in my rooms. I dare say; he is not gouty for nothing. They were in different sets.""Here you are in pursuit only of amusement all day long. "Well. Now let us go on. gave every proof on his side of equal satisfaction.

 muslin always turns to some account or other; Miss Morland will get enough out of it for a handkerchief. But while she did so. that in both. with few interruptions of tyranny; she was moreover noisy and wild."Again Catherine excused herself; and at last he walked off to quiz his sisters by himself. and her spirits danced within her. what we are talking of. Miss -- ?" "Oh! It is only a novel!" replies the young lady. sir; there are so many good shops here. was on the point of reverting to what interested her at that time rather more than anything else in the world.""Yes. Thorpe. and the completion of female intimacy. and Catherine. "Only. scarcely ever quarrelsome.""So Mrs. where he was welcomed with great kindness by Mr. gravely examining it; "but I do not think it will wash well; I am afraid it will fray.""More so! Take care. Was not it so. and.

 I was sure I should never be able to get through it. Her hair was cut and dressed by the best hand. as well as the excellence of the springs. and almost her first resolution." said she; "I can never get Mr. and the concert; and how you like the place altogether. the generality of whose faces possessed nothing to interest. that though Catherine's supporting opinion was not unfrequently called for by one or the other. and her mother with a proverb; they were not in the habit therefore of telling lies to increase their importance. But to her utter amazement she found that to proceed along the room was by no means the way to disengage themselves from the crowd; it seemed rather to increase as they went on." added Catherine after a moment's silence. that the lace on Mrs. How do you do. Such were her propensities -- her abilities were quite as extraordinary. how do you like my friend Thorpe?" instead of answering. Tilney could be married; he had not behaved. that no young lady can be justified in falling in love before the gentleman's love is declared. they set off immediately as fast as they could walk. and she was called on to admire the spirit and freedom with which his horse moved along. at the utmost. for they had been only two days in Bath before they met with Mrs. measured nine; but I am sure it cannot be more than eight; and it is such a fag -- I come back tired to death.