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8/18/2019 001 - 001 - Advertisment ; Chapter 1-5
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Jane Austen (1775-1817)
Northanger Abbey (1803)
ADVERTISEMENT BY THE AUTHORESTO NORTHANGER ABBEY
THIS little work was finished in the year 18
nd intended for immediate publication. It wisposed of to a bookseller, it was ev
dvertised, and why the business proceeded
arther, the author has never been able to lear
That any bookseller should think it worth-wh
o purchase what he did not think it worth-wh
o publish seems extraordinary. But with th
either the author nor the public have any oth
oncern than as some observation is necessa
pon those parts of the work which thirteen yeaave made comparatively obsolete. The pub
re entreated to bear in mind that thirteen yea
ave passed since it was finished, many mo
ince it was begun, and that during that perio
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laces, manners, books, and opinions ha
ndergone considerable changes.
CHAPTER 1
No one who had ever seen Catherine Morla
n her infancy would have supposed her born
e an heroine. Her situation in life, the charac
f her father and mother, her own person aisposition, were all equally against her. H
ather was a clergyman, without being neglecte
r poor, and a very respectable man, though h
ame was Richard—and he had never be
andsome. He had a considerable independen
esides two good livings—and he was not in t
east addicted to locking up his daughters. H
mother was a woman of useful plain sense, w
good temper, and, what is more remarkabwith a good constitution. She had three so
efore Catherine was born; and instead of dyi
n bringing the latter into the world, as anybo
might expect, she still lived on—lived to have s
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hildren more—to see them growing up arou
er, and to enjoy excellent health herself.
amily of ten children will be always called a fi
amily, where there are heads and arms and le
nough for the number; but the Morlands httle other right to the word, for they were
eneral very plain, and Catherine, for many yea
f her life, as plain as any. She had a th
wkward figure, a sallow skin without colouark lank hair, and strong features—so much f
er person; and not less unpropitious for herois
eemed her mind. She was fond of all boy's pla
nd greatly preferred cricket not merely to dol
ut to the more heroic enjoyments of infanc
ursing a dormouse, feeding a canary-bird,
watering a rose-bush. Indeed she had no taste f
garden; and if she gathered flowers at all, it w
hiefly for the pleasure of mischief—at least sowas conjectured from her always preferring tho
which she was forbidden to take. Such were h
ropensities—her abilities were quite
xtraordinary. She never could learn
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nderstand anything before she was taught; a
ometimes not even then, for she was oft
nattentive, and occasionally stupid. Her moth
was three months in teaching her only to repe
he "Beggar's Petition"; and after all, her neister, Sally, could say it better than she did. N
hat Catherine was always stupid—by no mean
he learnt the fable of "The Hare and Ma
riends" as quickly as any girl in England. Hmother wished her to learn music; and Catheri
was sure she should like it, for she was very fo
f tinkling the keys of the old forlorn spinnet; s
t eight years old she began. She learnt a ye
nd could not bear it; and Mrs. Morland, who d
ot insist on her daughters being accomplished
pite of incapacity or distaste, allowed her
eave off. The day which dismissed the mus
master was one of the happiest of Catherine's lHer taste for drawing was not superior; thou
whenever she could obtain the outside of a lett
rom her mother or seize upon any other o
iece of paper, she did what she could in th
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way, by drawing houses and trees, hens a
hickens, all very much like one another. Writi
nd accounts she was taught by her fath
rench by her mother: her proficiency in eith
was not remarkable, and she shirked her lesson both whenever she could. What a strang
naccountable character!—for with all the
ymptoms of profligacy at ten years old, she h
either a bad heart nor a bad temper, was seldotubborn, scarcely ever quarrelsome, and ve
ind to the little ones, with few interruptions
yranny; she was moreover noisy and wild, hat
onfinement and cleanliness, and loved nothi
o well in the world as rolling down the gre
lope at the back of the house.
Such was Catherine Morland at ten. At fiftee
ppearances were mending; she began to curl hair and long for balls; her complexion improv
er features were softened by plumpness a
olour, her eyes gained more animation, and h
igure more consequence. Her love of dirt ga
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way to an inclination for finery, and she gre
lean as she grew smart; she had now t
leasure of sometimes hearing her father a
mother remark on her personal improveme
Catherine grows quite a good-looking girl—ss almost pretty today," were words which caug
er ears now and then; and how welcome we
he sounds! To look almost pretty is
cquisition of higher delight to a girl who heen looking plain the first fifteen years of h
fe than a beauty from her cradle can ev
eceive.
Mrs. Morland was a very good woman, a
wished to see her children everything they oug
o be; but her time was so much occupied
ying-in and teaching the little ones, that her eld
aughters were inevitably left to shift fhemselves; and it was not very wonderful th
Catherine, who had by nature nothing hero
bout her, should prefer cricket, baseball, ridi
n horseback, and running about the country
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he age of fourteen, to books—or at least boo
f information—for, provided that nothing li
seful knowledge could be gained from the
rovided they were all story and no reflectio
he had never any objection to books at all. Brom fifteen to seventeen she was in training fo
eroine; she read all such works as heroines mu
ead to supply their memories with tho
uotations which are so serviceable and oothing in the vicissitudes of their eventful liv
From Pope, she learnt to censure those who
"bear about the mockery of woe."
From Gray, that
"Many a flower is born to blush unseen,"And waste its fragrance on the desert air."
From Thompson, that—
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"It is a delightful task
"To teach the young idea how to shoot."
And from Shakespeare she gained a gre
tore of information—amongst the rest, that—
"Trifles light as air,
"Are, to the jealous, confirmation strong,
"As proofs of Holy Writ."
That
"The poor beetle, which we tread upon,
"In corporal sufferance feels a pang as great
"As when a giant dies."
And that a young woman in love alwa
ooks—
"like Patience on a monument
"Smiling at Grief."
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So far her improvement was sufficient—a
n many other points she came on exceeding
well; for though she could not write sonnets, s
rought herself to read them; and though the
eemed no chance of her throwing a whole parnto raptures by a prelude on the pianoforte,
er own composition, she could listen to oth
eople's performance with very little fatigue. H
reatest deficiency was in the pencil—she had otion of drawing—not enough even to attemp
ketch of her lover's profile, that she might
etected in the design. There she fell miserab
hort of the true heroic height. At present she d
ot know her own poverty, for she had no lov
o portray. She had reached the age of seventee
without having seen one amiable youth w
ould call forth her sensibility, without havi
nspired one real passion, and without havixcited even any admiration but what was ve
moderate and very transient. This was stran
ndeed! But strange things may be genera
ccounted for if their cause be fairly searched o
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hem. Mr. and Mrs. Morland were all complian
nd Catherine all happiness.
CHAPTER 2
In addition to what has been already said
Catherine Morland's personal and men
ndowments, when about to be launched into
he difficulties and dangers of a six weekesidence in Bath, it may be stated, for t
eader's more certain information, lest t
ollowing pages should otherwise fail of givi
ny idea of what her character is meant to be, th
er heart was affectionate; her dispositi
heerful and open, without conceit or affectati
f any kind—her manners just removed from t
wkwardness and shyness of a girl; her pers
leasing, and, when in good looks, pretty—aer mind about as ignorant and uninformed as t
emale mind at seventeen usually is.
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When the hour of departure drew near, t
maternal anxiety of Mrs. Morland will
aturally supposed to be most severe. A thousa
larming presentiments of evil to her belov
Catherine from this terrific separation muppress her heart with sadness, and drown her
ears for the last day or two of their bei
ogether; and advice of the most important a
pplicable nature must of course flow from hwise lips in their parting conference in her clos
Cautions against the violence of such noblem
nd baronets as delight in forcing young ladi
way to some remote farm-house, must, at such
moment, relieve the fulness of her heart. W
would not think so? But Mrs. Morland knew
ttle of lords and baronets, that she entertain
o notion of their general mischievousness, a
was wholly unsuspicious of danger to haughter from their machinations. Her cautio
were confined to the following points. "I be
Catherine, you will always wrap yourself up ve
warm about the throat, when you come from t
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ooms at night; and I wish you would try to ke
ome account of the money you spend; I w
ive you this little book on purpose."
Sally, or rather Sarah (for what young lady ommon gentility will reach the age of sixte
without altering her name as far as she can
must from situation be at this time the intima
riend and confidante of her sister. It emarkable, however, that she neither insisted
Catherine's writing by every post, nor exacted h
romise of transmitting the character of eve
ew acquaintance, nor a detail of eve
nteresting conversation that Bath might produc
Everything indeed relative to this importa
ourney was done, on the part of the Morland
with a degree of moderation and composu
which seemed rather consistent with the commeelings of common life, than with the refin
usceptibilities, the tender emotions which t
irst separation of a heroine from her fam
ught always to excite. Her father, instead
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iving her an unlimited order on his banker,
ven putting an hundred pounds bank-bill in
er hands, gave her only ten guineas, a
romised her more when she wanted it.
Under these unpromising auspices, the parti
ook place, and the journey began. It w
erformed with suitable quietness and uneventf
afety. Neither robbers nor tempests befriendhem, nor one lucky overturn to introduce the
o the hero. Nothing more alarming occurred th
fear, on Mrs. Allen's side, of having once l
er clogs behind her at an inn, and th
ortunately proved to be groundless.
They arrived at Bath. Catherine was all eag
elight—her eyes were here, there, everywhe
s they approached its fine and striking environnd afterwards drove through those streets whi
onducted them to the hotel. She was come to
appy, and she felt happy already.
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They were soon settled in comfortab
odgings in Pulteney Street.
It is now expedient to give some descripti
f Mrs. Allen, that the reader may be able udge in what manner her actions will hereaft
end to promote the general distress of the wor
nd how she will, probably, contribute to redu
oor Catherine to all the desperate wretchednef which a last volume is capable—whether
er imprudence, vulgarity, or jealousy—wheth
y intercepting her letters, ruining her charact
r turning her out of doors.
Mrs. Allen was one of that numerous class
emales, whose society can raise no oth
motion than surprise at there being any men
he world who could like them well enough marry them. She had neither beauty, geniu
ccomplishment, nor manner. The air of
entlewoman, a great deal of quiet, inactive go
emper, and a trifling turn of mind were all th
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ould account for her being the choice of
ensible, intelligent man like Mr. Allen. In o
espect she was admirably fitted to introduce
oung lady into public, being as fond of goi
verywhere and seeing everything herself as aoung lady could be. Dress was her passion. S
ad a most harmless delight in being fine; a
ur heroine's entree into life could not take pla
ll after three or four days had been spent earning what was mostly worn, and h
haperone was provided with a dress of t
ewest fashion. Catherine too made som
urchases herself, and when all these matte
were arranged, the important evening cam
which was to usher her into the Upper Room
Her hair was cut and dressed by the best han
er clothes put on with care, and both Mrs. All
nd her maid declared she looked quite as should do. With such encouragement, Catheri
oped at least to pass uncensured through t
rowd. As for admiration, it was always ve
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welcome when it came, but she did not depe
n it.
Mrs. Allen was so long in dressing that th
id not enter the ballroom till late. The seaswas full, the room crowded, and the two ladi
queezed in as well as they could. As for M
Allen, he repaired directly to the card-room, a
eft them to enjoy a mob by themselves. Wimore care for the safety of her new gown than f
he comfort of her protegee, Mrs. Allen made h
way through the throng of men by the door,
wiftly as the necessary caution would allo
Catherine, however, kept close at her side, a
nked her arm too firmly within her friend's to
orn asunder by any common effort of
truggling assembly. But to her utter amazeme
he found that to proceed along the room was o means the way to disengage themselves fro
he crowd; it seemed rather to increase as th
went on, whereas she had imagined that wh
nce fairly within the door, they should eas
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ut they were repeated so often, and proved
otally ineffectual, that Catherine grew tired
ast, and would thank her no more.
They were not long able, however, to enjhe repose of the eminence they had
aboriously gained. Everybody was shortly
motion for tea, and they must squeeze out li
he rest. Catherine began to feel something isappointment—she was tired of bei
ontinually pressed against by people, t
enerality of whose faces possessed nothing
nterest, and with all of whom she was so who
nacquainted that she could not relieve t
rksomeness of imprisonment by the exchange
syllable with any of her fellow captives; a
when at last arrived in the tea-room, she felt y
more the awkwardness of having no party to joo acquaintance to claim, no gentleman to ass
hem. They saw nothing of Mr. Allen; and aft
ooking about them in vain for a more eligib
ituation, were obliged to sit down at the end o
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able, at which a large party were already place
without having anything to do there, or anybo
o speak to, except each other.
Mrs. Allen congratulated herself, as soon hey were seated, on having preserved her gow
rom injury. "It would have been very shocki
o have it torn," said she, "would not it? It is su
delicate muslin. For my part I have not senything I like so well in the whole room,
ssure you."
"How uncomfortable it is," whisper
Catherine, "not to have a single acquaintan
ere!"
"Yes, my dear," replied Mrs. Allen, w
erfect serenity, "it is very uncomfortabndeed."
"What shall we do? The gentlemen and ladi
t this table look as if they wondered why w
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ame here—we seem forcing ourselves into th
arty."
"Aye, so we do. That is very disagreeable
wish we had a large acquaintance here."
"I wish we had any—it would be somebody
o to."
"Very true, my dear; and if we knew anybo
we would join them directly. The Skinners we
ere last year—I wish they were here now."
"Had not we better go away as it is? Here a
o tea-things for us, you see."
"No more there are, indeed. How ve
rovoking! But I think we had better sit still, fne gets so tumbled in such a crowd! How is m
ead, my dear? Somebody gave me a push th
as hurt it, I am afraid."
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"No, indeed, it looks very nice. But, dear M
Allen, are you sure there is nobody you know
ll this multitude of people? I think you mu
now somebody."
"I don't, upon my word—I wish I did. I wish
ad a large acquaintance here with all my hea
nd then I should get you a partner. I should
o glad to have you dance. There goes a strangooking woman! What an odd gown she has g
n! How old-fashioned it is! Look at the back."
After some time they received an offer of t
rom one of their neighbours; it was thankful
ccepted, and this introduced a light conversati
with the gentleman who offered it, which was t
nly time that anybody spoke to them during t
vening, till they were discovered and joined Mr. Allen when the dance was over.
"Well, Miss Morland," said he, directly,
ope you have had an agreeable ball."
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"Very agreeable indeed," she replied, vain
ndeavouring to hide a great yawn.
"I wish she had been able to dance," said hwife; "I wish we could have got a partner for h
have been saying how glad I should be if t
kinners were here this winter instead of last;
f the Parrys had come, as they talked of onche might have danced with George Parry. I a
o sorry she has not had a partner!"
"We shall do better another evening I hope
was Mr. Allen's consolation.
The company began to disperse when t
ancing was over—enough to leave space for t
emainder to walk about in some comfort; aow was the time for a heroine, who had not y
layed a very distinguished part in the events
he evening, to be noticed and admired. Eve
ive minutes, by removing some of the crow
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ave greater openings for her charms. She w
ow seen by many young men who had not be
ear her before. Not one, however, started wi
apturous wonder on beholding her, no whisp
f eager inquiry ran round the room, nor was snce called a divinity by anybody. Yet Catheri
was in very good looks, and had the compa
nly seen her three years before, they would no
ave thought her exceedingly handsome.
She was looked at, however, and with som
dmiration; for, in her own hearing, tw
entlemen pronounced her to be a pretty gi
uch words had their due effect; she immediate
hought the evening pleasanter than she h
ound it before—her humble vanity w
ontented—she felt more obliged to the tw
oung men for this simple praise than a truuality heroine would have been for fifte
onnets in celebration of her charms, and went
er chair in good humour with everybody, a
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ather tall, had a pleasing countenance, a ve
ntelligent and lively eye, and, if not qu
andsome, was very near it. His address w
ood, and Catherine felt herself in high luc
There was little leisure for speaking while thanced; but when they were seated at tea, s
ound him as agreeable as she had already giv
im credit for being. He talked with fluency a
pirit—and there was an archness and pleasantn his manner which interested, though it w
ardly understood by her. After chatting som
me on such matters as naturally arose from t
bjects around them, he suddenly addressed h
with—"I have hitherto been very remiss, mada
n the proper attentions of a partner here; I ha
ot yet asked you how long you have been
Bath; whether you were ever here befo
whether you have been at the Upper Rooms, theatre, and the concert; and how you like t
lace altogether. I have been very negligent—b
re you now at leisure to satisfy me in the
articulars? If you are I will begin directly."
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"You need not give yourself that trouble, sir
"No trouble, I assure you, madam." Th
orming his features into a set smile, affectedly softening his voice, he added, with
impering air, "Have you been long in Ba
madam?"
"About a week, sir," replied Catherine, tryi
ot to laugh.
"Really!" with affected astonishment.
"Why should you be surprised, sir?"
"Why, indeed!" said he, in his natural ton
But some emotion must appear to be raised our reply, and surprise is more easily assume
nd not less reasonable than any other. Now
s go on. Were you never here before, madam?
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"Never, sir."
"Indeed! Have you yet honoured the Upp
Rooms?"
"Yes, sir, I was there last Monday."
"Have you been to the theatre?"
"Yes, sir, I was at the play on Tuesday."
"To the concert?"
"Yes, sir, on Wednesday."
"And are you altogether pleased with Bath?"
"Yes—I like it very well."
"Now I must give one smirk, and then we m
e rational again." Catherine turned away h
ead, not knowing whether she might venture
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augh. "I see what you think of me," said
ravely—"I shall make but a poor figure in yo
ournal tomorrow."
"My journal!"
"Yes, I know exactly what you will sa
riday, went to the Lower Rooms; wore m
prigged muslin robe with blue trimmings—plalack shoes—appeared to much advantage; b
was strangely harassed by a queer, half-witt
man, who would make me dance with him, a
istressed me by his nonsense."
"Indeed I shall say no such thing."
"Shall I tell you what you ought to say?"
"If you please."
"I danced with a very agreeable young ma
ntroduced by Mr. King; had a great deal
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which ladies are so generally celebrate
Everybody allows that the talent of writi
greeable letters is peculiarly female. Nature m
ave done something, but I am sure it must
ssentially assisted by the practice of keepingournal."
"I have sometimes thought," said Catherin
oubtingly, "whether ladies do write so muetter letters than gentlemen! That is—I shou
ot think the superiority was always on our side
"As far as I have had opportunity of judgin
t appears to me that the usual style of lette
writing among women is faultless, except
hree particulars."
"And what are they?"
"A general deficiency of subject, a to
nattention to stops, and a very freque
gnorance of grammar."
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"Upon my word! I need not have been afra
f disclaiming the compliment. You do not thi
oo highly of us in that way."
"I should no more lay it down as a gener
ule that women write better letters than me
han that they sing better duets, or draw bett
andscapes. In every power, of which taste is toundation, excellence is pretty fairly divid
etween the sexes."
They were interrupted by Mrs. Allen: "M
ear Catherine," said she, "do take this pin out
my sleeve; I am afraid it has torn a hole already
hall be quite sorry if it has, for this is a favour
own, though it cost but nine shillings a yard."
"That is exactly what I should have guessed
madam," said Mr. Tilney, looking at the muslin
"Do you understand muslins, sir?"
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"It is very pretty, madam," said he, grave
xamining it; "but I do not think it will wash w
am afraid it will fray."
"How can you," said Catherine, laughing, "o—" She had almost said "strange."
"I am quite of your opinion, sir," replied M
Allen; "and so I told Miss Morland when sought it."
"But then you know, madam, muslin alwa
urns to some account or other; Miss Morla
will get enough out of it for a handkerchief, or
ap, or a cloak. Muslin can never be said to
wasted. I have heard my sister say so forty time
when she has been extravagant in buying mo
han she wanted, or careless in cutting it ieces."
"Bath is a charming place, sir; there are
many good shops here. We are sadly off in t
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ountry; not but what we have very good sho
n Salisbury, but it is so far to go—eight miles
long way; Mr. Allen says it is nine, measur
ine; but I am sure it cannot be more than eigh
nd it is such a fag—I come back tired to deaNow, here one can step out of doors and get
hing in five minutes."
Mr. Tilney was polite enough to seenterested in what she said; and she kept him
he subject of muslins till the danci
ecommenced. Catherine feared, as she listen
o their discourse, that he indulged himself a lit
oo much with the foibles of others. "What a
ou thinking of so earnestly?" said he, as th
walked back to the ballroom; "not of your partn
hope, for, by that shake of the head, yo
meditations are not satisfactory."
Catherine coloured, and said, "I was n
hinking of anything."
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"That is artful and deep, to be sure; but I h
ather be told at once that you will not tell me."
"Well then, I will not."
"Thank you; for now we shall soon
cquainted, as I am authorized to tease you
his subject whenever we meet, and nothing
he world advances intimacy so much."
They danced again; and, when the assemb
losed, parted, on the lady's side at least, with
trong inclination for continuing the acquaintan
Whether she thought of him so much, while s
rank her warm wine and water, and prepar
erself for bed, as to dream of him when the
annot be ascertained; but I hope it was no mo
han in a slight slumber, or a morning doze most; for if it be true, as a celebrated writer h
maintained, that no young lady can be justified
alling in love before the gentleman's love
eclared,* it must be very improper that a you
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ady should dream of a gentleman before t
entleman is first known to have dreamt of h
How proper Mr. Tilney might be as a dreamer
lover had not yet perhaps entered Mr. Allen
ead, but that he was not objectionable asommon acquaintance for his young charge
was on inquiry satisfied; for he had early in t
vening taken pains to know who her partner w
nd had been assured of Mr. Tilney's beinglergyman, and of a very respectable family
Gloucestershire.
CHAPTER 4
With more than usual eagerness did Catheri
asten to the pump-room the next day, secu
within herself of seeing Mr. Tilney there befo
he morning were over, and ready to meet hiwith a smile; but no smile was demanded—M
Tilney did not appear. Every creature in Ba
xcept himself, was to be seen in the room
ifferent periods of the fashionable hou
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rowds of people were every moment passing
nd out, up the steps and down; people who
obody cared about, and nobody wanted to se
nd he only was absent. "What a delightful pla
Bath is," said Mrs. Allen as they sat down nehe great clock, after parading the room till th
were tired; "and how pleasant it would be if w
ad any acquaintance here."
This sentiment had been uttered so often
ain that Mrs. Allen had no particular reason
ope it would be followed with more advanta
ow; but we are told to "despair of nothing w
would attain," as "unwearied diligence our po
would gain"; and the unwearied diligence w
which she had every day wished for the sam
hing was at length to have its just reward, f
ardly had she been seated ten minutes befoready of about her own age, who was sitting
er, and had been looking at her attentively f
everal minutes, addressed her with gre
omplaisance in these words: "I think, madam
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annot be mistaken; it is a long time since I h
he pleasure of seeing you, but is not your nam
Allen?" This question answered, as it readily w
he stranger pronounced hers to be Thorpe; a
Mrs. Allen immediately recognized the featurf a former schoolfellow and intimate, whom s
ad seen only once since their respecti
marriages, and that many years ago. Their joy
his meeting was very great, as well it migince they had been contented to know nothing
ach other for the last fifteen years. Complimen
n good looks now passed; and, after observi
ow time had slipped away since they were la
ogether, how little they had thought of meeti
n Bath, and what a pleasure it was to see an o
riend, they proceeded to make inquiries and gi
ntelligence as to their families, sisters, a
ousins, talking both together, far more ready ive than to receive information, and ea
earing very little of what the other said. M
Thorpe, however, had one great advantage as
alker, over Mrs. Allen, in a family of childre
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nd when she expatiated on the talents of h
ons, and the beauty of her daughters, when s
elated their different situations and views—th
ohn was at Oxford, Edward at Mercha
Taylors', and William at sea—and all of themore beloved and respected in their differe
tation than any other three beings ever we
Mrs. Allen had no similar information to give,
imilar triumphs to press on the unwilling anbelieving ear of her friend, and was forced
it and appear to listen to all these matern
ffusions, consoling herself, however, with t
iscovery, which her keen eye soon made, th
he lace on Mrs. Thorpe's pelisse was not half
andsome as that on her own.
"Here come my dear girls," cried Mrs. Thorp
ointing at three smart-looking females who, arn arm, were then moving towards her. "My de
Mrs. Allen, I long to introduce them; they will
o delighted to see you: the tallest is Isabella, m
ldest; is not she a fine young woman? T
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thers are very much admired too, but I belie
sabella is the handsomest."
The Miss Thorpes were introduced; and M
Morland, who had been for a short time forgottwas introduced likewise. The name seemed
trike them all; and, after speaking to her w
reat civility, the eldest young lady observ
loud to the rest, "How excessively like hrother Miss Morland is!"
"The very picture of him indeed!" cried t
mother—and "I should have known h
nywhere for his sister!" was repeated by the
ll, two or three times over. For a mome
Catherine was surprised; but Mrs. Thorpe and h
aughters had scarcely begun the history of th
cquaintance with Mr. James Morland, befohe remembered that her eldest brother had late
ormed an intimacy with a young man of his ow
ollege, of the name of Thorpe; and that he h
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pent the last week of the Christmas vacati
with his family, near London.
The whole being explained, many obligi
hings were said by the Miss Thorpes of thwish of being better acquainted with her;
eing considered as already friends, through t
riendship of their brothers, etc., which Catheri
eard with pleasure, and answered with all tretty expressions she could command; and,
he first proof of amity, she was soon invited
ccept an arm of the eldest Miss Thorpe, and ta
turn with her about the room. Catherine w
elighted with this extension of her Ba
cquaintance, and almost forgot Mr. Tilney wh
he talked to Miss Thorpe. Friendship is certain
he finest balm for the pangs of disappointed lo
Their conversation turned upon those subjec
f which the free discussion has generally mu
o do in perfecting a sudden intimacy betwe
wo young ladies: such as dress, balls, flirtation
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nd quizzes. Miss Thorpe, however, being fo
ears older than Miss Morland, and at least fo
ears better informed, had a very decid
dvantage in discussing such points; she cou
ompare the balls of Bath with those Tunbridge, its fashions with the fashions
London; could rectify the opinions of her ne
riend in many articles of tasteful attire; cou
iscover a flirtation between any gentleman aady who only smiled on each other; and po
ut a quiz through the thickness of a crow
These powers received due admiration fro
Catherine, to whom they were entirely new; a
he respect which they naturally inspired mig
ave been too great for familiarity, had not t
asy gaiety of Miss Thorpe's manners, and h
requent expressions of delight on th
cquaintance with her, softened down eveeeling of awe, and left nothing but tend
ffection. Their increasing attachment was not
e satisfied with half a dozen turns in the pum
oom, but required, when they all quitted
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ogether, that Miss Thorpe should accompa
Miss Morland to the very door of Mr. Allen
ouse; and that they should there part with a mo
ffectionate and lengthened shake of hands, aft
earning, to their mutual relief, that they shouee each other across the theatre at night, and s
heir prayers in the same chapel the next morni
Catherine then ran directly upstairs, and watch
Miss Thorpe's progress down the street from trawing-room window; admired the gracef
pirit of her walk, the fashionable air of h
igure and dress; and felt grateful, as well s
might, for the chance which had procured h
uch a friend.
Mrs. Thorpe was a widow, and not a very ri
ne; she was a good-humoured, well-meani
woman, and a very indulgent mother. Her eldeaughter had great personal beauty, and t
ounger ones, by pretending to be as handsom
s their sister, imitating her air, and dressing
he same style, did very well.
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This brief account of the family is intended
upersede the necessity of a long and minu
etail from Mrs. Thorpe herself, of her pa
dventures and sufferings, which migtherwise be expected to occupy the three or fo
ollowing chapters; in which the worthlessness
ords and attorneys might be set forth, a
onversations, which had passed twenty yeaefore, be minutely repeated.
CHAPTER 5
Catherine was not so much engaged at t
heatre that evening, in returning the nods a
miles of Miss Thorpe, though they certain
laimed much of her leisure, as to forget to lo
with an inquiring eye for Mr. Tilney in every bwhich her eye could reach; but she looked in va
Mr. Tilney was no fonder of the play than t
ump-room. She hoped to be more fortunate t
ext da ; and when her wishes for fine weath
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were answered by seeing a beautiful mornin
he hardly felt a doubt of it; for a fine Sunday
Bath empties every house of its inhabitants, a
ll the world appears on such an occasion to wa
bout and tell their acquaintance what a charmiay it is.
As soon as divine service was over, t
Thorpes and Allens eagerly joined each othnd after staying long enough in the pump-roo
o discover that the crowd was insupportable, a
hat there was not a genteel face to be see
which everybody discovers every Sund
hroughout the season, they hastened away to t
Crescent, to breathe the fresh air of bet
ompany. Here Catherine and Isabella, arm
rm, again tasted the sweets of friendship in
nreserved conversation; they talked much, awith much enjoyment; but again was Catheri
isappointed in her hope of reseeing her partn
He was nowhere to be met with; every search f
im was equally unsuccessful, in morni
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ounges or evening assemblies; neither at t
Upper nor Lower Rooms, at dressed or undress
alls, was he perceivable; nor among the walke
he horsemen, or the curricle-drivers of t
morning. His name was not in the pump-rooook, and curiosity could do no more. He mu
e gone from Bath. Yet he had not mention
hat his stay would be so short! This sort
mysteriousness, which is always so becoming hero, threw a fresh grace in Catherin
magination around his person and manners, a
ncreased her anxiety to know more of him. Fro
he Thorpes she could learn nothing, for they h
een only two days in Bath before they met w
Mrs. Allen. It was a subject, however, in whi
he often indulged with her fair friend, fro
whom she received every possib
ncouragement to continue to think of him; ais impression on her fancy was not suffer
herefore to weaken. Isabella was very sure th
e must be a charming young man, and w
qually sure that he must have been delight
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with her dear Catherine, and would therefo
hortly return. She liked him the better for bei
clergyman, "for she must confess herself ve
artial to the profession"; and something like
igh escaped her as she said it. Perhaps Catheriwas wrong in not demanding the cause of th
entle emotion—but she was not experienc
nough in the finesse of love, or the duties
riendship, to know when delicate raillery wroperly called for, or when a confidence shou
e forced.
Mrs. Allen was now quite happy—qu
atisfied with Bath. She had found som
cquaintance, had been so lucky too as to find
hem the family of a most worthy old friend; an
s the completion of good fortune, had fou
hese friends by no means so expensively dresss herself. Her daily expressions were no long
I wish we had some acquaintance in Bath
They were changed into, "How glad I am w
ave met with Mrs. Thorpe!" and she was
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ager in promoting the intercourse of the tw
amilies, as her young charge and Isabe
hemselves could be; never satisfied with the d
nless she spent the chief of it by the side of M
Thorpe, in what they called conversation, but which there was scarcely ever any exchange
pinion, and not often any resemblance
ubject, for Mrs. Thorpe talked chiefly of h
hildren, and Mrs. Allen of her gowns.
The progress of the friendship betwe
Catherine and Isabella was quick as its beginni
ad been warm, and they passed so rapid
hrough every gradation of increasing tenderne
hat there was shortly no fresh proof of it to
iven to their friends or themselves. They call
ach other by their Christian name, were alwa
rm in arm when they walked, pinned up eather's train for the dance, and were not to
ivided in the set; and if a rainy morni
eprived them of other enjoyments, they we
till resolute in meeting in defiance of wet a
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irt, and shut themselves up, to read nove
ogether. Yes, novels; for I will not adopt th
ngenerous and impolitic custom so comm
with novel-writers, of degrading by th
ontemptuous censure the very performances, he number of which they are themselv
dding—joining with their greatest enemies
estowing the harshest epithets on such work
nd scarcely ever permitting them to be read heir own heroine, who, if she accidentally ta
p a novel, is sure to turn over its insipid pag
with disgust. Alas! If the heroine of one novel
ot patronized by the heroine of another, fro
whom can she expect protection and regard?
annot approve of it. Let us leave it to t
eviewers to abuse such effusions of fancy
heir leisure, and over every new novel to talk
hreadbare strains of the trash with which tress now groans. Let us not desert one anoth
we are an injured body. Although o
roductions have afforded more extensive a
naffected pleasure than those of any oth
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terary corporation in the world, no species
omposition has been so much decried. Fro
ride, ignorance, or fashion, our foes are almo
s many as our readers. And while the abilities
he nine-hundredth abridger of the History England, or of the man who collects a
ublishes in a volume some dozen lines
Milton, Pope, and Prior, with a paper from t
pectator, and a chapter from Sterne, aulogized by a thousand pens—there seem
lmost a general wish of decrying the capaci
nd undervaluing the labour of the novelist, a
f slighting the performances which have on
enius, wit, and taste to recommend them. "I a
o novel-reader—I seldom look into novels—D
ot imagine that I often read novels—It is rea
ery well for a novel." Such is the common can
And what are you reading, Miss—?" "Oh! Itnly a novel!" replies the young lady, while s
ays down her book with affected indifference,
momentary shame. "It is only Cecilia, or Camil
r Belinda"; or, in short, only some work
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which the greatest powers of the mind a
isplayed, in which the most thorou
nowledge of human nature, the happie
elineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusio
f wit and humour, are conveyed to the world he best-chosen language. Now, had the sam
oung lady been engaged with a volume of t
pectator, instead of such a work, how proud
would she have produced the book, and told ame; though the chances must be against h
eing occupied by any part of that volumino
ublication, of which either the matter or mann
would not disgust a young person of taste: t
ubstance of its papers so often consisting in t
tatement of improbable circumstances, unnatur
haracters, and topics of conversation which
onger concern anyone living; and their languag
oo, frequently so coarse as to give no veavourable idea of the age that could endure it.