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speaking twenty words.
As she entered the house, the footman told her that a gentleman
and lady had called and inquired for her a few minutes after her
setting off; that, when he told them she was gone out with Mr.
Thorpe, the lady had asked whether any message had been left for
her; and on his saying no, had felt for a card, but said she had
none about her, and went away. Pondering over these heart-rending
tidings, Catherine walked slowly upstairs. At the head of them she
was met by Mr. Allen, who, on hearing the reason of their speedy
return, said, "I am glad your brother had so much sense; I am glad
you are come back. It was a strange, wild scheme."
They all spent the evening together at Thorpe's. Catherine was
disturbed and out of spirits; but Isabella seemed to find a pool of
commerce, in the fate of which she shared, by private partnership
with Morland, a very good equivalent for the quiet and country
air of an inn at Clifton. Her satisfaction, too, in not being at
the Lower Rooms was spoken more than once. "How I pity the poor
creatures that are going there! How glad I am that I am not amongst
them! I wonder whether it will be a full ball or not! They have
not begun dancing yet. I would not be there for all the world.
It is so delightful to have an evening now and then to oneself.
I dare say it will not be a very good ball. I know the Mitchells
will not be there. I am sure I pity everybody that is. But I dare
say, Mr. Morland, you long to be at it, do not you? I am sure you
do. Well, pray do not let anybody here be a restraint on you. I
dare say we could do very well without you; but you men think
yourselves of such consequence."
Catherine could almost have accused Isabella of being wanting
in tenderness towards herself and her sorrows, so very little did
they appear to dwell on her mind, and so very inadequate was the
comfort she offered. "Do not be so dull, my dearest creature,"
she whispered. "You will quite break my heart. It was amazingly
shocking, to be sure; but the Tilneys were entirely to blame. Why
were not they more punctual? It was dirty, indeed, but what did
that signify? I am sure John and I should not have minded it. I
never mind going through anything, where a friend is concerned;
that is my disposition, and John is just the same; he has amazing
strong feelings. Good heavens! What a delightful hand you have
got! Kings, I vow! I never was so happy in my life! I would
fifty times rather you should have them than myself."
And now I may dismiss my heroine to the sleepless couch, which is
the true heroine's portion; to a pillow strewed with thorns and wet
with tears. And lucky may she think herself, if she get another
good night's rest in the course of the next three months.
CHAPTER 12
"Mrs. Allen," said Catherine the next morning, "will there be any
harm in my calling on Miss Tilney today? I shall not be easy till
I have explained everything.
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