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These painful
ideas crossed her mind, though she said nothing. Isabella, in the
meanwhile, had applied her handkerchief to her eyes; and Morland,
miserable at such a sight, could not help saying, "Nay, Catherine.
I think you cannot stand out any longer now. The sacrifice is
not much; and to oblige such a friend -- I shall think you quite
unkind, if you still refuse."
This was the first time of her brother's openly siding against her,
and anxious to avoid his displeasure, she proposed a compromise.
If they would only put off their scheme till Tuesday, which they
might easily do, as it depended only on themselves, she could go
with them, and everybody might then be satisfied. But "No, no,
no!" was the immediate answer; "that could not be, for Thorpe did
not know that he might not go to town on Tuesday." Catherine was
sorry, but could do no more; and a short silence ensued, which was
broken by Isabella, who in a voice of cold resentment said, "Very
well, then there is an end of the party. If Catherine does not
go, I cannot. I cannot be the only woman. I would not, upon any
account in the world, do so improper a thing."
"Catherine, you must go," said James.
"But why cannot Mr. Thorpe drive one of his other sisters? I dare
say either of them would like to go."
"Thank ye," cried Thorpe, "but I did not come to Bath to drive my
sisters about, and look like a fool. No, if you do not go, d --
me if I do. I only go for the sake of driving you."
"That is a compliment which gives me no pleasure." But her words
were lost on Thorpe, who had turned abruptly away.
The three others still continued together, walking in a
most uncomfortable manner to poor Catherine; sometimes not a word
was said, sometimes she was again attacked with supplications or
reproaches, and her arm was still linked within Isabella's, though
their hearts were at war. At one moment she was softened, at
another irritated; always distressed, but always steady.
"I did not think you had been so obstinate, Catherine," said James;
"you were not used to be so hard to persuade; you once were the
kindest, best-tempered of my sisters."
"I hope I am not less so now," she replied, very feelingly; "but
indeed I cannot go. If I am wrong, I am doing what I believe to
be right."
"I suspect," said Isabella, in a low voice, "there is no great
struggle."
Catherine's heart swelled; she drew away her arm, and Isabella
made no opposition. Thus passed a long ten minutes, till they were
again joined by Thorpe, who, coming to them with a gayer look, said,
"Well, I have settled the matter, and now we may all go tomorrow
with a safe conscience. I have been to Miss Tilney, and made your
excuses."
"You have not!" cried Catherine.
"I have, upon my soul. Left her this moment. Told her you had
sent me to say that, having just recollected a prior engagement of
going to Clifton with us tomorrow, you could not have the pleasure
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