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James or Isabella to resent her resistance any longer.
CHAPTER 15
Early the next day, a note from Isabella, speaking peace and
tenderness in every line, and entreating the immediate presence of
her friend on a matter of the utmost importance, hastened Catherine,
in the happiest state of confidence and curiosity, to Edgar's
Buildings. The two youngest Miss Thorpes were by themselves in the
parlour; and, on Anne's quitting it to call her sister, Catherine
took the opportunity of asking the other for some particulars of
their yesterday's party. Maria desired no greater pleasure than
to speak of it; and Catherine immediately learnt that it had been
altogether the most delightful scheme in the world, that nobody
could imagine how charming it had been, and that it had been more
delightful than anybody could conceive. Such was the information
of the first five minutes; the second unfolded thus much in detail
-- that they had driven directly to the York Hotel, ate some soup,
and bespoke an early dinner, walked down to the pump-room, tasted
the water, and laid out some shillings in purses and spars; thence
adjoined to eat ice at a pastry-cook's, and hurrying back to the
hotel, swallowed their dinner in haste, to prevent being in the
dark; and then had a delightful drive back, only the moon was not
up, and it rained a little, and Mr. Morland's horse was so tired
he could hardly get it along.
Catherine listened with heartfelt satisfaction. It appeared that
Blaize Castle had never been thought of; and, as for all the rest,
there was nothing to regret for half an instant. Maria's intelligence
concluded with a tender effusion of pity for her sister Anne, whom
she represented as insupportably cross, from being excluded the
party.
"She will never forgive me, I am sure; but, you know, how could I
help it? John would have me go, for he vowed he would not drive
her, because she had such thick ankles. I dare say she will not
be in good humour again this month; but I am determined I will not
be cross; it is not a little matter that puts me out of temper."
Isabella now entered the room with so eager a step, and a look of
such happy importance, as engaged all her friend's notice. Maria
was without ceremony sent away, and Isabella, embracing Catherine,
thus began: "Yes, my dear Catherine, it is so indeed; your
penetration has not deceived you. Oh! That arch eye of yours!
It sees through everything."
Catherine replied only by a look of wondering ignorance.
"Nay, my beloved, sweetest friend," continued the other, "compose
yourself. I am amazingly agitated, as you perceive. Let us sit
down and talk in comfort. Well, and so you guessed it the moment
you had my note? Sly creature! Oh! My dear Catherine, you alone,
who know my heart, can judge of my present happiness. Your brother
is the most charming of men. I only wish I were more worthy of him.
But what will your excellent father and mother say? Oh! Heavens!
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