cannot help being jealous, Catherine, when I see myself slighted for strangers, I, who love you so excessively!  When once my affections are placed, it is not in the power of anything to change them.  But I believe my feelings are stronger than anybody’s; I am sure they are too strong for my own peace; and to see myself supplanted in your friendship by strangers does cut me to the quick, I own.  These Tilneys seem to swallow up everything else.”

Catherine thought this reproach equally strange and unkind.  Was it the part of a friend thus to expose her feelings to the notice of others?  Isabella appeared to her ungenerous and selfish, regardless of everything but her own gratification.  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.”