? ? ? ? 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 of walking with her till Tuesday. She said very well, Tuesday was just as convenient to her; so there is an end of all our difficulties. A pretty good thought of mine--hey?"
? ? ? ? Isabella's countenance was once more all smiles and good humour, and James too looked happy again.
? ? ? ? "A most heavenly thought indeed! Now, my sweet Catherine, all our distresses are over; you are honourably acquitted, and we shall have a most delightful party."
? ? ? ? "This will not do," said Catherine; "I cannot submit to this. I must run after Miss Tilney directly and set her right."
? ? ? ? Isabella, however, caught hold of one hand, Thorpe of the other, and remonstrances poured in from all three.
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