? ? ? ? When the contents of the letter were ascertained, John Thorpe, who had only waited its arrival to begin his journey to London, prepared to set off. "Well, Miss Morland," said he, on finding her alone in the parlour, "I am come to bid you good-bye." Catherine wished him a good journey. Without appearing to hear her, he walked to the window, fidgeted about, hummed a tune, and seemed wholly self-occupied.
? ? ? ? "Shall not you be late at Devizes?" said Catherine. He made no answer; but after a minute's silence burst out with, "A famous good thing this marrying scheme, upon my soul! A clever fancy of Morland's and Belle's. What do you think of it, Miss Morland? I say it is no bad notion."
? ? ? ? "I am sure I think it a very good one."
? ? ? ? "Do you? That's honest, by heavens! I am glad you are no enemy to matrimony, however. Did you ever hear the old song 'Going to One Wedding Brings on Another?' I say, you will come to Belle's wedding, I hope."
? ? ? ? "Yes; I have promised your sister to be with her, if possible."
? ? ? ? "And then you know"--twisting himself about and forcing a foolish laugh--"I say, then you know, we may try the truth of this same old song."
? ? ? ? "May we? But I never sing. Well, I wish you a good journey. I dine with Miss Tilney today, and must now be going home.
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