A gleam of sunshine took her quite by surprise; she looked round; the clouds were parting, and she instantly returned to the window to watch over and encourage the happy appearance.
Ten minutes more made it certain that a bright afternoon would succeed, and justified the opinion of Mrs.Allen, who had "always thought it would clear up." But whether Catherine might still expect her friends, whether there had not been too much rain for Miss Tilney to venture, must yet be a question.
It was too dirty for Mrs.Allen to accompany her husband to the pump-room; he accordingly set off by himself, and Catherine had barely watched him down the street when her notice was claimed by the approach of the same two open carriages, containing the same three people that had surprised her so much a few mornings back.
"Isabella, my brother, and Mr.Thorpe, I declare! They are coming for me perhaps--but I shall not go--I cannot go indeed, for you know Miss Tilney may still call." Mrs.Allen agreed to it.

John Thorpe was soon with them, and his voice was with them yet sooner, for on the stairs he was calling out to Miss Morland to be quick.

"Make haste! Make haste!" as he threw open the door.

"Put on your hat this moment--there is no time to be lost--we are going to Bristol.

How d'ye do, Mrs.Allen ?" "To Bristol! Is not that a great way off?
But, however, I cannot go with you today, because I am engaged; I expect some friends every moment." This was of course vehemently talked down as no reason at all; Mrs.
Allen was called on to second him, and the two others walked in, to give their assistance.