I cannot go." This availed nothing.

The same arguments assailed her again; she must go, she should go, and they would not hear of a refusal.

"It would be so easy to tell Miss Tilney that you had just been reminded of a prior engagement, and must only beg to put off the walk till Tuesday." "No, it would not be easy.

I could not do it.

There has been no prior engagement." But Isabella became only more and more urgent, calling on her in the most affectionate manner, addressing her by the most endearing names.