I feel that I have betrayed myself perpetually--so unguarded in speaking of my partiality for the church! But my secret I was always sure would be safe with you." Catherine felt that nothing could have been safer; but ashamed of an ignorance little expected, she dared no longer contest the point, nor refuse to have been as full of arch penetration and affectionate sympathy as Isabella chose to consider her.

Her brother, she found, was preparing to set off with all speed to Fullerton, to make known his situation and ask consent; and here was a source of some real agitation to the mind of Isabella.

Catherine endeavoured to persuade her, as she was herself persuaded, that her father and mother would never oppose their son's wishes.

"It is impossible," said she, "for parents to be more kind, or more desirous of their children's happiness; I have no doubt of their consenting immediately." "Morland says exactly the same," replied Isabella; "and yet I dare not expect it; my fortune will be so small; they never can consent to it.
Your brother, who might marry anybody!" Here Catherine again discerned the force of love.
"Indeed, Isabella, you are too humble.

The difference of fortune can be nothing to signify." "Oh! My sweet Catherine, in your generous heart I know it would signify nothing; but we must not expect such disinterestedness in many.