About this story
The Lower Rooms assembly nearly swallows her without introduction, until the Master of Ceremonies presents Henry Tilney, whose parody of a young lady's journal turns polite conversation into something closer to being seen. He is gone before she learns his lodging, and the next morning the Pump Room offers only strangers speaking his name.
How it opens
The Morland house contained more children than mysteries and more noise than elegance.
Mrs MorlandCatherine, Mrs Allen has asked whether you might accompany her to Bath.
Mrs MorlandBath offers no ruined towers, but it may teach you more useful things.
Mrs Morland watched you abandon a book and then try to look indifferent to pleasure.
Mr AllenThe carriage is ready, mud and all, whenever the traveller decides.
Choose
I should like to see Bath very much.
Do you think I am old enough to go?