'Matilda brushed away the cobwebs of centuries, and what she saw rooted her to the ground in horror – A ghostly hand appeared from blackness. Her breath froze on her very lips. Its skinny fingers reached out to touch her ivory shoulder...”

(touches Catherine) Oh Isabella!
Catherine, go carefully to the window and look out.

Why?

I think a young gentleman has followed me here.

Oh, Isabella, how nice. Where is he?

Careful, or he'll see you looking. Stand behind the curtain.

Yes, he's on the opposite side of the street. He's gazing up here ever so ardently.

I thought I couldn't be mistaken. I usually know.

Oh, Isabella, it's that young gentleman who picked up your handkerchief when you dropped it in the pump room this morning.

What, the one with the gold watch and diamond rings?

He must love you very much Isabella, because he hasn't got an umbrella and it's going to pour in a minute.

That will cool his ardour.

Don't you like him a little bit?

My dear, Catherine, if I conceived a liking for every young man that followed me, I should have no time for myself. Haven't you found the same thing?

I've never been followed by a young gentleman.

Oh you poor child.

Last night was the first time I'd ever danced with a young man at all, and I think he only asked me because he thought I looked forlorn. I liked him so much, too. His name was Mr Tilney.

Did he ask to see you again?

No. I suppose it's because I'm not handsome.

Nonsense, Catherine, I'm sure you looked very … good-natured.

Anyone can look good-natured. It must be wonderful to be beautiful and admired.

Yes, it is rather, dear. What's he doing now?

Oh Isabella, he's going away.

Going away?

It's starting to rain. Perhaps he thought it wasn't worth getting wet if he couldn't see you.

Well, really, there's hardly a speck so far. He might have waited. Do you think he looked wealthy?

He was very well dressed.

Yes.

Are you going out?

I thought I'd take another look at that bonnet we saw in Edgar's buildings.

But that's the same direction that gentleman's gone. You might overtake him, Isabella, and that would be so unpleasant for you.

If I do, I shall simply walk right by him and take no notice. That will show my indifference.

Would you like me to come with you?

I couldn't bear you to get wet for my sake, dear. Tell mother where I've gone.

Oh, Isabella...

What?

I've just remembered that if you go by the Union Passage you wouldn't have to go near that gentleman at all.

It's longer.