Dear Morris, you are killing me!" These notes
were despatched on the Friday and Saturday; but Saturday and Sunday
passed without bringing the poor girl the satisfaction she desired.
Her punishment accumulated; she continued to bear it, however, with a
good deal of superficial fortitude. On Saturday morning the Doctor,
who had been watching in silence, spoke to his sister Lavinia.
"The thing has happened--the scoundrel has backed out!"
"Never!" cried Mrs. Penniman, who had bethought herself what she
should say to Catherine, but was not provided with a line of defence
against her brother, so that indignant negation was the only weapon
in her hands.
"He has begged for a reprieve, then, if you like that better!"
"It seems to make you very happy that your daughter's affections have
been trifled with."
"It does," said the Doctor; '"for I had foretold it! It's a great
pleasure to be in the right."
"Your pleasures make one shudder!" his sister exclaimed.
Catherine went rigidly through her usual occupations; that is, up to
the point of going with her aunt to church on Sunday morning. She
generally went to afternoon service as well; but on this occasion her
courage faltered, and she begged of Mrs. Penniman to go without her.
"I am sure you have a secret," said Mrs. Penniman, with great
significance, looking at her rather grimly.
"If I have, I shall keep it!" Catherine answered, turning away.
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