She compared Fanny's affectionate
expressions, with Elizabeth's sharp and hasty manner; the admiration
which her friends had made rather too evident, with the wholesome
though severe criticisms she sometimes met with at home; the
quietness at Dykelands, with the constant bustle at the Vicarage; and
ended, by thinking Mrs. Woodbourne the only person of the family who
possessed any gentleness or kindness, and making up her mind that
Dykelands was the only pleasant place in England, and that she
herself was a most ill-used person, whose merits were not in the
least appreciated.
Such were the feelings which gradually took possession of her mind,
while she was writing her answer to Fanny's letter; and by the time
she had finished, had brought her into that agreeable frame, which is
disposed to be offended with the first person who does not act up to
its expectations.
Katherine's study, through the whole morning, was to avoid a private
interview with Mrs. Woodbourne; and she really shewed considerable
ingenuity in evading her. If Mrs. Woodbourne called her, she
answered, 'Yes, Mamma, I am coming directly,' but she took care not
to come till she knew that her mamma was no longer alone; if Lady
Merton wanted anything which she had left up-stairs, Katherine would
officiously volunteer to fetch it, when particularly told that she
was not wanted; if Mrs.
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