At that time indeed I used to wonder at her choice.

But her memory endears it now." "And ought it not," reflected Catherine, "to endear it to her husband?
Yet the general would not enter it." Miss Tilney continuing silent, she ventured to say, "Her death must have been a great affliction!" "A great and increasing one," replied the other, in a low voice.

"I was only thirteen when it happened; and though I felt my loss perhaps as strongly as one so young could feel it, I did not, I could not, then know what a loss it was." She stopped for a moment, and then added, with great firmness, "I have no sister, you know--and though Henry--though my brothers are very affectionate, and Henry is a great deal here, which I am most thankful for, it is impossible for me not to be often solitary." "To be sure you must miss him very much." "A mother would have been always present.

A mother would have been a constant friend; her influence would have been beyond all other." "Was she a very charming woman?
Was she handsome?
Was there any picture of her in the abbey?
And why had she been so partial to that grove?
Was it from dejection of spirits ?"--were questions now eagerly poured forth; the first three received a ready affirmative, the two others were passed by; and Catherine's interest in the deceased Mrs.Tilney augmented with every question, whether answered or not.

Of her unhappiness in marriage, she felt persuaded.