The next morning brought the following very unexpected letter from Isabella: Bath, April My dearest Catherine, I received your two kind letters with the greatest delight, and have a thousand apologies to make for not answering them sooner.

I really am quite ashamed of my idleness; but in this horrid place one can find time for nothing.

I have had my pen in my hand to begin a letter to you almost every day since you left Bath, but have always been prevented by some silly trifler or other.

Pray write to me soon, and direct to my own home.

Thank God, we leave this vile place tomorrow.