Chapter 11

           Themorrowbroughtaverysober-lookingmorning,thesunmakingonlyafeweffortstoappear,andCatherineauguredfromiteverythingmostfavourabletoherwishes.Abrightmorningsoearlyintheyear,sheallowed,wouldgenerallyturntorain,butacloudyoneforetoldimprovementasthedayadvanced.SheappliedtoMr.Allenforconfirmationofherhopes,butMr.Allen,nothavinghisownskiesandbarometerabouthim,declinedgivinganyabsolutepromiseofsunshine.SheappliedtoMrs.Allen,andMrs.Allen’sopinionwasmorepositive.“Shehadnodoubtintheworldofitsbeingaveryfineday,ifthecloudswouldonlygooff,andthesunkeepout.”

           Atabouteleveno’clock,however,afewspecksofsmallrainuponthewindowscaughtCatherine’swatchfuleye,and“Oh!dear,Idobelieveitwillbewet,”brokefromherinamostdespondingtone.

           “Ithoughthowitwouldbe,”saidMrs.Allen.

           “Nowalkformetoday,”sighedCatherine;“butperhapsitmaycometonothing,oritmayholdupbeforetwelve.”

           “Perhapsitmay,butthen,mydear,itwillbesodirty.”

           “Oh!Thatwillnotsignify;Ineverminddirt.”

           “No,”repliedherfriendveryplacidly,“Iknowyouneverminddirt.”

           Afterashortpause,“Itcomesonfasterandfaster!”saidCatherine,asshestoodwatchingatawindow.

           “Soitdoesindeed.Ifitkeepsraining,thestreetswillbeverywet.”

           “Therearefourumbrellasupalready.HowIhatethesightofanumbrella!”

           “Theyaredisagreeablethingstocarry.Iwouldmuchrathertakeachairatanytime.