I think the Morlands are just plain practical people. They indulge themselves for a short time in being offended and surprised at the General’s treatment of Catherine and bat around some useless conjecture but it is so unprofitable a business it naturally fades away. I like Mrs. Morland’s advice to Catherine:

“My dear, you give yourself a great deal of needless trouble,” said her mother at last; “depend upon it, it is something not at all worth understanding.” (Ch. 29)