So I've been slowly but steadily listening to the Northstar Audiobooks version of NA, and now have accumulated enough comments that I must post or burst! =)

First of all, I must say that I *really* dislike Isabella. When I read this for the first time, I was deceived by her (but not to the same extent as Catherine, as I am a *Little* more cynical, especially if the other behaves badly to me more than twice ;) But by the time Captain Tilney started to work his "magic," I was pretty fed up with her. This time through, I noticed significantly earlier her comments on how "constant" she is and how so much is for her own gain. Can't find it right now, but she says that twice that there is NOTHING of which she would not do for those to whom she's attached (probably not JA's exact words as that sounded very clumsy to me =), but then she is so cold and haughty to Catherine, thus giving her great pain, when Catherine doesn't fall in with *her* plans.

Then, the 2nd time they want to go driving out, Isabella says that
"...and to see myself supplanted in your friendship by strangers, does cut me to the quick, I own. These Tilneys seem to swallow up every thing else."
It follows then that Catherine thinks that this reproach was both strange and unkind..."Isabella appeared to her ungenerous and selfish, regardless of every thing but her own gratification." My main thought at this point was a big hooray for Catherine, who is slowly beginning to see the light. On ther other hand, I'm so glad for a true friend like Eleanor who really tries hard to never hurt Catherine. =)

Next, the proposal scene was hilarious! Her comment about JT's coming to Fullerton shows how little she cares about him:
"Pray do.--My father and mother will be very glad to see you." When he then asks if she will be sorry to see him, her reply is great!: "Oh! dear, not at all. There are very few people I am sorry to see." Truly, what encouragement for JT's suit! =) All this makes me see that indeed Catherine is *such* a sweet innocent girl! Proof of this: (well, this deserves its own paragraph):

1) When she did refuse to go on the drive, but instead went on that delightful walk with the Tilneys, the end of that chapter has Catherine asking Anne (Isabella's younger sister) for info on how the trip went and states that she "returned home, pleased that the party had not been prevented by her refusing to join it, and very heartily wishing that it might be too pleasant..." and a little further up it states that she was happy they were able to go--what a good heart she has! 2) Then, when Captain Tilney asks to dance with Isabella (sorry this is so out of order!) she says that Isabella does not wish to dance and "Your brother will not mind it I know,...because I heard him say before, that he hated dancing; [sound like someone else we know?] but it was very good-natured in him to think of it. I suppose he saw Isabella sitting down, and fancied she might wish for a partner." Henry picked up, as I did, that this speech showed how very superior in good-nature Catherine was to the rest of the world.