Jane Austen begins her second volume of Northanger Abbey with a visit by Catherine to the Tilney residence. "Catherine's expectations of pleasure from her visit in Milsom-street were so very high, that disappointment was inevitable; and accordingly, though she was most politely received by General Tilney, and kindly welcomed by his daughter, though Henry was at home, and no one else of the party, she found, on her return, without spending many hours in the examination of her feelings, that she had gone to her appointment preparing for happiness which it had not afforded" (Austen 105).
Isabella Thorpe was slightly jealous that Catherine wanted to further her relationship with the Tilney's. Thankfully, "Isabella's opinion of the Tilney's did not influence her friend; she was sure there had been no insolence in the manners either of brother or sister; and she did not credit there being any pride in their hearts" (Austen 106).
In this chapter, Captain Tilney is introduced. Captain Frederick Tilney is the older brother of Henry and Eleanor Tilney. He is in Bath on leave from his duties in the military. He is immediately taken with Isabella, and she is charmed by him. This is the beginning of problems in James' and Isabella's engagement.
In one funny bit of dialogue, Catherine is confused and remarks, "I cannot speak well enough to be unintelligible" (Austen 108). Henry replies, "an excellent satire on modern language" (Austen 108). This was a small comedic break in the seriousness of this chapter.
When Isabella receives a letter from James regarding the postponement of their marriage due to funds, Isabella gets a little upset. She is upset about the money and that they will be poor, but Catherine is naïve and "she endeavored to believe that the delay of the marriage was the only source of Isabella's regret; and when she saw her at their next interview as cheerful and amiable as ever, endeavored to forget that she had for a minute thought otherwise" (Austen 111).
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