They were forewarned by letter, and yet the Morlands still could not quite believe when the handsome chaise-and-four turned toward the parsonage.

"What a fine team!" Thomas exclaimed while holding George up to the window, which caused Harriet to beg the same from her sisters gathered around the only other facing the drive. There might have been a quarrel had their parents not intervened, kindly but firmly calling them back to their seats.

No sooner had their guests entered the room than the viscountess cried out "Dear Catherine!" and the ladies embraced like kin. Awe, like lonesomeness, was quickly abandoned.

Title from Chapter 22 of Northanger Abbey: "A mother would have been a constant friend; her influence would have been beyond all other."