Page:Jane Austen (Sarah Fanny Malden 1889).djvu/176

 "'But it does not signify if they do,' said Catherine very innocently.

"'Signify? Oh, heavens! I make it a rule never to mind what they say. They are very often amazingly impertinent if you do not treat them with spirit and make them keep their distance,'

"'Are they? Well, I never observed that. They always behave very well to me.'

"'Oh! they give themselves such airs. They are the most conceited creatures in the world, and think themselves of so much importance. By-the-bye, though I have thought of it a hundred times, I have always forgot to ask you what is your favourite complexion in a man. Do you like them best dark or fair?'

"'I hardly know; I never much thought about it. Something between both, I think: brown, not fair, and not very dark.'

"'Very well, Catherine. That is exactly he. I have not forgot your description of Mr. Tilney—"a brown skin, with dark eyes and rather dark hair." Well, my taste is different. I prefer light eyes; and, as to complexion, do you know I like a sallow better than any other. You must not betray me if you should ever meet with one of your acquaintances answering that description.'

"'Betray you! What do you mean?'

"'Nay, do not distress me. I believe I have said too much. Let us drop the subject.'

"Catherine, in some amazement, complied."

The acquaintance with Isabella Thorpe proves important for Catherine in more ways than one. James Morland comes to Bath, and—having, of course, light eyes and a sallow complexion—is very soon Isabella's declared and accepted lover. John Thorpe