Northanger Abbey Page #2

Nine shillings?.

-That is exactly what I should have guessed.

-Do you understand muslins, sir?.

I understand them very well.

My sister has often entrusted me

in the choice of a gown.

I bought one for her only the other day.

Five shillings a yard, and a true lndian

muslin. What do you make of that?.

Well!

And I can never get Mr Allen

to tell one of my gowns from another.

But tell me, sir, what do you think

of Miss Morland's gown?.

Miss Morland's gown...

Miss Morland's gown

is very pretty.

Though I don't think

it will wash well.

I am afraid it will fray.

How can you be so...?.

Presumptuous?. Indeed.

Without so much as an introduction.

You must allow me to make amends, Mrs Allen.

Gentlemen.

- Thank you.

- Very kind indeed.

One moment.

What a very...

Really, I shouldn't have allowed you

to speak to him, as a stranger.

But he had such an

understanding of muslin.

I wonder where he's gone.

Here he comes again. And he

has brought Mr King with him.

The Master of Ceremonies himself!

Mrs Allen.

Miss Morland.

Allow me to present

to you Mr Henry T:ilney,

just lately arrived in Bath.

Mrs Allen, Miss Morland.

Delighted to make

your acquaintance.

Mr King.

Now we may talk to one another.

But we've already been talking.

You mustn't allow anyone

to hear you say such things,

or we shall all be expelled

from polite society.

Let it be our secret.

And now, if your card is not

already full,Miss Morland,

might I request the pleasure

of the next dance with you?.

With me?.

Thank you.

Forgive me, I have been very remiss

in the proper attentions of a partner.

What are they?.

Oh, I ask you how long

you have been in Bath,

have you been to the theatre,

and the concert, and so on.

Wouldn't that be rather dull?.

Of course.

But we must do our duty.

Are you ready?.

Yes.

How long have you been

in Bath, madam?.

Not long at all, sir.

- And were you never here before?.

- Never, sir.

Indeed! And have

you been to the play?.

Not yet, sir.

Astonishing. The concert?.

No.

Amazing. Now tell me...

Are you altogether

pleased with Bath, madam?.

Yes.

I like it very well.

Excellent.

Now I must give you one smirk,

and then we can be rational again.

Do you know that gentleman?.

Not at all.

I wonder why he

keeps looking at us.

I imagine he likes what he sees.

What?.

Do you mean me?.

Why not?.

So, tell me,what will you write

in your journal tonight?.

"Friday, went to the Lower Rooms,

wore my sprigged muslin dress

with blue trimmings,

and looked very pretty,

though I say so myself."

-The next dance! Lord Byron's...

-"Danced with one man,

was stared at by another

much more handsome."

Indeed I shall say no such thing.

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