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'
Do you think my dear nieces pretty?' whispered their affectionate
aunt to Mr Tupman.
'
I should, if their aunt wasn't here,' replied the ready Pickwickian,
with a passionate glance.
'
Oh, you naughty man - but really, if their complexions were a little
better, don't you think they would be nice-looking girls -
candlelight?'
by
'
'
'
Yes; I think they would,' said Mr Tupman, with an air of indifference.
Oh, you quiz - I know what you were going to say.'
What?' inquired Mr Tupman, who had not precisely made up his
mind to say anything at all.
'
You were going to say that Isabel stoops - I know you were - you men
are such observers. Well, so she does; it can't be denied; and,
certainly, if there is one thing more than another that makes a girl
look ugly it is stooping. I often tell her that when she gets a little older
she'll be quite frightful. Well, you are a quiz!'
Mr Tupman had no objection to earning the reputation at so cheap a
rate: so he looked very knowing, and smiled mysteriously.
'
What a sarcastic smile,' said the admiring Rachael; 'I declare I'm quite
afraid of you.'
'Afraid of me!'
'
Oh, you can't disguise anything from me - I know what that smile
means very well.'
'
'
What?' said Mr Tupman, who had not the slightest notion himself.
You mean,' said the amiable aunt, sinking her voice still lower - 'you
mean, that you don't think Isabella's stooping is as bad as Emily's
boldness. Well, she is bold! You cannot think how wretched it makes
me sometimes - I'm sure I cry about it for hours together - my dear
brother is SO good, and so unsuspicious, that he never sees it; if he
did, I'm quite certain it would break his heart. I wish I could think it
was only manner - I hope it may be - ' (Here the affectionate relative
heaved a deep sigh, and shook her head despondingly).
'
I'm sure aunt's talking about us,' whispered Miss Emily Wardle to her
sister - 'I'm quite certain of it - she looks so malicious.'
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