Victoria's Favorite Northanger Abbey Quotes

My (many) favorite quotes!

"Her father was a clergyman, without being neglected, or poor, and a very respectable man, though his name was Richard...and he was not in the least addicted to locking up his daughters." (Chapter 1)

"'I have hitherto been very remiss, madam, in the proper attentions of a partner here; I have not yet asked how long you have been in Bath; whether you were ever here before; whether you have been at the Upper Rooms, the theatre, and the concert; and how you like the place altogether. I have ben very negligent--but are you now at leisure to satisfy me in these particulars? If you are I will begin directly.'
'You need not give yourself that trouble, sir.'
'No trouble, I assure you madam.' Then forming his features into a set smile, and affectedly softening his voice, he added, with a simpering air, 'Have you been long in Bath, madam?'
'About a week, sir,' replied Catherine, trying not to laugh.
'Really! with affected astonishment.
'Why should you be surprised, sir?'
'Why, indeed!' said he, in his natural tone. 'But some emotion must appear to be raised by your reply, and surprise is more easily assumed, and not less reasonable than any other.'" (Chapter 3)

"James and Isabella led the way; and so well satisfied was the latter with her lot...that, though they overtook and passed the two offending young men in Milsom Street, she was so far from seeking to attract their notice, that she looked back at them only three times." (Chapter 7)

"She applied to Mrs. Allen, and Mrs. Allen's opinion was more positive [concerning the day's weather]. 'She had no doubt in the world of its being a very fine day, if the clouds would only go off, and the sun keep out.'" (Chapter 11)

"The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid." (Chapter 14)

"'I do not understand you.'
'Then we are on very unequal terms, for I understand you perfectly well.'
'Me? Yes; I cannot speak well enough to be unintelligible.'" (Chapter 16)

"If Wednesday should ever come! It did come, and exactly when it mght be reasonably looked for." (Chapter 26)

"Her [Eleanor Tilney's] husband was really deserving of her...I have only to add - aware that the rules of composition forbid the introduction of a character not connected with my fable - that this was the very gentleman whose negligent servant left behind him that collection of washing-bills...by which my heroine was involved in one of her most alarming adventures." (Chapter 31)

-Tori