“ The world, I believe, never saw a better woman. But it is not often that virtue can boast an interest such as this. The domestic, unpretending merits of a person never known do not often create that kind of fervent, venerating tenderness which would prompt a visit like yours. ”
Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey (1817). copy citation
| Author | Jane Austen |
|---|---|
| Source | Northanger Abbey |
| Topic | tenderness virtue |
| Date | 1817 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/121/121-h/121-h.htm |
Context
“After a short silence, during which he had closely observed her, he added, “ As there is nothing in the room in itself to raise curiosity, this must have proceeded from a sentiment of respect for my mother's character, as described by Eleanor, which does honour to her memory. The world, I believe, never saw a better woman. But it is not often that virtue can boast an interest such as this. The domestic, unpretending merits of a person never known do not often create that kind of fervent, venerating tenderness which would prompt a visit like yours. Eleanor, I suppose, has talked of her a great deal? ” “ Yes, a great deal. That is—no, not much, but what she did say was very interesting. Her dying so suddenly ” (slowly, and with hesitation it was spoken) , “ and you—none of you being at home—and your father, I thought—perhaps had not been very fond of her. ””
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