Everybody allows that the talent of writing agreeable letters is peculiarly female.

Nature may have done something, but I am sure it must be essentially assisted by the practice of keeping a journal." "I have sometimes thought," said Catherine, doubtingly, "whether ladies do write so much better letters than gentlemen! That is--I should not think the superiority was always on our side." "As far as I have had opportunity of judging, it appears to me that the usual style of letter-writing among women is faultless, except in three particulars." "And what are they ?" "A general deficiency of subject, a total inattention to stops, and a very frequent ignorance of grammar." "Upon my word! I need not have been afraid of disclaiming the compliment.

You do not think too highly of us in that way." "I should no more lay it down as a general rule that women write better letters than men, than that they sing better duets, or draw better landscapes.

In every power, of which taste is the foundation, excellence is pretty fairly divided between the sexes." They were interrupted by Mrs.Allen: "My dear Catherine," said she, "do take this pin out of my sleeve; I am afraid it has torn a hole already; I shall be quite sorry if it has, for this is a favourite gown, though it cost but nine shillings a yard." "That is exactly what I should have guessed it, madam," said Mr.Tilney, looking at the muslin.
"Do you understand muslins, sir ?" "Particularly well; I always buy my own cravats, and am allowed to be an excellent judge; and my sister has often trusted me in the choice of a gown.

I bought one for her the other day, and it was pronounced to be a prodigious bargain by every lady who saw it.