I gave but five shillings a yard for it, and a true Indian muslin." Mrs.Allen was quite struck by his genius.

"Men commonly take so little notice of those things," said she; "I can never get Mr.Allen to know one of my gowns from another.

You must be a great comfort to your sister, sir." "I hope I am, madam." "And pray, sir, what do you think of Miss Morland's gown ?" "It is very pretty, madam," said he, gravely examining it; "but I do not think it will wash well; I am afraid it will fray." "How can you," said Catherine, laughing, "be so--" She had almost said "strange." "I am quite of your opinion, sir," replied Mrs.Allen; "and so I told Miss Morland when she bought it." "But then you know, madam, muslin always turns to some account or other; Miss Morland will get enough out of it for a handkerchief, or a cap, or a cloak.

Muslin can never be said to be wasted.

I have heard my sister say so forty times, when she has been extravagant in buying more than she wanted, or careless in cutting it to pieces." "Bath is a charming place, sir; there are so many good shops here.