The Watsons (2): Diplomatic DisplayOxfordBodleian Library, MS.Eng.e.3764
"Emma is delightful, is not she? — whispered Margt .MargaretI have found her more than answer my warmesthopes. — Did you ever see any thing more perfectlybeautiful? — I think
even you must be a convertto a brown complexion." — He hesitated; Margaretwas fair herself, & he did not
particularly wantto compliment her; but Miſs Osborne & Miſs Carrwas likewise fair, & his devotion to them carriedthe
day. "Your Sister’s complexion, said he at last,is as fine
as a dark complexion canthe hue of1 her ski be, but I stillprofeſs my preference of a white
skin. Youhave seen Miſs Osborne? — She is my model forvery fair.––– a trulyMiſs Osborne feminine complexion, & she isvery fair." —Is she fairer than me?" — "She is about as fair as I am, I Tom made no
reply. —"Upon mythink." ––– Instead of making any reply, Tom HonourLadies, said he, giving a glance overhis own person, I am highly endebted to yourmost fervently ashamedCondescension for admitting me, in suchDishabillea state,2 into your
Drawing room. I really didnot consider how unfitunsuitablyunfit I was to be hereto for your pre3::sence, or I hope I should have kept my dis==tance. Ly.Lady Osborne would tell me that Iwere growing as careleſs as
her son, if she sawme in this condition." — The Ladies were notwanting in civil
returns; —&4 Robert Watson stealingtook
Footnotes
- 1.
- The deleted 'f' of 'of' has been used to form a caret.Back to context...
- 2.
- Comma adapted to form a caret.Back to context...
- 3.
- 'y' and 'p' adapted to form carets.Back to context...
- 4.
- Ampersand written over a dash.Back to context...