] ... but Catherine herself observes as he speaks with Mrs. Allen:

] "Mr. Tilney was polite enough to seem interested in what she said; and she kept him on the subject of muslins till the dancing recommenced. Catherine feared, as she listened to their discourse, that he indulged himself a little too much with the foibles of others ."

] But I'm not altogether sure, though, that it's exactly a "negative" or criticism. ;-)

Yours and Catherine's. I think it this is an example of our Catherine's good understanding and judgement.