] “…he then bestowed an equal portion of his fraternal tenderness, for her asked each of them how they did, and observed that they both looked very ugly.”

I always read this as playful teasing. Since we don't know enough to judge otherwise. And in fact, the mother does laugh it off:

] But JA reports that “…this address seemed to satisfy all the fondest wishes of the mother’s heart, for she received him with the most delighted and exulting affection.”

I have three brothers - the two older ones used to regularly smack us in the head or punch us in the shoulder or back whenever they walked by. I occassionally still find myself ducking when one of them walks behind me. It was part of the playfulness in a large family and I would have missed it if they had stopped. Some people hug and compliment each other; other families show affection by teasing. So far, I see only good-humoured teasing in John's attentions to his sisters. But I still don't trust him - like Catherine. I haven't seen anything to really worry me... yet. I will keep my eyes open for it!