Context

Northanger Abbey is a Jane Austen novel, so it's no surprise that it's filled with little gems about love (plus some ghosts and other gothic paraphernalia).

Isabella says this line to her foil and rival Catherine, who just so happens to be the protagonist of the novel. They're discussing one of her friends, Miss Andrews, and Isabelle says she scorns the men for not admiring her because she is as beautiful as an angel. This surprises Catherine, but Isabelle explains that she would do anything for any of her friends.

Where you've heard it

It's quite likely you've heard this quote used sincerely, as an affirmation of friendship. Isabelle, however, is anything but sincere. It seems like Catherine isn't really her friend (although she does seem to like Catherine's older brother, James). In fact, just moments after her praise of Miss Andrews, she calls her "amazingly insipid"...and then she proceeds to work more of her flattery on Catherine. Poor, innocent Catherine, too concerned with what's behind the black veil to notice the veiled sentiments of her new confidant.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

But only if you mean it.