Note 32 — Chapter II
Reading edition
If the sense of touch lacks colour, it gives us, on the other hand, a notion which the eye alone cannot afford, and one of considerable esthetic value, namely, that of softness, silkiness, polish. The beauty of velvet is characterised not less by its softness to the touch than by its lustre. In the idea we form of a woman’s beauty, the softness of her skin enters as an essential element.
Each of us probably, with a little attention, can recall pleasures of taste which have been real esthetic pleasures.