If you are cast in a different mould to the majority, it is no merit of yours: Nature did it.

Shake me off, then, sir--push me away; for I'll not leave you of my own accord.

I only want an easy mind, sir; not crushed by crowded obligations.

There is, in lovers, a certain infatuation of egotism; they will have a witness of their happiness, cost that witness what it may.

I both wished and feared to see Mr. Rochester on the day which followed this sleepless night. I wanted to hear his voice again, yet feared to meet his eye.

I can be on guard against my enemies, but God deliver me from my friends!

A reader kindly pointed out to me recently that most of the quotes I include are by men. And it's true. Personally, I don't even consider whether the author is male or female, nor even care much who the author is - what's significant is the message. Of course, women are equally capable of great insights, however in our culture it's not so long ago that women could not even be published