If the heroine of one novel be not patronized by the heroine of another, from whom can she expect protection and regard?

Everybody has their taste in noises as well as in other matters.

The publicis rather apt to be unreasonably discontented when a woman does marry again, than when she does not.

We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb.

Mr. Bennet's expectations were fully answered. His cousin was as absurd as he had hoped, and he listened to him with the keenest enjoyment.

Walter Scott has no business to write novels, especially good ones. He has fame and profit enough as a poet, and should not be taking the bread out of other people's mouths.

I . . . am always half afraid of finding a clever novel too clever--& of finding my own story & my own people all forestalled.