If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark. There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost any attachment, that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin โfreelyโ- as light preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have a heart enough to be really in love without encouragement.
Jane AustenElizabeth had never been more at a loss to make her feelings appear what they were not. It was necessary to laugh, when she would rather have cried.
Jane AustenBut it is very foolish to ask questions about any young ladies โ about any three sisters just grown up; for one knows, without being told, exactly what they are โ all very accomplished and pleasing, and one very pretty. There is a beauty in every family. โ It is a regular thing
Jane AustenI am sure," cried Catherine, "I did not mean to say anything wrong; but it is a nice book, and why should not I call it so?" "Very true," said Henry, "and this is a very nice day, and we are taking a very nice walk, and you are two very nice young ladies. Oh! It is a very nice word indeed! It does for everything. Originally perhaps it was applied only to express neatness, propriety, delicacy, or refinementโpeople were nice in their dress, in their sentiments, or their choice. But now every commendation on every subject is comprised in that one word.
Jane Austen