It is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are they the result of previous study?

But if I were you, I would stand by the nephew. He has more to give.

Woe betide him, and her too, when it comes to things of consequence, when they are placed in circumstances requiring fortitude and strength of mind, if she have not resolution enough to resist idle interference ... It is the worst evil of too yielding and indecisive a character, that no influence over it can be depended on. You are never sure of a good impression being durable; everybody may sway it. Let those who would be happy be firm.

Good-humoured, unaffected girls, will not do for a man who has been used to sensible women. They are two distinct orders of being.

Indeed, I am very sorry to be right in this instance. I would much rather have been merry than wise.

A persuadable temper might sometimes be as much in favour of happiness as a very resolute character.

Incline us oh God! to think humbly of ourselves, to be severe only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow-creatures with kindness, and to judge of all they say and do with that charity which we would desire from them ourselves.