The truth is, that in London it is always a sickly season. Nobody is healthy in London, nobody can be.

Young ladies should take care of themselves. Young ladies are delicate plants. They should take care of their health and their complexion. My dear, did you change your stockings?

a vast deal may be done by those who dare to act.

I do not like to have people throw themselves away; but everybody should marry as soon as they can do it to advantage.

But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever.

An annuity is a very serious business.

I do assure you, Sir, that I have no pretension whatever of that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed sincere. I thank you again and again for the honour you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to plague you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from her heart.