You are very kind in planning presents for me to make, and my mother has shown me exactly the same attention; but as I do not choose to have generosity dictated to me, I shall not resolve on giving my cabinet to Anna till the first thought of it has been my own.

It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.

If I could not be persuaded into doing what I thought wrong, I never will be tricked into it.

One cannot be always laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.

We can all begin freely—a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement.

Do not give way to useless alarm; though it is right to be prepared for the worst, there is no occasion to look on it as certain.

Success supposes endeavour.