I have often observed that resignation is never so perfect as when the blessing denied begins to lose somewhat of its value in our eyes.

Give me but a little cheerful company, let me only have the company of the people I love, let me only be where I like and with whom I like, and the devil may take the rest, say I.

If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad.

To her own heart it was a delightful affair, to her imagination it was even a ridiculous one, but to her reason, her judgment, it was completely a puzzle.

Life could do nothing for her, beyond giving time for a better preparation for death.

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.

Surprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable.