Everybody's heart is open, you know, when they have recently escaped from severe pain, or are recovering the blessing of health.

And now I may dismiss my heroine to the sleepless couch, which is the true heroine's portion - to a pillow strewed with thorns and wet with tears. And lucky may she think herself, if she get another good night's rest in the course of the next three months.

Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.

Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth! What do I not owe you! You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous. By you, I was properly humbled.

General benevolence, but not general friendship, made a man what he ought to be.

Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.

I do not think it worth while to wait for enjoyment until there is some real opportunity for it.