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

But there are some situations of the human mind in which good sense has very little power.

... But he recommended the books which charmed her leisure hours, he encouraged her taste, and corrected her judgment; he made reading useful by talking to her of what she read, and heightened its attraction by judicious praise.

for he is such a disagreeable man, that it would be quite a misfortune to be liked by him.

One cannot fix one's eyes on the commonest natural production without finding food for a rambling fancy.

You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.

She hardly knew how to suppose that she could be an object of admiration to so great a man.