But to live in ignorance on such a point was impossible.

The ladies here probably exchanged looks which meant, 'Men never know when things are dirty or not;' and the gentlemen perhaps thought each to himself, 'Women will have their little nonsense and needless cares.'

Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity, to what we would have others think of us.

Where so many hours have been spent in convincing myself that I am right, is there not some reason to fear I may be wrong?

What do you know of my heart? What do you know of anything but your own suffering?

How can you contrive to write so even?

Each found her greatest safety in silence.