I am not fond of the idea of my shrubberies being always approachable.

Let no one presume to give the feelings of a young woman on receiving the assurance of that affection of which she has scarcely allowed herself to entertain a hope.

It is always incomprehensible to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage.

Sir Walter Elliot, of Kellynch-hall, in Somersetshire, was a man who, for his own amusement, never took up any book but the Barontage; there he found occupation for an idle hour, and consolation in a distressed one; . . .

I mean to be too rich to lament or to feel anything of the sort. A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of. It certainly may secure all the myrtle and turkey part of it.

But to appear happy when I am so miserable — Oh! who can require it?

To wish was to hope, and to hope was to expect