In a letter from Bath to her sister, Cassandra, one senses her frustration at her sheltered existence, Tuesday, 12 May 1801. Another stupid party . . . with six people to look on, and talk nonsense to each other.

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

An egg boiled very soft is not unwholesome.

Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion.

There are certainly not so many men of large fortune in the world, as there are pretty women to deserve them.

To yield readily--easily--to the persuasion of a friend is no merit.... To yield without conviction is no compliment to the understanding of either.

I have no talent for certainty.