Even those people who have no sorrow of their own often feel melancholy from the circumstances in which they are placed.

A woman who has nothing to recommend her is as rare as one who is perfect in every way.

It is very easy to criticize others but far more difficult to put one’s own principles into practice, and it is when one forgets this truth, lauds oneself to the skies, treats everyone else as worthless, and generally despises others, that one’s own character is clearly revealed.

The monotony stirs many bitter recollections.

And among the leaves were white flowers with petals half-unfolded like the lips of people smiling at their own thoughts.

She was gentle and sedate as usual, but evidently absent and preoccupied. Her eyes rested on the dew lying on the grass in the garden, and her ears were intent upon the melancholy singing of the autumn insects. It was as if we were in a real romance.

There is a time for everything; and all people, but more especially women, should be constantly careful to watch circumstances, and not to air their accomplishments at a time when nobody cares for them. They should practise a sparing economy in displaying their learning and eloquence, and should even, if circumstances require, plead ignorance on subjects with which they are familiar.

My dwelling is but a rustic cottage, but still I should like you to see, at least, the pretty mountain streamlet which waters my garden.

When in my present lonely lot, I feel my past has not been free From sins which I remember not, I dread more, what to come, may be.

It is very unkind of you to feel this way. Any woman should properly yield, it seems to me, even a complete stranger, because that is the way of the world... All I desire is solace from the flood of memories that overwhelms me.