To be distinguished for elegance and accomplishments—the authorised object of their youth—could have had no useful influence that way, no moral effect on the mind. He had meant them to be good, but his cares had been directed to the understanding and manners, not the disposition; and of the necessity of self-denial and humility, he feared they had never heard from any lips that could profit them.
had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have supposed her born to be an heroine. Her situation in life, the character of her father and mother, her own person and disposition, were all equally against her. Her father was a clergyman, without being neglected, or poor, and a very respectable man, though his name was Richard—and he had never been handsome. He had a considerable independence besides two good livings—and he was not in the least addicted
Elizabeth told her the motives of her secrecy. She had been unwilling to mention Bingley; and the unsettled state of her own feelings had made her equally avoid the name of his friend. But now she would no longer conceal from her his share in Lydia's marriage. All was acknowledged, and half the night spent in conversation.
İnsanları olduklarından çok daha neşeli ya da ciddi, zeki ya da aptal sanmışımdır üstelik nedenini ya da yanılgının nereden geldiğini pek bilemem. Bazen insanların kendileri hakkında söyledikleri şeyler, sık sık da başkalarının o insanlar hakkında söyledikleri şeyler yanıltıcı oluyor, insana düşünme ve karar verme fırsatı bırakmıyor.
She will never forgive me, I am sure; but, you know, how could I help it? John would have me go, for he vowed he would not drive her, because she had such thick ankles. I dare say she will not be in good humour again this month; but I am determined I will not be cross; it is not a little matter that puts me out of temper.
Had Elizabeth's opinion been all drawn from her own family, she could not have formed a very pleasing opinion of conjugal felicity or domestic comfort. Her father, captivated by youth and beauty, and that appearance of good humour which youth and beauty generally give, had married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind had very early in their marriage put an end to all real affection for her. Respect, esteem, and confidence had vanished for ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown. But Mr. Bennet was not of a disposition to seek comfort for the disappointment which his own imprudence had brought on, in any of those pleasures which too often console the unfortunate for their folly or their vice.
Al analizar las dos casas, tal como se le aparecían antes de terminar la primera semana, Fanny estuvo tentada de aplicarles la célebre sentencia del doctor Johnson sobre el matrimonio y el celibato, diciendo que, aunque Mansfield Park pudiera entrañar alguna pena, Portsmouth no podía entrañar ningún placer.