Austen Said:

Patterns of Diction in Jane Austen's Major Novels

Search

Your search returned 215 results


“Do you prefer reading to cards?”
“that is rather singular.”
“I hope, my dear,”
“that you have ordered a good dinner to-day, because I have reason to expect an addition to our family party.”
“The person of whom I speak is a gentleman and a stranger.”
“It is not Mr. Bingley,”
“it is a person whom I never saw in the whole course of my life.”
“About a month ago I received this letter; and about a fortnight ago I answered it, for I thought it a case of some delicacy, and requiring early attention. It is from my cousin, Mr. Collins, who, when I am dead, may turn you all out of this house as soon as he pleases.”
“It certainly is a most iniquitous affair,”
“and nothing can clear Mr. Collins from the guilt of inheriting Longbourn. But if you will listen to his letter, you may perhaps be a little softened by his manner of expressing himself.”
“Why, indeed; he does seem to have had some filial scruples on that head, as you will hear.”
“At four o'clock, therefore, we may expect this peace-making gentleman,”
“He seems to be a most conscientious and polite young man, upon my word; and I doubt not will prove a valuable acquaintance, especially if Lady Catherine should be so indulgent as to let him come to us again.”
“No, my dear, I think not. I have great hopes of finding him quite the reverse. There is a mixture of servility and self-importance in his letter, which promises well. I am impatient to see him.”
he seemed very fortunate in his patroness. Lady Catherine de Bourgh's attention to his wishes, and consideration for his comfort, appeared very remarkable.
“You judge very properly,”
“and it is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous study?”
to read aloud to the ladies.
he acted very wisely in leaving the girls to their own trifling amusements.
to meet with folly and conceit in every other room of the house, he was used to be free from them there;
“I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss Eliza (glancing at her sister and Bingley) shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Mr. Darcy:— but let me not interrupt you, sir . You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me.”
“That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.”
“I have not the pleasure of understanding you,”
“Of what are you talking?”
“And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems an hopeless business.”
“Let her be called down. She shall hear my opinion.”
“Come here, child,”
“I have sent for you on an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is it true?”
“Very well — and this offer of marriage you have refused?”
“Very well. We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting it. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?”
“An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.”
“My dear,”
“I have two small favours to request. First, that you will allow me the free use of my understanding on the present occasion; and secondly, of my room. I shall be glad to have the library to myself as soon as may be.”
whenever Mr. Collins should be in possession of the Longbourn estate, it would be highly expedient that both he and his wife should make their appearance at St. James's.
“But is there not danger of Lady Catherine's disapprobation here, my good sir? You had better neglect your relations than run the risk of offending your patroness.”
“You cannot be too much upon your guard. Risk anything rather than her displeasure; and if you find it likely to be raised by your coming to us again, which I should think exceedingly probable, stay quietly at home, and be satisfied that we shall take no offence.”
begged leave to be positive as to the truth of his information,
it gratified him,
to discover that Charlotte Lucas, whom he had been used to think tolerably sensible, was as foolish as his wife, and more foolish than his daughter!
“My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that I may be the survivor.”
“What should not you mind?”
“Let us be thankful that you are preserved from a state of such insensibility.”
“I leave it to yourself to determine,”
“So, Lizzy,”
“your sister is crossed in love, I find. I congratulate her. Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then. It is something to think of, and gives her a sort of distinction among her companions. When is your turn to come? You will hardly bear to be long outdone by Jane. Now is your time. Here are officers enough in Meryton to disappoint all the young ladies in the country. Let Wickham be your man. He is a pleasant fellow, and would jilt you creditably.”
“True,”
“but it is a comfort to think that whatever of that kind may befall you, you have an affectionate mother who will always make the most of it.”
“I am the less surprised at what has happened,”
“from that knowledge of what the manners of the great really are, which my situation in life has allowed me to acquire. About the court, such instances of elegant breeding are not uncommon.”
“I am glad you are come back, Lizzy.”