Austen Said:

“You are fond of history! And so are Mr. Allen and my father; and I have two brothers who do not dislike it. So many instances within my small circle of friends is remarkable! At this rate, I shall not pity the writers of history any longer. If people like to read their books, it is all very well, but to be at so much trouble in filling great volumes, which, as I used to think, nobody would willingly ever look into, to be labouring only for the torment of little boys and girls, always struck me as a hard fate; and though I know it is all very right and necessary, I have often wondered at the person’s courage that could sit down on purpose to do it.”

“You think me foolish to call instruction a torment, but if you had been as much used as myself to hear poor little children first learning their letters and then learning to spell, if you had ever seen how stupid they can be for a whole morning together, and how tired my poor mother is at the end of it, as I am in the habit of seeing almost every day of my life at home, you would allow that ‘to torment’ and ‘to instruct’ might sometimes be used as synonymous words.”

It seemed as if a good view were no longer to be taken from the top of an high hill, and that a clear blue sky was no longer a proof of a fine day.

she would give anything in the world to be able to draw;

“I have heard that something very shocking indeed will soon come out in London.”

“That I do not know, nor who is the author. I have only heard that it is to be more horrible than anything we have met with yet.”

“A particular friend of mine had an account of it in a letter from London yesterday. It is to be uncommonly dreadful. I shall expect murder and everything of the kind.”

“Riot! What riot?”

Henry Tilney could never be wrong.

His manner might sometimes surprise, but his meaning must always be just:

“I wish you could have gone too. It is a pity you could not all go.”

the party had not been prevented by her refusing to join it,

it might be too pleasant to allow either James or Isabella to resent her resistance any longer.

Blaize Castle had never been thought of; and, as for all the rest, there was nothing to regret for half an instant.

“Good heaven! My dear Isabella, what do you mean? Can you — can you really be in love with James?”

Her brother and her friend engaged!

the power of love;

nothing could have been safer;

her father and mother would never oppose their son’s wishes.

“It is impossible,”

“for parents to be more kind, or more desirous of their children’s happiness; I have no doubt of their consenting immediately.”

“Indeed, Isabella, you are too humble. The difference of fortune can be nothing to signify.”

“I am sure they will consent,”

“I am sure they will be delighted with you.”

“Richmond!”

“You must settle near Fullerton. You must be near us.”

a good journey.

“Shall not you be late at Devizes?”

“I am sure I think it a very good one.”

“Yes; I have promised your sister to be with her, if possible.”

“May we? But I never sing. Well, I wish you a good journey. I dine with Miss Tilney today, and must now be going home.”

“Then why do you stay away so long?”

“Oh! dear, there are a great many people like me, I dare say, only a great deal better. Good morning to you.”

“Pray do. My father and mother will be very glad to see you.”

“Oh! dear, not at all. There are very few people I am sorry to see. Company is always cheerful.”

“Perhaps we may; but it is more than I ever thought of. And as to most matters, to say the truth, there are not many that I know my own mind about.”

“Very true. I think like you there. If there is a good fortune on one side, there can be no occasion for any on the other. No matter which has it, so that there is enough. I hate the idea of one great fortune looking out for another. And to marry for money I think the wickedest thing in existence. Good day. We shall be very glad to see you at Fullerton, whenever it is convenient.”

it had been a release to get away from him.

It could not be General Tilney’s fault. That he was perfectly agreeable and good-natured, and altogether a very charming man, did not admit of a doubt, for he was tall and handsome, and Henry’s father. He could not be accountable for his children’s want of spirits, or for her want of enjoyment in his company.

“But it was not so bad as that, Isabella; there was no superciliousness; she was very civil.”

“I do not say so; but he did not seem in good spirits.”

“Unworthy! I do not suppose he ever thinks of me.”

“But as for General Tilney, I assure you it would be impossible for anybody to behave to me with greater civility and attention; it seemed to be his only care to entertain and make me happy.”

“Well, I shall see how they behave to me this evening; we shall meet them at the rooms.”

“Do not you intend it? I thought it was all settled.”

there had been no insolence in the manners either of brother or sister;

there being any pride in their hearts.

it possible

some people might think him handsomer than his brother,

it a very long quarter of an hour,