“If one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better.”

“There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere.”

“Depend upon it, you see but half. You see the evil, but you do not see the consolation. There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere—and those evil–minded observers, dearest Mary, who make much of a little, are more taken in and deceived than the parties themselves.”

“but without scheming to do wrong, or to make others unhappy, there may be error, and there may be misery. Thoughtlessness, want of attention to other people's feelings, and want of resolution, will do the business.”

“I am not one of those young ladies who are so daring to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time.”

“The removal of one solicitude generally makes way for another.”

“That little boys and girls should be tormented is what no one at all acquainted with human nature in a civilized state can deny.”