“I wish I had no heart, it aches so…”

“I almost wish I hadn't any conscience, it's so inconvenient. If I didn't care about doing the right and didn't feel uncomfortable when doing wrong, I should get on capitally.”

“So she enjoyed herself heartily, and found, what isn't always the case, that her granted wish was all she had hoped.”

“I have nothing to give but my heart so full and these empty hands.""They're not empty now.”

“[Jo to her mother] I knew there was mischief brewing. I felt it and now it's worse than I imagined. I just wish I could marry Meg myself, and keep her safe in the family.”

“…the day had been both unprofitable and unsatisfactory, and he was wishing he could live it over again.”

“Oh, don't I wish I could manage things for you as I do for my heroines! You're pretty enough and good enough already, so I'd have some rich relation leave you a fortune unexpectedly; then you'd dash out as an heiress, scorn everyone who has slighted you, go abroad, and como home my Lady Something in a blaze of splendor and elegance.”