'I hope I shall remember, in future,' said Lady Russell, as soon as they were reseated in the carriage, 'not to call at Uppercross in the Christmas holidays.' #JaneAusten #Persuasion

I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess, and that the most elevated rank, instead of giving her consequence, would be adorned by her. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

'You judge very properly,' said Mr Bennet, '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?' #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

Though I sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

His cousin was as absurd as he had hoped, and he listened to him with the keenest enjoyment, maintaining at the same time the most resolute composure of countenance, and, except in an occasional glance at Elizabeth, requiring no partner in his pleasure. #JaneAusten P&P

By tea-time, however, the dose had been enough, and Mr Bennet was glad to take his guest into the drawing-room again, and when tea was over, glad to invite him to read aloud to the ladies. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

A book was produced; but on beholding it (for every thing announced it to be from a circulating library), he started back, and begging pardon, protested that he never read novels. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

Other books were produced, and after some deliberation he chose Fordyce's Sermons. Lydia gaped as he opened the volume, and before he had, with very monotonous solemnity, read three pages, she interrupted him. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

I have often observed how little young ladies are interested by books of a serious stamp, though written solely for their benefit. It amazes me, I confess; -- for certainly, there can be nothing so advantageous to them as instruction. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

Then turning to Mr Bennet, he offered himself as his antagonist at backgammon. Mr Bennet accepted the challenge, observing that he acted very wisely in leaving the girls to their own trifling amusements. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

Mr Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

The subjection in which his father had brought him up had given him originally great humility of manner, but it was now a good deal counteracted by the self-conceit of a weak head, living in retirement, & the consequential feelings of early & unexpected prosperity. #JaneAusten

A fortunate chance had recommended him to Lady Catherine de Bourgh when the living of Hunsford was vacant. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

Having now a good house and very sufficient income, he intended to marry. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

In seeking a reconciliation with the Longbourn family he had a wife in view, as he meant to chuse one of the daughters, if he found them as handsome and amiable as they were represented by common report. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

This was his plan of amends -- of atonement -- for inheriting their father's estate; and he thought it an excellent one, full of eligibility and suitableness, and excessively generous and disinterested on his own part. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

His plan did not vary on seeing them. -- Miss Bennet's lovely face confirmed his views, and established all his strictest notions of what was due to seniority; and for the first evening she was his settled choice. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

Her eldest daughter, she must just mention -- she felt it incumbent on her to hint, was likely to be very soon engaged. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

Mr Collins had only to change from Jane to Elizabeth -- and it was soon done -- done while Mrs Bennet was stirring the fire. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

Mrs Bennet treasured up the hint, and trusted that she might soon have two daughters married; and the man whom she could not bear to speak of the day before was now high in her good graces. #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice