I do not think I ever opened a book in my life which had not something to say upon woman's inconstancy

I do not think I ever opened a book in my life which had not something to say upon woman's inconstancy. Songs and proverbs, all talk of woman's fickleness. But perhaps you will say, these were all written by men.


J. Austen, Persuasion (1818), Complete works Kindle edition, location 29717
(read March 2011)

Mrs Elton was wanting notice, which nobody had inclination to pay

Emma doubted their getting on very well; for Mr Knightley seemed little disposed for conversation; Mrs Elton was wanting notice, which nobody had inclination to pay, and she was herself in a worry of spirits which would have made her prefer being silent

J. Austen, Emma (1816), 228