General notions are generally wrong.

Ignorance and folly are thought the best foundations for virtue, as if not knowing what a good wife is was necessary to make one so.

I confess that can never be my way of reasoning; as I always forgive an _injury_ when I think it not done out of malice, I never think myself _obliged_ by what is done without design." Lady Mary, who was now one-and-twenty, was no bread-and-butter miss.

She knew her mind and had the gift to express herself, and in this same letter she very prettily rebukes her laggard lover.
"Give me leave to say it, (I know it sounds vain,) I know how to make a man of sense happy; but then that man must resolve to contribute something towards it himself.

I have so much esteem for you, I should be very sorry to hear you was unhappy; but for the world I would not be the instrument of making you so; which (of the humour you are) is hardly to be avoided if I am your wife.