Catherine Letellier

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.
However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

C'est une vérité universellement reconnue qu'un célibataire pourvu d'une belle fortune doit avoir envie de se marier, et, si peu que l'on sache de son sentiment à cet égard, lorsqu'il arrive dans une nouvelle résidence, cette idée est si bien fixée dans l'esprit de ses voisins, qu'ils le considèrent sur-le-champ comme la propriété légitime de l'une ou l'autre de leurs filles.

[Jane AUSTEN, "Pride and Prejudice" / "Orgueil et préjugés", 1813 — traduit de l'anglais par Valentine Leconte et Charlotte Pressoir pour les éditions Plon (Paris), 1932 ; rééd. aux éditions Christian Bourgois (Paris), coll. "10/18", 1979, page 21]

My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feeling have changed, I will have to tell you : you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you.

I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.

Till this moment, I never knew myself.