Single Women have a dreadful propensity for being poor'which is one very strong argument in favor of Matrimony. Letter, March 13, 1817, to her niece, Fanny Knight. Jane Austen's Letters, Oxford University Press (1952).

More from Jane Austen

• A man would always wish to give a woman a better home than the one he takes her from; and he who can do it, where there is no doubt of her regard, must, I think, be the happiest of mortals.
• A mind lively and at ease, can do with seeing nothing, and can see nothing that does not answer.
• A Mr. (save, perhaps, some half dozen in the nation,) always needs a note of explanation.
• An artist cannot do anything slovenly.
• An engaged woman is always more agreeable than a disengaged. She is satisfied with herself. Her cares are over, and she feels that she may exert all her powers of pleasing without suspicion. All is safe with a lady engaged; no harm can be done.
• Anything is to be preferred or endured rather than marrying without affection.