To know nothing, or little, is in the nature of some…
““To know nothing, or little, is in the nature of some husbands. To hide, in the nature of how many women? Oh, ladies! how many of you have surreptitious milliners' bills? How many of you have gowns and bracelets which you daren't show, or which you wear trembling?--trembling, and coaxing with smiles the husband by your side, who does not know the new velvet gown from the old one, or the new bracelet from last year's, or has any notion that the ragged-looking yellow lace scarf cost forty guineas and that Madame Bobinot is writing dunning letters every week for the money!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Women hide material excess behind modesty, deceiving husbands.
In simple terms: Women conceal luxury from spouses.
Key Takeaway
Seek honesty over superficial appearances.
Themes
deception
social status
gender roles
Mood
satirical
critical
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- fashion criticism
- social satire
Key Concepts
Victorian society
marital dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people hide wealth from loved ones?
- What are the costs of maintaining appearances?