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Gentlemen, be courteous to the old maids, no matter how poor and plain and prim, for the only chivalry worth having is that which is the readiest to to pay deference to the old, protect the feeble, and serve womankind, regardless of rank, age, or color.

— Elizabeth Gaskell

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More quotes by Elizabeth Gaskell

A little credulity helps one on through life very smoothly.

Cranford (1851)

Were all men equal to-night, some would get the start by rising an hour earlier to-morrow.

Trust a girl of sixteen for knowing well if she is pretty; concerning her plainness she may be ignorant.

A wise parent humours the desire for independent action, so as to become the friend and adviser when his absolute rule shall cease.

It may be a very happy state and a little credulity helps one on through life very smoothly.- Better than always doubting and doubting, and seeing difficulties and disagreeables in everything.

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Elizabeth Gaskell (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.