"Preserve me from such cordiality! It is like handling briar-roses and may-blossoms - bright enough to the eye, and outwardly soft to the touch, but you know there are thorns beneath, and every now and then you feel them too; and perhaps resent the injury by crushing them in till you have destroyed their power, though somewhat to the detriment of your own fingers."

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Source: Anne Bronte (2006). “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall”, p.53, ReadHowYouWant.com

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Anne Bronte

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Anne Bronte was a 19th-century English novelist and poet, known for her works that explore themes of love, independence, and women's rights.

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