Despite his heterodoxy, faults, and weaknesses, Clare was a man with a conscience. Tess was no insignificant creature to toy with and dismiss; but a … - Thomas Hardy

Tess was no insignificant creature to toy with and dismiss; but a woman living her precious life — a life which, to herself who endured or enjoyed it, possessed as great a dimension as the life of the mightiest to himself.

Life with a man is more businesslike after it, and money matters work better. And then, you see, if you have rows, and he turns you out of doors, you can get the law to protect you, which you can't otherwise, unless he half-runs you through with a knife, or cracks your noddle with a poker. And if he bolts away from you — I say it friendly, as woman to woman, for there's never any knowing what a man med do — you'll have the sticks o' furniture, and won't be looked upon as a thief.

Perhaps you are making a cat's paw of me with Phillotson all this time. Upon my word it almost seems so — to see you sitting up there so prim.

be kind to animals and birds, and read all you can.