How we cite our quotes: (Volume.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Mrs. Tow-wouse then armed herself with the spit: but was prevented from executing any dreadful purpose by Mr. Adams […]. (1.17.6)
For once, Adams prevents violence rather than causes it. Good thing: Mrs. Tow-wouse could have done a lot of damage with that spit.
Quote #2
Then she thought of revenging his refusal on herself; but whilst she was engaged in this meditation, happily death presented himself to her in so many shapes of drowning, hanging, poisoning &c. that her distracted brain could resolve on none. (1.18.10)
Betty might be the slightest bit unbalanced. It seems like there's a comparison being drawn between lust and violence. Actually, how different are those things? Where does lust end and violence begin? Fanny could probably tell you a few things about that…
Quote #3
Horatio desired Bellarmine to withdraw with him: but the ladies prevented it by laying violent hands on the latter. (2.4.40)
It's funny how the ladies prevent violence with… violence. Sure, we're talking a duel versus "violent hands" (translation: a fistfight), but it seems there's just one way to deal with the situation for these people.