How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #1
Suddenly she broke down over what might seem a small point. "How dare she not tell me direct! How dare she write first to Yorkshire! Pray, am I to hear through Mrs. Theobald—a patronizing, insolent letter like this? Have I no claim at all? Bear witness, dear"—she choked with passion—"bear witness that for this I'll never forgive her!" (1.73)
Mrs. Herriton is furious with Lilia, not only for getting involved with a foreigner but also for not having the decency to inform her directly. Instead, Mrs. Herriton has to find out the news through Mrs. Theobald. But to be honest, we don't really see what's so insulting about this since Mrs. Theobald is Lilia's biological mother. Mrs. Herriton isn't exactly on the list of Top Ten Most Compassionate People.
Quote #2
"The person who understands us at first sight, who never irritates us, who never bores, to whom we can pour forth every thought and wish, not only in speech but in silence—that is what I mean by simpatico." (3.82)
Tesi explains to Gino what he means by "simpatico," which we roughly translate as compassionate or empathetic. We admit feeling all warm and fuzzy inside by Tesi's description of kindred spirits, but we're also wondering why we don't see any simpatico characters depicted in the novel itself. We mostly just see a whole lot of bickering, nagging and unnecessary drama.
Quote #3
"She, if any one, has suffered and been penitent. She burst into tears when I told her a little, only a little, of that terrible letter. I never saw such genuine remorse. We must forgive her and forget." (5.29)
Philip tries to convince his mother that Miss Abbott is devastated by the news of Lilia's death. But of course Mrs. Herriton holds grudges and never really forgave Caroline for not telling them sooner about Lilia's engagement to Gino. Has Philip forgiven Caroline for her involvement in Lilia's marriage? Is Mrs. Herriton someone who is even capable of forgetting and forgiving? We'd guess a) yes and b) no, not until hell freezes over.