Chapter 1

• “my family is one of the most distinguished of that republic.”
• “he came like a protecting spirit to the poor girl”
• “He strove to shelter her, as a fair exotic is sheltered by a gardener”
• “My mother’s tender caresses, and my father’s smile of benevolent pleasure while regarding me, are my first recollections.”
• “I was their plaything and their idol"
• “With this deep consciousness of what they owed toward the being to which they had given life”
• “The four others were dark-eyed, hardy little vagrants [...] Her hair was the brightest living gold, and despite the poverty of her clothing, seemed to set a crown of distinction upon her head.”
• as of a different species, a being heaven-sent, and bearing a celestial stamp in all her features’
• I have a pretty present for my Victor
• ‘I looked upon Elizabeth as mine – mine to protect, love and cherish."
• “my more than sister, since till death she was to be mine only.”
• fairer than a garden rose among dark-leaved brambles
• "whose future lot it was in their hands to direct to happiness or misery, according as they fulfilled their duties towards me.”