A sick child is always the mother's property: her own feelings generally make it so.
 Jane Austen, Persuasion (1816). copy citation

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Author Jane Austen
Source Persuasion
Topic property feelings
Date 1816
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/105/105-h/105-h.htm

Context

“I dare say we shall have nothing to distress us. I perfectly understand Mr Robinson's directions, and have no fears; and indeed, Mary, I cannot wonder at your husband. Nursing does not belong to a man; it is not his province. A sick child is always the mother's property: her own feelings generally make it so." "I hope I am as fond of my child as any mother, but I do not know that I am of any more use in the sick-room than Charles, for I cannot be always scolding and teazing the poor child when it is ill;” source