I never wish to offend, but I am so foolishly shy, that I often seem negligent, when I am only kept back by my natural awkwardness.
 Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility (1811). copy citation

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Author Jane Austen
Source Sense and Sensibility
Topic awkwardness shyness
Date 1811
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21839/21839-h/21839-h.htm

Context


"Quite the contrary," replied Elinor, looking expressively at Marianne. "My judgment," he returned, "is all on your side of the question; but I am afraid my practice is much more on your sister's. I never wish to offend, but I am so foolishly shy, that I often seem negligent, when I am only kept back by my natural awkwardness. I have frequently thought that I must have been intended by nature to be fond of low company, I am so little at my ease among strangers of gentility!" [83]
"Marianne has not shyness to excuse any inattention of hers," said Elinor.” source

Meaning and analysis

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