The human heart, at whatever age, opens only to the heart that opens in return.

She chose to write a novel focused on the characters and situation rather than moral lessons. Silent fixed concentration might be empowering and generative of deep insights. It humorously and satirically explores the feminine argumentative method.

Maria Edgeworth (1 January 1768 – 22 May 1849) was a prolific Irish writer of adults' and children's literature. She held advanced views for a woman of her time on estate management politics and education and corresponded with some of the leading literary and economic writers including Sir Walter Scott and David Ricardo. She was one of the first realist writers in children's literature and was a significant figure in the evolution of the novel in Europe.