"A woman wishes to mother a man simply because she sees into his helplessness, his need of an amiable environment, his touching self-delusion."

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The evil of the actual disparity in their ages (and Mr. Woodhouse had not married early) was much increased by his constitution and habits; for having been a valetudinarian all his life, without activity of mind or body, he was a much older man in ways than in years; and though everywhere beloved for the friendliness of his heart and his amiable temper, his talents could not have recommended him at any time.

— Jane Austen