Be cautious then, young ladies; be wary how you engage. Be shy of loving frankly; never tell all you feel, or {a better way still}, feel very little. See the consequences of being prematurely honest and confiding, and mistrust yourselves and everybody. Get yourselves married as they do in France, where the lawyers are the bridesmaids and confidantes. At any rate, never have any feelings which may make you uncomfortable, or make any promises which you cannot at any required moment command and withdraw. That is the way to get on, and be respected, and have a virtuous character in Vanity Fair.
The quote advises young women to exercise caution in their emotional engagements and to refrain from being completely open about their feelings. It suggests that being too honest or trusting can lead to negative consequences, encouraging a mindset of self-protection rather than vulnerability. Instead of fully revealing their emotions, women are urged to cultivate a sense of detachment and manage their feelings carefully.
Additionally, the text proposes that women should prioritize marriage in a strategic manner, akin to practices observed in France, where open discussions with legal advisors could serve as prudent choices. The key recommendation is to avoid deep emotional entanglements that could lead to discomfort and to maintain the ability to retract commitments effortlessly. This approach is portrayed as a pathway to gaining respect and sustaining a virtuous reputation within the social realm characterized by superficial values.