The Return of the Native

by Thomas Hardy

It was at present a place perfectly accordant with man’s nature—neither ghastly, hateful, nor ugly: neither commonplace, unmeaning, nor tame; but, like man, slighted and enduring; and withal singularly colossal and mysterious in its swarthy monotony. As with some persons who have long lived apart, solitude seemed to look out of its countenance. It had a lonely face, suggesting tragical possibilities.

Persons with any weight of character carry, like planets, their atmospheres along with them in their orbits;

To be loved to madness—such was her great desire. Love was to her the one cordial which could drive away the eating loneliness of her days.