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.
If Amelia could have heard the comments regarding her which were made in the circle from which her father's ruin had just driven her, she would have seen what her own crimes were, and how entirely her character was jeopardised.