Privations

It would be very sad, were I to relate all the misery and privations which the poor little duckling endured during the hard winter.

I can conceive nothing so respectable as the spirit which rises above misfortune, and prefers honourable privations to debt or dependence.

I have often been downcast, but never in despair; I regard our hiding as a dangerous adventure, romantic and interesting at the same time. In my diary I treat all the privations as amusing. I have made up my mind now to lead a different life from other girls and, later on, different from ordinary housewives. My start has been so very full of interest, and that is the sole reason why I have to laugh at the humorous side of the most dangerous moments.