Under such a misfortune as this, one cannot see too little of one’s neighbours. Assistance is impossible; condolence insufferable. Let them triumph over us at a distance, and be satisfied.
– Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 47. Elizabeth is bent on keeping nosey neighbors at arms length after the scandal of Lydia’s elopement with Wickham. She has just learned from Jane that Lady Lucas called to offer her condolences and services – "she had better have stayed at home," Elizabeth retorts.