the tea-hour is the hour of peace ... strife is lost in the hissing of the kettle - a tranquilizing sound, second only to the purring of a cat.

to be civilized is to be incapable of giving unnecessary offense, it is to have some quality of consideration for all who cross our path.

Humor brings insight and tolerance.

Personally, I do not believe that it is the duty of any man or woman to write a novel. In nine cases out of ten, there would be greater merit in leaving it unwritten.

Conversation between Adam and Eve must have been difficult at times, because they had nobody to talk about.

Letters form a by-path of literature, a charming, but occasional, retreat for people of cultivated leisure.

Laughter springs from the lawless part of our nature.