It is painful to doubt the sincerity of those we love.

I cannot get him to write or speak in real, solid earnest. I don't much mind it now, but if it be always so, what shall I do with the serious part of myself?

I see that a man cannot give himself up to drinking without being miserable one half his days and mad the other.

A man must have something to grumble about; and if he cant complain that his wife harries him to death with her perversity and ill-humour, he must complain that she wears him out with her kindness and gentleness.

No, thank you, I don't mind the rain,' I said. I always lacked common sense when taken by surprise.

I cannot love a man who cannot protect me.

Reading is my favourite occupation, when I have leisure for it and books to read.