When I sit down to write a novel I do not at all know, and I do not very much care, how it is to end.

I believe journalism is coming to be regarded as quite a respectable occupation for gentlemen nowadays.

A novelist's characters must be with him as he lies down to sleep, and as he wakes from his dreams. He must learn to hate them and to love them.

A woman's life is not perfect or whole till she has added herself to a husband. Nor is a man's life perfect or whole till he has added to himself a wife.

Though they were Liberals they were not democrats; nor yet infidels.

Life is so unlike theory.

The law is a great thing,--because men are poor and weak, and bad. And it is great, because where it exists in its strength, no tyrant can be above it. But between you and me there should be no mention of law as the guide of conduct. Speak to me of honour, and of duty, and of nobility; and tell me what they require of you.