Life is so unlike theory.

There are some points on which no man can be contented to follow the advice of another - some subjects on which a man can consult his own conscience only.

But then in novels the most indifferent hero comes out right at last. Some god comes out of a theatrical cloud and leaves the poor devil ten thousand-a-year and a title.

Poverty, to be picturesque, should be rural. Suburban misery is as hideous as it is pitiable.

Never think that you're not good enough yourself. A man should never think that. People will take you very much at your own reckoning.

To have her meals, and her daily walk, and her fill of novels, and to be left alone, was all that she asked of the gods.

Of course, Lady Arabella could not suckle the young heir herself. Ladies Arabella never can. They are gifted with the powers of being mothers, but not nursing mothers. Nature gives them bosoms for show, but not for use. So Lady Arabella had a wet-nurse.