The only people who are not in awe of Emerson's powerful voice and well-nigh superhuman strength are the members of his own family. He is aware of this, and often complains about it; so from time to time I like to put on a little show of being intimidated. 'Proceed, my dear,' I said apologetically.

The approval of a cat cannot but flatter the recipient.

I do not scruple to employ mendacity and a fictitious appearance of female incompetence when the occasion demands it.

Is is difficult to be angry with a gentleman who pays you compliments, even impertinent compliments. Especially impertinent compliments.

kissing someone out of pity is always a mistake.

Cats always made up to the people who hated them the most. Depending on how you chose to look at it, it was a touching manifestation of trust, or a malicious pleasure in human discomfort.

That's maturity-when you realize that you've finally arrived at a state of ignorance as profound as your parents.