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.

Another dead body. Every year it is the same. Every year, another dead body.

Children, I feel, are as much entitled to privacy as human beings.

Cats always pick the laps of the people who don't like them.

But the dust! And the clutter! My housewifely and scholarly instincts were equally offended.

When emotion supersedes reason ... gullibility must follow.

I do, however, think it would be difficult to write books I don't like to read.