Reputations are shaped not by facts but by prejudices.

I would not be at all surprised to find that it was for gold that Cain committed the first murder. (It happened a very long time ago, and Holy Writ, though no doubt divinely inspired, is a trifle careless about details. God is not a historian).

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

The opportunity to lecture had restored my good humor.

love has a very dulling effect on the brain

The approval of a cat cannot but flatter the recipient.

..he continues to cling to the forlorn hope that I will turn into one of those swooning females...and fling myself squeeling at him whenever anything happens. Like all men, he clings to his illusions.