Humor is an excellent method of keeping a tight rein on unproductive displays of emotion.

kissing someone out of pity is always a mistake.

Peculiar or not, it is my idea of pleasure. Why, why else do you lead this life you don't enjoy it? Don't talk of duty to me; you men always have some high-sounding excuse for indulging yourselves. You go gallivanting over the earth, climbing mountains, looking for the sources of the Nile; and expect women to sit dully at home embroidering. I embroider very badly. I think I would excavate rather well.

Martyrdom is often the result of excessive gullibility.

To argue without knowledge is like trying to weave without thread.

Husbands do not care to be contradicted. Indeed, I do not know anyone who does.

Writing is like a bird-watcher watching for birds: the stories are there: you just have to train yourself to look for them.