flattery would be worse than vain; there is no consolation in flattery.

It is good to be attracted out of ourselves, to be forced to take a near view of the sufferings, the privations, the efforts, the difficulties of others.

You know full well as I do the value of sisters' affections: There is nothing like it in this world.

I have little left in myself -- I must have you. The world may laugh -- may call me absurd, selfish -- but it does not signify. My very soul demands you: it will be satisfied, or it will take deadly vengeance on its frame.

... and she held out a pretty gold ring. 'Put it,' she said, 'on the fourth finger of my left hand, and I am yours and you are mine; and we shall leave Earth and make our own Heaven yonder.'

I liked my name pronounced by your lips in a grateful, happy accent.

I like this day; I like that sky of steel; I like the sternness and stillness of the world under this frost.