The charm of variety there was not, nor the excitement of incident; but I liked peace so well, and sought stimulus so little, that when the latter came I almost felt it a disturbance, and rather still wished it had held aloof.

[O]ur honeymoon will shine our life long: its beams will only fade over your grave or mine.

I only want an easy mind, sir; not crushed by crowded obligations.

For I too liked reading, thought of a frivolous and childish kind; I could not digest or comprehend the serious or substantial.

I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.

Jane Austin was a complete and most sensible lady, but a very incomplete and rather insensible (not senseless) woman. If this is heresy, I cannot help it.

I know what it is to live entirely for and with what I love best on earth. I hold myself supremely blest -- blest beyond what language can express; because I am my husband's life as fully as he is mine.