..still to have loved her without return would have lifted you higher than all those, be they who they may, that have ever known her to love.

I dare not hope. I never was fainthearted before; but I cannot believe such a creature cares for me.

I value my own independence so highly that I can fancy no degradation greater than that of having another man perpetually directing and advising and lecturing me, or even planning too closely in any way about my actions. He might be the wisest of men, or the most powerful - I should equally rebel and resent his interference.

. . . it seemed to me that where others had prayed before to their God, in their joy or in their agony, was of itself a sacred place.

I wanted to see the place where Margaret grew to what she is, even at the worst time of all, when I had no hope of ever calling her mine.

Opportunities are not often wanting where inclination goes before.

I look at [books] as a child looks at cakes - with glittering eyes and a watering mouth, imagining the pleasure that awaits him.