First, I was an idealist (that was early - fools are born, not made, you know); next I was a realist; now I am a pessimist, and, by Jove! if things get much worse I'll become a humorist.

It would appear, from the best examples, that the proper way of beginning a preface to one's work is with a humble apology for having written at all.

Evidently, whatever else marriage might prevent, it was not a remedy for isolation of spirit.

The suitable is the last thing we ever want.

Cruelty is the only sin.

No one in the modern world is more lonely than the writer with a literary conscience.

I'm not going to lie down and let trouble walk over me.