In spite of his practical ability, some of his experience had petrified into maxims and quotations.

Surely there was something taught her by this experience of great need; and she must be learning a secret of human tenderness and long-suffering, that the less erring could hardly know?

If we use common words on a great occasion, they are the more striking, because they are felt at once to have a particular meaning, like old banners, or everyday clothes, hung up in a sacred place.

I trust you as holy men trust God; you could do nought that was not pure and loving, though the deed might pierce me unto death.

The wit of a family is usually best received among strangers.

The human soul is hospitable, and will entertain conflicting sentiments and contradictory opinions with much impartiality.

The fact is, both callers and work thicken - the former sadly interfering with the latter.