In the schoolroom her quick mind had taken readily that strong starch of unexplained rules and disconnected facts which saves ignorance from any painful sense of limpness.

Hostesses who entertain much must make up their parties as ministers make up their cabinets, on grounds other than personal liking.

You know nothing about Hope, that immortal, delicious maiden forever courted forever propitious, whom fools have called deceitful, as if it were Hope that carried the cup of disappointment, whereas it is her deadly enemy, Certainty, whom she only es

... the true seeing is within; and painting stares at you with an insistent imperfection.

Well, I aren't like a bird-clapper, forced to make a rattle when the wind blows on me. I can keep my own counsel when there's no good i' speaking.

I've never any pity for conceited people, because I think they carry their comfort about with them.

What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.