Alas! the scientific conscience had got into the debasing company of money obligation and selfish respects.

... as usual I am suffering much from doubt as to the worth of what I am doing and fear lest I may not be able to complete it so as to make it a contribution to literature and not a mere addition to the heap of books.

I would rather not be engaged. When people are engaged, they begin to think of being married soon, and I should like everything to go on for a long while just as it is.

It is pleasant to have a kind word now and then when one is not near enough to have a kind glance or a hearty shake by the hand.

We get a deal o' useless things about us, only because we've got the money to spend.

Every woman is supposed to have the same set of motives, or else to be a monster.

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.