And Dorothea..she had no dreams of being praised above other women. Feeling that there was always something better which she might have done if she had only been better and known better, her full nature spent itself in deeds which left no great name on the earth, but the effect of her being on those around her was incalculable. For the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts and on all those Dorotheas who life faithfully their hidden lives and rest in unvisited tombs. Middlemarch

Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

Ingenious philosophers tell you, perhaps, that the great work of the steam-engine is to create leisure for mankind. Do not believe them; it only creates a vacuum for eager thought to rush in.

... happy husbands and wives can hear each other say the same thing over and over again without being tired.

... one's own faults are always a heavy chain to drag through life and one can't help groaning under the weight now and then.

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.

Among all the many kinds of first love, that which begins in childish companionship is the strongest and most enduring: when passion comes to unite its force to long affection, love is at its spring-tide.