Hobbies are apt to run away with us, you know; it doesn't do to be run away with. We must keep the reins.

... indefinite visions of ambition are weak against the ease of doing what is habitual or beguilingly agreeable.

Death is the only physician, the shadow of his valley the only journeying that will cure us of age and the gathering fatigue of years.

It's a father's duty to give his sons a fine chance.

Consequences are unpitying.

... there is a lightness about the feminine mind--a touch and go--music, the fine arts, that kind of thing--they should study those up to a certain point, women should; but in a light way, you know.

... goodness is of a modest nature, easily discouraged, and when much elbowed in early life by unabashed vices, is apt to retire into extreme privacy, so that it is more easily believed in by those who construct a selfish old gentleman theoretically, than by those who form the narrower judgments based on his personal acquaintance.