She was a woman who, between courses, could be graceful with her elbows on the table.

Every governmental institution has been a standing testimony to the harmonic destiny of society, a standing proof that the life of man is destined for peace and amity, instead of disorder and contention.

Live as you like best, and your character will take care of itself. Most things are good for you; the exceptions are very rare.

Most English talk is a quadrille in a sentry-box.

If I were to live my life over again, I would be an American. I would steep myself in America, I would know no other land.

Am I solemn? I had an idea I was grinning from ear to ear." "You look as if you were taking me to a prayer-meeting or a funeral. If that's a grin your ears are very near together." "Should you like me to dance a hornpipe on the deck?" "Pray do, and I'll carry round your hat. It'll pay the expenses of our journey.

Little by little, even with other cares, the slowly but surely working poison of the garden-mania begins to stir in my long-sluggish veins.