What moralist can deny that well-bred and vicious people are much more agreeable than their virtuous counterparts? Having crimes to atone for, they provisionally solicit indulgence by showing leniency toward the defects of their judges. Thus they pass for excellent folk.

When women love, they forgive everything...

The secret of great fortunes without apparent cause is a crime forgotten, forgotten because it was properly done.

If the human heart sometimes finds moments of pause as it ascends the slopes of affection, it rarely halts on the way down.

Children, dear and loving children, can alone console a woman for the loss of her beauty.

In a husband, there is only a man; in a married woman, there is a man, a father, a mother and a woman.

How did you get back?' asked Vautrin. 'I walked,' replied Eugene. 'I wouldn't like half-pleasures, myself,' observed the tempter. 'I'd want to go there in my own carriage, have my own box, and come back in comfort. All or nothing, that's my motto.' 'And a very good one,' said Madame Vauquer.