…to the inspiration of necessity, we owe half the wise, beautiful, and useful blessings of the world.

I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen.

You say often you wish a library; here I gif you one; for between these two lids (he meant covers) is many books in one. Read him well, and he will help you much; for the study of character in this book will help you to read it in the world, and paint it with your pen.

A little kingdom I possess, where thoughts and feelings dwell; And very hard the task I find of governing it well.

Fame is a very good thing to have in the house, but cash is more convenient.

The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms were very still as a figure glided quietly from bed to bed, smoothing a coverlid here, settling a pillow there, and pausing to look long and tenderly at each unconscious face, to kiss each with lips that mutely blessed, and to pray the fervent prayers which only mothers utter.

To marry without love betrays as surely as to love without marriage.