Nothing seemed impossible in the beginning.

Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable.

Money is a needful and precious thing

I want to do something splendid… Something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead… I think I shall write books.

it was easier to do a friendly thing than it was to stay and be thanked for it.

People don't have fortunes left them in that style nowadays; men have to work and women to marry for money. It's a dreadfully unjust world.

In the books I read the sinners are always more interesting than the saints, and in real life good people are dismally dull. I've no desire to be wicked, but I do want to be happy. A short life and a gay one for me and I'm willing to pay for my pleasure if it is necessary.