Now and then genius carries all before it, but not often. We have to climb slowly, with many slips and falls.

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.

And the good fairy said, I won't leave you money or pretty dresses but I will leave you the spirit to seek your fortune from your own efforts.

[Jo to her mother] I knew there was mischief brewing. I felt it and now it's worse than I imagined. I just wish I could marry Meg myself, and keep her safe in the family.

I hate ordinary people!

It's a great comfort to have an artistic sister.

Laurie felt just then that his heart was entirely broken and the world a howling wilderness.