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

Where's the use of looking nice, when no one sees me but those cross midgets, and no one cares whether I'm pretty or not?

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.

When I had youth I had no money; now I have the money I have no time; and when I get the time, if I ever do, I shall have no health to enjoy life. I suppose it's the discipline I need; but it's rather hard to love the things I do, and see them go by because duty chains me to my galley. If I ever come into port with all sails set, that will be my reward perhaps.

Honesty is the best policy, in love as in law.

...and best of all, the wilderness of books, in which she could wander, where she liked, made the library a region of bliss to her.

We're twins, and so we love each other more than other people.