The young people were playing that still more absorbing game in which hearts are always trumps.

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.

Happy is the son whose faith in his mother remains unchallenged.

I may be strong-minded, but no one can say I'm out of my sphere now, for woman's special mission is supposed to be drying tears and bearing burdens

books have been my greatest comfort, castle-building a never-failing delight, and scribbling a very profitable amusement.

...for a girl with eyes like hers has a will and is not ruled by anyone but a lover.

If we are all alive ten years hence, let's meet, and see how many of us have got our wishes, or how much nearer we are then than now.