…on some occasions, women, like dreams, go by contraries.

To me, love isn't all. I must look up, not down, trust and honor with my whole heart, and find strenght and integrity to lean on

Don't laugh at the spinsters, dear girls, for often very tender, tragic romances are hidden away in the hearts that beat so quietly under the sober gowns, and many silent sacrifices of youth, health, ambition, love itself, make the faded faces beautiful in God's sight. Even the sad, sour sisters should be kindly dealt with, because they have missed the sweetest part of life, if for no other reason.

Now I'm beginning to live a little and feel less like a sick oyster at low tide.

…that's what old people are here for, — else their experience is of little use.

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

I often think flowers are the angels' alphabet whereby they write on hills and fields mysterious and beautiful lessons for us to feel and learn.