We'll all grow up Meg, no pretending we won't.

But, Polly, a principle that can't bear being laughed at, frowned on, and cold-shouldered, isn't worthy of the name.

To marry without love betrays as surely as to love without marriage.

Fathers and mothers are too absorbed in business and housekeeping to study their children, and cherish that sweet and natural confidence which is a child's surest safeguard, and a parent's subtlest power.

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

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

Good, old-fashioned ways keep hearts sweet, heads sane, hands busy.