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.

Keep good company, read good books, love good things and cultivate soul and body as faithfully as you can

I’m not like the rest of you; I never made any plans about what I’d do when I grew up; I never thought of being married, as you did. I couldn’t seem to imagine myself anything but stupid little Beth, trotting about at home, of no use anywhere but there. I never wanted to go away, and the hard part now is leaving you all. I’m not afraid, but it seems as if I should be homesick for you even in heaven.

I can get on with wild beasts first-rate; but men rile me awfully.

Mine first --mine last-- mine even in the grave!

…I can't help seeing that you are very lonely, and sometimes there is a hungry look in your eyes that goes to my heart.

Resolved to take fate by the throat and shake a living out of her.