I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now.

You are like a chestnut burr, prickly outside, but silky-soft within, and a sweet kernel, if one can only get at it. Love will make you show your heart some day, and then the rough burr will fall off.

Prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well.

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

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.

Dear me, if men and women would only trust, understand, and help one another as my children do, what a capital place the world would be!

No woman should give her happiness into the keeping of a man without fixed principles.