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.

…she rejoiced as only mothers can in the good fortunes of their children.

All the worse for the undeniable talent which hides the evil so subtly and makes the danger so delightful.

Love is a flower that grows in any soil, works its sweet miracles undaunted by autumn frost or winter snow, blooming fair and fragrant all the year, and blessing those who give and those who receive.

politics were as bad as mathematics, and that the mission of politicians seemed to be calling each other names

...and best of all, the wilderness of books, in which she could wander, where she liked, made the library a region of bliss to her.

I did fail, say what you will, for Jo wouldn't love me.