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 like good strong words that mean something.

Ridicule is often harder to bear than self-denial.

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

A real gentleman is as polite to a little girl as to a woman.

Well, if I can't be happy, I can be useful, perhaps.

Beth ceased to fear him from that moment, and sat there talking to him as cozily as if she had known him all her life, for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.