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

…for no matter how lost and soiled and worn-out wandering sons may be, mothers can forgive and forget every thing as they fold them into their fostering arms. Happy the son whose faith in his mother remains unchanged, and who, through all his wanderings, has kept some filial token to repay her brave and tender love.

I do like men who come out frankly and own that they are not gods.

…often between ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us there exists a reserve which it is very hard to overcome.

I only mean to say that I have a feeling that it never was intended I should live long. I'm not like the rest of you.

And the good fairy said, I won't leave you money or pretty dresses but I will leave you the spirit to seek your fortune from your own efforts.

But, like all happiness, it did not last long.