That's the worst…or the best…of real life, Anne. It won't let you be miserable. It keeps on trying to make you comfortable…and succeeding…even when you're determined to be unhappy and romantic.

Children can be the most cruel creatures alive. They have the herd instinct of prejudice against any outsider, and they are merciless in its indulgence.

I'm afraid of those cows,' protested poor Dora, seeing a prospect of escape. 'The very idea of your being scared of those cows,' scoffed Davy. 'Why, they're both younger than you.

Which would you rather be if you had the choice--divinely beautiful or dazzlingly clever or angelically good?

The point of good writing is knowing when to stop.

People told her she hadn't changed much, in a tone which hinted they were surprised and a little disappointed she hadn't.

I don't like green Christmases. They're not green—they're just nasty faded browns and grays.