Don't be ridiculous, please.' The most insulting words in the world!

To dispair is to turn your back on God.

A plate of apples, an open fire, and a jolly good book are a fair substitute for heaven.

Comedy and tragedy are so mixed up in life, Gilbert. The only thing that haunts me is that tale of the two who lived together fifty years and hated each other all that time. I can't believe they really did. Somebody has said that 'hate is only love that has missed its way.' I feel sure that under the hatred they really loved each other . . . just as I really loved you all those years I thought I hated you . . . and I think death would show it to them. I'm glad I found out in life.

Why did dusk and fir-scent and the afterglow of autumnal sunsets make people say absurd things?

I must be getting old ... People are beginning to tell me I look so young. They never tell you that when you are young.

It takes all sorts of people to make a world, as I've often heard, but I think there are some who could be spared,' Anne told her reflection in the east gable mirror that night.