... up to this date, I have never been shut up in a separate room, or hedged off with any observances. My study, all the study I have attained to, is the little 2nd drawing room where all the (feminine) life of the house goes on; and I don't think I have ever had two hours undisturbed (except at night, when everybody is in bed) during my whole literary life.

I scarcely remember any writer who has ever ventured to say that the half of the work of the world is actually accomplished by women; and very few husbands who would be otherwise than greatly startled and amazed, if not indignant, if not derisive, at the suggestion of such an idea as that the work of their wives was equal to their own.

Terror of being found out is not always a preservative, it sometimes hurries on the act which it ought to prevent.

Truly there is nothing in the world so blessed or so sweet as the heritage of children.

I think reading a novel is almost next best to having something to do.

A hotel is a hotel all the world over, a place essentially vulgar, commonplace, venal, the travesty of a human home.

The ideal is the flower-garden of the mind, and very apt to run to weeds unless carefully tended.