Growing old was simply a process of drawing closer to that ultimate independence called death.

The snow again. White, white net of beauty, net of dream, trapping the earth, trapping the helpless heart of life.

a man can break God's laws and be forgiven. That's what they teach us. But when he breaks Nature's laws, there's no forgiveness - and there's no escape. Sooner or later he pays the penalty, or his children pay it - or his children's children. It doesn't matter much. It must be paid.

God, what pathetic creatures had inherited the earth, to walk a little while with their eyes upon the stars and turn their gaze too soon upon the ground that held their feet!

A sickness ... defines margins, crystallizes the shape of things.

It's remarkable - most remarkable, the way these people manage, from time to time, a tragedy or a near-tragedy to break the even tenor of their ways,' said Mr. Tingley, in a tone of half-humorous superiority, by which he considered that he distinguished himself, subtly and inoffensively, from 'these people.

By mid-morning a rain as fine as silk spills was weaving over the lake.