Do you suppose the St. Swithin's furnace-man was my one true love? Since I never spoke to him, it seems unlikely, but at least it was a passion unscathed by disappointment.

That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you to another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book. It's geometrically progressive - all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment.

I think you learn more if you're laughing at the same time.

Life goes on." What nonsense, I thought, of course it doesn't. It's death that goes on.

‎What a blight that woman is. Do you happen to know why? I lean toward a malignant fairy at her christening.

Naturally curly hair is a curse, and don't ever let anyone tell you different.

Will Thisbee gave me The Beginner's Cook-Book for Girl Guides. It was just the thing; the writer assumes you know nothing about cookery and writes useful hints - "When adding eggs, break the shells first.