Of course there are exceptional circumstances, and there is exceptional talent; but, unhappily, exceptional talent does not always win its reward unless favoured by exceptional circumstances.

love, which is a madness, and a scourge, and a fever, and a delusion, and a snare, is also a mystery, and very imperfectly understood by everyone except the individual sufferer who writhes under its tortures.

How chronic is the unconcern of men and women of the world!

Paris is a mighty schoolmaster, a grand enlightener of the provincial intellect.

A priest can achieve great victories with an army of women at his command.

When once estrangement has arisen between those who truly love each other, everything seems to widen the breach.

Of course there are exceptional circumstances, and there is exceptional talent; but, unhappily, exceptional talent does not always win its reward unless favoured by exceptional circumstances.