The strongest proof of repentance is the endeavor to atone.

Our virtues, as well as our vices, are often scourges for our own backs.

Why, I can't help smiling at people, and speaking prettily to them. I know I'm no better than the rest of the world; but I can't help it if I'm pleasanter. It's constitutional.

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.

You seem to have quite a taste for discussing these horrible subjects," she said, rather scornfully; "you ought to have been a detective police officer.

Why is it so difficult to love wisely, so easy to love too well?

it is easy to starve, but it is difficult to stoop.