Jack? . . . No, there is very little music in the name Jack, if any at all, indeed. It does not thrill. It produces absolutely no vibrations . . . I have known several Jacks, and they all, without exception, were more than usually plain. Besides, Jack is a notorious domesticity for John! And I pity any woman who is married to a man called John. She would probably never be allowed to know the entrancing pleasure of a single moment’s solitude. The only really safe name is Ernest.

In fact, now you mention the subject, I have been very bad in my own small way. I don't think you should be so proud of that, though I am sure it must have been very pleasant.

It is curious how vanity helps the successful man and wrecks the failure.

To get back my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early, or be respectable.

We can forgive a man for making a useful thing as long as he does not admire it

Men marry because they are tired; women, because they are curious; both are disappointed.

You told me you had destroyed it." "I was wrong. It has destroyed me.