When critics disagree the artist is in accord with himself.

If you cannot write well, you cannot think well; if you cannot think well, others will do your thinking for you.

I write because it gives me the greatest possible artistic pleasure to write. If my work pleases the few I am gratified. As for the mob, I have no desire to be a popular novelist. It is far too easy.

Newspapers have degenerated. They may now be absolutely relied upon.

A beautiful woman risking everything for a mad passion. A few wild weeks of happiness cut short by a hideous, treacherous crime. Months of voiceless agony, and then a child born in pain. The mother snatched away by death, the boy left to solitude and the tyranny of an old and loveless man. Yes, it was an interesting background. It posed the lad, made him more perfect as it were. Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic.

Oh, no doubt the cod is a splendid swimmer - admirable for swimming purposes but not for eating.

I never change, except in my affections.