I think people really marry far too much; it is such a lottery after all, and for a poor woman a very doubtful happiness.

Being pregnant is an occupational hazard of being a wife.

Lord Aberdeen was quite touched when I told him I was so attached to the dear, dear Highlands and missed the fine hills so much. There is a great peculiarity about the Highlands and Highlanders; and they are such a chivalrous, fine, active people.

I love peace and quiet, I hate politics and turmoil. We women are not made for governing, and if we are good women, we must dislike these masculine occupations.

Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves.

The Government should take a firm, bold line. This delay - this uncertainty, by which, abroad, we are losing our prestige and our position, while Russia is advancing and will be before Constantinople in no time! Then the Government will be fearfully blamed and the Queen so humiliated that she thinks she would abdicate at once.

I don't dislike babies, though I think very young ones rather disgusting.