The main question to a novel is -- did it amuse? were you surprised at dinner coming so soon? did you mistake eleven for ten? were you too late to dress? and did you sit up beyond the usual hour? If a novel produces these effects, it is good; if it does not -- story, language, love, scandal itself cannot save it. It is only meant to please; and it must do that or it does nothing.

Never try to reason the prejudice out of a man. It was not reasoned into him, and cannot be reasoned out.

Solitude cherishes great virtues and destroys little ones.

Politeness is good nature regulated by good sense.

Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will succeed.

How can a bishop marry? How can he flirt? The most he can say is "I will see you in the vestry after service."

People who love only once in their lives are shallow people. What they call their loyalty, and their fidelity, I call either the lethargy of custom, or their lack of imagination