War makes good history but peace is poor reading.

It was the touch of the imperfect upon the would-be perfect that gave the sweetness, because it was that which gave the humanity

There is always an inertia to be overcome in striking out a new line of conduct – not more in ourselves, it seems, than in circumscribing events, which appear as if leagued together to allow no novelties in the way of amelioration.

Why didn’t you tell me there was danger? Why didn’t you warn me? Ladies know what to guard against, because they read novels that tell them of these tricks; but I never had the chance of discovering in that way; and you did not help me!

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

All romances end at marriage.

O, you have torn my life all to pieces... made me be what I prayed you in pity not to make me be again!