Affection is created by habit, community of interests, convenience and the desire of companionship. It is a comfort rather than an exhilaration.

Are you sure you can prevent yourself from falling in love one of these days? Such things do happen, you know, even to the most prudent men.' Simon gave him a strange, one might even have thought a hostile, look. I should tear it out of my heart as I'd wrench out of my mouth a rotten tooth.

It is astonishing how many books I find there is no need for me to read at all.

Self-control might be as passionate and as active as the surrender to passion.

The novel may stimulate you to think. It may satisfy your aesthetic sense. It may arouse your moral emotions. But if it does not entertain you it is a bad novel.

I would sooner read a time-table or a catalogue than nothing at all. They are much more entertaining than half the novels that are written.

Women are strange little beasts,' he said to Dr. Coutras. 'You can treat them like dogs, you can beat them till your arm aches, and still they love you.' He shrugged his shoulders. 'Of course, it is one of the most absurd illusions of Christianity that they have souls.