It is worthy to note, that the early popularity of Washington was not the result of brilliant achievement nor signal success; on the contrary, it rose among trials and reverses, and may almost be said to have been the fruit of defeat.

The dance, like most dances after supper, was a merry one; some of the older folks joined in it, and the squire himself figured down several couple with a partner, with whom he affirmed he had danced at every Christmas for nearly half a century.

I've had it with you and your emotional constipation!

If I can, by a lucky chance, in these uneasy days, rub out one wrinkle from the brow of care, or beguile the heavy heart of one moment of sadness; if I can, how and then, prompt a happier view of human nature, and make my reader more in good humor with his fellow-beings and himself, surely, I shall not have written in vain.

There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity that never dreads contact and communion with others however humble.

History is but a kind of Newgate calendar, a register of the crimes and miseries that man has inflicted on his fellow-man.

Christmas is here, Merry old Christmas, Gift-bearing Christmas, Day of grand memories, King of the year!