The more observing ones may have seen, but discerning people are usually discreet and often kind, for we usually bleed a little before we begin to discern.

Now that Stevenson is dead I can think of but one English- speaking author who is really keeping his self-respect and sticking forperfection. Of course I refer to that mighty master of language and keen student of human actions and motives, Henry James.

You must not begin to fret about the successes of cheap people. After all, what have they to do with you?

It does not matter much whom we live with in this world, but it matters a great deal whom we dream of.

All the intelligence and talent in the world can't make a singer. The voice is a wild thing. It can't be bred in captivity. It is a sport, like the silver fox. It happens.

What if - what if Life itself were the sweetheart?

The fact that I was a girl never damaged my ambitions to be a pope or an emperor.