Perhaps there is no greater test of a man's regularity and easiness of conscience than his readiness to face the postman. Blessed is he who is made happy by the sound of a rat-tat! The good are eager for it; but the naughty tremble at the sound thereof.

If a secret history of books could be written, and the author's private thoughts and meanings noted down alongside of his story, how many insipid volumes would become interesting, and dull tales excite the reader!

What a charming reconciler and peacemaker money is!

it is the ordinary lot of people to have no friends if they themselves care for nobody

Why do they always put mud into coffee on board steamers? Why does the tea generally taste of boiled boots?

Under the magnetism of friendship the modest man becomes bold; the shy, confident; the lazy, active; and the impetuous, prudent and peaceful.

Fairy roses, fairy rings, turn out sometimes troublesome things.