Out of the fictitious book I get the expression of the life, of the times, of the manners, of the merriment, of the dress, the pleasure, the laughter, the ridicules of society. The old times live again. Can the heaviest historian do more for me?

If a man's character is to be abused, say what you will, there's nobody like a relative to do the business.

The wicked are wicked, no doubt, and they go astray and they fall, and they come by their deserts; but who can tell the mischief which the very virtuous do?

To see a young couple loving each other is no wonder; but to see an old couple loving each other is the best sight of all.

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart.

It is all very well for you, who have probably never seen any spiritual manifestations, to talk as you do; but if you had seen what I have witnessed you would hold a different opinion.

Oh, those women! They nurse and cuddle their presentiments, and make darlings of their ugliest thoughts.