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!

The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.

There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.

...the greatest tyrants over women are women.

Vanity is often the unseen spur.

There's a great power of imagination about these little creatures, and a creative fancy and belief that is very curious to watch . . . I am sure that horrid matter-of-fact child-rearers . . . do away with the child's most beautiful privilege. I am determined that Anny shall have a very extensive and instructive store of learning in Tom Thumbs, Jack-the-Giant-Killers, etc.

Choose a good disagreeable friend, if you be wise--a surly, steady, economical, rigid fellow.