As difficult as it is to have company within one's house, the absence of company is more so. The quiet echoing of solitary footsteps within the halls is suddenly amplified without the voices of excited guests. The clinking of plates and silver has narrowed to individual forks and spoons instead of the enchanting din of dining. The natural creaks and squeaks of the home are louder and more surprising.
A scoundrel will forever be a scoundrel, no matter which coat he wears.
Our hearts can deceive us. Our hearts cannot reason. They cannot judge a man's character. All they can do is see a man and think, 'There is a fine specimen. He is handsome and attentive. He will father healthy children.' It is only our mind that we can trust. Our mind can catch him in lies. Our mind can fathom his honesty and honor.
Whether you are healthy or ill, your thoughts can drive you. If you are feeling ill, it may be your mind that has made you so.
Joy is not a commodity to be hoarded and protected. It is like a muscle. It must be used daily to keep strong and vigorous. For all my hardships, I have been able to remain quite joyful, for my muscles are strong.
Papa said that I should never be jealous of another's marriage. Whatever joys I imagine them having are just my imaginings. The reality is far more complicated and vast.
There is not a person in the world who is given the advantage of travel who does not return changed.
Appearances are not the full cloth of a woman, but they are the most readily seen.
Spoken words evaporated into the air just as easily as burned letters, but the sound of them seemed immortal. It was as if a word spoken could not be destroyed.
An old friend is like a tender memory or a comfortable shoe. It takes years of caring to get to that point.