“…nothing seemed impossible in the beginning…”

“…nothing remained but loneliness and grief…”

“That was all I wanted!" whispered Polly, in a tone which caused him to feel that the race of angels was not entirely extinct.”

“…misfortune was much more interesting to her than good luck.”

“Dan clung to her in speechless gratitude, feeling the blessedness of mother love, — that divine gift which comforts, purifies, and strengthens all who seek it.”

“Dan clung to her in speechless gratitude, feeling the blessedness of mother love, — that divine gift which comforts, purifies, and strengthens all who seek it.”

“I'm tired of praise; and love is very sweet, when it is simple and sincere like this.”

“…it is so much better to work for others than for one's self alone.”

“Oh dear, life is pretty tough sometimes, isn't it?”

“Prosperity suits some people, and they blossom best in a glow of sunshine; others need the shade, and are the sweeter for a touch of frost.”

“So she enjoyed herself heartily, and found, what isn't always the case, that her granted wish was all she had hoped.”

“…men never forgive like women.”

“…often between ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us there exists a reserve which it is very hard to overcome.”

“…for no matter how lost and soiled and worn-out wandering sons may be, mothers can forgive and forget every thing as they fold them into their fostering arms. Happy the son whose faith in his mother remains unchanged, and who, through all his wanderings, has kept some filial token to repay her brave and tender love.”

“…proved that woman isn't a half but a whole human being, and can stand alone.”

“I don't think secrets agree with me, I feel rumpled up in mind since you told me that…”

“…what splendid dreams young people build upon a word, and how bitter is the pain when the bright bubbles burst.”

“The dirt is picturesque, so I don't mind.”

“…she rejoiced as only mothers can in the good fortunes of their children.”

“If life is often so hard as this, I don't see how we ever shall get through it…”

“I do like men who come out frankly and own that they are not gods.”

“Dear me! how happy and good we'd be, if we had no worries!”

“Jo's ambition was to do something very splendid; what it was she had no idea, as yet, but left it for time to tell her…”

“…she was one of those happily created beings who please without effort, make friends everywhere, and take life so gracefully and easily that less fortunate souls are tempted to believe that such are born under a lucky star.”