“I’m not very good at giving people orderly explanations of things.”

“The time for miracles has either passed or not come yet, besides, miracles, genuine miracles, whatever people say, are not such a good idea, if it means destroying the very order of things in order to improve them.”

“In order to acquire a growing and lasting respect in society, it is a good thing, if you possess great talent, to give, early in your youth, a very hard kick to the right shin of the society that you love. After that, be a snob.”

“Age gives you an excuse for not being very good at things that you were not very good at when you were young.”

“It's very good of you--""No, no, not at all. It's my hobby. Not proposing to people, I don't mean, but investigating things. Well, cheer-frightfully-ho and all that. And I'll call again, if I may.""I will give the footman orders to admit you," said the prisoner, gravely, "you will always find me at home.”

“Bad people very often do one good thing.”