“I . . . am always half afraid of finding a clever novel too clever--& of finding my own story & my own people all forestalled.”

“but for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short.”

“my idea of good company.. is the company of clever, well-informed people. who have a great deal of conversation.”

“My idea of good company, Mr. Eliot, is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.”

“No, indeed, I shall grant you nothing. I always take the part of my own sex. I do indeed. I give you notice-- You will find me a formidable antagonist on that point. I always stand up for women.”

“My idea of good company...is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.' 'You are mistaken,' said he gently, 'that is not good company, that is the best.”

“If I am a wild Beast I cannot help it. It is not my own fault.”