“Do you always mix business and pleasure?” She flashed her most alluring smile. "Miss Stockton, when you own an inn, your business is pleasure.”

“When work is a pleasure, life is a joy. When work is a duty, life is slavery!”

“Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is.”

“I know all about you from your books,' she said. 'But in spite of that you're still a riddle to me.' Have you come here to solve it?' I asked.”

“Before they disappeared into the night, Bella said, 'Why do you think anyone wants to conquer someone else?'I don't know.'Really not?'Maybe to discover that person's secret.'And then what?'Then it's been discovered.'Or not.'Well, then you have to conquer that person again.'Again and again,' she said. 'Every day, every night.”

“Growing up is such a barbarous business, full of inconvenience... and pimples.”

“You need not be sorry for her. She was one of the kind that likes to grow up. In the end she grew up of her own free will a day quicker than the other girls.”