I think a life of retirement is apt to render us selfish, and too positive in the wisdom and purity of our own notions, too prejudiced against the faults of our fellows.

Society is a mirror, where we can see human character reflected in a variety of shades, and thereby, if our minds be so inclined, we may attain a better knowledge of ourselves.

If, before we condemned others, we looked into our own hearts, we are likely to become more charitable and more humble at the same moment, and our own conduct necessarily becomes more guarded.

But with your mother, my Emmeline, and your open heart--unsophisticated as it may be--you will never go far wrong.

Mamma is looking anxiously at me, as if she feared I am exerting myself too much.