I'd rather be a free spinster and paddle my own canoe. - Louisa May Alcott

I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queen's on thrones, without self-respect and peace.

Some people seemed to get all sunshine, and some all shadow…

And now, having endeavoured to suit everyone by many weddings, few deaths, and as much prosperity as the eternal fitness of things will permit, let the music stop, the lights die out, and the curtain fall for ever on the March family.