I won't say she was silly, but I think one of us was silly, and it wasn't me.

- Elizabeth Gaskell

A solitary life cherishes mere fancies until they become manias.

- Elizabeth Gaskell

I look at [books] as a child looks at cakes - with glittering eyes and a watering mouth, imagining the pleasure that awaits him.

- Elizabeth Gaskell

But the cloud never comes in that quarter of the horizon from which we watch for it.

- Elizabeth Gaskell

Waiting is far more difficult than doing.

- Elizabeth Gaskell

There is always a pleasure in unravelling a mystery, in catching at the gossamer clue which will guide to certainty.

- Elizabeth Gaskell

Anticipation was the soul of enjoyment.

- Elizabeth Gaskell

I value my own independence so highly that I can fancy no degradation greater than that of having another man perpetually directing and advising and …

- Elizabeth Gaskell

Those who are happy and successful themselves are too apt to make light of the misfortunes of others.

- Elizabeth Gaskell