"I wish you wouldn't talk like that; I am sure mamma wouldn't like it--she can not bear anything that borders on the profane." "I am not bordering on the profane; I am only saying what I uphold is true.

I can not take things for granted as you do; I have to think them out for myself; and I have come to the conclusion that what a man is is of far more importance than what a man believes." "But you ought not to think things like that, Elisabeth; it isn't right to do so." "I can't help thinking it.

I am an independent being with a mind of my own, and I must make up that mind according to what I see going on around me.

What on earth is the good of having an intellect, if you submit that intellect to the will of another?
I wonder how you can take your ideas all ready-made from your mother," exclaimed Elisabeth, who just then was taking all hers ready-made from Alan Tremaine.
"Well, I can not argue.

I am not clever enough; and, besides, mamma doesn't like us to argue upon religious subjects--she says it is unsettling; so I will only say that I know you are wrong, and then we will let the matter drop and talk about Christopher.