And, of course, afterwards -- one always hears these things afterwards, so much better if one heard them before -- we found out that dozens of empty brandy bottles were taken out of the house every week!

I don't think necessity is the mother of invention. Invention, in my opinion, arises directly from idleness, possibly also from laziness - to save oneself trouble.

There is no detective in England equal to a spinster lady of uncertain age with plenty of time on her hands.

I have always admired the Esquimaux (Eskimos). One fine day a delicious meal is cooked for dear old mother, and then she goes walking away over the ice, and doesn't come back.

Desperate ills need desperate remedies.

The best time to plan a book is while you're doing the dishes.

Prisoners at the bar, have you anything to say in your defence?