Anyone who knew the word slattern was worth cultivating as a friend.

Not very good with death? Father was a military man, and military men lived with death; lived for death; lived on death. To a professional soldier, oddly enough, death was life.

Liberals have always been the most fervent Imperialists.

Whenever I'm with other people, part of me shrinks a little. Only when I am alone can I fully enjoy my own company.

My grandmother flew only once in her life, and that was the day she and her new husband ascended into the skies of Victorian London in the wicker basket of a hot-air balloon. They were soon to emigrate to Canada, and the aerial ride was meant to be a last view of their beloved England.

The very best people are like that. They don't entangle you like flypaper.

Although it is pleasant to think about poison at any season, there is something special about Christmas, and I found myself grinning.