The love of books is among the choicest gifts of the gods.
Oh how I've missed you, Holmes.
It is not my intention to be fulsome, but I confess that I covet your skull.
He is not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone.
There is nothing like first-hand evidence.
Let us hear the suspicions. I will look after the proofs.