Desultory readers are seldom remarkable for the exactness of their learning.

We have much to hope from the flowers.

There's an east wind coming all the same, such a wind as never blew on England yet. It will be cold and bitter, Watson, and a good many of us may wither before its blast. But it's God's own wind none the less and a cleaner, better stronger land will lie in the sunshine when the storm has cleared.

Let me see. What are my other shortcomings?

Picnics are very dear to those who are in the first stage of the tender passion.

Well, sir, let us do what we can to curtail this visit, which can hardly be agreeable to you, and is inexpressibly irksome to me.

Why should people ever take credit for charity when they must know that they cannot gain as much pleasure out of their guineas in any other fashion?