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

Sir Walter, with his 61 years of life, although he never wrote a novel until he was over 40, had, fortunately for the world, a longer working career than most of his brethren.

It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but that you are a conductor of light. Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it.

if i could be assured of your destruction, i would in the interest of the public, cheerfully accept my death.

Oh how I've missed you, Holmes.

I am somewhat exhausted; I wonder how a battery feels when it pours electricity into a non-conductor?

I must apologize for calling so late," said he, "and I must further beg you to be so unconventional as to allow me to leave your house presently by scrambling over your back garden wall.