In fine weather the old gentelman is almost constantly in the garden; and when it is too wet to go into it, he will look out the window at it, by the hour together. He has always something to do there, and you will see him digging, and sweeping, and cutting, and planting, with manifest delight.

I ate 'umble pie with an appetite.

I know enough of the world now to have almost lost the capacity of being much surprised by anything

My meaning is, that no man can expect his children to respect what he degrades.

In a utilitarian age, of all other times, it is a matter of grave importance that fairy tales should be respected.

Time and tide will wait for no man, saith the adage. But all men have to wait for time and tide.

Marley was dead: to begin with.