In time, Mr Hall, one gets to recognize that sneer, that hardness, for fornication extends far beyond the actual deed. Were it a deed only, I for one would not hold it anathema. But when the nations went a whoring they invariably ended by denying God, I think, and until all sexual irregularities and not some of them are penal the Church will never reconquer England.

The king died and then the queen died is a story. The king died, and then queen died of grief is a plot.

There's never any great risk as long as you have money.

It is obvious enough for the reader to conclude, "She loves young Emerson." A reader in Lucy's place would not find it obvious. Life is easy to chronicle, but bewildering to practice, and we welcome "nerves" or any other shibboleth that will cloak our personal desire. She loved Cecil; George made her nervous; will the reader explain to her that the phrases should have been reversed?

America is rather like life. You can usually find in it what you look for It will probably be interesting, and it is sure to be large.

Neanderthal man listened to stories, if one may judge by the shape of his skull.

“It is Fate that I am here,” persisted George. “But you can call it Italy if it makes you less unhappy.”