The little bit (two inches wide) of ivory on which I work with so fine a brush as produces little effect after much labour.

You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.

there is not the least wit in my nature. I am a very matter of fact, plain spoken being, and may blunder on the borders of a repartee for half an hour together without striking it out.

to hope was to expect

[W]here other powers of entertainment are wanting, the true philosopher will derive benefit from such as are given.

Nothing ever fatigues me, but doing what I do not like.

She would have liked to know how he felt as to a meeting. Perhaps indifferent, if indifference could exist under such circumstances. He must be either indifferent or unwilling. Has he wished ever to see her again, he need not have waited till this time; he would have done what she could not but believe that in his place she should have done long ago, when events had been early giving him the indepencence which alone had been wanting.