Men do, I've found, accept the most errant nonsense from a well dressed woman

...but somehow the madness around me and the turmoil I carried within myself acted as counterweights, and I survived in the centre.

Most damning of phrases: He meant well.

In silent films, quite complex plots are built around action, setting, and the actors gestures and facial expressions, with a very few storyboards to nail down specific plot points.

Do not neglect to bring your revolver, Russell. It may be needed, and it does us no good in your drawer with that disgusting cheese." "My lovely Stilton; it's almost ripe, too. I do hope Mr. Thomas enjoys it." "Any riper and it will eat through the woodwork and drop into the room below." "You envy me my educated tastes." "That I will not honour with a response. Get out the door, Russell.

Pride is a sweetmeat, to be savoured in small pieces; it makes for a poor feast.

It was hypnotic, and then it was unsettling, and finally I became aware of another entity in my universe, sitting on the shore two hundred yards away, smoking a pipe.