I was told once by some country people that a magician should never tell his dreams because the telling will make them come true. But I say that is great nonsense.

Such nonsense!" declared Dr Greysteel. "Whoever heard of cats doing anything useful!" "Except for staring at one in a supercilious manner," said Strange. "That has a sort of moral usefulness, I suppose, in making one feel uncomfortable and encouraging sober reflection upon one's imperfections.

She wore a gown the color of storms, shadows, and rain and a necklace of broken promises and regrets.

He smiles but rarely and watches other men to see when they laugh and then does the same.

How quickly was every bad thing discovered to be the fault of the previous administration (an evil set of men who wedded general stupidity to wickedness of purpose).

You mean to say he became mad deliberately?' ...Nothing is more likely,' said the duke.

It would need someone very remarkable to recover your name, Stephen, someone of rare perspicacity, with extraordinary talents and incomparable nobility of character. Me, in fact.