There was a frosty rime upon the trees, which, in the faint light of the clouded moon, hung upon the smaller branches like dead garlands. Withered leaves crackled and snapped beneath his feet, as he crept softly on towards the house. The desolation of a winter night sat brooding on the earth, and in the sky. But, the red light came cheerily towards him from the windows; figures passed and repassed there; and the hum and murmur of voices greeted his ear sweetly. ~ The Battle of Life
Accidents will occur in the
“Accidents will occur in the best-regulated families.” ~ David Copperfield
As to what I dare
“As to what I dare, I’m a old bird now, as has dared all manner of traps since first he was fledged, and I’m not afeerd to perch upon a scarecrow. If there’s Death hid inside of it, there is, and let him come out, and I’ll face him, and then I’ll believe in him and not afore. ” ~ Great Expectations
Dumb as a drum vith
“Dumb as a drum vith a hole in it, sir.” ~ The Pickwick Papers
When was I a child
“A child!” said Edith, looking at her. “When was I a child? What childhood did you ever leave to me? I was a woman – artful, designing, mercenary, laying snares for men – before I knew myself, or you, or even understood the base and wretched aim of every new display I learnt. You gave birth to a woman. Look upon her. She is in her pride tonight.” ~ Dombey and Son
But the words she spoke
But the words she spoke of Mrs Harris, lambs could not forgive . . . nor worms forget. ~ Martin Chuzzlewit
That was a memorable day
That was a memorable day to me, for it made great changes in me. But, it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it, and think how different its course would have been. Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day. ~ Great Expectations
The water of the fountain
The water of the fountain ran, the swift river ran, the day ran into evening, so much life in the city ran into death according to rule, time and tide waited for no man, the rats were sleeping close together in their dark holes again, the Fancy Ball was lighted up at supper, all things ran their course. ~ A Tale of Two Cities
It was understood that nothing
It was understood that nothing of a tender nature could possibly be confided to old Barley, by reason of his being totally unequal to the consideration of any subject more psychological than gout, rum, and purser’s stores. ~ Great Expectations
If you could see my legs
“If you could see my legs when I take my boots off, you’d form some idea of what unrequited affection is.” ~ Dombey and Son