It is unaccountable how little while it takes some folks to grow just as natural to a man as his own breath
 Nathaniel Hawthorne, House of the Seven Gables (1851). copy citation

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Author Nathaniel Hawthorne
Source House of the Seven Gables
Topic breath
Date 1851
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/77/77-h/77-h.htm

Context

“nor, in spite of his patched coat and rusty beaver, and the curious fashion of his tow-cloth trousers, could she find it in her heart to outwalk him. "We shall miss you, next Sabbath afternoon," observed the street philosopher. "It is unaccountable how little while it takes some folks to grow just as natural to a man as his own breath; and, begging your pardon, Miss Phoebe (though there can be no offence in an old man's saying it) , that's just what you've grown to me! My years have been a great many, and your life is but just beginning;” source