Arthur Machen

“ It grieves me, I assure you, to have to say this; but after all, one would not wish one's wife . . ."
Villiers had been staring in stupid astonishment, but at this point he burst into a wild peal of laughter, which echoed above the clamour of Cornhill. He roared and roared again, till the tears ran down his cheeks.
"My dear Richardson," he said at last, "I congratulate you again; you have married a wonderful woman. Good-bye."
Villiers went on his way, and as he disappeared into a hansom he was still bubbling over with unconquerable mirth. ”

“ Villiers was some time in finding Angelina Terrace. The neighbourhood was a very new one; two or three old mansions, with their pleasant lawns and cedars, had been "developed"; the result was a maze of brand new streets and terraces, street like to street, and terrace to terrace, and every house built after the same pattern in blinding white brick, with red facings and green Venetian blinds. ”

“ Villiers laughed; merrily, like a boy. "No, Richardson. I have no time for business; I have definitely chosen a great subject, the study of which will occupy me for the rest of my life."
"Indeed; a scientific subject I presume?"
"Yes, the fact is I am a student of London; I survey mankind from Cricklewood to Tooting, from Turnham Green to the Isle of Dogs. Can you speak the French of Soho? Do you understand Yiddish?" ”