Wilkie Collins

“ In the absence of experience, a certain fervour of temperament was essential to success in the art of fascinating men. Either my temperament was deficient, or my intellect overpowered it. It was natural that I should suppose myself to be as susceptible to the tender passion as the most excitable woman living. ”

“ He has lost Philip’s services.
Three days more have slipped by. The aspect of my heaven on earth is beginning to alter.
Perhaps the author of that wonderful French novel, “L’Ame Damnée,” is right when he tells us that human happiness is misery in masquerade. It would be wrong to say that I am miserable. ”

“ She said, “You have got your own watch.” I told her my watch had stopped. “So has mine,” she said. There is no doubt about it now; she has pawned her watch. What for? She lives here for nothing, and she has not had a new dress since I have known her. Why does she want money?
Philip had not returned when I got home. Another mysterious journey to London? No. After an absence of more than two hours, he came back. ”

“ Philip Dunboyne, as he has deceived me. He has not the faintest suspicion that I have discovered him. I wish he had courage enough to kill somebody. How I should enjoy hiring the nearest window to the scaffold, and seeing him hanged!
Miss Jillgall is in better spirits than ever. She is going to take a little holiday; and the cunning creature makes a mystery of it. “Good-bye, Miss Helena. I am going to stay for a day or two with a friend.” What friend? Who cares? ”

“ For his health’s sake? No: to think. To think of what? Well, I might be surprised to hear it, but his idle life was beginning to weigh on his spirits; he wanted employment. Had he thought of an employment? Not yet. Which way had he walked? Anyway: he had not noticed where he went. These replies were all made in a tone that offended me. Besides, I observed there was no dust on his boots (after a week of dry weather) , and his walk of two hours did not appear to have heated or tired him. I took an opportunity of consulting Mrs. Tenbruggen. ”