William Wilkie Collins

“ Out on the blue sea, the distant splash of the paddles, the distant thump of the engines, told from time to time of the passage of steamers, entering or leaving the strait between the island and the mainland. In the trees, the birds sang gaily among the rustling leaves. In the house, the women-servants were laughing over some jest or story that cheered them at their work. It was a lively and pleasant time—a bright, enjoyable day.
The two ladies were out together; resting on a garden seat, after a walk round the grounds. ”

“ We look at some subjects in very different ways. I don't dispute, dear, that yours is the reasonable view."
"You don't dispute?" retorted Mrs. Crayford, warmly. "No! you do what is worse—you believe in your own opinion; you persist in your own conclusion—with the newspaper before you! Do you, or do you not, believe the newspaper?" ”

“ Far and near the garden-view looked its gayest and brightest in the light of the noonday sun. The cheering sounds which tell of life and action were audible all round the villa. From the garden of the nearest house rose the voices of children at play. ”