The Canterville Ghost and Other Stories

I think it is dreadful that any one should be so miserable.

fell passionately, stupidly in love, and the indefinable atmosphere of mystery that surrounded her excited my most ardent curiosity

Its beauty was a beauty moulded out of many mysteries - the beauty, in fact, which is psychological, not plastic - and the faint smile that just played across the lips was far too subtle to be really sweet.

He made me see what Life is, and what Death signifies, and why Love is stronger than both.’

Love is stronger than Death is.’

heart corroded by the shallow, fashionable egotism of our day

languid in his manner,

Nonsense! It reflects the highest credit on your philanthropic spirit, Hughie.

What seems poverty to you is picturesqueness to me.

Far away beyond the pine-woods,’ he answered, in a low dreamy voice, ‘there is a little garden. There the grass grows long and deep, there are the great white stars of the hemlock flower, there the nightingale sings all night long. All night long he sings, and the cold, crystal moon looks down, and the yew-tree spreads out its giant arms over the sleepers.’