I felt Holmes's hand steal into mine and give me a reassuring shake.

- Watson

The good Watson had at that time deserted me for a wife, the only selfish action I can recall in our association. I was alone.

Watson. Come at once if convenient. If inconvenient, come all the same.

It was all love on my side, and all good comradeship and friendship on hers. When we parted she was a free woman, but I could never again be a free man.

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
"Pooh!" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you.

For strange effects and extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more daring than any effort of the imagination.