I like the book, but I really don’t know why.’
— from The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness Being a Complete Guide for a Gentleman's Conduct in All His Relations Towards Society by Cecil B. Hartley

The poor child had never before been in real distress.
— from The Bridal March; One Day by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson

Under such circumstances it might appear to a foreigner highly imprudent for a band of conspirators to assemble in any part of Rome; but be it remembered deserts are to be found in this huge city, and the Campo Vaccino covers a space in which all the famous ruins of western Europe might be inclosed.
— from Rule of the Monk; Or, Rome in the Nineteenth Century by Giuseppe Garibaldi

—To dream you see a ghost, goblin, spectre and such kind of things, is of a very unfortunate nature; if you are in love, it is a certain sign of your not being beloved in return; depend upon it some one is about to deceive you and that you are friendly with one who is your most inveterate enemy. Arms.
— from The Witches' Dream Book; and Fortune Teller Embracing full and correct rules of divination concerning dreams and visions, foretelling of future events, their scientific application to physiognomy, palmistry, moles, cards, &c.; together with the application and observance of talismen charms, spells and incantations. by A. H. Noe

Of course it is a most annoying and unfortunate business, but I really do not think that you have any occasion to feel anxious about his safety, and it is morally certain that in time you will have him back, safe and sound.
— from The Lost Heir by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty

And he fought back bravely; I really do not think that an editor of a partisan paper to-day could improve upon him,—in vigor, in personality, or in coarseness.
— from The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 13, No. 77, March, 1864 A Magazine of Literature, Art, and Politics by Various