Speaking of Johnny's conclusion to become an outlaw, reminds me of Susie's newest and very earnest longing—to have crooked teeth and glasses—“like Mamma.”
— from Mark Twain's Letters — Volume 3 (1876-1885) by Mark Twain

I may add that the birds, whose sanctuary we had invaded, as the bittern and various tribes of the galinule, together with the frogs, made incessant noises around us, There were, however, but few water-fowl on the river; which was an additional proof to me that we were not near any very extensive lake.
— from Two Expeditions into the Interior of Southern Australia — Complete by Charles Sturt

"It is not a very exhilarating life, certainly," said Claude Lennox.
— from The Shadow of a Sin by Charlotte M. Brame

"Not a very extensive list of things to eat, but much better than nothing at all."
— from Dave Porter in the South Seas; or, The Strange Cruise of the Stormy Petrel by Edward Stratemeyer

If you hold your hand near a vacuum electric lamp globe that is glowing, some of the heat will go out to your hand at once.
— from Common Science by Carleton Washburne

"Not a very elaborate luncheon
— from Kings, Queens and Pawns: An American Woman at the Front by Mary Roberts Rinehart

Amen.' 27 It was not a very eloquent little prayer and it lacked the set forms of invocation and doxology which devout persons use; but Omobono had made it up for himself long ago, and said it every day at least once, for it precisely expressed what he sincerely wished and intended to ask with due humility; and he was a good man, in spite of his besetting fault, and believed that what he asked would be granted.
— from Arethusa by F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford

It is certainly not a voluntary experiment, like that of Harlequin; for it was my original intention never to have avowed these works during my lifetime, and the original manuscripts were carefully preserved (though by the care of others rather than mine), with the purpose of supplying the necessary evidence of the truth when the period of announcing it should arrive.
— from Chronicles of the Canongate, 1st Series by Walter Scott

The tribute of our praise receive, For you have earned it now; And victory, ere long shall weave Fresh laurels for your brow.
— from Gallery of Comicalities; Embracing Humorous Sketches by Robert Cruikshank