For the microbe of pessimism is the most infectious of bacteria; it spreads in such a manner that all decent-minded folk, when they have fallen victims to it, ought surely (on the analogy of what they would do if it was influenza) to shut themselves up and refuse to see anybody.
— from Up and Down by E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson

"If we don't get off before half-past nine we're lost," said I. We found an unexpected clog in Mr. Smith, who seemed inclined to stick to us and repeat the stories he had told us overnight.
— from A Great Emergency and Other Tales by Juliana Horatia Gatty Ewing

"But surely——" "The Ulema are required to signify their assent by to-morrow morning, and we are to meet at the Citadel at four in the afternoon.
— from The White Prophet, Volume 1 (of 2) by Caine, Hall, Sir

“Soon as yew’re all over the side, we’ll cut yew adrift; and when yew’re skipper picks yew up, yew may tell him that I’ll throw every nigger overboard before he shall take us, and run the schooner aground and blow her up this time.”
— from The Black Bar by George Manville Fenn

Now she was just behind her; Louise felt already her hot, panting breath upon her cheek; saw the upraised arm, ready to seize the letter—when suddenly the door opened, before which Louise stood, and the princess royal appeared.
— from Frederick the Great and His Court by L. (Luise) Mühlbach

He stepped on shore with a brow less calm and a smile less sweet than usual, and returned the salutations of his followers in a manner less courteous than his wont, as he hurried on towards the entrance of the ravine leading up to his abode.
— from The Pirate of the Mediterranean: A Tale of the Sea by William Henry Giles Kingston