I'll think of this possibility soberly, but I won't flirt, and then which ever way I decide I shall have nothing to reproach myself with."
— from Work: A Story of Experience by Louisa May Alcott

Of the native magistrates in the cities, the first is the expounder of the law, who is dressed in scarlet; he receives the customary honours of the country, and has the care of providing what is necessary for the city.
— from The Geography of Strabo, Volume 3 (of 3) Literally Translated, with Notes by Strabo

" "On the contrary, nothing can be a stronger proof of it, Elinor; for if there had been any real impropriety in what I did, I should have been sensible of it at the time, for we always know when we are acting wrong, and with such a conviction I could have had no pleasure.
— from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

What I did, I should have done if you had not come.
— from Rudder Grange by Frank Richard Stockton

Tears were trembling in her deep, wonderful eyes like dewdrops in the calix of a blue flower, and without knowing what I did, I stroked her silky hair.
— from Whoso Findeth a Wife by William Le Queux

Ever found out who done those two hold-ups?' "'Nope,' said I, 'and don't expect to.' "'Well, I done it,' says he.
— from The Killer by Stewart Edward White

If Lillie had said one word in defence, if she had raised the slightest shadow of an argument, John would have roused up all his moral principle to oppose her; but this poor little white water-sprite, dissolving in a rain of penitent tears, quite washed away all his anger and all his heroism.
— from Pink and White Tyranny A Society Novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Although his lofty post was constantly deluged by clouds of icy spray, and the weather side of the bridge-rail canvas was inches deep in sleet, he braved the elements through watch and watch, snatching a hasty meal of cocoa (which was cold by the time it reached him) and biscuits under the lee of the chart-house.
— from The Submarine Hunters: A Story of the Naval Patrol Work in the Great War by Percy F. (Percy Francis) Westerman

The French flag will be exempted from search: Spain will instantly demand, if she has not already demanded, similar exemption; and you may as well let her have it with a good grace, and without wrangling.
— from Miscellaneous Writings and Speeches — Volume 4 by Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron

Nevertheless we both cautioned her as much as possible, though she was in such a sad way I doubt if she heard us.
— from Yr Ynys Unyg The Lonely Island by Julia de Winton