1
I am an average good Christian, when you don't push my Christianity too far. And all the rest of you–which is a great comfort–are, in this respect, much the same as I am.Wilkie Collins
2
But compare the hardest day's work you ever did with the idleness that splits flowers and pokes its way into spiders' stomachs, and thank your stars that your head has got something it must think of, and your hands something that they must do.Wilkie Collins
3
The clouds had gathered, within the last half-hour. The light was dull; the distance was dim. The lovely face of Nature met us, soft and still and colourless — met us without a smile.Wilkie Collins
4
You are not to take it, if you please, as the saying of an ignorant man, when I express my opinion that such a book as ROBINSON CRUSOE never was written, and never will be written again. I have tried that book for years–generally in combination with a pipe of tobacco–and I have found it my friend in need in all the necessities of this mortal life. When my spirits are bad– R O B I N S O N CRUSOE. When I want advice– R O B I N S O N CRUSOE. In past times when my wife plagued me; in present times when I have had a drop too much– R O B I N S O N CRUSOE. I have worn out six stout ROBINSON CRUSOES with hard work in my service. On my lady's last birthday she gave me a seventh. I took a drop too much on the strength of it; and ROBINSON CRUSOE put me right again. Price four shillings and sixpence, bound in blue, with a picture into the bargain.Wilkie Collins
5
If you will look about you (which most people won't do), " says Sergeant Cuff, "you will see that the nature of a man's tastes is, most times, as opposite as possible to the nature of a man's business.Wilkie Collins
6
Did you fall asleep?"" No. I couldn't sleep that night."" You were restless?"" I was thinking of you." The answer almost unmanned me. Something in the tone, even more than in the words, went straight to my heart. It was only after pausing a little first that I was able to go on.Wilkie Collins
7
I have abstained from expressing any opinion, so far, " says Mr. Superintendent, with his military voice still in good working order. "I have now only one remark to offer, on leaving this case in your hands. There IS such a thing, Sergeant, as making a mountain out of a mole-hill. Good-morning.""There is also such a thing as making nothing out of a mole-hill, in consequence of your head being too high to see it." Having returned his brother-officer's compliment in those terms, Sergeant Cuff wheeled about, and walked away to the window by himself.Wilkie Collins
8
I am (thank God! ) constitutionally superior to reason.Wilkie Collins
9
He was, out of all sight (as I remember him), the nicest boy that ever spun a top or broke a window.Wilkie Collins
10
I hope I take up the cause of all oppressed people rather warmly.Wilkie Collins
11
Your tears come easy, when you're young, and beginning the world. Your tears come easy, when you're old, and leaving it. I burst out crying.Wilkie Collins