32. Several exclamation points are sometimes used together, to express ridicule, or to intensify surprise, etc.
Malherbe observed, that a good poet was of no more service to the church or the state, than a good player at ninepins!!
VII. THE DASH.
33. The Dash is used where a sentence breaks off abruptly.
Charles. You must invent some ingenious subterfuge—some—some kind of—
Project. I understand; not a suggestio falsi, but a mild suppressio veri. {p115}
Charles. Oh, is that what you call it? There is a shorter word—
Project. There is; but it is not professional.
I shall divide the subject into fifteen heads, and then I shall argue thus—but, not to give you and myself the spleen, be contented at present with an Indian tale.
34. The dash is used before and after a parenthetic clause, when not closely enough connected to admit the comma.