"Above all, don't sleep in a house in which there is a man with one leg shorter than the other."
"Jackson, occupying the position which I hold, which we both hold, I am surprised to hear you speak in such a strain."
"I knew you would be, but I can't help it. I suppose we're not allowed to believe in dreams?"
"Several of the rules are aimed at that particular form of foolish credulity."
"Foolish, is it? Then all I can say is, that the things I've dreamt about you during the last night or two have been enough to turn a man's brain. I've seen you in the most frightful situations, awful. Such dreams must mean something--they must. Anyhow, Mrs Jackson insisted on my giving you warning. She believes in everything."
"In a woman, Jackson, that sort of thing is excusable. We, as men, know better."
"If she knew that I was going to this--this flare-up I don't know what she would do. She'd expect to see me brought home dead on a shutter. I do hope no harm will come of it all."
"My dear Jackson, it is time to start. Suppose we have a glass of sherry before we go."
"It would brace us up."
I cannot say why he supposed that I required bracing up. Though his need was plain enough. As we drove to the Coliseum--I noticed, quite by accident, that the cab horse was not white--he entertained me with conversation of a kind to which I had a strong objection.