The Way We Live Now

But the writing was clever. The facts, if not true, were well invented; the arguments, if not logical, were seductive

I could not quite make Julia a queen; but it was impossible to pass over so piquant a character.

There is an intoxication that makes merry in the midst of affliction,—and there is an intoxication that banishes affliction by producing oblivion. But again there is an intoxication which is conscious of itself though it makes the feet unsteady, and the voice thick, and the brain foolish; and which brings neither mirth nor oblivion.

The facts, if not true, were well invented; the arguments, if not logical, were seductive.

in a moment of enthusiasm,

No feeling of delicacy was shocked.

the quagmire of what we call love

but also with a well-considered calculation that she could obtain material assistance in the procuring of bread and cheese

upon the merits of the case

I fancy it doesn't do to make things too easy;—one has to pay so uncommon dear for them.