"It was not in the least unpleasant, and it reminded him [of] . . . Pickled walnuts? New leather? Or was it the corridors of a hospital?"

"Billy was seventeen years old. He was wearing a new navy blue overcoat, a new brown trilby hat, and a brand new brown suit"

"'And have you met my little Basil as well?' She nodded toward the dog curled up so comfortably in front of the fire. Billy looked at it. And, suddenly, he realized this animal had all the time been just as silent and motionless as the parrot. He put out a hand and touched it gently on the top of its back. The back was hard and cold, and when he pushed the hair to one side with his fingers, he could see the skin underneath, grayish black and dry and perfectly preserved"

"'Oh no, I don't think they were famous. But they were incredibly handsome, both of them, I can promise you that. They were tall and young and handsome, my dear, just exactly like you'"

"'Try the Bell and Dragon,' the porter answered, pointing down the road. 'They might take you in. It's about a quarter of a mile along on the other side'"

"This dame was like a jack-in-the-box. He pressed the bell and out she popped"