Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

by Susanna Clarke

“Indeed? And such a pinched-looking ruin of a thing now! I shall advise all the good-looking women of my acquaintance not to die,” said Mr Lascelles.

he examined his watch as though in hopes of discovering something about the operation of Time which had hitherto gone unnoticed and which would vindicate him.

“But they are blocking the light.” “So are you, Henry, but I have not yet taken an axe to you.”