"What's this one ?" "The Club of Queer Trades is a society consisting exclusively of people who have invented some new and curious way of making money.

I was one of the earliest members." "You deserve to be," said Basil, taking up his great white hat, with a smile, and speaking for the last time that evening.
When they had passed out the Adventure and Romance agent wore a queer smile, as he trod down the fire and locked up his desk.

"A fine chap, that Major; when one hasn't a touch of the poet one stands some chance of being a poem.

But to think of such a clockwork little creature of all people getting into the nets of one of Grigsby's tales," and he laughed out aloud in the silence.
Just as the laugh echoed away, there came a sharp knock at the door.

An owlish head, with dark moustaches, was thrust in, with deprecating and somewhat absurd inquiry.
"What! back again, Major ?" cried Northover in surprise.