"Why should the calculus of the destinies not have its thorny parts?"




Though Mr. Jubber presented, to all appearance, the most scoundrelly aspect that humanity can assume, when he was clothed in his evening uniform, and illuminated by his own circus lamplight, he nevertheless reached an infinitely loftier climax of blackguard perfection when he was arrayed in his private costume, and was submitted to the tremendous ordeal of pure daylight.

Wilkie Collins, in Hide and Seek (1854).

Hooray for Wilkie Collins villains! The phrase “climax of blackguard perfection” is my new favorite. A few paragraphs hence Mr. Jubber says accusingly, “What do you mean by enticing away my Mysterious Foundling?” I love it.