Some dialogue exchanges:

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‘But then again, nothing can ever be truly certain. Even gravity’s only a theory, you know.’
‘You do say peculiar things sometimes. It’s not always very helpful.’

‘The meat was tough. It’s happened a couple of times recently. Is it the butcher? Do we need to find a new one?’

‘It’s difficult, you see. I’ve never told anyone, not even Magnus or Helena.’

‘As it happens, I also prefer linen, but how many napkins do you think are needed for a party of ninety people?’

‘And, Stanley, please may I remind you? It’s to be traditional New Orleans and standards, not some of your improvised experiments. There is a time and a place, you know.’

‘He proceeded with the usual tirade: he earns the money, I do the house.’

‘I thought I’d leave you to sleep in,’ Helena said. ‘I heard all the shouting last night. It sounded like quite a row, even from the other end of the house.’
‘And did you hear what it was about?’
‘No, not at all. I turned the television on. All parents row from time to time. It’s got nothing to do with me.’

‘And was it all as innocent as that?’
‘Yes. Yes, it was innocent.’
‘You look rather flustered.’
‘Nothing… happened.’
‘But she kissed you? You need to tell the truth.’
‘Yes…’
‘Was it just a kiss to each cheek, like a greeting or a goodbye?’

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Some typeset passages:

Chapter 1, p.9

Chapter 4, p.28

Chapter 6, p.42

Chapter 7, p.44

Chapter 11, p.85

Chapter 12, p.97

Chapter 13, p.104

Chapter 13, p114

Chapter17, p.161

Chapter19, p.182