Long engagements give people the opportunity of finding out each other's character before marriage, which is never advisable.

“Every effect that one produces gives one an enemy. To be popular one must be a …”

“By the way, Dorian, he (Lord Henry) said, after a pause, what does it profit a …”

“With an evening coat and a white tie, as you told me once, anybody, even a stoc…”

“Vivere è la cosa più rara nel mondo. Molta gente esiste: ecco tutto.”