Talk like a poetry book

“Oh,” said Phyllis, “my heart's thumping like a steam-engine—right under my sash, too.”

“Nonsense,” said Peter, “people's hearts aren't under their sashes.”

“I don't care—mine is,” said Phyllis.

“If you're going to talk like a poetry-book,” said Peter, “my heart's in my mouth.”

“My heart's in my boots—if you come to that,” said Roberta; “but do come on—he'll think we're idiots.”

“He won't be far wrong,” said Peter, gloomily. And they went forward to meet the old gentleman.

(E. Nesbit, The Railway Children)

Having an idea

"Look here," said Cyril. "I've got an idea."

"Does it hurt much?" said Robert sympathetically.

(E. Nesbit, Five Children and It)

Wings, germans

Jane said, "I think it would be perfectly lovely. It's like a bright dream of delirium."

They found the sand-fairy easily. Anthea said:

"I wish we all had beautiful wings to fly with."

*

"I heard father say the other day people got diseases from germans in rain water. ..."

"What are germans?"

"Little waggly things you see with microscopes," said Cyril with a scientific air.

(E. Nesbit, Five Children and It)