For some years, Mrs. Fleming's proceedings were simply a theme for gossips, and her vanity was openly pardoned, until that delusively prosperous appearance which her labour lent to the house, was worn through by the enforced confession of there being poverty in the household.
"The Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith"
George Meredith
His constant theme was that every man who delusively imagined himself to be free was merely the plaything of the cruel sport of mysterious powers, and it was vain for man to resist them; he must humbly submit to whatever destiny had decreed for him.
"Weird Tales. Vol. I"
E. T. A. Hoffmann
The water resting on the verge of the lovely Isle was as delusively clear, but was not deceptive.
"Tropic Days"
E. J. Banfield