But its surface represents the duration of the proprietor's life; and for every satisfied desire the skin shrinks in proportion to the intensity of fruition, until at length life and the last handbreadth of the peau de chagrin, disappear with the gratification of a last wish.
"Autobiography and Selected Essays"
Thomas Henry Huxley
Now, ''tis a handbreadth, 'tis a tale.
"Anne Of The Island"
Lucy Maud Montgomery
In the midst of it he made another rush, missed the calf by a handbreadth, and buried his sword to the socket in the mother's side.
"Children of the Wild"
Charles G. D. Roberts