Nor are these experiences heart soils and smirches.
"The Kempton-Wace Letters"
Jack London Anna Strunsky
Crystal is a very clear stone, as clear as the clearest glass, if not clearer; one may see far into it, yea, through it; it is without those spots, and streaks, and smirches that are in other precious stones.
"The Works of John Bunyan Volume 3"
John Bunyan
A great match-a great man-something fitting for you-one could accept that; but this little American nonentity, this little American-barely a gentleman-whom you'd never have looked at if he hadn't money-a man who will make you ridiculous, a man who can't have a thought or feeling in common with you-it's not fit-it's not worthy; it smirches you; it's debasing.
"Franklin Kane"
Anne Douglas Sedgwick