She set about preparing her supper. It would have to be one of those classically simple meals, the sort that French peasants are said to eat and that enlightened English people sometimes enjoy rather self-consciously - a crusty French loaf, cheese, and lettuce and tomatoes from the garden. Of course there should have been wine and a lovingly prepared dressing of oil and vinegar, but Dulcie drank orange squash and ate mayonnaise that came from a bottle.

Of course it's all right for librarians to smell of drink.

Dulcie always found a public library a little upsetting, for one saw so many odd people there.

There are various ways of mending a broken heart, but perhaps going to a learned conference is one of the more unusual.

I love Evensong. There's something sad and essentially English about it.

Novel writing is a kind of private pleasure, even if nothing comes of it in worldly terms.

You know Mildred would never do anything wrong or foolish. I reflected a little sadly that this was only too true and hoped I did not appear too much that kind of person to others. Virtue is an excellent thing and we should all strive after it, but it can sometimes be a little depressing.