Mechanical difficulties with language are the outcome of internal difficulties with thought.

We have really no absent friends.

Jane Austen, much in advance of her day, was a mistress of the use of the dialogue. She used it as dialogue should be used-to advance the story; not only to show the characters, but to advance.

When one is a child, the disposition of objects, tables and chairs and doors, seems part of the natural order: a house-move lets in chaos - as it does for a dog.

Disappointment tears the bearable film off life.

in my experience one thing you don't learn from is anything anyone set up to be a lesson; what you are to know you pick up as you go along.

The wish to lead out one's lover must be a tribal feeling; the wish to be seen as loved is part of one's self-respect.