I was too absorbed to be responsive

It is in the thirties that we want friends. In the forties we know they won't save us any more than love did.

The transition from libertine to prig was so complete.

It is invariably saddening to look through new eyes at things upon which you have expended your own powers of adjustment.

When Eleanor's arm touched his he felt his hands grow cold with deadly fear lest he should lose the shadow brush with which his imagination was painting wonders of her. He watched her from the corners of his eyes as ever he did when he walked with her-- she was a feast and a folly and he wished it had been his destiny to sit forever on a haystack and see life through her green eyes.

I think they're very attractive,' Abe agreed. 'I just don't think they're attractive, that's all.

The things that'll make you fail I'll love always.