“I am to be converted to the joys of knitting,' said Mrs. Ali, smiling at the Major.'My condolences,' he said.”

“My dear Mrs. Ali, I would hardly refer to you as old," he said. "You are in what I would call the very prime flowering of mature womanhood." It was a little grandiose but he hoped to surprise a blush. Instead she laughed out loud at him. "I have never heard anyone try to trowel such a thick layer of flattery on the wrinkles and fat deposits of advanced middle age, Major," she said. "I am fifty-eight years old and I think I have slipped beyond flowering. I can only hope now to dry out into one of those everlasting bouquets.”

“I am not loitering" said the Major. "I am simply indulging in a few moments of pastoral solitude"...”

“I am free,’ he said suddenly. And his joy changed, on the spot, to a crushing sense of anguish.”

“My knitting is simple", he said again. Ï can make anything you want with it, but it will always be simple.”

“Happy," said Thomas. "When I grow up, I am going to be happy."Mrs. van Amersfoort was about to pull a book from the shelf, but turned in surprise. She looked at Thomas with a smile and said, "That is a damn good idea. And do you know how happiness begins? It begins with no longer being afraid.”