“Once upon a time, out of nowhere a car appeared and headed straight for Mal Bennett. 'Long time, no see,' the engine roared, and the clanging muffler agreed. The car embraced Mal, really soul-kissed him, then said 'Farewell,' tossing him back onto his beloved, sacred lawn.”

“Bruised, she spent the night with him; bruised, too, he held her as close as he could. It was all done, promised, and decided on.”

“His was cancer of the left lung; she had lost two breasts. Her grey eyes narrowed but did not tear when she said brightly, 'I'm not forgetful, they're not misplaced boobs, you understand. They're gone.”

“She said he looked better. He insisted it wasn't true. Then both were silent. They ate carefully--lonely people no longer astonished by their loneliness.”

“The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.”

“Ah!' said David, twiddling his fingers with glee as she poured him a cup. 'May the sun shine upon your splendid bosom in all eight kingdoms, Sarah lass!”

“Death was surely not an ephemeral interloper; its lasting effect was grating and horrible and one was constantly reminded of the permanence of an immense loss.”