“He's never quite got the trick of conversation, tending to hear in dissenting views, however mild, a kind of affront, an invitation to mortal combat.”

“I wonder if he kissed her, Jane thought. She was surprised to hear that they had had what seemed to be quite an intelligent conversation, for she had never found Fabian very much good in that line. She had a theory that this was why he tended to make love to woman - because he couldn't really think of much to say to them.”

“Coach Hedge grumbled as he tended their wounds. “How come I never get invited on these violent trips?”

“This was my modest dream come true: unambitious flight. The kind that never even got high enough for a view.”

“Yes, man is mortal, but that would be only half the trouble. The worst of it is that he's sometimes unexpectedly mortal—there's the trick!”

“However, he often feels challenged by those whom he teaches the sword. His disciples call him to combat.”