“Sarah." Alex spoke again, directly to her. "I'm asking for your hand in marriage."She was speechless.”

“When she smiles niggers ask her for her hand in marriage; when I smile folks check their wallets.”

“THEN Almitra spoke again and said, And what of Marriage, master?”

“Can you row?" the Sheep asked, handing her a pair of knitting-needles as she spoke."Yes, a little--but not on land--and not with needles--" Alice was beginning to say.”

“Ever had a beer before?" Gabriel grinned. She shook her head."Then I'm glad I'm your first.""Have you ever held a boy's hand before?" She shook her head, and he laughed softly. "Then I'm glad I'm your first.""Have you ever been kissed by a boy?" She blushed deeply and shook her head."Then I'm glad I'm your first.""Have you ever fallen asleep in the arms of a boy before, Beatrice?"She shook her head."Then I'm glad I'm your first.""I haven't really danced like this before," she said wistfully."Then I'm glad I'm your first.""Has a man ever asked you to marry him before?"She shook her head, covering her mouth with her hand."Then I'm glad I'm your first.”

“She can put her life in Mitch's strong hands and fall at once into a dreamless sleep. In a sense, that is what marriage is about-a good marriage-a total trusting with your heart, your mind, your life.”