“But that’s what happens when you allow a nice person to write a news paper serial for you; now the world thinks you’re nice, too, which is silly in the extreme. Sadly, it’s a burden that you must bear.”

“Jane, last night was” — he raked a hand through his hair — “nice.” Her expression could only be described as crestfallen. “No,”he hurried to say. “Don’t look like that! I didn’t mean ‘nice.’ In fact, it wasn’t nice at all.” Her brows lowered. “No?” “No.I mean, yes! Yes, it was nice, but it was also very, very—” He tried with all of his might to grasp a word that would encompass that heart - pounding exertion that even now was making his balls hum,but to his horror, he heard himself say once again,“ —nice. But really, really, really nice.”

“I’m surprised a person with your experience in telling elaborate fables should have difficulty in thinking up such a simple tale, but I suppose it’s a different issue when you have to think quickly rather than spend time thoroughly developing your story.” “I’m sure that’s it,” she replied blithely, cutting her bacon into small bits.“I’m also sure that my skills will grow over time. I just need to practice, practice, practice. Did I ever tell you about the dragon I owned when I was a child?”

“I’ve noticed that women often have a desire to change men, even the ones they love.”“I’ve noticed that, too.” Dougal frowned. “Which is odd, when you think about it. Because if you didn’tlike the way a man is, why would you attach yourself to him to begin with?”

“...it's sad day when you forget your purpose in life.”

“.Such power, and carried with such careless grace. Howthat must burden him.”

“By Ra, you’re an impertinent, saucy—” “Careful, Hurst. We just kissed, so according to you, I shall now interpret every thing you say in a very negative manner and might burst into tears and run shrieking off to a convent.”