"For reasons they could no longer define clearly, Colin and Mary were not on speaking terms." Chapter 1, pg. 9

"She loved him, though not at that particular moment." Chapter 1, pg. 13

" 'These are women who cannot find a man. They want to destroy everything that is good between men and women.' He added matter-of-factly, 'They are too ugly.' " Chapter 2, pg. 27

" 'Look! he said. 'Here is the next head of the family. You must remember to keep on the good side of Robert!' Then he made me settle the arguments." Chapter 3, pg. 32

"It is my responsibility. I shall make up for everything; you will accept my hospitality." Chapter 4, pg. 52

"She was picking her way slowly through a long gallery of treasures, heirlooms, a family museum in which a minimum of living space had been improvised around the exhibits." Chapter 5, pg. 58

"You see, I came and looked at you...