" They sat in silence until it was time for her to go. ‘Go before he gets back,’ said her mother. They stood up, embraced. Merle was shockingly aware of her daughter’s changed appearance. ‘Poor child, poor child,’ she said. ‘But she was a young woman,’ protested Harriet. ‘A beautiful young woman.’ ‘No, dear,’ said her mother sadly. ‘I meant you. "

― Anita Brookner , A Closed Eye