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1 " He stood back smiling while they shook hands and murmured politely, and Amelia, meeting the Dutchman's sleepy gaze, had a sudden strange feeling, as though everything had changed; that nothing would ever be the same again; that there was no one else there, only herself and this giant of a man, still staring at her. "
― Betty Neels , The Silver Thaw
2 " She wanted desperately to put out her handand clutch his arm and explain why she wassad, and not because of Tom, who had suddenlybecome quite unimportant, but becauseshe loved him so much and he didn't caretwo straws for her.'I'm very happy,' she said a shade tooloudly. As the waiter went past she tookanother glass of champagne.'Happy? Oh yes, and I'm sure you willbe— -because you will make your own happiness.You'll tend it with all the care ofsomeone holding a last candle in the dark.You'll learn to make do with second best; agreat many men and women do, you know.Just a few know what real happiness is—to love someone so much that nothing elsematters any more, only the two of you andthe life you share.' Gideon smiled faintly.'We could have been like that, you and I. You know that deep in your heart, don't you,my darling? And do you know somethingelse? If it would make you happy, I wouldgive up all I have and live in a desert withyou, or on top of a mountain. I'd pluck themoon from the sky and hang the stars roundyour beautiful neck. The world could be paradise.'He sighed. 'But most of us, as I said,make do with second best.'Amelia drank in every word, her insidesglowing with excitement. He loved her—hemust, to talk to her like that. She had only toexplain...The next minute she knew that she neverwould. He laughed suddenly and the mockeryin his laugh was so blatant that she winced.'What nonsense one talks at weddings! Comeand meet Fiona; we came together—we'veknown each other for a long time. "
