Only You Could Love Such A Vile,

How Do I Look?" Amanda Asked. Jack Shook His Head Ruefully As He Glanced At Her. No One Could Mistake The Remaining Flush On Her Cheeks, Or The Soft Sparkle Of Her Eyes, Or Her Lusciously Swollen Mouth, For Anything Other Than The Results Of Physical Passion. "like You've Been Ravished," He Said Flatly. She Astonished Him By Smiling. "hurry, Please. I Want To Go Inside My House And Consult A Looking Glass. I've Always Wanted To Know What A Ravished Woman Looks Like.

As We Talked, I Had The Sense Of Uncovering Something Precious And Long-buried, Fully Formed. Our Conversation Was A Process Of Removing Layers, Some Of Them Easily Dusted Away. Other Layers, Requiring Chisels Or Axes, Were Left Alone For Now. We Revealed As Much As We Dared About What Had Happened During The Years That Separated Us. But It Wasn't What I Had Expected, Being With Hardy Again. There Was Something In Me That Remained Stubbornly Locked Away, As If I Were Afraid To Let Out The Emotion I Had Harbored For So Long.

Pity Goes Hand In Hand With Contempt. Don't Ever Forget That, Liberty. You Can't Take Handouts Or Help From Anyone, Because That Gives People The Right To Look Down On You.

Because Handsomeness Is Always Accompanied By Vanity.and I Suppose Ugliness Is Accompanied By A Wealth Of Virtues?

In This Life And The Next, You're My Only Hope At Happiness.