Quotes from Betty Neels

He sighed deeply: to fall in love at first sight with this malodorous sleeping girl, with, as far as he could see, no pretensions to beauty or even good looks, was something he had not expected. But falling in love, he had always understood, was unpredictable, and, as far as he was concerned, irrevocable That they hadn't exchanged a word, nor spoken, made no difference. He, heart whole until that minute, and with no intention of marrying until it suited him, had lost that same heart.

She had been the quiet, rather plain girl, with a surprisingly sharp tongue if she was put out, lovely eyes and pretty hair and a way of looking very directly at one. Now he had to admit that she had become more important to him than anyone else in the world. The idea of a future without her wasn't to be borne. She had by some mysterious metamorphosis become more beautiful than anyone else he had ever encountered.

She wasn't looking her best; her hair was coming down, for she had shed hairpins as she'd run, and her face lacked powder and lipstick. She looked hot and tired and surprisingly happy. He thought that he had never seen anyone quite as beautiful, so absolutely necessary to his happiness. It wasn't the first time he had fallen in love, but he knew that this was the last.

He mopped her face and thought how beautiful she was -- hair in a glorious tangle, a pink nose and puffy eyes, and swathed in a shapeless dressing gown only fit for the dustbin. The thought struck him with some force that he had fallen in love at last -- that, indeed, he had been in love for some time.

One falls in and out of love, but when one loves that is an entirely different matter, for that lasts through life and beyond, and is a rare thing.

Someday, Sarah, someone will come along and give you the moon, and the stars too.

But however fast the world was spinning, time was standing still for Celine and Oliver, held in a magic moment they would never forget.

There are so many kinds of beauty-have you ever looked in a small hidden pool in a wood, Becky? It's full of beauty, but it's not in the least spectacular, only restful and quiet and never-endingly fascinating.

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.

The professor was looking at Theodosia; he knew with resigned amusement that he was about to become the owner of the little dog. She wasn't going to ask, but the expression on her face was eloquent.

Something in his voice stopped her from asking any more questions and he went on: 'So you see, Octavia, we need you and you need us. Between us we can be a family instead of three lonely people.

She smiled and wanted to cry, too, for a moment. From happiness, she supposed. 'What a wonderful day to be in love and be loved. I'm so happy.

Anyone with any sense knew that one of the best parts of the day was the hour just as the sun was rising.

Not too bad, but I went and had coffee afterwards and sat for a bit. I hate the dentist.

made no fuss and helped around the house without making a song and dance about it. She'll make Dr Fforde a good wife, reflected Aunt Leticia.

You tempt me to telephone Matron and ask her to let you have the afternoon off.' He spoke lightly and Sarah felt a surprising regret that he couldn't possibly mean it. 'That sort of thing happens in novels, never in real life. I can imagine Matron's feelings!

She pulled a face at

That lady bought one too, declaring it was just the thing for a birthday present for her niece. Mary Jane thought it rather a poor sort of present but perhaps she didn't like the niece very much.

liked her even if he hadn't loved her; possibly, if Nelissa hadn't suddenly become available

She paused and added seriously, 'Isn't it funny the way we're talking, just as though we've known each other for years and years.' He said easily, 'Oh, I'm a great believer in instant friendship.

Get stuffed

from phone calls and emergencies, to say nothing of the hours he spent in his study. He would have time to talk to her. What about, she had no idea, but if there was nothing else to attract his attention he might

getting good passes.

Werdmer ter