He wanted to pray but couldn't because he no longer believed. Prayer was just an intense wishing. - Bernard MacLaverty

"But listen to this," Kathleen laughed and wheezed. "We had been talking about books. He tells me he reads a lot - as a matter of fact he's book mad - and when I came in with the tea I said 'Do you like Earl Grey?' and he says, 'I don't know. What did he write?' Isn't that marvellous?" Mary smiled and nodded while Kathleen giggled uncontrollably.

Do you still want to - refuse to help?" "I'm afraid so."
"Not to act - you know - is to act. By not doing anything you are helping to keep the Brits here.

It is disconcerting to find that an acquaintance considers you his best friend, his soul mate, but I could do nothing about it.