I'm youth, I'm joy, I'm a little bird that has broken out of the egg. - J. M. Barrie

The last thing he ever said to me was, "Just always be waiting for me, and then some night you will hear me crowing."

"In twenty years," I said, smiling at her tears, "a man grows humble, Mary. I have stored within me a great fund of affection, with nobody to give it to, and I swear to you, on the word of a soldier, that if there is one of those ladies who can be got to care for me I shall be very proud." Despite her semblance of delight I knew that she was wondering at me, and I wondered at myself, but it was true.

If he could get the hang of the thing his cry might become To live would be an awfully big adventure! but he can never quite the hang of it...