I didn’t lie. I implied. - Lisa Mason

That’s what failure did to: run you out, plucked your bones, sucked you dry. It was revolting. A failed man is a loathsome thing.

What is destiny for any human being? What becomes of probabilities that collapse out of the timeline? Does destiny depend on who witnesses?

My angel," he says, cradling her. "I'm not an angel, Daniel." "Yes, you are." "No! I'm not an angel and I'm not a whore. I have intelligence and passion, strength and perseverance. I am capable of abstract thought, intellectual accomplishment, and artistic expression just like you, sir." He ponders that as the brougham trots up Fifth Street to Market. "What shall I call you, then?" Zhu smiles. "You may call me a woman.