The Shadow and the Star

She hadn't ascribed to this modern notion of equality between the sexes. Woman were patently superior.

If you’re not a criminal, then what are you doing stealing all these swords and things?” For a moment he was silent. Then he rubbed his chin and said, “There’s no name for it in English.” “Oh, is there not? ‘Burglary’ seems descriptive enough.” “Kyojitsu.” He looked levelly into her eyes, not wavering. “False-true.

To try to let go was to hold more tightly.

I enjoy Mr. Verne’s work,” she went on brightly. “He writes of such exotic places. But you’ve seen all that sort of thing in person. I suppose it’s nothing to you.” “Of course. Giant squids. Cannibals. Every day.

Just—let me hold you. That’s all. Hold you and go to sleep.” He smoothed his thumbs over the back of her hands. “You can tell me everything about tableware.” She was silent a moment, gazing down at their hands. Then she said, “Would you like to know about holloware or flatware?” “Flatware. Naturally, flatware.” “I shall certainly put you to sleep with that. I venture to say you’ll be snoring by the time I get to the runcible spoon.” “My God. Do I snore?” “You were decidedly snoring last night, as I was enlightening you upon the nature and arrangement of sideboards. I’m rather a connoisseur of sideboards, but I suppose not everyone enters into my own enthusiasm. Kindly refrain from swearing, if you please.” “I beg your pardon.” He kissed her nose...