Most men, if you just tell them what to do in a businesslike fashion, will follow directions without thinking about it. One proceeds on the assumption that they'll do as they're told, and they do.

Spring came late. For the children, shut in the dark, cold parsonage, adjusting to Aunt and getting over the death that brought her, the winter had seemed endless. But now the rough moor was flecked with racing cloud shadows; the maltreated holly tree had stopped weeping; the green mould on the graves had dried to an unsuggestive grey.

The church could never look cheerful. It was too black, and its voice, the bell, always said 'Fu - ner -al... fu - ner- al...' even when it was only calling them to hear one of their Papa's dramatic sermons.

The very people you trusted most could become like strangers in their longing...

I much prefer being a man. Women have to spend so much time pulling themselves together, and their shoes kill your feet.

I think you are going to see a new animal. You are going to see a lot more men on the playground at 10 in the morning on Tuesday than you see now.

meeting men can be tough.