“My dearest Mary, Both my words and my conduct at our last meeting were ungentlemanly - born of haste and high emotion, rather than friendship and good judgement - and yet I cannot find it within me to apologize. I am glad I kissed you; glad to have revelled in your scent, your taste, the touch of your hands; glad, even, to have quarrelled with you because during those moments of anger, I was in your presence. Mary, you are the most singular woman I know: intelligent, brave and honest, and I crave your friendship. I confess to only the haziest notion of what I ask, having never been friends with a woman before. My friendships are male and conventional; pleasant and without distinction. But a friendship with you would be a bright, new, rare thing - if you would do me the honour. I expect that what I ask is impossible. But it is sweet to dream, Mary, and thus I tender one last, insolent, unapologetic request: write to me only if you can say yes. Yours, James”
Quote by Y.S. Lee
Work
The Traitor in the Tunnel
Browse quotes and source details for this work. more
Author
You May Also Like
“Henceforth letter-writing had to take the place of all the affection that could not be lived.”
Source: The Bridge of San Luis Rey
Source: Life Form
Source: The Sailor who Fell from Grace with the Sea
Source: The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus's Essential Teachings on Discipleship
Source: Lost Everything
Source: Love Letters
Source: Frances and Bernard
Source: The Fridgularity