It isn't always nice things that happen, Jean." "Not always, of course, but far more nice things than nasty ones." "Jean, I'm afraid you're a chirping optimist.

You'll reduce me to the depths of depression if you insist on being so bright.

Rather help me to rail against fate, and so cheer me." "Do you realise that Davie will be home next week ?" said Jean, as if that were reason enough for any amount of optimism.

"I think, on the whole, he has enjoyed his first term, but he was pretty homesick at first.

He never actually said so, but he told us in one letter that he smelt the tea when he made it, for it was the one thing that reminded him of home.