My case rests on the rights of desire,’ he says. ‘On the god who makes even the small birds quiver.’ — J. M. Coetzee

Because he takes pleasure in her, because his pleasure is unfailing, an affection has grown up in him for her. To some degree, he believes, this affection is reciprocated. Affection may not be love, but it is at least its cousin.

Talking to Petrus is like punching a bag of sand.

'Are you giving him up?'

'Yes, I am giving him up.'

"Why? Because a woman's beauty does not belong to her alone. It is part of the bounty she brings into the world. She has a duty to share it."