“My dearest Lillian . . . if I had the gift of poetry, I would shower you with sonnets. But words have always been difficult for me when my feelings are strongest. The truth is, I need you. I’ve needed you for years. If you won’t marry me for the sake of your own honor, do it for the sake of everyone who would have to tolerate me otherwise. Marry me because someone has to help me to laugh at myself. And teach me how to whistle. Marry me, Lillian . . . because I have the most irresistible fascination for your ears.”
