Charles Ryder

— Well, you're so mysterious about her.
— I hoped I was mysterious about everything.

— You got someone special waiting for you?
— Me? No. I've loved and lost for more than one lifetime.

A camera is a mechanical device which records a moment in time, but not what the moment means or the emotions that it evokes. Whereas a painting, however imperfect it may be, is an expression of feeling. An expression of love. Not just a copy of something...

— You're fond of wine?
— Yes, very.
— I wish I were. It's such a bond with other men.

— I act only as God directs.
— Rubbish. God's your best invention. Whatever you want, he does.