[S]he and Sylvia were the only two human beings he had met for years whom he could respect: the one for sheer efficiency in killing; the other for having the constructive desire and knowing how set about it. Kill or cure! The two functions of man. If you wanted something killed you’d go to Sylvia Tietjens in sure faith that she would kill it: emotion, hope, ideal; kill it quick and sure. If you wanted something kept alive you’d go to Valentine: she’s find something to do for it. . . . The two types of mind: remorseless enemy, sure screen, dagger … sheath! (Parade’s End)