In a North American context, that's a pretty meaningless sentiment. But I
wonder if that means more in an English context. Throughout the series, the
use of given names is based on class and rank. (Willie, for example, never
says "Neil" although he must have when they were Sandbaggers together; Diane
uses Neil because she's been around a long time and is a mother-figure). For
Marianne to say "Neil" and use the word "love" seems significant -- an
emotional risk for her, especially following the lack of response to her
"Something's got to give" speech in Neil's office.(She tells him that people
don't respect him, they fear him; that everything he thinks is a strength is
actually a weakness) There is such attention to detail in SB that I doubt
whether the words were just scribbled on the card. Any thoughts on this?
Mark
(Ottawa)