This quote captures a profound moment of realization about love, emphasizing its transformative power and the surprise it can evoke in an individual who perhaps has not encountered or recognized its depth before. The phrase suggests that love, while often discussed and celebrated in literature and conversation, remains an elusive and somewhat incomprehensible experience for many. The astonishment conveyed indicates a personal awakening or a new understanding of feelings once thought distant or inaccessible. The mention that 'the word was so little in his vocabulary' hints at personal limitations or the rarity with which he has encountered genuine emotion of this kind. It underscores how love can be both universally experienced yet uniquely personal, often breaking through defenses or preconceptions. This moment of recognition can serve as a pivotal point in a person's emotional development, challenging their previous notions about intimacy, vulnerability, and connection. Moreover, it hints at the transformative aspect of love—not just as an emotion but as an experience that can alter one's perspective and self-awareness. The language used is understated but powerful, emphasizing the quiet awe that can accompany such profound experiences. The quote invites readers to reflect on their own encounters with love, depicting it as a rare, almost mystical event that can leave one astonished and forever changed. It also reminds us that even the most familiar words can hold immense significance when experienced deeply. Overall, it encapsulates the wonderment and humility that often accompany the deepest forms of emotional connection.

*Book: "( A Man Could Stand Up )" - Author: "---Ford Madox Ford---"