How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
In Chicago it never really got dark, not like this. And the house was too quiet, though things scuttled in from the walls. Once in a while a thumping sound came from overhead in the attic. I didn't think Grandma's house was haunted. What ghost would dare? But she slept downstairs to spare herself the climb, so I was miles from anybody. (3.2)
It's not just being far away from her family and friends that gets to Mary Alice. Even her surroundings are unfamiliar and spooky. How is she supposed to settle in comfortably when there are weird thumping noises coming from the attic? At least she's sure her grandmother has the ghosts cowed.
Quote #5
"I'll fire up the stove in my front room," Grandma said. "It'll be warm as toast in there."
"But—"
"Or you can serve store-bought cupcakes at your place."
Mrs. Weidenbach crumbled. (5.73-76)
Grandma Dowdel's house might not be the fanciest on the block, but she's still mighty proud of her home. In fact, she demands that Mrs. Weidenbach hold George Washington's Birthday tea right there. A warm stove and homemade cupcakes. What could be more hospitable?
Quote #6
Word went around like the wind that Grandma had snagged an artist on government pay and was charging three, four, as much as five dollars a day, depending on who told it.
Arnold Green was no trouble. He came and went and lurked in the attic most of the time. He was such a small man you hardly noticed him. (6.52-53)
Thankfully, Arnold Green more or less keeps to himself, which allows Grandma and Mary Alice to go on living as they normally do. Not even the hullaballoo with the snake and Maxine Patch does much to shake things up. Grandma Dowdel herself is already pretty eccentric, so a little more "culture" doesn't really change the feeling of her home.