How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
He's thinking about Merle. How something seems to wait in her eyes. How he felt calm, just standing next to her.
"Well, so it is," he says, smiling with wonder. (1.1.6-7)
This looks like the start of a beautiful catchphrase. Eric says this little statement in every single life he lives. It's an interesting one for him because the phrase indicates that he's sort of resigned to what's happening. Things just are what they are and what can you do, right? This is kind of true for Eric in a way.
Quote #2
Inside, he makes a note to punish himself later for such a lame reply, and yet, he had not said it with arrogance, or even an attempt at being funny. He said it as if someone else was saying it for him. (1.2.6)
Eric Seven doesn't know it yet, but this stuff has been said before. He's kind of tongue-tied and fumbles for words around Merle; he doesn't quite know what he's going on about. Someone else seems to be talking—some past self. Spooky.
Quote #3
Before she can say more, something distracts her and she looks over his shoulder.
"Forthwith the devil did appear"—she sighs—"for name him and he's always near."
"Pardon?" says Eric, but Merle does not reply. He turns to see Tor standing behind him. (1.7.20-22)
And here we have Merle's little catchphrase. This time she's quoting from the poem "Hans Carvel" by Matthew Prior, but she always says some variation on this little sentiment. It's kind of fitting for Merle, who is always following Eric from life to life. She thinks of him or speaks of him and—poof—there he is.