How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The proudest moment of [Tom's] life had been when he was twelve and Valentine had come down to present the apprentices' end-of-year prizes, including the one Tom had won for an essay on identifying fake antiquities. (2.7)
It's important to realize that Tom isn't proud that he won a prize due to his own hard work; he's proud that he got to see Valentine give a speech. Wethinks Tom might have a little man-crush on Valentine.
Quote #2
Tom felt a big, gentle hand on his shoulder and then--he was never sure quite how it happened--a twist, a shove, and he was pitching over the handrail and falling. (3.24)
Here's how it happened, Tom: your hero just pushed you to your death. But you're so blinded by your idolization of Valentine that you don't even see the betrayal right away. How's that for appearances being deceiving?
Quote #3
Valentine pushed me! [...] No, he can't have. It must have been a mistake. I slipped, and he tried to grab me, that's what must have happened. (4.7)
Now Tom is rewriting history to keep from believing that his hero would push him in a long hole to nowhere. He's so in denial, he's blaming himself.