How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Where are they going, Louise?"
"Europe," Louise said. Just that one word like the crack of doom.
"Where's that?" Beatrice was agog.
Louise said, "Europe is across the—"
"Never mind where it is," I said before Louise could tell Beatrice that Europe is across the ocean. Water is not a happy subject with us, and I wouldn't have Beatrice worried. (1.24-28)
Helena and her siblings have just heard that the Upstairs Cranstons are in for an adventure and are heading to Europe. This will require some serious exploration and major changes, and it sounds to us like Helena isn't happy about what lies ahead. In fact, she seems downright scared.
Quote #2
But I saw change coming, and that's always a worry, especially if you are the oldest. (1.43)
We know that Helena is a huge worrywart, and when it comes to big changes, she can worry with the best of them. Moving to England is one seriously huge change, plus Helena puts a lot of pressure on herself as the oldest sibling. How do you think being the oldest affects Helena's sense of adventure? Is she a more cautious explorer as a result? Or does she become a more daring explorer instead?
Quote #3
The doorbell rang again.
"I'll go," said Louise, out of her chair, and her skirt. She could never wait to stick her nose into whatever might be happening.
"Curiosity killed the cat," I called out to her. This is one of my favorite sayings. Beatrice would have scurried after her if I hadn't given her one of my looks. (2.21-23)
While they live in America, Helena is cautious as can be—she doesn't even want to go exploring in her own house. But that doesn't mean her sisters lack curiosity. In fact, Louise likes to go exploring all over the house—especially if it concerns Camilla. And Beatrice sounds like a pretty curious mouse, too. Do you think Helena's favorite saying turns out to be right? Does curiosity kill the cat?