How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
We were in a tizzy then until Lamont escaped out into his free afternoon. We barely got the napkin off him. He'd dropped down to all fours and scampered for the front door. He was half wild, was Lamont. Boys are. (2.13)
Helena has a very clear opinion about boys: they are "half wild" and full of scampering. She definitely doesn't think that Lamont's boyishness has anything to do with being calm of having good manners.
Quote #2
"Well, I won't do it again," he said in a squeaky voice. He was at the age when a boy's voice is especially squeaky. (3.34)
A snake has bitten off part of Lamont's tail and he's on the hunt to get it back. He might be brave, but he's also still got some growing up to do. In fact, it sounds like Helena thinks her brother is going through puberty, just like a human boy.
Quote #3
Tying my apron about me, I rummaged for a needle and thread while Louise and Beatrice stood by, speechless.
[…]
And I sewed his tail back on him, while he squealed the house down. (3.58-60)
Let's take a look at all the tasks Helena likes to do around her home—cleaning, prepping food, and tons of sewing. These tasks are what traditionally made up more "feminine" occupations back in the 1800s. Women were expected to be good at domestic tasks (a.k.a. taking care of the house) and it looks like Helena, as a girl mouse, is fitting into this mold.