How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
"I started it for mother. She said she had no luck, because father is unlucky, so I thought if I was lucky, it might stop whispering." (149)
This is the smoking gun: Paul begins to bet on horses for his mother. It's all an effort to win his mother's love.
Quote #5
When there were no visitors, Paul now took his meals with his parents, as he was beyond the nursery control. (170)
The family dynamic shifts here when Paul finally grows out of the nursery. He's taking a seat at the table, next to his mother and father, suggesting he hold a more equal status in their eyes. Technically, he's pulling in a lot of money and supporting them, although they don't know it yet.
Quote #6
"[…] My family has been a gambling family, and you won't know till you grow up how much damage it has done. But it has done damage […]" (189)
Isn't it ironic? Hester still doesn't know about Paul's gambling or what it's doing to his wellbeing.