How we cite our quotes: (Volume.Book.Chapter.Line)
Quote #7
That was what was the matter with her. She was a dove. Oh, wasn't she?—it echoed within her as she became aware of the sound, outside, of the return of their friends. (1.5.6.23)
When Kate calls Milly a "dove," Milly is flattered at first. But the longer she thinks about it, the more she realizes that "dove" translates to "typical timid female." Milly is peeved, and decides to act in an unfeminine manner by deceiving the people around her and going out into public alone whenever she wants. Get it, gurl.
Quote #8
"The women one meets—what are they but books one has already read? You're a whole library of the unknown, the uncut." (2.6.4.119)
Merton seems to think that all women are the same. But he thinks that Kate is completely different, that she's deeply interesting. That's pretty romantic. There's a sad irony to this, because Kate believes that everyone is essentially superficial.
Quote #9
"[We're] widows and orphans. But I think [...] that we shall not be unattractive, as we move, to gentlemen. When you talk of 'life' I suppose you mean, mainly, gentlemen." (2.7.2.36)
When Sir Luke asks Milly if she'll be doing a lot of "living" during her trip to Venice, he's actually asking whether there will be any men in her life. Bow chicka bow bow! Luke, you see, wants Milly to fall in love before she dies. Milly gets the message loud and clear, but admits that she'll only be traveling with three other women. Little does she know that her crush, Merton Densher, is going to tag along on the trip.