“A mouse has to do what a mouse has to do”

“A sailor may choose the wind to ride out of seaport, but the wind has a mind of it's own.”

“In another corner Nathaniel murmured to Maura, "You must know, Miss O'Connell, I . . . I loved you even before I saw you. It was your father's way of talking."Maura shook her head. "You mustn't say that. It's not my dear da's words that should do the wooing," she said gently. "I'd rather be cared for . . . for what I am myself."Nathaniel nodded. "I'll not say more. But I will tell you what I think I'm going to do."And what is thatI'm going to California to search for gold."And do you think, Nathaniel Brewster, you'll find it?"I do. But it won't be as fine as what's here," Nathaniel said with a shy smile. "Maura O'Connell . . . will . . . will you . . . wait for me to come back?"Maura was silent.Will you?"You're a fine young man, Mr. Brewster. I can only say I'll not forget you.”

“Yes, it is hard to discover a truth. But it is much harder to be unable to do anything about it. It's as if you know for certain a building will collapse and not one soul―not even those within―will listen to your warning. Hearing truth makes many deaf.”

“Laurence, not sure what to do, remained standing below the steps."And who is this?" Mrs Hamlyn asked.Patrick looked back. "His name is . . . Laurence, mistress."Mrs Hamlyn scrutinized the boy before her. "Where does he come from?" she said, finding him scrawny and dirty."He came to America on the same ship we did."Mrs Hamlyn pursed her lips. "He's very ragged. Is he from Ireland too?""England.""But a friend of yours?"Laurence and Patrick looked at each other."Is he?" Mrs Hamlyn asked again.Patrick said, "He saved my life, twice.""Did he? Then he must be a good friend indeed.”

“The cure for unhappiness...It's this: What a person needs is always more than they say.”

“Like Indian corn in August, the "what ifs" in my life were growing fast. Too fast.”