“Every man in Ingary is scared stiff of her. You ought to know how that feels, Sophie dear.”

“It was a perfectly normal May Day, but Sophie was scared of that too. And when a young man in a fantastical blue-and-silver costume spotted Sophie and decided to accost her as well, Sophie shrank into a shop doorway and tried to hide. The young man looked at her in surprise. "It's all right, you little gray mouse," he said laughing rather pityingly. "I only want to buy you a drink. Don't look so scared.”

“Tell me of this Wizard Howl of yours". Sophie's teeth chattered but she said proudly, "He's the best wizard in Ingary or anywhere else. If he'd only had time, he would have defeated that djinn. And he's sly and selfish and vain as a peacock and cowardly, and you can't pin him down to anything.”

“Howl said to Sophie, "I've been wondering all along if you would turn out to be that lovely girl I met on May Day. Why were you scared then?”

“Sophie did not care to think how Howl might react if Fanny woke him by stabbing him with her parasol.”

“In the land of Ingary where such things as seven-league boots and cloaks of invisibility really exist, it is quite a misfortune to be born the eldest of the three. Everyone knows you are the one who will fail first, and worst, if the three of you set out to seek your fortunes.”

“Sophie said a bad word. In the dim light she had stubbed her toe on one of the many dusty bricks piled around the place.Naughty-naughty" Twinkle said.Oh shut up!" Sophie said , standing on one leg to hold her toe. "Why don't you grow up?”