People always fear what they don't understand, Evangeline. History proves that.

I do not want to pass the time. I want to grab hold of it and leave my mark upon the world.

Evie didn’t mind yelling, but she hated feeling judged. It got under her skin and made her feel small and ugly and unfixable.

Please do not strain yourself, Miss Doyle. I won't have my girls going cross-eyed in the name of art.

We're like pretty horses, and just as on horses, they mean to put blinders on us so we can't look left or right but only straight ahead where they would lead.

I know it. I know I shall make beastly mistakes, Father-" "The world does not forgive mistakes so quickly, my girl." He sounds bitter and sad. "If the world will not forgive me," I say softly, "I shall have to learn to forgive myself." He nods in understanding. "And how will you marry? Or do you intend to marry?" I think of Kartik, and tears threaten. "I shall meet someone one day, as Mother found you.

The dull pain of truth weights my soul, pulling it under. I am left hopelessly awake.