Her chances of a decent marriage were about to be dashed-and all because of a ferret.

Poor people have few choices in life, and most of the time you don't think too much about it. You get the best you can and do without when necessary, and hope to God you won't be wiped out by something you can't control. But there are moments it hurts, where there is something you want in the very marrow of your bones and you know there is no way you can have it.

I suppose now I'm obliged to wish you happiness in your new life. Although happiness in the absence of indoor plumbing is a debatable concept.

Anyone who had ever read a novel knew that governesses were supposed to be meek and downtrodden.

I thought I would spend the rest of my life searching for little reminders of you.

The way glass can be molded or blown or cut into any kind of shape made me think about how we as people - our characters or souls - can be shaped or changed by outside influences.

Because one day of something wonderful is better than a forever of nothing special.