She started thinking about all the euphemisms for death, all the anxious taboos that had always fascinated her. It was too bad you could never have an intelligent discussion on the subject. People were either too young or too old, or else they didn't have time.

I mean, anyone can let Danger out but the really clever thing is finding somewhere for it to go afterwards.

The lamp sizzled as it burned. It made everything seem close and safe, a little family circle they all knew and trusted. Outside this circle lay everything that was strange and frightening, and the darkness seemed to reach higher and higher and further and further away, right to the end of the world.

There's no need to imagine that you're a wondrous beauty, because that's what you are.

You must go on a long journey before you can really find out how wonderful home is.

I'll have to calm down a bit. Or else I'll burst with happiness

Everyone must imagine his own snakes because no one else's snakes can ever be as awful.