3
" That was true, and dirt, earth, has power, an astonishing power of life, of creating and sweetening; it can take anything, a body, an old tin, decay, rust, corruption, filth, and turn it into itself, and slowly make it life, green blades of grass and weeds. "
― Rumer Godden , An Episode of Sparrows
4
" I sometimes think,’ said Olivia, “from watching, of course, because I am not experienced, I think experience can be a—block.” Again it was clumsy, but she knew what she meant. “And why?” Asked Angela, amused. “Because if you think you know, you don’t ask questions,” said Olivia slowly, “or if you ask, you don’t listen to the answers.” Olivia had observed this often. “Everyone, everything, each thing, is different, so that it isn’t safe to know. You—you have to grope.” “That would be a nice efficient way to deal with things,” said Angela. She looked up again from the notes she was making. She’s not even listening to me, thought Olivia. "
― Rumer Godden , An Episode of Sparrows
14
" Then you won’t come?” Said Father Lambert. “I’m sorry, I can’t.” She went to the door and held it open, but the Father was looking at Olivia—“As if I were an identity,” said Olivia afterwards, but that was not the right word. “You mean entity,” said Angela. “Isn’t everyone that?” But Olivia shook her head. Up to that moment, or the moment that Lovejoy had taken her hand, she, Olivia, had been a shadow. "
― Rumer Godden , An Episode of Sparrows
16
" Steps came towards the chapel—to fetch me, thought Lovejoy in a panic. In a moment someone would say, “Come along.” All the things said to children rose in her mind. “Do as you’re told.” “Don’t answer back.” “Come along.” “Be quiet.” Lovejoy ground her teeth. Quiet, obedient, grateful. All the detestable things children should be, and all the lovely free things, thought Lovejoy, that they must not, opinionated, cocky—she hadn’t Angela’s word “cocksure.” Cocky, thought Lovejoy longingly. The door opened. “Come along,” said Sister Agnes, but Lovejoy was praying. “Hail Mary,” prayed Lovejoy between her teeth, “Mary, make me cocky and independent. "
― Rumer Godden , An Episode of Sparrows