Goodness, Topaz is actually putting on eggs to boil! No one told me the hens yielded to prayer. Oh, excellent hens!
-- Cassandra (I paragraph 1)

Importance: The family lives in poverty and food is procured only through the hens and the vegetable garden on the property or when some money comes to the family through the sale of some item. Right now, resources are very low and Cassandra is tired of eating bread and margarine. She has obviously been praying for some variety in the meals and is thankful that the hens are cooperating at last.

My dears, you know I'm trying to help you all. What's the real trouble with Mr. Mortmain? Is it--is it--drink?
-- Miss Marcy (II paragraph 9)

Importance: The family has asked Miss Marcy's help in determining ways to make some money and Miss Marcy is shocked by the state of their financial situation. Because Mr. Mortmain is a noted author, there is the assumption that the...