As a young child, Clara Dooley had felt that the Glendoveer mansion contained the whole world.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1 paragraph 7)

Importance: This quote shows that Clara was fascinated and encompassed by the Glendoveer mansion and that its people and surroundings would play a significant part in the story.

I’m like a ghost in a tower,” Clara murmured. “I might as well be invisible.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2 paragraph 68)

Importance: This quote shows Clara's loneliness as she stands in the window and watches the school children walk down the sidewalk.

Clara did not cry. In the space where her heart used to lie was a frozen lump.
-- Narrator (Chapter 5 paragraph 7)

Importance: This quote shows that Clara is in shock over the death of Mrs. Glendoveer and is not yet allowing herself to grieve.

Time seemed to stretch out before Clara in a way that actually frightened her.
-- Narrator (Chapter 6 paragraph 4)

Importance: Clara suddenly realizes that Mrs. Glendoveer is really gone. She thinks about spending the rest of her life...