If it's Michael's they are, you can tell herself he's got a clean burial by the grace of God, and if they're not his, let no one say a word about them, for she'll be getting her death, with crying and lamenting.
-- Nora (chapter 1 paragraph 8)

Importance: Nora reveals that this is what the young priest told her when he gave her the articles of clothing that he hoped she could identify. The quote is significant as it reveals the depth of pain that Maurya already suffers having lost so many of her menfolk to the sea already. The young priest has no desire to make her unhappiness any greater than need be.

Herself be saying prayers half through the night, and the Almighty God won't leave her destitute, with no son living.
-- Nora (chapter 1 paragraph 9)

Importance: Nora reveals this as information the young priest had given her, assuring her that Bartley will be safe on his journey to...