...Caroline on the sofa, sun slicing through the curtains to lie on the carpet in big wasteful stripes. Filling her with that restlessness she knew as well as she knew any person—that sense that a gift was being given, and the moment for its use was passing, had passed.
-- Caroline (chapter 2)

Importance: This quote is meant to describe the loneliness and constraint Caroline has felt for a long time living on the farm with only Samuel for company. Having now met David, a young man that has captured her romantic interest, she feels even more as though life is passing her by and she will never have a husband or a family, will never have anything at all beyond what she has now—a father that relies on her completely for support and companionship.

While Caroline walked that evening, she thought about the sexless soul. The idea had its own chill, like...
-- Caroline (chapter 2)