And if you can only save one,' a man added, 'make sure you save the right one.'”
-- A Villager (chapter 1)

Importance: This is one of the pieces of advice shouted to Ned's father when he is trying to save the twins from the Great River. When only Ned is saved, the villagers say that his father saved the wrong twin. The fact is that no one can tell the boys apart before this, and this is one example of the strong opinions that often have no merit. Later, the Stones discount that it is possible to choose between the right and wrong boys.

Now Aine, being a practical girl, an industrious girl, and not prone to sentimentality or grief, didn't waste time weeping. She loved her mother and missed her terribly, but crying couldn't get the washing done or the bread made or the soup cooked, and it certainly couldn't bring her...
-- Narrator (chapter 5)