Ah-aah! Sounded the sleepy sea.
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 2)

Importance: This quote is important because it is one of the first instances of Mansfield's usage of personification to anthropomorphize nature. Giving the sea human qualities presents it as a resident of Crescent Bay, much like any of the other human residents.

The water bubbled round his leg as Stanley Burnell waded out exulting. First man in as usual! He'd beaten them all again.
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 4)

Importance: This quote is important because it introduces one of the most prominent characters in the story, and it elucidates some aspects of his personality. The fact that Stanley Burnell has a strong desire to be first, even at something as trivial as being in the sea before anyone else, shows that he has ambition, and he is anxious about being successful.

She's such a little silly. She's always making a fuss.
-- Isabel (N/A paragraph 9)

Importance: This quote serves to provide immersion for the reader, and it...