"'I have had inquiries made and was gratified to find that you and your husband enjoy the honor and respect of your community.'" Chap. 1, p. 5

"Even when Ephraim outlined the religious observances which he would expect from Miranda and tried to extract a promise that she would be kept up to the mark, Nicholas remained smoothly gracious and reassuring, although he committed to nothing." Chap. 2, p. 28

"It occurred to her that at last she had a moment alone with him in which to ask about Zelie. She had seen nothing of the old woman since the inexplicable midnight interview, and time had erased the impression of eeriness—but she was curious." Chap. 4, p. 55

"The crowd of farmers who had been kept on the back lawn by a rope shuffled, and sheepishly arranged themselves in order." Chap. 5, p. 68

"Only two things sustained her: that instinctive certainty that...