"It was only Mrs. O'Gorman who ever beat me, and that for my own good. I was not loved and counted it a blessing; it meant my affections raged undiluted and I could lavish all on Master Georgie." Chapter 1, p. 10

"No one I knew had ever set eyes on the man who jiggled Mr. Punch into life. Some said he was a dwarf and others that he was nine foot high. He fixed up his stall against the doors of the van and crept in from behind, so as to keep up the illusion." Chapter 1, p. 15

"When I approached he took the cloak from me without comment, though its hem was soaked. He neither thanked nor scolded, which made me sullen, for either praise or censure would have been some indication of my existence." Chapter 1, p. 33

"I had intended to arrange it under the windows, where it used...