All her life, Mrs. Foster had had an almost pathological fear of missing a train, a plane, a boat, or even a theatre curtain.
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote is the first line of the story. It is important because it is a succinct introduction to Mrs. Foster's personality. It emphasizes the fact that a great number of factors contribute to her anxiety, and the reference to the 'theatre' suggests that she might be over-dramatizing her anxiety.

Mrs Foster was and always had been a good and loving wife. For over thirty years, she had served him loyally and well.
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote demonstrates Mr. Foster's opinion about women's role in relationships. It shows that Mr. Foster's understanding of a 'good' wife is one who serves her husband well. Alternatively, it could suggest that Mrs. Foster is brainwashed into having this belief about women in relationships because of her lack of control.

I'm just...
-- Mr. Foster (N/A paragraph 3)