Winifred Watson · 234 pages
Rating: (10.8K votes)
“Odd, said Miss Pettigrew conversationally, 'the undermining effect of flowers on a woman's common sense.”
“All the men send you orchids because they're expensive and they know that you know they are. But I always kind of think they're cheap, don't you, just because they're expensive. Like telling someone how much you paid for something to show off.”
“All these years she had never had the wicked thrill of powdering her nose. Others had experienced that joy. Never she. And all because she lacked courage.”
“The psychology of silk underclothes has not yet been fully considered," mused Miss Pettigrew happily.”
“You've gone all red. It's cooking over a hot stove. That's why I've never cultivated the art. It simply ruins the complexion. I'm terribly sorry."
"It's all right," said miss Pettigrew with resignation. "I've reached the age when... when complexions don't matter."
"Not matter!" said miss LaFosse, shocked. "Complexions always matter.”
“her destination. It was a very exclusive, very opulent, very intimidating block of flats. Miss Pettigrew was conscious of her shabby clothes, her faded gentility, her courage lost through weeks of facing the workhouse. She stood a moment.”
“It’s my last chance. You know it. I know it.”
“If you act “ marriage or nothing” they generally give you marriage. I”
“If you act “ marriage or nothing” they generally give you marriage. I was very lucky. I went to his head, but he couldn’t stand the pace. He got a nice tombstone and I got the parlour.”
“Ripred held up his paws in mock surprise. “Oh, dear. Is this where we fight to the death? I didn’t expect it so soon.”
“I would not bring one shadow on his life, and this I know would break his noble heart.”
“Only those who still have hope can benefit from tears. When they finish, they feel better. But to those without hope, whose anguish is basic and permanent, no good comes from crying. Nothing changes for them. They usually know this, but still can’t help crying.”
“I lay back down, fitting myself into the curve of his body, pulling his arms around me, protecting me, keeping me sage.”
“But that's what happens in life. People find new friends and new sisters. It's called natural selection.”
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