How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"First we should buy another coffee urn, to serve customers with more haste," I said. I pointed a pickle toward the north wall. "Next is to expand into Mr. Watson's lot. That way, we could offer proper meals, not just tidbits and rolls. You could serve roasts and mutton chops. And we could have an upstairs meeting room for the gentlemen, like the coffeehouses by the wharves."
I took a bite of the pickle.
"And we could reserve space to sell paintings, and combs, and fripperies from France." (6.33-6.35)
Again, more of Mattie's dreams about being a shop owner. What does it mean that Mattie is eating and talking at the same time? (And we're not just talking about manners here.)
Quote #5
Mattie – I write you in haste. Master Peale is closing up the house with his family and assistants inside. To protect us from the fever. We have water from the well and food store.
My thoughts race. These flowers are for you. Take good care, Mattie. I would not want you sick. We shall watch for balloons again, when this plague has passed. (10.54-10.55)
The flowers, of course, are not actual flowers, but a painting of flowers. How do Mattie and Nathaniel put their dreams on hold because of the fever epidemic? What does Nathaniel mean when he says that they shall "watch for balloons" after the plague has passed?
Quote #6
I imagined Mother's face when she arrived home and found what a splendid job I had done running the coffeehouse. I could just picture it – I would be seeing the last customers out the door when Mother would come up the steps. She would exclaim how clean and well-run the coffeehouse was. Grandfather would point out the fancy dry goods store I was building next door. I would blush, looking quite attractive in my new dress – French, of course. (16.30)
Mattie's daydreams are still positive at this point in the novel, meaning that she at least has the time and energy to imagine a future.