The Slow Regard of Silent Things

But for half a minute she wished it was a different sort of day, even though she knew that nothing good could come from wanting at the world.

It was better to be gentle and polite. It was the worst sort of selfishness to force yourself upon the world.

It was just as Mandrag said: Nine tenths of alchemy was chemistry. And nine tenths of chemistry was waiting.

Answers were always important, but they were seldom easy.

Cruelty never helped the turning of the world.

Oh it seemed sensible. Oh yes. Certainly. But she knew what seeming was worth in the end, didn’t she?

It exasperated her, but she knew better than to force the world to bend to her desire.

She indulged herself from time to time. It helped remind her she was truly free.

But no. There is a difference between the truth and what we wish were true.