“I am writing this journal partly to practise my newly acquired speed-writing and partly to teach myself how to write a novel—I intend to capture all our characters and put in conversations.”

Cassandra begins her journal to prepare for a career as a novelist and to practice speed-writing, should she be able to get a job as a secretary. This quote introduces the novel’s theme of authorship, as Cassandra’s journey toward becoming a novelist depends upon her ability to journal the unexpected events that happen to her family at Godsend Castle.

“Now if anyone in this family is nil as an earner, it is Rose; for though she plays the piano a bit and sings rather sweetly and is, of course, a lovely person, she has no real talents at all.”

When the Mortmain family discusses their finances with Miss Marcy in the hopes of gaining advice on how to establish an income, Cassandra notes that Rose is particularly ill-suited to a working woman’s life. This quote reflects the novel’s theme of The Marriage Plot: Traditional and Modern Forms of Femininity in that it characterizes Rose as a representative of traditional feminine roles.

“Contemplation seems to be about the only luxury that costs nothing.”

On the same night the Mortmain family discusses their finances with Miss Marcy, Cassandra reflects in her journal that her writing habit relieves much of the stress the family’s lack of income causes. This distinguishes Cassandra from her sister Rose, who values material displays of wealth and class.