The River Bank Quotes

“She would never have a day that she did not see something and hear a voice in her mind say, “Remember this and then write this.” Chapter 6 p. 96”
― Kij Johnson, The River Bank: A Sequel to Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows

“But the Rabbit did not care. This Toad—this courageous, gay, glorious Toad—seemed to her a sort of beau ideal, precisely the sort of fellow a young animal might esteem and even strive to emulate. She exclaimed, “You are so very resourceful!” “Not at all, not at all,” the Toad said. “You seem a Rabbit of intrepidity. I am sure you have had adventures of your own.” “O no, nothing to compare,” the Rabbit said with envy. “I have only been in a hot-air balloon ascent, and there was the time I became involved in a bank robbery. But they were very nearly accidents.” She sounded regretful. “Dear Lottie,” said Beryl warningly, in a tone most of those present recognized, having used it themselves many times with the Toad.”
― Kij Johnson, The River Bank: A sequel to Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows

“And horse-stealing,” said the Water Rat, adding his mite. “And impersonating a washerwoman, and defrauding the rails, and horse-stealing—or did I say that already?” “You did,” said Beryl. “You did,” affirmed the Mole. “And there was a second motor-car theft, was there not? I cannot keep track.” “O, how thrilling!” said the Rabbit, her ribbons fluttering with excitement. “It is all exactly like the ancient Greeks!” “Ulysses?” Beryl said drily. “Very likely.” “O, Beryl.” The Rabbit looked reproachfully at her companion.”
― Kij Johnson, The River Bank: A sequel to Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows