Cassandra quotes from Little House on the Prairie

[as she recites her poem for school] Once, I was lost, and scared, and cold. You have no family, I was told, except a brother to keep me warm in any winter and any storm. He was as lost and scared as I, but brave enough not to cry. We'll make it through, is what he said, even though Ma and Pa are dead. But in my heart, I could not see how life without them could ever be. They lay in cold silence beneath the sod. To save us would be a miracle from God. The miracle came like a glorious dawn, just when it seemed all hope was gone. We give thanks to God in his heaven above for our new family's unbounded love.

Caroline

[to Cassandra, who doesn't want to leave Caroline and go to school] Those children sure do make lots of noise at recess. You know, you're smart not to go to school with James. My daughter's a very hard teacher. You'll see tonight. James is going to have a lot of homework. I'll help him with it, though. You'll be the lucky one. You'll be sleeping while James and I are working on his studies. Oh, I bet he won't be through until 8 or 8:30. I love it, though. I used to be a teacher, and I just love helping children with their homework. Yes, indeed. James and I will be spending a lot of evenings together.

I want homework.

Caroline

What?

I want homework!

Caroline

Well, if you want homework, you're gonna have to go to school. [Cassandra smiles, hugs Caroline tight, and runs off to school]

I got an A on a test today!

Caroline

Did you?

Charles

That's not an easy thing to do. My daughter is pretty tough on grades.

I really like her!

James

I never used to have fun at school.

Charles

Yeah, well, school can't all be fun.

James

But most of it is.

Caroline

Cassandra, it's your turn to say grace tonight. Maybe you could remember Nancy in the blessing.

Do I have to?

Caroline

No, you don't have to, but I think it would be nice if you did.

Yes, ma'am. Dear Lord, thank you for all your blessings. Please watch over our family and gives us strength. And Lord, I'm sure you know by now that we have a new student in school. Her name is Nancy. Please help her change her ways and be nice. I know it won't be easy, so if you can't change her, just do what you feel is best. [Charles bursts out laughing; Caroline gives him a dirty look] That's about it, Lord. Thank you. Amen.

Nancy

Give me that ball!

NO!!!!!!

Nancy

I said give it to me!

NO!!!!!!

Nancy

Well if you won't let me pitch, I want to be the captain!

You're not on my team!

Nancy

Albert, I want to play!

Albert

Not on my team!

Nancy

Oh we'll just see about that! Elmer! Elmer, Albert won't let me... ELMER!!!!

Sorry, Nancy. You have to work things out for yourself from now on.

Why does Pa keep talking like James is getting better? Why?

Caroline

Because he wants it to be true.

But it's not and I can't stand to watch him anymore. Please, Ma, let me go away. Let me stay with Laura. I love James, but... I can't.