- Jessica Vance: Happiness? Who ever finds that?
- John Vance: I guess only the prospector who never gives up the search.
- Emily Vance: [referring to her daughter Jessica] John, it's been two weeks now, and no word from her. Really, you've *got* to do something!
- John Vance: Why me? I didn't drive her away.
- Emily Vance: Ohh, it's so humiliating! All my friends are talking behind my back!
- John Vance: What's so unusual about that?
- Jelliffe Blaine: [referring to her daughter's fiancé] At least he has background. One of his family came over on the Mayflower.
- John Vance: Along with 10,000 others. I've often wondered how so many people could crowd into such a little boat. Didya tell him your father was a hard-rock miner?
- Jelliffe Blaine: [whispers] John...
- [looks to see if any servants are nearby]
- Jelliffe Blaine: please stop *shouting* those things.
- John Vance: Oh, sorry, dear, but I've never learned to whisper the truth. Or to be ashamed of it, either.
- [first lines]
- Clara: Do you think you'd better start dressing, Miss Jessica?
- Jessica Vance: Oh, I suppose so, Clara... Does everyone feel like this when they get engaged?
- Clara: Like what, Miss Jessica?
- Jessica Vance: Oh, I don't know. Sort of uncertain, and worried.