Quotes from Christianna Brand

Once upon a time there was a huge family of children; and they were terribly, terribly naughty.

The Agency was doubtful, because they had already sent a lot of nurses and nannies and governesses to Mr. and Mrs. Brown's family. 'The person you want,' they said, 'is Nurse Matilda.

And as they spoke - lo and behold! - there was a knock at the door, and there stood a small, stout figure dressed in rusty black; and she said, 'Good evening, Mr and Mrs Brown, I am Nurse Matilda.

I do implore my readers, therefore, not to be more clever than their author, and see portraits where, quite honestly, none are intended. C.B.