“She was not an affectionate child and had never cared much for...” 全部笔记(1)去书内
Here is an old Chinese saying, "When a disaster strikes, we go our
own way.". When disaster comes, everyone is selfish, thinking only
of himself, and no one wants to take a child without blood relationship
when running for his life.
“He lives in a great, big, desolate old house in the country...” 全部笔记(1)去书内
Through Basil's tone, it describes the environment where Mary's uncle
lives, laying the groundwork. Perhaps it is the happiest thing for Mary
to live with him.