“If all this is really happening,” he said, “then I must keep my eyes open.”
Though not sure whether he had arrived at Peters’ office as per the descriptions given to him, Quinn is comforting himself that he is on track and there is nothing wrong. The author is using this quote to show the reader that Quinn is an individual who is not confident enough in situations that seem nervous to him. However, just like any other person, it is normal to feel anxious when in a new place and that is exactly what is happening to Quinn. At the entrance, Quinn is expecting a man to open the door for him but the situation even becomes worse when he finds out that it is a woman.
“The appointment was for ten,” said Quinn, glancing at his watch. It was exactly ten.”
The author uses this quote to show the reader that Quinn is a punctual man who knows how to keep time. His appointment with Mr. Peter Stillman is scheduled at ten o'clock and he exactly makes it to the office at that time. Despite Mr. Peter getting to the office at eight o'clock, Quinn observes the set appointment time and he does not expect to be accused of being late.
“He’s been frantic,” the woman explained. “I’ve never seen him like this before. He just couldn’t wait.”
Mr. Peter gets to the office earlier before the scheduled time because he is excited to meet Mr. Quinn for the first time. On the other hand, Mr. Quinn is nervous to meet Mr. Peter Stillman and this whole scenario becomes ironic. Mrs. Stillman, however, looks at Quinn to assure him that there is nothing to worry about. In fact, she tells Quinn that Mr. Peter Stillman has been there since eight o'clock waiting for him and she has not seen him excited before than today. She says:
“I’ve never seen him like this before. He just couldn’t wait.”
“I am Peter Stillman. I say this of my own free will. Yes. That is not my real name. No. Of course, my mind is not all it should be. But nothing can be done about that. No. About that. No, no. Not anymore.”
The author uses this quote to help the reader understand that Mr. Peter is a man of seasons whose name change according to times of the year. Mr. Peter tells Quinn that Stillman is not his real name arguing that he cannot remember his real name. Sometimes Peter is called Mr. Green and at times Mr. Sad.
