But for half a minute she wished it was a different sort of day, even though she knew that nothing good could come from wanting at the world. Even though she knew it was a wicked thing to do.

There's no clear water from a muddy well. All you can do is let the silt settle until the water clears otherwise it will taste sour. (paraphrased)

She was not vain enough to work her will against the world. But she could use the things the world had given her.

Oh yes. It was well worth it, doing things the proper way.

She shelled the nuts and toasted them, jiggling them about in the pan. She sprinkled them with salt and ate them each by each. Some were bitter. Some were sweet. Some were hardly anything. That was just the way of things.

It exhasperated her, but she knew better than to force the world to her desire.

Patience and propriety. It was the only graceful thing to do.