Answer:
In my opinion, I would say that the quote means
That in everything that we do we must be sincere, hardworking,honest and trustworthy because from our character determines what we will be in the future.
From the quote I can also say that we ought to use our God-given talents wisely because that can pave way for our achievement.
"Better keep yourself clean and bright": For me it means that we should be faithful in all that we do and always Strive to stand out positively.
"you are the window to which you must see the world" : for me, this means that it is only you that would take you to where you want to go. Only you can make yourself successful if you have that positive "I can do it" mindset.
very concerned about appearance
The excerpt describes the grandmother's appearance. She is described as having white gloves, a navy blue dress trimmed with lace, and a sailor hat with a bunch of violets. She is compared to the mother to show that her way of dressing is different than what is required of her visit because the mother is dressed in slacks and has her hair up in a kerchief. It goes on to say that the grandmother would be easily identified as a lady if she was found on the side of the road. This label of being a lady seems to be important and only communicated through appearance.
The challenge Percy faces was having to fight his Pre-Algebra teacher, Mrs. Dodds, who was really a monster in disguise. He defeated her with a pen that turned into a sword that Mr. Brunner gave him.