the punctuation is as follows:
(_a_) When the interrupted parts are not naturally separated by any
punctuation mark, the comma is used as follows:
I do not believe that the report is true.
"I do not believe," he said, "that the report is true."
Notice in what way the quotation marks show that the words _he said_ do
not belong to the quoted words.
(_b_) Whatever mark of punctuation would naturally appear between the
interrupted parts must be used; as,
(1) I shall buy the Boston ferns; they seem to require
but little care.
"I shall buy the Boston ferns," she said; "they seem
to require but little care."
(2) Oh! The flames are higher!
"Oh!" she cried. "The flames are higher!"