diff --git a/examples/sample-book/rune.xml b/examples/sample-book/rune.xml
index b702a703b..134296f36 100644
--- a/examples/sample-book/rune.xml
+++ b/examples/sample-book/rune.xml
@@ -3038,6 +3038,8 @@ along with MathBook XML.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
                 <cline>        <area>y = i</area></cline>
                 <cline>        <area correct="no">if y > 2:</area></cline>
                 <cline>            print(y)</cline>
+                <cline>    # pointless lines to test that quotes in clickable</cline>
+                <cline>    # are not transformed <area correct="no">"don't" click me</area></cline>
             </areas>
 
             <feedback>
diff --git a/xsl/pretext-runestone.xsl b/xsl/pretext-runestone.xsl
index 03574c35d..7d6c63f06 100644
--- a/xsl/pretext-runestone.xsl
+++ b/xsl/pretext-runestone.xsl
@@ -1630,7 +1630,9 @@ along with PreTeXt.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 </xsl:template>
 
 <!-- Avoid falling into low-level manipulations to remain verbatim -->
-<xsl:template match="areas/cline/text()" mode="clickable-html">
+<!-- non-modal so as to match after area template below triggers   -->
+<!-- apply-templates                                               -->
+<xsl:template match="areas/cline//text()">
     <xsl:value-of select="."/>
 </xsl:template>