Discover a wealth of wisdom and insight from Elizabeth Peters through their most impactful and thought-provoking quotes and sayings. Expand your perspective with their inspiring words and share these beautiful Elizabeth Peters quote pictures with your friends and followers on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or your personal blog - all free of charge. We've compiled the top 162 Elizabeth Peters quotes for you to explore and share with others.

He hesitated for a moment. Then he said softly, 'I love you, Mother.' He took my hand and kissed it, and folded my fingers round the stem of the rose. He had stripped it of its thorns.I was too moved to speak. But maternal affection was not the only emotion that prevented utterance; as I watched him walk away, his head high and his step firm, anger boiled within me. I knew I had to conquer it before I saw Nefret again, or I would take her by the shoulders and shake her, and demand that she love my son! By Elizabeth Peters Moment Mother Hesitated Love Softly

The only people who are not in awe of Emerson's powerful voice and well-nigh superhuman strength are the members of his own family. He is aware of this, and often complains about it; so from time to time I like to put on a little show of being intimidated. 'Proceed, my dear,' I said apologetically. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Family People Awe Powerful

That was Evelyn's weakness. She was too kind, and too truthful. Both, I have found, are inconvenient character traits. By Elizabeth Peters Evelyn Weakness Kind Truthful Found

(Romanticism is not a quality I despise, but it is inconvenient in a butler.) By Elizabeth Peters Romanticism Despise Butler Quality Inconvenient

Men are frightful nuisances at times; how much simpler life would be if we women did not have to make allowances for their little peculiarities. By Elizabeth Peters Men Times Peculiarities Frightful Nuisances

In the silence I heard Bastet, who had retreated under the bed, carrying on a mumbling, profane monologue. (If you ask how I knew it was profane, I presume you have never owned a cat.) By Elizabeth Peters Bastet Bed Carrying Mumbling Monologue

They will have difficulties to overcome,' I admitted. 'Including the differences in their religions. However, marriage is always a chancy business, Katherine. I have known individuals who appeared perfectly suited, by family background, religion, and nationality, who were thoroughly miserable.' 'So you believe in taking the chance?' 'Certainly. What is life without some risk? By Elizabeth Peters Overcome Admitted Katherine Including Difficulties

Though Emerson is a firm believer in the equality of the female sex, he has some secret reservations, and one of them involves the car. (There is something about these machines that makes men want to pound their chests and roar like gorillas. I speak figuratively, of course.) By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Sex Reservations Car Firm

Everything has happened before - not once, but over and over again. We may not be able to solve our problems through what are pompously called "the lessons of history," but at least we should be able to recognize the issues and perhaps avoid some of the solutions that have failed in the past. And we can take heart in our own dilemma by realizing that other people in other times have survived worse. By Elizabeth Peters Happened Called History Past Solve

When, oh when will justice and reason prevail, and Woman descend from the pedestal on which Man has placed her (in order to prevent her from doing anything except standing perfectly still) and take her rightful place beside him? By Elizabeth Peters Woman Man Prevail Justice Reason

He smiled affably at the burglar, a burly fellow whom he continued to hold with one hand, as easily as if he had been a child. The entire household had been aroused, and a good number of them had joined in, shouting questions and brandishing various deadly instruments. The burglar glared wildly at Emerson, bare to the waist and bulging with muscle - at Gargery and his cudgel - at Selim, fingering a knife even longer than Nefret's - at assorted footmen armed with pokers, spits, and cleavers - and at the giant form of Daoud advancing purposefully toward him. 'It's a bleedin' army!' he gurgled. 'The lyin' barstard said you was some kind of professor! By Elizabeth Peters Hand Child Burglar Smiled Affably

Peculiar or not, it is my idea of pleasure. Why, why else do you lead this life you don't enjoy it? Don't talk of duty to me; you men always have some high-sounding excuse for indulging yourselves. You go gallivanting over the earth, climbing mountains, looking for the sources of the Nile; and expect women to sit dully at home embroidering. I embroider very badly. I think I would excavate rather well. By Elizabeth Peters Peculiar Pleasure Idea Nile Lead

I felt about him as I might feel about a friendly, dimwitted dog that had decided to move in with us. He could not be cast out into the street, but he was shedding all over the furniture. By Elizabeth Peters Friendly Dimwitted Felt Feel Dog

The current fashions are impractical for an active person. Skirts so tight one must toddle like an infant, bodices boned so firmly it is impossible to draw a deep breath ... . And bustles! Of all the idiotic contrivances foisted upon helpless womankind, the bustle is certainly the worst. By Elizabeth Peters Person Current Fashions Impractical Active

As our patient beasts plodded across the sand, I allowed Emerson to remain a few feet ahead, a position he much enjoys and seldom obtains. I could see by the arrogant set of his shoulders that he fancied himself in the role of gallant commander, leading his troops; and I saw no reason to point out that no man can possibly look impressive on donkey-back, particularly when his legs are so long he must hold them out at a forty-five degree angle to keep his feet from dragging on the ground. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Sand Ahead Obtains Feet

I was beginning to fear that you had turned into one of those boring females who can only say 'Yes, my dear' ... You know very well, Peabody, that our little discussions are the spice of life 'The pepper in the soup of marriage' Very aptly put, Peabody. If you become meek and acquiescent, I will put an advertisement in the Times telling Sethos to drop by and collect you. Promise me you will never stop scolding ... By Elizabeth Peters Peabody Dear Beginning Fear Turned

Nefret had always had an uncanny ability to read his thoughts. 'Did she cry?' she asked sweetly. 'And then you kissed her? You shouldn't have done that. I'm sure you meant well, but kissing someone out of pity is always a mistake. By Elizabeth Peters Nefret Thoughts Uncanny Ability Read

If all else fails, we will simply have to drug our attendants, overpower the guards, raise the oppressed peasants to arms, and take over the government. By Elizabeth Peters Fails Attendants Overpower Guards Raise

I couldn't help overhearing," he went on. "Grrr," said Emerson. (I assure you, there is really no other way of reproducing this sound.) "Honestly. By Elizabeth Peters Grrr Overhearing Honestly Emerson Sound

I will tell you a little secret about archaeologists, dear Reader. They all pretend t be very high-minded. They claim that their sole aim in excavation is to uncover the mysteries of the past and add to the store of human knowledge. They lie. What they really want is a spectacular discovery, so they can get their names in the newspapers and inspire envy and hatred in the hearts of their rivals. By Elizabeth Peters Reader Archaeologists Dear Secret Highminded

That didn't surprise me; any man with a grain of sense knows that marriage is the only way, these days, to acquire a full-time maid who works twenty-five hours a day. with no time off and no pay except room and board. By Elizabeth Peters Days Board Surprise Man Grain

As I left I heard Ramses say, 'May I remark, Papa, dat alt'ough your consideration for my sensitivities was quite unnecessary, I am not without a proper appreciation of de sentiment dat prompted it. By Elizabeth Peters Papa Ramses Dat Remark Unnecessary

I don't think she realized how much she cared for him, or he for her, until the end. Hasn't someone said a woman may be known by the men who love her enough to die for her? (If they haven't, I claim the credit myself.) By Elizabeth Peters End Realized Cared Woman Men

Ramses. I had long since resigned myself to the impossibility of teaching Emerson the proper subjects of conversation before the servants. Wilkins is not resigned; but there is nothing he can do about it. Not only does Emerson rant on and on about personal matters at the dinner table, but he often consults Wilkins and John. Wilkins has a single reply to all questions: "I really could not say, sir." John, who had never been in service before he came to us, had adapted very comfortably to Emerson's habits. By Elizabeth Peters Ramses Emerson Wilkins John Resigned

I knew the answer, andof courseso did Ramses. He has superb breath control and always gets in ahead of me. By Elizabeth Peters Ramses Answer Andof Knew Courseso

His lips parted, but long years of experience with Ramses, and to some extent, Emerson, had taught me how to turn a conversation into a monologue. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Ramses Parted Extent Monologue

It's not unsporting to thrash a cowardly cad,' said Simmons. 'Everyone knows you don't fight like a gentleman.''That might be called an oxymoron,' Ramses said. 'Ohsorry. Bad form to use long words. Look it up when you get home.'The poor devil didn't know how to fight, like a gentleman or otherwise. By Elizabeth Peters Simmons Cad Ohsorry Ramses Unsporting

Either the War Office had recruited Ramses - in which case I would have General Spencer's head on a platter - or Ramses had come across something that, in his opinion, merited investigation ... I am never guilty of idle speculation, so I kept an open mind on that. Except that once I caught up with him, I would have Ramses' head on another platter. By Elizabeth Peters Ramses War Office General Spencer

What a nice neat deep trench,' I said. 'Er - should Nefret be down in it?''She thought she saw a skull,' Ramses said. 'You know how she is about bones. By Elizabeth Peters Trench Nice Neat Deep Ramses

Have you caught cold?''It would appear so.''You could give it to Margaret,' Ramses suggested. His uncle turned the tinted spectacles toward him and then, unexpectedly, bust into laughter. 'What a charming idea. Will you aid and abet me when I catch her in a close embrace and breathe heavily on her? By Elizabeth Peters Margaret Ramses Cold Suggested Caught

Sekhmet crawled onto Ramses's lap and began to purr. 'The creature oozes like a furry slug,' said Ramses, eyeing it without favor. By Elizabeth Peters Ramses Sekhmet Purr Crawled Lap

You certainly are a repository of useless information. How do you know all that?' David asked, with more amusement than admiration.'I have a mind like a magpie's, easily distracted by interesting odds and ends,' Ramses admitted. By Elizabeth Peters Information Repository Useless Ramses David

As the Egyptians say, Ramses can hear a whisper across the Nile. By Elizabeth Peters Ramses Nile Egyptians Hear Whisper

Nefret said with a gusty sigh, 'Well, that's done it. We may as well join in, Ramses, family arguments are the favorite form of amusement here and this looks like being a loud one. By Elizabeth Peters Ramses Nefret Sigh Gusty Family

I disapprove of matrimony as a matter of principle ... Why should any independent, intelligent female choose to subject herself to the whims and tyrannies of a husband? I assure you, I have yet to meet a man as sensible as myself! (Amelia Peabody) By Elizabeth Peters Principle Disapprove Matrimony Matter Amelia

The men had scattered in all directions, which men are inclined to do when women leave them to their own devices for any length of time. I believe they are easily bored. By Elizabeth Peters Directions Time Men Scattered Inclined

Emerson, do you mean it?' 'It is only your due, my dear Peabody. Spite and selfishness alone kept me from beginning on them long ago. You deserve pyramids, and pyramids you will have! By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Peabody Pyramids Due Spite

I would never have supposed that inexperienced girl was capable of such cold-blooded, calculating manipulation! By Elizabeth Peters Coldblooded Calculating Manipulation Supposed Inexperienced

God help the poor mummy who encounters you, Peabody," he said bitterly. "We ought to supply it with a pistol, to even the odds. By Elizabeth Peters Peabody God Bitterly Poor Mummy

Emerson has what I believe is called a selective memory. He can recall minute details of particular excavations but is likely to forget where he left his hat. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Memory Called Selective Hat

Is is difficult to be angry with a gentleman who pays you compliments, even impertinent compliments. Especially impertinent compliments. By Elizabeth Peters Compliments Impertinent Difficult Angry Gentleman

Men like to create unnecessary organizations and give them impressive or mysterious names; this usually ends in increased confusion, and should therefore be ignored. By Elizabeth Peters Men Confusion Create Unnecessary Organizations

No woman really wants a man to carry her off; she only wants him to want to do it. By Elizabeth Peters Woman Man Carry

Your trousers are on fire. I would have told you, but you so dislike advice ... By Elizabeth Peters Fire Trousers Advice Told Dislike

I do not scruple to employ mendacity and a fictitious appearance of female incompetence when the occasion demands it. By Elizabeth Peters Scruple Employ Mendacity Fictitious Appearance

Moon dipped low over the dark outlines of the mountains, and the sable sky blazed with stars. There By Elizabeth Peters Moon Mountains Stars Dipped Low

I love you, he said flatly. Iloveyou. Shall I elaborate? I have loved you. I do love you. I will love you. I didn't want to love you. I tried not to love you. I will undoubtably regret loving you, butGod help meI love youso much. By Elizabeth Peters Love Flatly Iloveyou Elaborate Loved

Emerson abandoned irony for blunt and passionate speech.'This war has been a monumental blunder from the start! Britain is not solely responsible, but by God, gentlemen, she must share the blame, and she will pay a heavy price: the best of her young men, future scholars and scientists and statesmen, and ordinary, decent men who might have led ordinary, decent lives. And how will it end, when you tire of your game of soldiers? A few boundaries redrawn, a few transitory political advantages, in exchange for an entire continent laid waste and a million graves! What I do may be of minor importance in the total accumulation of knowledge, but at least I don't have blood on my hands. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Speech Start Ordinary Decent

I would be the first to admit that my maternal instincts are not well developedthough in defense I must add that the raising of Ramses would have discouraged any woman. By Elizabeth Peters Ramses Woman Admit Maternal Instincts

My feelings are a fact, not a personal delusion. They are valid for me. What business have you got trying to tell me how I ought to feel? By Elizabeth Peters Fact Delusion Feelings Personal Feel

Why should any independent, intelligent female choose to subject herself to the whims and tyrannies of a husband? I assure you, I have yet to meet a man as sensible as myself! By Elizabeth Peters Independent Intelligent Husband Female Choose

I peeled his fingers from my lips. "That was unnecessary." I said. "I was only surprised at your statement, after you have consistently disclaimed any interest in the matter. In fact, I too have discovered the identity of the person in question." "Oh, you have, have you?" "Yes, I have." We studied one another warily. "Would you care to enlighten me?" Emerson inquired. "No. I think I know; but if I am wrong you will never let me hear the end of it. Perhaps you will enlighten me." "No." "Ha! You are not sure either." "I said as much." Again we exchanged measuring glances. "You have no proof," I said. "That is the difficulty. And you - " "Not By Elizabeth Peters Lips Peeled Fingers Enlighten Unnecessary

But the dust! And the clutter! My housewifely and scholarly instincts were equally offended. By Elizabeth Peters Dust Clutter Offended Housewifely Scholarly

If she hasn't learned to appreciate my sterling character and spectacular good looks by this time, it's not likely she will. By Elizabeth Peters Time Learned Sterling Character Spectacular

Love has a most unfortunate effect on the brain, By Elizabeth Peters Love Brain Unfortunate Effect

Bucolic peace is not my ambience, and the giving of tea parties is by no means my favorite amusement. In fact, I would prefer to be pursued across the desert by a band of savage Dervishes brandishing spears and howling for my blood. I would rather be chased up a tree by a mad dog, or face a mummy risen from its grave. I would rather be threatened by knives, pistols, poisonous snakes, and the curse of a long-dead king. Lest I be accused of exaggeration, ... Emerson once remarked that if I should encounter a band of Dervishes, five minutes of my nagging would unquestionably inspire even the mildest of them to massacre me ... By Elizabeth Peters Bucolic Ambience Amusement Dervishes Peace

Most men are reasonably useful in a crisis. The difficulty lies in convincing them that the situation has reached a critical point By Elizabeth Peters Crisis Men Point Difficulty Lies

I warn. Give it to me. If you do, no harm will follow, I swear it.' As Emerson might have said, this was the wrong approach to take to me. (In fact, Emerson would have put it more emphatically, using terms like 'red flag to a bull.') I By Elizabeth Peters Warn Emerson Give Follow Fact

It was a needless precaution, I felt sure, but men always enjoy marching around with weapons and flexing their figurative muscles, and I saw no reason to deny them this harmless exercise. By Elizabeth Peters Precaution Muscles Exercise Needless Felt

Reputable scholars might have denied its authenticity, but there are always other scholars who disagreeand people will believe what they want to believe, never mind the evidence. If there is anything life has taught me, it is that there is no idea so absurd that someone will not accept it as truth, and no action so bizarre that it will not be justified in the eyes of a true believer. By Elizabeth Peters Scholars Reputable Authenticity Evidence Denied

I am not at all alarmed," I said calmly. "Except for your friend's health. He seems about to have a fit. Is he commonly subject to weakness of the brain?" The By Elizabeth Peters Alarmed Calmly Health Fit Friend

His blue-and-white striped robe ballooning out in the wind, he rode directly to me and fell off the donkey. Gasping theatrically, he handed me a note and then collapsed face down in the sand. Since the donkey had been doing all the work, I ignored this demonstration. While John bent over the fallen man with expressions of concern I opened the note. By Elizabeth Peters Striped Wind Donkey Robe Ballooning

Any man with a grain of sense knows that marriage is the only way, these days, to acquire a full-time maid who works twenty-five hours a day, with no time off and no pay except room and board. (p9) By Elizabeth Peters Days Day Board Man Grain

You know how your eyes can deceive you at timeshow a group of shapes and shadows can take on a certain form and then shift into another? It wasn't really like that; there was no physical change in him, he was exactly the same as he'd always been. I knew every line of his long body and every curl on his disheveled black head. I'd just never seen him before. you know what I'm trying to say, don't you? The change is in the heart. By Elizabeth Peters Eyes Deceive Timeshow Group Shapes

I felt obligated by friendship as well as duty to make certain they were comfortably housed. Since men seem to measure comfort by the degree of dirt and confusion that prevails, I deduced that they were very comfortable. By Elizabeth Peters Housed Felt Obligated Friendship Duty

I fink it is a femuw. A femuw of a winowcowus ... A a-stinct winocowus. By Elizabeth Peters Femuw Fink Winowcowus Winocowus Astinct

Intervals of munching and mumbling as she crammed food into her mouth. I did not blame Lady Baskerville for her precipitate departure By Elizabeth Peters Intervals Mouth Munching Mumbling Crammed

Speculation,' I retorted, 'is never a waste of time. It clears away the deadwood in the thickets of deduction. By Elizabeth Peters Speculation Retorted Time Waste Deduction

That must be why some people like dogs; they can be made to feel guilty about anything, including the sins of their owners. Cats refuse to take the blame for anything - including their own sins. By Elizabeth Peters Including Dogs Owners Sins People

She is fiercely protective of all those she loves, Emerson. She would take your part just as vigorously if someone were unkind to you.''D'you think so?' Emerson considered this idea.'I refuse to pick a quarrel with you so that Sennia can defend you. She'll get over it; just be polite to Gargery.''Damnation,' said Emerson By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Loves Fiercely Protective Dyou

For a time Emerson politely endeavored to conceal his boredom - like most men, he is profoundly disinterested in all children except his own - ... By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Boredom Men Time Politely

The sun is born again from the womb of night," he said. "See how the light spreads, remaking the world. By Elizabeth Peters Night Sun Born Womb Spreads

Nefret was still pouting when Emerson helped her into the carriage. Emerson did not observe the pout. He would not have observed it (men being what they are) even if something had not distracted him. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Nefret Carriage Pouting Helped

The room was so neat and tidy it made me feel quite depressed ... I do not allow myself to repine about what cannot be helped; but I remembered earlier Decembers, under the cloudless blue skies and brilliant sun of Egypt.As I stood morosely contemplating the destruction of our cheerful domestic clutter, and recalling better days, I heard the sound of wheels on the gravel of the drive. The first guest had arrived. Gathering the robes of my martyrdom about me, I made ready to receive her. By Elizabeth Peters Depressed Room Neat Tidy Feel

She was so pitiful as she lay there on the cold, damp ground that only a heart of stone could have been unmoved. There are many hearts of that composition, however. By Elizabeth Peters Cold Damp Unmoved Pitiful Lay

No man but Emerson would have considered walking across the fields in full evening kit, much less expect me to trail my red satin skirts and lace ruffles through the dirt; but Emerson is unique. When he behaves irrationally it is necessary to be firm with him. He By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Kit Dirt Unique Man

I hope I number patience among my virtues, but shilly-shallying, when nothing is to be gained by delay, is not a virtue. By Elizabeth Peters Shillyshallying Delay Virtues Virtue Hope

I may say, without undue egotism, that when I make up my mind to do something, it is done quickly. By Elizabeth Peters Egotism Quickly Undue Make Mind

As for my clothes, they suit the life I lead. The current fashions are impractical for an active person. Skirts so tight one must toddle like an infant, bodices boned so firmly it is impossible to draw a deep breath ... And bustles! Of all the idiotic contrivances foisted upon helpless womankind, the bustle is certainly the worst. I wear them, since it is impossible to have a gown made without them, but at least I can insist on sensible dark fabrics and a minimum of ornament. What a fool I should look in puffs and frills and crimson satin - or a gown trimmed with dead birds, like one I saw! By Elizabeth Peters Clothes Lead Suit Life Impossible

Men believe women are hopeless gossips, but women know men are. The poor creatures are worse than women in some ways, because they cannot admit to themselves that they are gossiping, or doubt the discretion of the individuals in whom they confide. 'Strictly in confidence, old boy, just between you and me ... '. By Elizabeth Peters Men Women Gossips Hopeless Strictly

Fists and rocks and clubs can do a limited amount of harm, but a gun is entirely different. It makes a weak man feel like a hero and a strong man feel as if he is immortal, and it removes the last inhibition a killer might feel. You don't have to be close to a man to put a bullet in him. You don't have to have to see his face. By Elizabeth Peters Feel Man Fists Harm Rocks

Eavesdropping, Mother?' Ramses inquired.'It is a shameful habit, but cursed useful,' I said, quoting something he had once said, and was rewarded by one of his rare and rather engaging smiles. By Elizabeth Peters Mother Eavesdropping Ramses Inquired Habit

There is nothing more abominable than being in a state of bodily exhaustion and mental irritation; I was too lethargic to get up and seek some means of occupying my mind, but I was too uneasy to fall asleep. By Elizabeth Peters Irritation Mind Asleep Abominable State

Burckhardt fumbled through his notes. "Dakin and By Elizabeth Peters Burckhardt Notes Dakin Fumbled

In the gloomy corridor of that sepulchre I had felt Emerson's arms about me for the first time; along the rubble-strewn floor of the wadi we had raced by moonlight to save those we loved from a hideous death. Every foot of the way was familiar to me, and the spot was as fraught with romance as a garden of roses might be to one who had led a more boring life. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Time Death Gloomy Corridor

Emerson,' I said, choosing my words with care, 'it is a sheer drop from the cleft down to the base of the cliff. If you are bent on breaking your arm or your leg or your neck or all three, find a place closer to home so we won't have to carry you such a distance. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Choosing Care Cliff Words

Ramses had always been fond of Helen, in his peculiar fashion, but if he had looked at me as he was looking at her, I would have sent for a constable. By Elizabeth Peters Helen Ramses Fashion Constable Fond

E continues to cling to the forlorn hope that I will turn into one of those swooning females ... and fling myself squeeling at him whenever anything happens. Like all men, he clings to his illusions. By Elizabeth Peters Females Continues Forlorn Hope Turn

I have learned that particularly clever ideas do not always stand up under close scrutiny. By Elizabeth Peters Scrutiny Learned Clever Ideas Stand

Marriage, in my view, should be a balanced stalemate between equal adversaries. By Elizabeth Peters Marriage View Adversaries Balanced Stalemate

No, no, you needn't slap me; I am not at all hysterical. By Elizabeth Peters Hysterical Slap

It is a misconception that the innocent sleep well. The worse a man is, the more profound his slumber; for if he had a conscience, he would not be a villain. When By Elizabeth Peters Misconception Innocent Sleep Slumber Conscience

I had had my night of weeping ... I had purged myself of useless emotions that terrible night, now every nerve every sinew, every thought was bent on a single purpose By Elizabeth Peters Weeping Night Sinew Purpose Purged

I do not doubt he has a low opinion of women too. Gallantry is often a cloak for contempt. By Elizabeth Peters Doubt Low Opinion Women Gallantry

But he was a perfect gentleman, Aunt Amelia. He did not even try to kiss me, though he wanted to ... You always tell me I must be receptive to broadening experiences. That would have been a broadening experience. And, from what I have observed, a very enjoyable one. By Elizabeth Peters Aunt Amelia Gentleman Perfect Broadening

Stop," he ordered, in a low but compelling voice. "Do not take another step, or I fire! Dash it," he added vexedly, "does the monstrosity understand English? How absurd this is!""It understands the gesture, at least," I called, thrusting head and shoulders through the window. "Lucas, for pity's sake, seize it! Don't stand there deriding its linguistic inadequacies! By Elizabeth Peters Stop Ordered Voice Low Compelling

I don't know why I should have been so pleased to see Lucas behaving like a gentleman for a change. I never liked the man ... But of course I know why. I would have defended Satan himself if he had been in disfavor with Emerson. By Elizabeth Peters Lucas Change Pleased Behaving Gentleman

The roar of an angry crowd is one of the most terrifying sounds in the world. By Elizabeth Peters World Roar Angry Crowd Terrifying

As Ramses did the same for his mother, he saw that her eyes were fixed on him. She had been unusually silent. She had not needed his father's tactless comment to understand the full implications of Farouk's death. As he met her unblinking gaze he was reminded of one of Nefret's more vivid descriptions. 'When she's angry, her eyes look like polished steel balls.' That's done it, he thought. She's made up her mind to get David and me out of this if she has to take on every German and Turkish agent in the Middle East. By Elizabeth Peters Ramses Mother Fixed Eyes Farouk

There was no warning, not even a knock. The door flew open, and he forgot his present aches and pains in anticipation of what lay in store. The figure that stood in the door was not that of an enemy. It was worse. It was his mother. By Elizabeth Peters Warning Knock Door Open Store

Are we all agreed? Excellent. Then Peabody had better retire to her bed; she is clearly in need of recuperative sleep, she has not made a sarcastic remark for fully ten minutes. By Elizabeth Peters Agreed Excellent Peabody Bed Sleep

The cat required far less attendance than a human child, which is one of the reasons why spinster ladies prefer felines to babies. By Elizabeth Peters Child Babies Cat Required Attendance

There are occasions upon which a candid expression of opinion may be not only rude, but counterproductive. L By Elizabeth Peters Rude Counterproductive Occasions Candid Expression

The cat Horus shot out from under the table and headed for the door, his ears flattened and his tail straight out. There he encountered Abdullah, who had been waiting for us on the verandah and who had, I supposed, been alarmed by Emerson's shouts and hurried to discover what disaster had prompted them. The cat got entangled in Abdullah's skirts and a brief interval of staggering (by Abdullah), scratching (by Horus) and swearing (by both parties) ensued before Horus freed himself and departed. By Elizabeth Peters Horus Abdullah Door Cat Shot

There are too many people in the world as it is, but the supply of ancient manuscripts is severely limited. By Elizabeth Peters Limited People World Supply Ancient

At the time there were moments of extreme discomfort; but the adventure, the danger, the exhilaration of doubt and peril are in retrospect something I rather regret having lost. By Elizabeth Peters Discomfort Adventure Danger Lost Time

Schmidt is a canny little kobold. By Elizabeth Peters Schmidt Kobold Canny

I have always been of the opinion that your successes are due not so much to your medical skill as your dogged determination. No one would have the audacity to die when you are doctoring them. By Elizabeth Peters Determination Opinion Successes Due Medical

love has a very dulling effect on the brain By Elizabeth Peters Love Brain Dulling Effect

Lady Baskerville paced up and down wringing her hands. She required only an armful of weedy flowers to make a somewhat mature Ophelia. By Elizabeth Peters Baskerville Lady Hands Ophelia Paced

Men are frail creatures, of course; one does not expect them to exhibit the steadfastness of women. By Elizabeth Peters Men Creatures Women Frail Expect

For some reason his parents had a low opinion of his common sense. By Elizabeth Peters Sense Reason Parents Low Opinion

The trouble with unknown enemies is that they are so difficult to identify. By Elizabeth Peters Identify Trouble Unknown Enemies Difficult

Stokes is running a little late this morning, ma'am. Like, an emergency, you know. Being a woman of moderate expectations, Jacqueline accepted the stumbling By Elizabeth Peters Maam Stokes Morning Running Late

Why is a man with a knife after your blood? Who sent him? I would like to write the fellow a letter of thanks! By Elizabeth Peters Blood Man Knife Write Fellow

A lady cannot be blamed if a master criminal takes a fancy to her. By Elizabeth Peters Lady Blamed Master Criminal Fancy

I sometimes wonder what it would be like to be the respected patriarch of an ordinary English family.""Very boring, Emerson. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson English Family Boring Respected

Can't you ever stop joking?""No, why should I? Laughter is one of the two things that make life worthwhile. Aren't you going to ask what the other one is? By Elizabeth Peters Joking Stop Laughter Worthwhile Things

Emerson maintains, justly or unjustly, that all religious leaders are showmen at heart. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Maintains Justly Unjustly Heart

The combination of physical strength and moral sincerity combined with tenderness of heart is exactly what is wanted in a husband.Ameila Peabody By Elizabeth Peters Peabody Combination Physical Strength Moral

I do hope you have some money. I'm getting tired of hitting people. By Elizabeth Peters Money Hope People Tired Hitting

The approval of a cat cannot but flatter the recipient. By Elizabeth Peters Recipient Approval Cat Flatter

wholly satisfactory, By Elizabeth Peters Wholly Satisfactory

Nothing can be more infuriating than being forgiven over and over again. By Elizabeth Peters Infuriating Forgiven

Since I am not as stupid as my children believe I am, I had immediately realized this might be a ruse, but I was not at all averse to a confrontation. In fact, I had been hoping for some such thing. By Elizabeth Peters Ruse Confrontation Stupid Children Immediately

Bucolic peace is not my ambience, By Elizabeth Peters Bucolic Ambience Peace

The room didn't look haunted or eerie now;it was only melancholy in it's faded grandeur. By Elizabeth Peters Grandeur Room Haunted Eerie Melancholy

I had refused Emerson's well-meant offers of assistance, knowing his efforts would be confined to moving the furniture to the wrong places and demanding how much longer the process would take. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Assistance Knowing Refused Wellmeant

Bless the ladies and their charming inconsistency! They demand to be treated like men, but they react like women. By Elizabeth Peters Bless Inconsistency Ladies Charming Men

I object to murder. It's just a silly girlish prejudice. By Elizabeth Peters Murder Object Prejudice Silly Girlish

The secret of happiness is to enjoy the moment, without allowing unhappy memories or fear of the future to shadow the shining present. By Elizabeth Peters Moment Present Secret Happiness Enjoy

Humor is an excellent method of keeping a tight rein on unproductive displays of emotion. By Elizabeth Peters Humor Emotion Excellent Method Keeping

I believe you would square off at Satan if he came around and inconvenienced you! By Elizabeth Peters Satan Square Inconvenienced

I have been accused of being somewhat abrupt in my actions and decisions, but I never act without thought; it is simply that I think more quickly and more intelligently than most people. By Elizabeth Peters Decisions Thought People Accused Abrupt

Americans have many admirable characteristics, but literary taste is rare among them. By Elizabeth Peters Americans Characteristics Admirable Literary Taste

My nature does not lend itself to the meekness required of a wife in our society. I could not endure a man who would let himself be ruled by me, and I would not endure a man who tried to rule me. By Elizabeth Peters Society Endure Man Nature Lend

It is much more sensible to be an optimist instead of a pessimist, for if one is doomed to disappointment, why experience it in advance? By Elizabeth Peters Pessimist Disappointment Advance Optimist Doomed

Emerson is a remarkable person, considering that he is a man. Which is not saying a great deal. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Person Man Remarkable Deal

I myself have no objection to comfort so long as it does not interfere with more important activities. By Elizabeth Peters Activities Objection Comfort Long Interfere

You don't sound like a librarian," she said."I'm on vacation," Jacqueline laughed. "Well, I supposed there is an image, isn't there? But stereotypes are awfully misleading. there are typical librarians, but not all librarians are typical. Any more than any other profession. By Elizabeth Peters Jacqueline Said Vacation Laughed Sound

Don't sound so surprised. I have sensible moments, you know. By Elizabeth Peters Surprised Sound Moments

When one is striding bravely into the future one cannot watch one's footing. By Elizabeth Peters Footing Striding Bravely Future Watch

You are softening toward the young rascal because he is ill, and because he says he likes cats.""It is an engaging quality, Emerson.""That depends," said Emerson darkly, "on how he likes them. By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Emerson Ill Cats Quality

Which he needs time and privacy. What better way of keeping us in Cairo, By Elizabeth Peters Privacy Cairo Time Keeping

I was glad Emerson was with me, and even happier that he had not suggested I remain behind. In this, as in all our adventures, we were equal partners. Few men could have accepted that arrangement. Emerson is a remarkable man. But then, if he had not been a remarkable man, I would not have married him. By Elizabeth Peters Man Emerson Glad Happier Suggested

If you take a man by surprise, and behave with sufficient arrogance, he will generally do what you ask.-Emerson By Elizabeth Peters Emerson Surprise Arrogance Ask Man

We all know how ruthlessly these American millionaires crush their rivals as they climb to power. By Elizabeth Peters American Power Ruthlessly Millionaires Crush

Bah,' said Emerson. 'It relieved my feelings, but it had not the By Elizabeth Peters Bah Emerson Feelings Relieved

The way to get on with a cat is to treat it as an equal - or even better, as the superior it knows itself to be. By Elizabeth Peters Equal Cat Treat Superior

So now you have it. The plot, the whole plot, and nothing but the plot. By Elizabeth Peters Plot

Semaphored warning as well as I could. He took the hint. By Elizabeth Peters Semaphored Warning Hint

for, failing to capture the attention of a waiter, I hooked one of them by the arm and ordered a whiskey and soda. The buzz of conversation, By Elizabeth Peters Failing Waiter Soda Capture Attention

He managed to create an atmosphere of sticky sentimentality that disgusted me. By Elizabeth Peters Managed Create Atmosphere Sticky Sentimentality

People of that sort seldom fall ill; they are too busy pretending to be ill. By Elizabeth Peters Ill People Sort Seldom Fall

Another dead body. Every year it is the same. Every year, another dead body ... By Elizabeth Peters Body Dead Year

His masculinity was only too apparent By Elizabeth Peters Apparent Masculinity

I always carry the book of Holy Writ ... and something to read ... By Elizabeth Peters Writ Holy Read Carry Book

Many persons lead lives of crushing boredom. By Elizabeth Peters Boredom Persons Lead Lives Crushing

Men are so easy to manipulate, poor things. By Elizabeth Peters Men Manipulate Poor Things Easy

accepted the cup the servant handed him By Elizabeth Peters Accepted Cup Servant Handed

The man had no more romance in his soul than a codfish By Elizabeth Peters Codfish Man Romance Soul

He never comes to see us unless he wants something. Find out what it is, tell him "no," and let us be off. By Elizabeth Peters Find