Quotes from Elizabeth Peters

I always carry the book of Holy Writ...and something to read...

Emerson is a remarkable person, considering that he is a man. Which is not saying a great deal.

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.

that was Evelyn's weakness. She was too kind, and too truthful. Both, I have found, are inconvenient character traits.

I believe you would square off at Satan if he came around and inconvenienced you!

No, no, you needn't slap me; I am not at all hysterical.

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.

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

Bucolic peace is not my ambience

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.

People of that sort seldom fall ill; they are too busy pretending to be ill.

There is no creature better at delicate rudeness than a cat...

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.

Emerson bent a tender look upon his son and heir. 'Very well, Ramses; Papa will find you all the dead bodies you want.

Let me be candid. Emerson would cheerfully consign the entire globe and its inhabitants (with a few exceptions) to the nethermost pits to save one dingy fragment of history from extinction.

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?

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?

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.

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.

Americans have many admirable characteristics, but literary taste is rare among them.

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?

So now you have it. The plot, the whole plot, and nothing but the plot.

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?

We all know how ruthlessly these American millionaires crush their rivals as they climb to power.