Quotes from Elizabeth Peters

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.

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!

The sun is born again from the womb of night," he said. "See how the light spreads, remaking the world.

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

For a time Emerson politely endeavored to conceal his boredom - like most men, he is profoundly disinterested in all children except his own - ...

Why is a man with a knife after your blood? Who sent him? I would like to write the fellow a letter of thanks!

The roar of an angry crowd is one of the most terrifying sounds in the world.

I lost Davey twice, retrieving him on the second occasion from the interior of a huge granite sarcophagus. I was tempted to leave him there, for a while, since he could not get out of it. But Emerson wouldn't let me.

A woman's instinct, I always feel, supersedes logic.

He had the mouth of a shark and the eyes of a poet. I felt an immediate rapport - with the shark, as well as the poet.

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!

Five years of marriage have taught me that even if one is unamused by the (presumed) wit of one's spouse, one does not say so. Some concessions to temperament are necessary if the marital state is to flourish.

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

You must win the respect of your subordinates by treating them with absolute fairness. Of course it helps to have an inherently dominant personality and a character both strong and just, commanding and yet tolerant…

I am here on business." "Indeed," I said. "Indeed?" Emerson's echo held a questioning note; but in fact I had already deduced the nature of the lady's business. Emerson calls this jumping to conclusions. I call it simple logic.

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.

for I have learned that noble causes have a deplorable effect on the morals of the persons who espouse them)

Once again my aggravating but useful child rescued me from an unwelcome guest.

The man had no more romance in his soul than a codfish

So far we have had a séance, with spirit possession, a White Lady walking by night, a perambulating suit of armor, a diabolical character in a black cloak, and even a semi-dead man with a look of stark staring horror. It isn't even good horror fiction; it's straight out of The Mysteries of Udolpho. By some straining of the brain I could believe in ghosts; but I can't believe in a ghost that acts like Terror Comics.

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

the wrongs of my oppressed sisters must always waken a flame of indignation in my bosom.

intervals of munching and mumbling as she crammed food into her mouth. I did not blame Lady Baskerville for her precipitate departure

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....