“The trouble with unknown enemies is that they are so difficult to identify.”

“Is is difficult to be angry with a gentleman who pays you compliments, even impertinent compliments. Especially impertinent compliments. ”

“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.”

“Your trousers are on fire. I would have told you, but you so dislike advice...”

“I knew the answer, and--of course--so did Ramses. He has superb breath control and always gets in ahead of me.”

“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”

“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.”