“There's probably no one so easily bribed, but he lacks even the fundamental honesty of honorable corruption. He doesn't stay bribed; not for any sum.”

“God doesn't bribe, child. He just makes a sign and lets people take it as they will.”

“They had been corrupted by money, and he had been corrupted by sentiment. Sentiment was the more dangerous, because you couldn’t name its price. A man open to bribes was to be relied upon below a certain figure, but sentiment might uncoil in the heart at a name, a photograph, even a smell remembered.”

“It's so dry the trees are bribing the dogs.”

“I’ve already instructed theothers to keep their mouths shut.”“Even Hyacinth?” Penelope asked doubtfully.“Especially Hyacinth.”“Did you bribe her?” Violet asked. “Because it won’t work unless youbribe her.”“Good Lord,” Colin muttered. “One would think I’d joined this familyyesterday. Of course I bribed her.” He turned to Penelope. “No offense torecent additions.”“Oh, none taken.”

“Love is a gift. Not a bribe.”