Murder in the Mews

A statesman in these days has a difficult task. He has to pursue the policy he deems advantageous to his country, but he has at the same time to recognize the force of popular feeling. Popular feeling is very often sentimental, muddleheaded, and eminently unsound, but it cannot be disregarded for all that.

I think a woman smothered in cheap scent is one of the greatest abominations known to mankind - Lord Mayfield

Murder can sometimes seem justified, but it is murder all the same. You are truthful and clear-minded--face the truth, mademoiselle! Your friend died in the last resort, because she had not the courage to live. We may sympathize with her. We may pity her. But the fact remains--the act was hers--not another.

Nature repeats herself more than one would imagine. The sea has infinitely more variety.

I think I said that every generation had its weaklings--that that was one of the penalties of greatness--but that their failings were seldom remembered by posterity.

Retired soldiers are the worst sufferers when they engage in financial operations. I have found that their credulity far exceeds that of widows--and that is saying a good deal.

Dyspepsia is responsible for many a reputation for romantic melancholy or ungovernable rages.

You are, madame, so perfectly armoured, so completely sure of yourself.' 'Now I wonder, if I am to take that as a compliment?' 'It is, perhaps, a warning--not to treat life with arrogance.

It takes so little to undermine public confidence in a man.

How well you express it! That is exactly the curse of a politician's life. He has to bow to the country's feeling, however dangerous and foolhardy he knows it to be.

Popular feeling is very often sentimental, muddle-headed, and eminently unsound, but it cannot be disregarded for all that.

At all events, let us examine the position from the point of view of murder, not suicide." "Oh, all right. If you are on the scene, it probably would be murder!" For a moment Poirot smiled. "I hardly like that remark.

One does not blow one's brains out because one has a headstrong daughter!

Remember, remember The fifth of November Gunpowder treason and plot. We see no reason Why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.

To begin with, nobody actually heard the shot. Two or three women say they did because they want to think they did - but that's all there is to it.

...But even then you have to reckon with a criminal's chief vice.' 'What is that?' ' Conceit. A criminal never believes that his crime can fail.

I will only ask you to believe one thing. I have faith in myself. I believe that I am the man to guide England through the days of crisis that I see coming. If I did not honestly believe that I am needed by my country to steer the ship of state, I would not have done what I have done--made the best of both worlds--saved myself from disaster by a clever trick.' 'My lord, if you could not make the best of both worlds, you could not be a politician.

Unlike most English people, she was capable of speaking to strangers on sight instead of allowing four days to a week to elapse before making the first cautious advance as is the customary British habit.

has to pursue the policy he deems advantageous to his country, but he has at the same time to recognize the force of popular feeling. Popular feeling is very often sentimental, muddleheaded, and eminently unsound, but it cannot be disregarded for all that.

I think it was just before half past ten.