You've a pretty good nerve,' said Ratchett. 'Will twenty thousand dollars tempt you?'It will not.'If you're holding out for more, you won't get it. I know what a thing's worth to me.'I, also M. Ratchett.'What's wrong with my proposition?'Poirot rose. 'If you will forgive me for being personal - I do not like your face, M. Ratchett,' he said.

— Agatha Christie

At the small table, sitting very upright, was one of the ugliest old ladies he had ever seen. It was an ugliness of distinction - it fascinated rather than repelled.

— Agatha Christie

Sensationalism dies quickly, fear is long-lived.

— Agatha Christie