Versatility is one of the few human traits which are universally intolerable. You may be good at Greek and good at painting and be popular. You may be good at Greek and good at sport, and be wildly popular. But try all three and youโre a mountebank. Nothing arouses suspicion quicker than genuine, all-round proficiency.
Dorothy DunnettWhatโs wrong? Has Francis been rude? Then you must try to overlook it. I know you wouldnโt think so, but he is thoroughly upset by Tom Erskineโs death; and when Francis is troubled he doesnโt show it, he just goes and makes life wretched for somebody.
Dorothy DunnettA man of over thirty might be held to be at the height of his powers, but not necessarily of his wisdom.
Dorothy DunnettOnly common mortals like the Somervilles have good old rotten hates, dear,' said her mother. 'Sir Graham manages to love everybody and wouldn't know what you're talking about. Have a bun.' 'He doesn't love the Turks,' said Philippa. 'He kills them.' 'That isn't hate,' said Kate Somerville. 'That's simply hoeing among one's principles to keep them healthy and neat. I'm sure he would tell you he bears them no personal grudge; and they think they're going to Paradise anyway, so it does everyone good.
Dorothy DunnettTo the men exposed to his rule Lymond never appeared ill: he was never tired; he was never worried, or pained, or disappointed, or passionately angry. If he rested, he did so alone; if he slept, he took good care to sleep apart. โโI sometimes doubt if heโs human,โ said Will, speaking his thought aloud. โItโs probably all done with wheels.
Dorothy Dunnett