Not a visible enthusiasm but a hidden one, an excitement burning with a cold flame.

He possessed the power. He held it in his hand. A power stronger than the power of money or the power of terror or the power of death: the invincible power to command the love of mankind. There was only one thing that power could not do: it could not make him able to smell himself.

How quickly the apparently solidly laid foundation of one's existence could crumble.

He had preserved the best part of her and made it his own: the principle of her scent.

...talent means nothing, while experience, acquired in humility and with hard work, means everything.

He had escaped the abhorrent taint! He was truly completely alone! He was the only human being in the world!

Bathed in sweat and trembling with agitation, no, not with agitation, but with fear, for he finally admitted it to himself: it was naked fear that had seized him, and in admitting it he grew calmer and his thoughts clearer.