- Archie: I never implied that I had the slightest notion who did it, how or why. I'm only saying Faith Usher put nothing whatsoever in her glass of champagne.
- Inspector Cramer: So you won't discuss it, hmm?
- Archie: I won't?
- [looks around, puzzled]
- Archie: What are we doing?
- Inspector Cramer: [looks cranky]
- Archie: As a dancing partner, Rose was not a bargain. She was equipped for it physically, but she danced cheerfully. You can't dance cheerfully. Dancing's too important.
- Austin 'Dinky' Byne: To tell the truth, I'm in a bit of a mess myself, or I will be if you like to see me squirm.
- Archie: Depends on what kind of squirmer you are.
- Archie: [narrating as he oils his pistols and then his typewriter] Nero Wolfe is a creature of habit. Every morning, from nine until eleven, he tends his 10,000 orchids and I, Archie Goodwin, his confidential secretary and legman extraordinaire, tend to business. And since there wasn't any business to tend to, I was preparing for action - if and when it ever came.
- Archie: [Narrating] I could have given her a Big Hug. Anyone who can take Wolfe down a peg renders a service to the balance of nature.