- Felicity Law: [after he's raised his offering price many times] Mr. Prideaux, is there something about this painting you're not telling me?
- [first lines]
- Anthony Prideaux: Can I help you, madam?
- Felicity Law: Oh, yes; hello. I'm so sorry to bother you, but I was just clearing out my loft when I found this.
- [unwrapping a painting]
- Felicity Law: I don't know how it got there, but it's rather nice.
- Anthony Prideaux: I don't generally look at paintings found in people's lofts, madam. There are several house clearance firms locally if you'd like to try there.
- Felicity Law: Yes, I know. I'm so sorry, but it is rather nice. I've got no space on my walls, but I thought someone might like it.
- [last lines]
- Joyce Barnaby: Oh, Tom, what a lovely present! A course on Hogson; how thoughtful of you.
- DCI Tom Barnaby: I knew you'd like it.
- Joyce Barnaby: I shall look forward to it. That Matilda Simms is so interesting.
- DCI Tom Barnaby: Yes, she is.
- Graham Spate: [Speaking about Mathilda] What does she know? She's just a spoiled little daddy's girl.
- DS Ben Jones: Oh, I think she's quite interesting.
- Graham Spate: Got her hooks into you as well, has she?
- DS Ben Jones: Aha! Is that why you stopped painting?
- Graham Spate: No.
- DS Ben Jones: So why'd you stop?
- Graham Spate: Crime's more... creative.
- DS Ben Jones: Well, I'm sorry you think that, Graham. I thought you'd turned a bit of a corner with art. It sort of shines a light into the dark areas, doesn't it? You never know what you're going to find, do you?
- Graham Spate: I suggest you stick to plodding, mate, because you'd make a useless shrink.
- DCI Tom Barnaby: [to Arlington] That book has already killed two people. You better go home, sir, before it kills you too.
- DCI Tom Barnaby: Mr Best, do you know a Graham Spate at all?
- Alan Best: Oh, the name's familiar; he's the local tea-leaf, isn't he?