"He was one of those men who like to be observers at their own lives, any ambition actually to participate in them being considered inappropriate." Chapter 4, pg.

"Baldabiou had divulged the secrets of the trade without making difficulties. He derived far greater amusement from this than from making a sackful of money. Teaching. Having secrets to impart. That's the way he was." Chapter 6, pg. 8-9

"He had once held between his fingers a veil woven out of Japanese silk thread. It was like grasping in your fingers... nothing." Chapter 10, pg. 14

"The silk manufacturers of Lavilledieu were all gentlemen, more or less, and it would never have crossed their minds to break any law of their country. The notion of doing so on the other side of the world, however, struck them as entirely reasonable." Chapter 10, pg. 15

"The only visible sign of his authority was a woman lying beside...