AgathaChristie
AftertheFuneral
AHerculePoirotMystery
ForJamesinmemoryofhappydaysatAbney
Contents
Cover
TitlePage
Dedication
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwenty
ChapterTwenty-one
ChapterTwenty-two
ChapterTwenty-three
ChapterTwenty-four
ChapterTwenty-five
AbouttheAuthor
TheAgathaChristieCollection
Credits
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
One
I
OldLanscombemovedtotteringlyfromroomtoroom,pullinguptheblinds.Nowandthenhepeeredwithscrewed-uprheumyeyesthroughthewindows.
Soontheywouldbecomingbackfromthefuneral.Heshuffledalongalittlefaster.Thereweresomanywindows.
EnderbyHallwasavastVictorianhousebuiltintheGothicstyle.Ineveryroomthecurtainswereofrichfadedbrocadeorvelvet.Someofthewallswerestillhungwithfadedsilk.Inthegreendrawingroom,theoldbutlerglancedupattheportraitabovethemantelpieceofoldCorneliusAbernethieforwhomEnderbyHallhadbeenbuilt.CorneliusAbernethie’sbrownbeardstuckforwardaggressively,hishandrestedonaterrestrialglobe,whetherbydesireofthesitter,orasasymbolicconceitonthepartoftheartist,noonecouldtell.
Averyforceful-lookinggentleman,sooldLanscombehadalwaysthought,andwasgladthathehimselfhadneverknownhimpersonally.Mr.Richardhadbeenhisgentleman.Agoodmaster,Mr.Richard.Andtakenverysudden,he’dbeen,thoughofcoursethedoctorhadbeenattendinghimforsomelittletime.Ah,butthemasterhadneverrecoveredfromtheshockofyoungMr.Mortimer’sdeath.TheoldmanshookhisheadashehurriedthroughaconnectingdoorintotheWhiteBoudoir.Terrible,thathadbeen,arealcatastrophe.Suchafineupstandingyounggentleman,sostrongandhealthy.You’dneverhavethoughtsuchathinglikelytohappentohim.Pitiful,ithadbeen,quitepitiful.AndMr.Gordonkilledinthewar.Onethingontopofanother.Thatwasthewaythingswentnowadays.Toomuchforthemaster,ithadbeen.Andyethe’dseemedalmosthimselfaweekago.
ThethirdblindintheWhiteBoudoirrefusedtogoupasitshould.Itwentupalittlewayandstuck.Thespringswereweak—that’swhatitwas—veryold,theseblindswere,likeeverythingelseinthehouse.Andyoucouldn’tgettheseoldthingsmendednowadays.Tooold-fashioned,that’swhatthey’dsay,shakingtheirheadsinthatsillysuperiorway—asiftheoldthingsweren’tagreatdealbetterthanthenewones!Hecouldtellthemthat!Gimcrack,halfthenewstuffwas—cametopiecesinyourhands.Thematerialwasn’tgood,orthecraftsmanshipeither.Ohyes,hecouldtellthem.
Couldn’tdoanythingaboutthisblindunlesshegotthesteps.Hedidn’tlikeclimbingupthestepsmuch,thesedays,madehimcomeovergiddy.Anyway,he’dleavetheblindfornow.Itdidn’tmatter,sincetheWhiteBoudoirdidn’tfacethefrontofthehousewhereitwouldbeseenasthecarscamebackfromthefuneral—anditwasn’tasthoughtheroomwaseverusednowadays.Itwasalady’sroom,this,andtherehadn’tbeenaladyatEnderbyforalongtimenow.ApityMr.Mortimerhadn’tmarried.AlwaysgoingofftoNorwayforfishingandtoScotlandforshootingandtoSwitzerlandforthosewintersports,insteadofmarryingsomeniceyoungladyandsettlingdownathomewithchildrenrunningaboutthehouse.Itwasalongtimesincetherehadbeenanychildreninthehouse.
AndLanscombe’smindwentrangingbacktoatimethatstoodoutclearlyanddistinctly—muchmoredistinctlythanthelasttwentyyearsorso,whichwereallblurredandconfusedandhecouldn’treallyrememberwhohadcomeandgoneorindeedwhattheylookedlike.Buthecouldremembertheolddayswellenough.
Morelikeafathertothoseyoungbrothersandsistersofhis,Mr.Richardhadbeen.Twenty-fourwhenhisfatherhaddied,andhe’dpitchedinrightawaytothebusiness,goingoffeverydayaspunctualasclockwork,andkeepingthehouserunningandeverythingaslavishasitcouldbe.Averyhappyhouseholdwithallthoseyoungladiesandgentlemengrowingup.Fightsandquarrelsnowandagain,ofcourse,andthosegovernesseshadhadabadtimeofit!Poor-spiritedcreatures,governesses,Lanscombehadalwaysdespisedthem.Veryspiritedtheyoungladieshadbeen.MissGeraldineinparticular.MissCora,too,althoughshewassomuchyounger.AndnowMr.Leowasdead,andMissLauragonetoo.AndMr.Timothysuchasadinvalid.AndMissGeraldinedyingsomewhereabroad.AndMr.Gordonkilledinthewar.Althoughhewastheeldest,Mr.Richardhimselfturnedoutthestrongestofthelot.Outlivedthemall,hehad—atleastnotquitebecauseMr.TimothywasstillaliveandlittleMissCorawho’dmarriedthatunpleasantartistchap.Twenty-fiveyearssincehe’dseenherandshe’dbeenaprettyyounggirlwhenshewentoffwiththatchap,andnowhe’dhardlyhaveknownher,grownsostout—andsoarty-craftyinherdress!AFrenchmanherhusbandhadbeen,ornearlyaFrenchman—andnogoodevercameofmarryingoneofthem!ButMissCorahadalwaysbeenabit—wellsimplelikeyou’dcallitifshe’dlivedinavillage.Alwaysoneoftheminafamily.
She’drememberedhimallright.“Why,it’sLanscombe!”she’dsaidandseemedeversopleasedtoseehim.Ah,they’dallbeenfondofhimintheolddaysandwhentherewasadinnerpartythey’dcreptdowntothepantryandhe’dgiventhemjellyandCharlotteRussewhenitcameoutofthediningroom.They’dallknownoldLanscombe,andnowtherewashardlyanyonewhoremembered.Justtheyoungerlotwhomhecouldneverkeepclearinhismindandwhojustthoughtofhimasabutlerwho’dbeentherealongtime.Alotofstrangers,hehadthought,whentheyallarrivedforthefuneral—andaseedylotofstrangersatthat!
NotMrs.Leo—shewasdifferent.SheandMr.LeohadcomehereoffandoneversinceMr.Leomarried.Shewasanicelady,Mrs.Leo—areallady.Woreproperclothesanddidherhairwellandlookedwhatshewas.Andthemasterhadalwaysbeenfondofher.ApitythatsheandMr.Leohadneverhadanychildren….
Lanscomberousedhimself;whatwashedoingstandinghereanddreamingaboutolddayswithsomuchtobedone?Theblindswereallattendedtoonthegroundfloornow,andhe’dtoldJanettogoupstairsanddothebedrooms.HeandJanetandthecookhadgonetothefuneralserviceinthechurchbutinsteadofgoingontotheCrematoriumthey’ddrivenbacktothehousetogettheblindsupandthelunchready.Coldlunch,ofcourse,ithadtobe.Hamandchickenandtongueandsalad.Withcoldlemonsouffléandappletarttofollow.Hotsoupfirst—andhe’dbettergoalongandseethatMarjoriehadgotitonreadytoserve,forthey’dbebackinaminuteortwonowforcertain.
Lanscombebrokeintoashufflingtrotacrosstheroom.Hisgaze,abstractedanduncurious,justsweptuptothepictureoverthismantelpiece—thecompanionportraittotheoneinthegreendrawingroom.Itwasanicepaintingofwhitesatinandpearls.Thehumanbeingroundwhomtheyweredrapedandclaspedwasnotnearlysoimpressive.Meekfeatures,arosebudmouth,hairpartedinthemiddle.Awomanbothmodestandunassuming.TheonlythingreallyworthyofnoteaboutMrs.CorneliusAbernethiehadbeenhername—Coralie.
Foroversixtyyearsaftertheiroriginalappearance,CoralCornplastersandtheallied“Coral”footpreparationsstillheldtheirown.WhethertherehadeverbeenanythingoutstandingaboutCoralCornplastersnobodycouldsay—buttheyhadappealedtothepublicfancy.OnafoundationofCoralCornplasterstherehadarisenthisneo-Gothicpalace,itsacresofgardens,andthemoneythathadpaidoutanincometosevensonsanddaughtersandhadallowedRichardAbernethietodiethreedaysagoaveryrichman.
II
Lookingintothekitchenwithawordofadmonition,LanscombewassnappedatbyMarjorie,thecook.Marjoriewasyoung,onlytwenty-seven,andwasaconstantirritationtoLanscombeasbeingsofarremovedfromwhathisconceptionofapropercookshouldbe.Shehadnodignityandnoproperappreciationofhis,Lanscombe’s,position.Shefrequentlycalledthehouse“aproperoldmausoleum”andcomplainedoftheimmenseareaofthekitchen,sculleryandlarder,sayingthatitwasa“day’swalktogetroundthemall.”ShehadbeenatEnderbytwoyearsandonlystayedbecauseinthefirstplacethemoneywasgood,andinthesecondbecauseMr.Abernethiehadreallyappreciatedhercooking.Shecookedverywell.Janet,whostoodbythekitchentable,refreshingherselfwithacupoftea,wasanelderlyhousemaidwho,althoughenjoyingfrequentaciddisputeswithLanscombe,wasneverthelessusuallyinalliancewithhimagainsttheyoungergenerationasrepresentedbyMarjorie.ThefourthpersoninthekitchenwasMrs.Jacks,who“camein”tolendassistancewhereitwaswantedandwhohadmuchenjoyedthefuneral.
“Beautifulitwas,”shesaidwithadecoroussniffasshereplenishedhercup.“NineteencarsandthechurchquitefullandtheCanonreadtheservicebeautiful,Ithought.Anicefinedayforit,too.Ah,poordearMr.Abernethie,there’snotmanylikehimleftintheworld.Respectedbyall,hewas.”
Therewasthenoteofahornandthesoundofacarcomingupthedrive,andMrs.Jacksputdownhercupandexclaimed:“Heretheyare.”
Marjorieturnedupthegasunderherlargesaucepanofcreamychickensoup.ThelargekitchenrangeofthedaysofVictoriangrandeurstoodcoldandunused,likeanaltartothepast.
Thecarsdroveuponeaftertheotherandthepeopleissuingfromthemintheirblackclothesmovedratheruncertainlyacrossthehallandintothebiggreendrawingroom.Inthebigsteelgrateafirewasburning,tributetothefirstchilloftheautumndaysandcalculatedtocounteractthefurtherchillofstandingaboutatafuneral.
Lanscombeenteredtheroom,offeringglassesofsherryonasilvertray.
Mr.Entwhistle,seniorpartneroftheoldandrespectedfirmofBollard,Entwhistle,EntwhistleandBollard,stoodwithhisbacktothefireplacewarminghimself.Heacceptedaglassofsherry,andsurveyedthecompanywithhisshrewdlawyer’sgaze.Notallofthemwerepersonallyknowntohim,andhewasunderthenecessityofsortingthemout,sotospeak.Introductionsbeforethedepartureforthefuneralhadbeenhushedandperfunctory.
AppraisingoldLanscombefirst,Mr.Entwhistlethoughttohimself,“Gettingveryshaky,pooroldchap—goingonforninetyIshouldn’twonder.Well,he’llhavethatnicelittleannuity.Nothingforhimtoworryabout.Faithfulsoul.Nosuchthingasold-fashionedservicenowadays.Householdhelpsandbabysitters,Godhelpusall!Asadworld.Justaswell,perhaps,poorRicharddidn’tlasthisfulltime.Hehadn’tmuchtolivefor.”
ToMr.Entwhistle,whowasseventy-two,RichardAbernethie’sdeathatsixty-eightwasdefinitelythatofamandeadbeforehistime.Mr.Entwhistlehadretiredfromactivebusinesstwoyearsago,butasexecutorofRichardAbernethie’swillandinrespectofoneofhisoldestclientswhowasalsoapersonalfriend,hehadmadethejourneytotheNorth.
Reflectinginhisownmindontheprovisionsofthewill,hementallyappraisedthefamily.
Mrs.Leo,Helen,heknewwell,ofcourse.Averycharmingwomanforwhomhehadbothlikingandrespect.Hiseyesdweltapprovinglyonhernowasshestoodnearoneofthewindows.Blacksuitedher.Shehadkeptherfigurewell.Helikedtheclearcutfeatures,thespringinglineofgreyhairbackfromhertemplesandtheeyesthathadoncebeenlikenedtocornflowersandwhichwerestillquitevividlyblue.
HowoldwasHelennow?Aboutfifty-oneor-two,hesupposed.StrangethatshehadnevermarriedagainafterLeo’sdeath.Anattractivewoman.Ah,buttheyhadbeenverydevoted,thosetwo.
HiseyeswentontoMrs.Timothy.Hehadneverknownherverywell.Blackdidn’tsuither—countrytweedswereherwear.Abigsensiblecapable-lookingwoman.She’dalwaysbeenagooddevotedwifetoTimothy.Lookingafterhishealth,fussingoverhim—fussingoverhimabittoomuch,probably.WastherereallyanythingthematterwithTimothy?Justahypochondriac,Mr.Entwhistlesuspected.RichardAbernethiehadsuspectedso,too.“Weakchest,ofcourse,whenhewasaboy,”hehadsaid.“ButblestifIthinkthere’smuchwrongwithhimnow.”Ohwell,everybodyhadtohavesomehobby.Timothy’shobbywastheallabsorbingoneofhisownhealth.WasMrs.Timtakenin?Probablynot—butwomenneveradmittedthatsortofthing.Timothymustbequitecomfortablyoff.He’dneverbeenaspendthrift.However,theextrawouldnotcomeamiss—notinthesedaysoftaxation.He’dprobablyhadtoretrenchhisscaleoflivingagooddealsincethewar.
Mr.EntwhistletransferredhisattentiontoGeorgeCrossfield,Laura’sson.DubioussortoffellowLaurahadmarried.Nobodyhadeverknownmuchabouthim.Astockbrokerhehadcalledhimself.YoungGeorgewasinasolicitor’soffice—notaveryreputablefirm.Good-lookingyoungfellow—butsomethingalittleshiftyabouthim.Hecouldn’thavetoomuchtoliveon.Laurahadbeenacompletefooloverherinvestments.She’dleftnexttonothingwhenshediedfiveyearsago.Ahandsomeromanticgirlshe’dbeen,butnomoneysense.
Mr.Entwhistle’seyeswentonfromGeorgeCrossfield.Whichofthetwogirlswaswhich?Ahyes,thatwasRosamund,Geraldine’sdaughter,lookingatthewaxflowersonthemalachitetable.Prettygirl,beautiful,infact—ratherasillyface.Onthestage.Repertorycompaniesorsomenonsenselikethat.Hadmarriedanactor,too.Good-lookingfellow.“Andknowsheis,”thoughtMr.Entwhistle,whowasprejudicedagainstthestageasaprofession.“Wonderwhatsortofabackgroundhehasandwherehecomesfrom.”
HelookeddisapprovinglyatMichaelShanewithhisfairhairandhishaggardcharm.
NowSusan,Gordon’sdaughter,woulddomuchbetteronthestagethanRosamund.Morepersonality.Alittletoomuchpersonalityforeverydaylife,perhaps.ShewasquitenearhimandMr.Entwhistlestudiedhercovertly.Darkhair,hazel—almostgolden—eyes,asulkyattractivemouth.Besideherwasthehusbandshehadjustmarried—achemist’sassistant,heunderstood.Really,achemist’sassistant!InMr.Entwhistle’screedgirlsdidnotmarryyoungmenwhoservedbehindacounter.Butnowofcourse,theymarriedanybody!Theyoungman,whohadapalenondescriptfaceandsandyhair,seemedveryillatease.Mr.Entwhistlewonderedwhy,butdecidedcharitablythatitwasthestrainofmeetingsomanyofhiswife’srelations.
LastinhissurveyMr.EntwhistlecametoCoraLansquenet.Therewasacertainjusticeinthat,forCorahaddecidedlybeenanafterthoughtinthefamily.Richard’syoungestsister,shehadbeenbornwhenhermotherwasjustonfifty,andthatmeekwomanhadnotsurvivedhertenthpregnancy(threechildrenhaddiedininfancy).PoorlittleCora!Allherlife,Corahadbeenratheranembarrassment,growinguptallandgawky,andgiventoblurtingoutremarksthathadalwaysbetterhaveremainedunsaid.AllherelderbrothersandsistershadbeenverykindtoCora,atoningforherdeficienciesandcoveringhersocialmistakes.IthadneverreallyoccurredtoanyonethatCorawouldmarry.Shehadnotbeenaveryattractivegirl,andherratherobviousadvancestovisitingyoungmenhadusuallycausedthelattertoretreatinsomealarm.Andthen,Mr.Entwhistlemused,therehadcometheLansquenetbusiness—PierreLansquenet,halfFrench,whomshehadcomeacrossinanArtschoolwhereshehadbeenhavingverycorrectlessonsinpaintingflowersinwatercolours.ButsomehowshehadgotintotheLifeclassandthereshehadmetPierreLansquenetandhadcomehomeandannouncedherintentionofmarryinghim.RichardAbernethiehadputhisfootdown—hehadn’tlikedwhathesawofPierreLansquenetandsuspectedthattheyoungmanwasreallyinsearchofarichwife.ButwhilsthewasmakingafewresearchesintoLansquenet’santecedents,Corahadboltedwiththefellowandmarriedhimoutofhand.TheyhadspentmostoftheirmarriedlifeinBrittanyandCornwallandotherpainters’conventionalhaunts.Lansquenethadbeenaverybadpainterandnot,byallaccounts,averyniceman,butCorahadremaineddevotedtohimandhadneverforgivenherfamilyfortheirattitudetohim.Richardhadgenerouslymadehisyoungsisteranallowanceandonthattheyhad,soMr.Entwhistlebelieved,lived.HedoubtedifLansquenethadeverearnedanymoneyatall.Hemusthavebeendeadnowtwelveyearsormore,thoughtMr.Entwhistle.Andnowherewashiswidow,rathercushion-likeinshapeanddressedinwispyartisticblackwithfestoonsofjetbeads,backinthehomeofhergirlhood,movingaboutandtouchingthingsandexclaimingwithpleasurewhensherecalledsomechildishmemory.Shemadeverylittlepretenceofgriefatherbrother’sdeath.Butthen,Mr.Entwhistlereflected,Corahadneverpretended.
ReenteringtheroomLanscombemurmuredinmutedtonessuitabletotheoccasion:
“Luncheonisserved.”
Two
Afterthedeliciouschickensoup,andplentyofcoldviandsaccompaniedbyanexcellentChablis,thefuneralatmospherelightened.NobodyhadreallyfeltanydeepgriefforRichardAbernethie’sdeathsincenoneofthemhadhadanyclosetieswithhim.Theirbehaviourhadbeensuitablydecorousandsubdued(withtheexceptionoftheuninhibitedCorawhowasclearlyenjoyingherself)butitwasnowfeltthatthedecencieshadbeenobservedandthatnormalconversationcouldberesumed.Mr.Entwhistleencouragedthisattitude.Hewasexperiencedinfuneralsandknewexactlyhowtosetcorrectfuneraltiming.
Afterthemealwasover,Lanscombeindicatedthelibraryforcoffee.Thiswashisfeelingforniceties.Thetimehadcomewhenbusiness—inotherwords,TheWill—wouldbediscussed.Thelibraryhadtheproperatmosphereforthat,withitsbookshelvesanditsheavyredvelvetcurtains.Heservedcoffeetothemthereandthenwithdrew,closingthedoor.
Afterafewdesultoryremarks,everyonebegantolooktentativelyatMr.Entwhistle.Herespondedpromptlyafterglancingathiswatch.
“Ihavetocatchthe3:30train,”hebegan.
Others,itseemed,alsohadtocatchthattrain.
“Asyouknow,”saidMr.Entwhistle,“IamtheexecutorofRichardAbernethie’swill—”
Hewasinterrupted.
“Ididn’tknow,”saidCoraLansquenetbrightly.“Areyou?Didheleavemeanything?”
Notforthefirsttime,Mr.EntwhistlefeltthatCorawastooapttospeakoutofturn.
Bendingarepressiveglanceatherhecontinued:
“Uptoayearago,RichardAbernethie’swillwasverysimple.SubjecttocertainlegacieshelefteverythingtohissonMortimer.”
“PoorMortimer,”saidCora.“Idothinkallthisinfantileparalysisisdreadful.”
“Mortimer’sdeath,comingsosuddenlyandtragically,wasagreatblowtoRichard.Ittookhimsomemonthstorallyfromit.Ipointedouttohimthatitmightbeadvisableforhimtomakenewtestamentarydispositions.”
MaudeAbernethieaskedinherdeepvoice:
“Whatwouldhavehappenedifhehadn’tmadeanewwill?Wouldit—woulditallhavegonetoTimothy—asthenextofkin,Imean?”
Mr.Entwhistleopenedhismouthtogiveadisquisitiononthesubjectofnextofkin,thoughtbetterofit,andsaidcrisply:
“Onmyadvice,Richarddecidedtomakeanewwill.Firstofall,however,hedecidedtogetbetteracquaintedwiththeyoungergeneration.”
“Hehadusuponappro,”saidSusanwithasuddenrichlaugh.“FirstGeorgeandthenGregandme,andthenRosamundandMichael.”
GregoryBankssaidsharply,histhinfaceflushing:
“Idon’tthinkyououghttoputitlikethat,Susan.Onappro,indeed!”
“Butthatwaswhatitwas,wasn’tit,Mr.Entwhistle?”
“Didheleavemeanything?”repeatedCora.
Mr.Entwhistlecoughedandspokerathercoldly:
“Iproposetosendyouallcopiesofthewill.Icanreadittoyouinfullnowifyoulikebutitslegalphraseologymayseemtoyouratherobscure.Brieflyitamountstothis:AftercertainsmallbequestsandasubstantiallegacytoLanscombetopurchaseanannuity,thebulkoftheestate—averyconsiderableone—istobedividedintosixequalportions.Fourofthese,afteralldutiesarepaid,aretogotoRichard’sbrotherTimothy,hisnephewGeorgeCrossfield,hisnieceSusanBanks,andhisnieceRosamundShane.TheothertwoportionsaretobeheldupontrustandtheincomefromthempaidtoMrs.HelenAbernethie,thewidowofhisbrotherLeo;andtohissisterMrs.CoraLansquenet,duringtheirlifetime.Thecapitalaftertheirdeathtobedividedbetweentheotherfourbeneficiariesortheirissue.”
“That’sverynice!”saidCoraLansquenetwithrealappreciation.“Anincome!Howmuch?”
“I—er—can’tsayexactlyatpresent.Deathduties,ofcourse,willbeheavyand—”
“Can’tyougivemeanyidea?”
Mr.EntwhistlerealizedthatCoramustbeappeased.
“Possiblysomewhereintheneighbourhoodofthreetofourthousandayear.”
“Goody!”saidCora.“IshallgotoCapri.”
HelenAbernethiesaidsoftly:
“HowverykindandgenerousofRichard.Idoappreciatehisaffectiontowardsme.”
“Hewasveryfondofyou,”saidMr.Entwhistle.“LeowashisfavouritebrotherandyourvisitstohimwerealwaysmuchappreciatedafterLeodied.”
Helensaidregretfully:
“IwishIhadrealizedhowillhewas—Icameuptoseehimnotlongbeforehedied,butalthoughIknewhehadbeenill,Ididnotthinkitwasserious.”
“Itwasalwaysserious,”saidMr.Entwhistle.“ButhedidnotwantittalkedaboutandIdonotbelievethatanybodyexpectedtheendtocomeassoonasitdid.Thedoctorwasquitesurprised,Iknow.”
“‘Suddenly,athisresidence’that’swhatitsaidinthepaper,”saidCora,noddingherhead.“Iwonderedthen.”
“Itwasashocktoallofus,”saidMaudeAbernethie.“ItupsetpoorTimothydreadfully.Sosudden,hekeptsaying.Sosudden.”
“Still,it’sbeenhushedupverynicely,hasn’tit?”saidCora.
Everybodystaredatherandsheseemedalittleflustered.
“Ithinkyou’reallquiteright,”shesaidhurriedly.“Quiteright.Imean—itcan’tdoanygood—makingitpublic.Veryunpleasantforeverybody.Itshouldbekeptstrictlyinthefamily.”
Thefacesturnedtowardsherlookedevenmoreblank.
Mr.Entwhistleleanedforward:
“Really,Cora,I’mafraidIdon’tquiteunderstandwhatyoumean.”
CoraLansquenetlookedroundatthefamilyinwide-eyedsurprise.Shetiltedherheadononesidewithabirdlikemovement.
“Buthewasmurdered,wasn’the?”shesaid.
Three
I
TravellingtoLondoninthecornerofafirst-classcarriageMr.EntwhistlegavehimselfuptosomewhatuneasythoughtoverthatextraordinaryremarkmadebyCoraLansquenet.OfcourseCorawasaratherunbalancedandexcessivelystupidwoman,andshehadbeennoted,evenasagirl,fortheembarrassingmannerinwhichshehadblurtedoutunwelcometruths.Atleast,hedidn’tmeantruths—thatwasquitethewrongwordtouse.Awkwardstatements—thatwasamuchbetterterm.
Inhismindhewentbackovertheimmediatesequencetothatunfortunateremark.ThecombinedstareofmanystartledanddisapprovingeyeshadrousedCoratoasenseoftheenormityofwhatshehadsaid.
Maudehadexclaimed,“Really,Cora!”Georgehadsaid,“MydearAuntCora.”Somebodyelsehadsaid,“Whatdoyoumean?”
AndatonceCoraLansquenet,abashed,andconvictedofenormity,hadburstintoflutteringphrases.
“OhI’msorry—Ididn’tmean—oh,ofcourse,itwasverystupidofme,butIdidthinkfromwhathesaid—Oh,ofcourseIknowit’squiteallright,buthisdeathwassosudden—pleaseforgetthatIsaidanythingatall—Ididn’tmeantobesostupid—IknowI’malwayssayingthewrongthing.”
AndthenthemomentaryupsethaddieddownandtherehadbeenapracticaldiscussionaboutthedispositionofthelateRichardAbernethie’spersonaleffects.Thehouseanditscontents,Mr.Entwhistlesupplemented,wouldbeputupforsale.
Cora’sunfortunategaffehadbeenforgotten.Afterall,Corahadalwaysbeen,ifnotsubnormal,atanyrateembarrassinglyn?ive.Shehadneverhadanyideaofwhatshouldorshouldnotbesaid.Atnineteenithadnotmatteredsomuch.Themannerismsofanenfantterriblecanpersisttothen,butanenfantterribleofnearlyfiftyisdecidedlydisconcerting.Toblurtoutunwelcometruths—
Mr.Entwhistle’strainofthoughtcametoanabruptcheck.Itwasthesecondtimethatthatdisturbingwordhadoccurred.Truths.Andwhywasitsodisturbing?Because,ofcourse,thathadalwaysbeenatthebottomoftheembarrassmentthatCora’soutspokencommentshadcaused.Itwasbecausehern?ivestatementshadbeeneithertrueorhadcontainedsomegrainoftruththattheyhadbeensoembarrassing!
Althoughintheplumpwomanofforty-nine,Mr.Entwhistlehadbeenabletoseelittleresemblancetothegawkygirlofearlierdays,certainofCora’smannerismshadpersisted—theslightbirdliketwistoftheheadasshebroughtoutaparticularlyoutrageousremark—akindofairofpleasedexpectancy.InjustsuchawayhadCoraoncecommentedonthefigureofthekitchenmaid.“Molliecanhardlygetnearthekitchentable,herstomachsticksoutso.It’sonlybeenlikethatthelastmonthortwo.Iwonderwhyshe’sgettingsofat?”
Corahadbeenquicklyhushed.TheAbernethiehouseholdwasVictorianintone.Thekitchenmaidhaddisappearedfromthepremisesthenextday,andafterdueinquirythesecondgardenerhadbeenorderedtomakeanhonestwomanofherandhadbeenpresentedwithacottageinwhichtodoso.
Far-offmemories—buttheyhadtheirpoint….
Mr.Entwhistleexaminedhisuneasinessmoreclosely.WhatwasthereinCora’sridiculousremarksthathadremainedtoteasehissubconsciousinthismanner?Presentlyheisolatedtwophrases.“Ididthinkfromwhathesaid—”and“hisdeathwassosudden….”
Mr.Entwhistleexaminedthatlastremarkfirst.Yes,Richard’sdeathcould,inafashion,beconsideredsudden.Mr.EntwhistlehaddiscussedRichard’shealthbothwithRichardhimselfandwithhisdoctor.Thelatterhadindicatedplainlythatalonglifecouldnotbeexpected.IfMr.Abernethietookreasonablecareofhimselfhemightlivetwooreventhreeyears.Perhapslonger—butthatwasunlikely.Inanycasethedoctorhadanticipatednocollapseinthenearfuture.
Well,thedoctorhadbeenwrong—butdoctors,astheywerethefirsttoadmitthemselves,couldneverbesureabouttheindividualreactionofapatienttodisease.Casesgivenup,unexpectedlyrecovered.Patientsonthewaytorecoveryrelapsedanddied.Somuchdependedonthevitalityofthepatient.Onhisowninnerurgetolive
AndRichardAbernethie,thoughastrongandvigorousman,hadhadnogreatincentivetolive.
Forsixmonthspreviouslyhisonlysurvivingson,Mortimer,hadcontractedinfantileparalysisandhaddiedwithinaweek.Hisdeathhadbeenashockgreatlyaugmentedbythefactthathehadbeensuchaparticularlystrongandvitalyoungman.Akeensportsman,hewasalsoagoodathleteandwasoneofthosepeopleofwhomitwassaidthathehadneverhadaday’sillnessinhislife.Hewasonthepointofbecomingengagedtoaverycharminggirlandhisfather’shopesforthefuturewerecentredinthisdearlylovedandthoroughlysatisfactorysonofhis.
Insteadhadcometragedy.Andbesidesthesenseofpersonalloss,thefuturehadheldlittletostirRichardAbernethie’sinterest.Onesonhaddiedininfancy,thesecondwithoutissue.Hehadnograndchildren.Therewas,infact,nooneoftheAbernethienametocomeafterhim,andhewastheholderofavastfortunewithwidebusinessinterestswhichhehimselfstillcontrolledtoacertainextent.Whowastosucceedtothatfortuneandtothecontrolofthoseinterests?
ThatthishadworriedRicharddeeply,Entwhistleknew.Hisonlysurvivingbrotherwasverymuchofaninvalid.Thereremainedtheyoungergeneration.IthadbeeninRichard’smind,thelawyerthought,thoughhisfriendhadnotactuallysaidso,tochooseonedefinitesuccessor,thoughminorlegacieswouldprobablyhavebeenmade.Anyway,asEntwhistleknew,withinthelastsixmonthsRichardAbernethiehadinvitedtostaywithhim,insuccession,hisnephewGeorge,hisnieceSusanandherhusband,hisnieceRosamundandherhusband,andhissister-in-law,Mrs.LeoAbernethie.Itwasamongstthefirstthree,sothelawyerthought,thatAbernethiehadlookedforhissuccessor.HelenAbernethie,hethought,hadbeenaskedoutofpersonalaffectionandevenpossiblyassomeonetoconsult,forRichardhadalwaysheldahighopinionofhergoodsenseandpracticaljudgement.Mr.EntwhistlealsorememberedthatsometimeduringthatsixmonthsperiodRichardhadpaidashortvisittohisbrotherTimothy.
Thenetresulthadbeenthewillwhichthelawyernowcarriedinhisbriefcase.Anequabledistributionofproperty.Theonlyconclusionthatcouldbedrawn,therefore,wasthathehadbeendisappointedbothinhisnephew,andinhisniecesorperhapsinhisnieces’husbands.
AsfarasMr.Entwhistleknew,hehadnotinvitedhissister,CoraLansquenet,tovisithim—andthatbroughtthelawyerbacktothatfirstdisturbingphrasethatCorahadletslipsoincoherently—“butIdidthinkfromwhathesaid—”
WhathadRichardAbernethiesaid?Andwhenhadhesaidit?IfCorahadnotbeentoEnderby,thenRichardAbernethiemusthavevisitedherattheartisticvillageinBerkshirewhereshehadacottage.OrwasitsomethingthatRichardhadsaidinaletter?
Mr.Entwhistlefrowned.Cora,ofcourse,wasaverystupidwoman.Shecouldeasilyhavemisinterpretedaphrase,andtwisteditsmeaning.Buthedidwonderwhatthephrasecouldhavebeen….
TherewasenoughuneasinessinhimtomakehimconsiderthepossibilityofapproachingMrs.Lansquenetonthesubject.Nottoosoon.Betternotmakeitseemofimportance.ButhewouldliketoknowjustwhatitwasthatRichardAbernethiehadsaidtoherwhichhadledhertopipeupsobrisklywiththatoutrageousquestion:
“Buthewasmurdered,wasn’the?”
II
Inathird-classcarriage,fartheralongthetrain,GregoryBankssaidtohiswife:
“Thatauntofyoursmustbecompletelybats!”
“AuntCora?”Susanwasvague.“Oh,yes,Ibelieveshewasalwaysabitsimpleorsomething.”
GeorgeCrossfield,sittingopposite,saidsharply:
“Shereallyoughttobestoppedfromgoingaboutsayingthingslikethat.Itmightputideasintopeople’sheads.”
RosamundShane,intentonoutliningthecupid’sbowofhermouthwithlipstick,murmuredvaguely:
“Idon’tsupposeanyonewouldpayanyattentiontowhatafrumplikethatsays.Themostpeculiarclothesandlashingsandlashingsofjet—”
“Well,Ithinkitoughttobestopped,”saidGeorge.
“Allright,darling,”laughedRosamund,puttingawayherlipstickandcontemplatingherimagewithsatisfactioninthemirror.“Youstopit.”
Herhusbandsaidunexpectedly:
“IthinkGeorgeisright.It’ssoeasytosetpeopletalking.”
“Well,woulditmatter?”Rosamundcontemplatedthequestion.Thecupid’sbowliftedatthecornersinasmile.“Itmightreallyberatherfun.”
“Fun?”Fourvoicesspoke.
“Havingamurderinthefamily,”saidRosamund.“Thrilling,youknow!”
ItoccurredtothatnervousandunhappyyoungmanGregoryBanksthatSusan’scousin,settingasideherattractiveexterior,mighthavesomefaintpointsofresemblancetoherAuntCora.Hernextwordsratherconfirmedhisimpression.
“Ifhewasmurdered,”saidRosamund,“whodoyouthinkdidit?”
Hergazetravelledthoughtfullyroundthecarriage.
“Hisdeathhasbeenawfullyconvenientforallofus,”shesaidthoughtfully.“MichaelandIareabsolutelyonourbeamends.Mick’shadareallygoodpartofferedtohimintheSandbourneshowifhecanaffordtowaitforit.Nowwe’llbeinclover.We’llbeabletobackourownshowifwewantto.Asamatteroffactthere’saplaywithasimplywonderfulpart—”
NobodylistenedtoRosamund’secstaticdisquisition.Theirattentionhadshiftedtotheirownimmediatefuture.
“Touchandgo,”thoughtGeorgetohimself.“NowIcanputthatmoneybackandnobodywilleverknow…Butit’sbeenanearshave.”
Gregoryclosedhiseyesashelaybackagainsttheseat.Escapefrombondage.
Susansaidinherclearratherhardvoice,“I’mverysorry,ofcourse,forpooroldUncleRichard.Butthenhewasveryold,andMortimerhaddied,andhe’dnothingtoliveforanditwouldhavebeenawfulforhimtogoonasaninvalidyearafteryear.Muchbetterforhimtopopoffsuddenlylikethiswithnofuss.”
Herhardconfidentyoungeyessoftenedastheywatchedherhusband’sabsorbedface.SheadoredGreg.ShesensedvaguelythatGregcaredforherlessthanshecaredforhim—butthatonlystrengthenedherpassion.Gregwashers,she’ddoanythingforhim.Anythingatall….
III
MaudeAbernethie,changingherdressfordinneratEnderby(forshewasstayingthenight),wonderedifsheoughttohaveofferedtostaylongertohelpHelenoutwiththesortingandclearingofthehouse.TherewouldbeallRichard’spersonalthings…Theremightbeletters…Allimportantpapers,shesupposed,hadalreadybeentakenpossessionofbyMr.Entwhistle.AnditreallywasnecessaryforhertogetbacktoTimothyassoonaspossible.Hefrettedsowhenshewasnottheretolookafterhim.Shehopedhewouldbepleasedaboutthewillandnotannoyed.Hehadexpected,sheknew,thatmostofRichard’sfortunewouldcometohim.Afterall,hewastheonlysurvivingAbernethie.Richardcouldsurelyhavetrustedhimtolookaftertheyoungergeneration.Yes,shewasafraidTimothywouldbeannoyed…Andthatwassobadforhisdigestion.Andreally,whenhewasannoyed,Timothycouldbecomequiteunreasonable.Thereweretimeswhenheseemedtolosehissenseofproportion…ShewonderedifsheoughttospeaktoDr.Bartonaboutit…Thosesleepingpills—Timothyhadbeentakingfartoomanyofthemlately—hegotsoangrywhenshewantedtokeepthebottleforhim.Buttheycouldbedangerous—Dr.Bartonhadsaidso—youcouldgetdrowsyandforgetyou’dtakenthem—andthentakemore.Andthenanythingmighthappen!Therecertainlyweren’tasmanyleftinthebottleasthereoughttobe…Timothywasreallyverynaughtyaboutmedicines.Hewouldn’tlistentoher…Hewasverydifficultsometimes.
Shesighed—thenbrightened.Thingsweregoingtobemucheasiernow.Thegarden,forinstance—
IV
HelenAbernethiesatbythefireinthegreendrawingroomwaitingforMaudetocomedowntodinner.
Shelookedroundher,rememberingolddaysherewithLeoandtheothers.Ithadbeenahappyhouse.Butahouselikethisneededpeople.Itneededchildrenandservantsandbigmealsandplentyofroaringfiresinwinter.Ithadbeenasadhousewhenithadbeenlivedinbyoneoldmanwhohadlosthisson….
Whowouldbuyit,shewondered?Woulditbeturnedintoanhotel,oraninstitute,orperhapsoneofthosehostelsforyoungpeople?Thatwaswhathappenedtothesevasthousesnowadays.Noonewouldbuythemtolivein.Itwouldbepulleddown,perhaps,andthewholeestatebuiltover.Itmadehersadtothinkofthat,butshepushedthesadnessasideresolutely.Itdidonenogoodtodwellonthepast.Thishouse,andhappydayshere,andRichard,andLeo,allthatwasgood,butitwasover.Shehadherowninterests…Andnow,withtheincomeRichardhadlefther,shewouldbeabletokeeponthevillainCyprusanddoallthethingsshehadplannedtodo.
Howworriedshehadbeenlatelyovermoney—taxation—allthoseinvestmentsgoingwrong…Now,thankstoRichard’smoney,allthatwasover….
PoorRichard.Todieinhissleeplikethathadbeenreallyagreatmercy…Suddenlyonthe22nd—shesupposedthatthatwaswhathadputtheideaintoCora’shead.ReallyCorawasoutrageous!Shealwayshadbeen.Helenrememberedmeetingheronceabroad,soonafterhermarriagetoPierreLansquenet.Shehadbeenparticularlyfoolishandfatuousthatday,twistingherheadsideways,andmakingdogmaticstatementsaboutpainting,andparticularlyaboutherhusband’spainting,whichmusthavebeenmostuncomfortableforhim.Nomancouldlikehiswifeappearingsuchafool.AndCorawasafool!Oh,well,poorthing,shecouldn’thelpit,andthathusbandofhershadn’ttreatedhertoowell.
Helen’sgazerestedabsentlyonabouquetofwaxflowersthatstoodonaroundmalachitetable.Corahadbeensittingbesideitwhentheyhadallbeensittingroundwaitingtostartforthechurch.Shehadbeenfullofreminiscencesanddelightedrecognitionsofvariousthingsandwasclearlysopleasedatbeingbackinheroldhomethatshehadcompletelylostsightofthereasonforwhichtheywereassembled.
“Butperhaps,”thoughtHelen,“shewasjustlessofahypocritethantherestofus….”
Corahadneverbeenoneforobservingtheconventions.Lookatthewayshehadplumpedoutthatquestion:“Buthewasmurdered,wasn’the?”
Thefacesallround,startled,shocked,staringather!Suchavarietyofexpressionstheremusthavebeenonthosefaces….
Andsuddenly,seeingthepictureclearlyinhermind,Helenfrowned…Therewassomethingwrongwiththatpicture….
Something…?
Somebody…?
Wasitanexpressiononsomeone’sface?Wasthatit?Somethingthat—howcouldsheputit?—oughtnottohavebeenthere…?
Shedidn’tknow…shecouldn’tplaceit…buttherehadbeensomething—somewhere—wrong.
V
Meanwhile,inthebuffetatSwindon,aladyinwispymourningandfestoonsofjetwaseatingbathbunsanddrinkingteaandlookingforwardtothefuture.Shehadnopremonitionsofdisaster.Shewashappy.
Thesecross-countryjourneyswerecertainlytiring.ItwouldhavebeeneasiertogetbacktoLytchettSt.MaryviaLondon—andnotsoverymuchmoreexpensive.Ah,butexpensedidn’tmatternow.Still,shewouldhavehadtotravelwiththefamily—probablyhavingtotalkalltheway.Toomuchofaneffort.
No,bettertogohomecross-country.Thesebathbunswerereallyexcellent.Extraordinaryhowhungryafuneralmadeyoufeel.ThesoupatEnderbyhadbeendelicious—andsowasthecoldsoufflé.
Howsmugpeoplewere—andwhathypocrites!Allthosefaces—whenshe’dsaidthataboutmurder!Thewaythey’dalllookedather!
Well,ithadbeentherightthingtosay.Shenoddedherheadinsatisfiedapprovalofherself.Yes,ithadbeentherightthingtodo.
Sheglancedupattheclock.Fiveminutesbeforehertrainwent.Shedrankuphertea.Notverygoodtea.Shemadeagrimace.
Foramomentortwoshesatdreaming.Dreamingofthefutureunfoldingbeforeher…Shesmiledlikeahappychild.
Shewasreallygoingtoenjoyherselfatlast…Shewentouttothesmallbranchlinetrainbusilymakingplans.
Four
I
Mr.Entwhistlepassedaveryrestlessnight.Hefeltsotiredandsounwellinthemorningthathedidnotgetup.
Hissister,whokepthouseforhim,broughtuphisbreakfastonatrayandexplainedtohimseverelyhowwronghehadbeentogogaddingofftotheNorthofEnglandathisageandinhisfrailstateofhealth.
Mr.EntwhistlecontentedhimselfwithsayingthatRichardAbernethiehadbeenaveryoldfriend.
“Funerals!”saidhissisterwithdeepdisapproval.“Funeralsareabsolutelyfatalforamanofyourage!You’llbetakenoffassuddenlyasyourpreciousMr.Abernethiewasifyoudon’ttakemorecareofyourself.”
Theword“suddenly”madeMr.Entwhistlewince.Italsosilencedhim.Hedidnotargue.
Hewaswellawareofwhathadmadehimflinchatthewordsuddenly.
CoraLansquenet!Whatshehadsuggestedwasdefinitelyquiteimpossible,butallthesamehewouldliketofindoutexactlywhyshehadsuggestedit.Yes,hewouldgodowntoLytchettSt.Maryandseeher.Hecouldpretendthatitwasbusinessconnectedwithprobate,thatheneededhersignature.Noneedtoletherguessthathehadpaidanyattentiontohersillyremark.Buthewouldgodownandseeher—andhewoulddoitsoon.
HefinishedhisbreakfastandlaybackonhispillowsandreadTheTimes.HefoundTheTimesverysoothing.
Itwasaboutaquartertosixthateveningwhenhistelephonerang.
Hepickeditup.ThevoiceattheotherendofthewirewasthatofMr.JamesParrott,thepresentsecondpartnerofBollard,Entwhistle,EntwhistleandBollard.
“Lookhere,Entwhistle,”saidMr.Parrott,“I’vejustbeenrungupbythepolicefromaplacecalledLytchettSt.Mary.”
“LytchettSt.Mary?”
“Yes.Itseems—”Mr.Parrottpausedamoment.Heseemedembarrassed.“It’saboutaMrs.CoraLansquenet.Wasn’tsheoneoftheheirsoftheAbernethieestate?”
“Yes,ofcourse.Isawheratthefuneralyesterday.”
“Oh?Shewasatthefuneral,wasshe?”
“Yes.Whatabouther?”
“Well,”Mr.Parrottsoundedapologetic.“She’s—it’sreallymostextraordinary—she’sbeenwell—murdered.”
Mr.Parrottsaidthelastwordwiththeuttermostdeprecation.Itwasnotthesortofword,hesuggested,thatoughttomeananythingtothefirmofBollard,Entwhistle,EntwhistleandBollard.
“Murdered?”
“Yes—yes—I’mafraidso.Well,Imean,there’snodoubtaboutit.”
“Howdidthepolicegetontous?”
“Hercompanion,orhousekeeper,orwhateversheis—aMissGilchrist.Thepoliceaskedforthenameofhernearestrelativeorhersolicitors.AndthisMissGilchristseemedratherdoubtfulaboutrelativesandtheiraddresses,butsheknewaboutus.Sotheygotthroughatonce.”
“Whatmakesthemthinkshewasmurdered?”demandedMr.Entwhistle.
Mr.Parrottsoundedapologeticagain.
“Ohwell,itseemstherecan’tbeanydoubtaboutthat—Imeanitwasahatchetorsomethingofthatkind—averyviolentsortofcrime.”
“Robbery?”
“That’stheidea.Awindowwassmashedandtherearesometrinketsmissinganddrawerspulledoutandallthat,butthepoliceseemtothinktheremightbesomething—well—phonyaboutit.”
“Whattimedidithappen?”
“Sometimebetweentwoandfourthirtythisafternoon.”
“Wherewasthehousekeeper?”
“ChanginglibrarybooksinReading.Shegotbackaboutfiveo’clockandfoundMrs.Lansquenetdead.Thepolicewanttoknowifwe’veanyideaofwhocouldhavebeenlikelytoattackher.Isaid,”Mr.Parrott’svoicesoundedoutraged,“thatIthoughtitwasamostunlikelythingtohappen.”
“Yes,ofcourse.”
“Itmustbesomehalf-wittedlocaloaf—whothoughttheremightbesomethingtostealandthenlosthisheadandattackedher.Thatmustbeit—eh,don’tyouthinkso,Entwhistle?”
“Yes,yes…”Mr.Entwhistlespokeabsentmindedly.
Parrottwasright,hetoldhimself.Thatwaswhatmusthavehappened….
ButuncomfortablyheheardCora’svoicesayingbrightly:
“Hewasmurdered,wasn’the?”
Suchafool,Cora.Alwayshadbeen.Rushinginwhereangelsfeartotread…Blurtingoutunpleasanttruths….
Truths!
Thatblastedwordagain….
II
Mr.EntwhistleandInspectorMortonlookedateachotherappraisingly.
InhisneatprecisemannerMr.EntwhistlehadplacedattheInspector’sdisposalalltherelevantfactsaboutCoraLansquenet.Herupbringing,hermarriage,herwidowhood,herfinancialposition,herrelatives.
“Mr.TimothyAbernethieisheronlysurvivingbrotherandhernextofkin,butheisarecluseandaninvalid,andisquiteunabletoleavehome.Hehasempoweredmetoactforhimandtomakeallsucharrangementsasmaybenecessary.”
TheInspectornodded.Itwasareliefforhimtohavethisshrewdelderlysolicitortodealwith.Moreoverhehopedthatthelawyermightbeabletogivehimsomeassistanceinsolvingwhatwasbeginningtolooklikearatherpuzzlingproblem.
Hesaid:
“IunderstandfromMissGilchristthatMrs.LansquenethadbeenNorth,tothefuneralofanelderbrother,onthedaybeforeherdeath?”
“Thatisso,Inspector.Imyselfwasthere.”
“Therewasnothingunusualinhermanner—nothingstrange—orapprehensive?”
Mr.Entwhistleraisedhiseyebrowsinwell-simulatedsurprise.
“Isitcustomaryfortheretobesomethingstrangeinthemannerofapersonwhoisshortlytobemurdered?”heasked.
TheInspectorsmiledratherruefully.
“I’mnotthinkingofherbeing‘fey’orhavingapremonition.No,I’mjusthuntingaroundforsomething—well,somethingoutoftheordinary.”
“Idon’tthinkIquiteunderstandyou,Inspector,”saidMr.Entwhistle.
“It’snotaveryeasycasetounderstand,Mr.Entwhistle.SaysomeonewatchedtheGilchristwomancomeoutofthehouseatabouttwoo’clockandgoalongtothevillageandthebusstop.Thissomeonethendeliberatelytakesthehatchetthatwaslyingbythewoodshed,smashesthekitchenwindowwithit,getsintothehouse,goesupstairs,attacksMrs.Lansquenetwiththehatchet—andattackshersavagely.Sixoreightblowswerestruck.”Mr.Entwhistleflinched—“Oh,yes,quiteabrutalcrime.Thentheintruderpullsoutafewdrawers,scoopsupafewtrinkets—worthperhapsatennerinall,andclearsoff.”
“Shewasinbed?”
“Yes.ItseemsshereturnedlatefromtheNorththenightbefore,exhaustedandveryexcited.She’dcomeintosomelegacyasIunderstand?”
“Yes.”
“Shesleptverybadlyandwokewithaterribleheadache.ShehadseveralcupsofteaandtooksomedopeforherheadandthentoldMissGilchristnottodisturbhertilllunchtime.Shefeltnobetteranddecidedtotaketwosleepingpills.ShethensentMissGilchristintoReadingbythebustochangesomelibrarybooks.She’dhavebeendrowsy,if
“Hemayjusthavemeanttothreatenherwithit,”Mr.Entwhistlesuggested.“Ifsheshowedfightthen—”
“Accordingtothemedicalevidencethereisnosignthatshedid.Everythingseemstoshowthatshewaslyingonhersidesleepingpeacefullywhenshewasattacked.”
Mr.Entwhistleshifteduneasilyinhischair.
“Onedoeshearofthesebrutalandrathersenselessmurders,”hepointedout
“Ohyes,yes,that’sprobablywhatitwillturnouttobe.There’sanalertout,ofcourse,foranysuspiciouscharacter.Nobodylocalisconcerned,we’reprettysureofthat.Thelocalsareallaccountedforsatisfactorily.Mostpeopleareatworkatthattimeofday.Ofcoursehercottageisupalaneoutsidethevillageproper.Anyonecouldgetthereeasilywithoutbeingseen.There’samazeoflanesallroundthevillage.Itwasafinemorningandtherehasbeennorainforsomedays,sotherearen’tanydistinctivecartrackstogoby—incaseanyonecamebycar.”
“Youthinksomeonecamebycar?”Mr.Entwhistleaskedsharply.
TheInspectorshruggedhisshoulders.“Idon’tknow.AllI’msayingistherearecuriousfeaturesaboutthecase.These,forinstance—”Heshovedacrosshisdeskahandfulofthings—atrefoil-shapedbroochwithsmallpearls,abroochsetwithamethysts,asmallstringofpearls,andagarnetbracelet.
“Thosearethethingsthatweretakenfromherjewelbox.Theywerefoundjustoutsidethehouseshovedintoabush.”
“Yes—yes,thatisrathercurious.Perhapsifherassailantwasfrightenedatwhathehaddone—”
“Quite.Buthewouldprobablythenhaveleftthemupstairsinherroom…Ofcourseapanicmayhavecomeoverhimbetweenthebedroomandthefrontgate.”
Mr.Entwhistlesaidquietly:
“Ortheymay,asyouaresuggesting,haveonlybeentakenasablind.”
“Yes,severalpossibilities…OfcoursethisGilchristwomanmayhavedoneit.Twowomenlivingalonetogether—youneverknowwhatquarrelsorresentmentsorpassionsmayhavebeenaroused.Ohyes,we’retakingthatpossibilityintoconsiderationaswell.Butitdoesn’tseemverylikely.Fromallaccountstheywereonquiteamicableterms.”Hepausedbeforegoingon.“Accordingtoyou,nobodystandstogainbyMrs.Lansquenet’sdeath?”
Thelawyershifteduneasily.
“Ididn’tquitesaythat.”
InspectorMortonlookedupsharply.
“IthoughtyousaidthatMrs.Lansquenet’ssourceofincomewasanallowancemadetoherbyherbrotherandthatasfarasyouknewshehadnopropertyormeansofherown.”
“Thatisso.Herhusbanddiedabankrupt,andfromwhatIknewofherasagirlandsince,Ishouldbesurprisedifshehadeversavedoraccumulatedanymoney.
“Thecottageitselfisrented,notherown,andthefewsticksoffurniturearen’tanythingtowritehomeabout,eveninthesedays.Somespurious‘cottageoak’andsomeartypaintedstuff.Whoevershe’sleftthemtowon’tgainmuch—ifshe’smadeawill,thatistosay.”
Mr.Entwhistleshookhishead.
“Iknownothingaboutherwill.Ihadnotseenherformanyyears,youmustunderstand.”
“Then,whatexactlydidyoumeanjustnow?Youhadsomethinginmind,Ithink?”
“Yes.Yes,Idid.Iwishedtobestrictlyaccurate.”
“Wereyoureferringtothelegacyyoumentioned?Theonethatherbrotherlefther?Hadshethepowertodisposeofthatbywill?”
“No,notinthesenseyoumean.Shehadnopowertodisposeofthecapital.Nowthatsheisdead,itwillbedividedamongstthefiveotherbeneficiariesofRichardAbernethie’swill.ThatiswhatImeant.Allfiveofthemwillbenefitautomaticallybyherdeath.”
TheInspectorlookeddisappointed.
“Oh,Ithoughtwewereontosomething.Well,therecertainlyseemsnomotivethereforanyonetocomeandswipeherwithahatchet.Looksasthoughit’ssomechapwithascrewloose—oneoftheseadolescentcriminals,perhaps—alotofthemabout.Andthenhelosthisnerveandbushedthetrinketsandran…Yes,itmustbethat.Unlessit’sthehighlyrespectableMissGilchrist,andImustsaythatseemsunlikely.”
“Whendidshefindthebody?”
“Notuntiljustaboutfiveo’clock.ShecamebackfromReadingbythe4:50bus.Shearrivedbackatthecottage,letherselfinbythefrontdoor,andwentintothekitchenandputthekettleonfortea.TherewasnosoundfromMrs.Lansquenet’sroom,butMissGilchristassumedthatshewasstillsleeping.ThenMissGilchristnoticedthekitchenwindow;theglasswasalloverthefloor.Eventhen,shethoughtatfirstitmighthavebeendonebyaboywithaballoracatapult.ShewentupstairsandpeepedverygentlyintoMrs.Lansquenet’sroomtoseeifshewereasleeporifshewasreadyforsometea.Thenofcourse,sheletloose,shrieked,andrusheddownthelanetothenearestneighbour.Herstoryseemsperfectlyconsistentandtherewasnotraceofbloodinherroomorinthebathroom,oronherclothes.No.Idon’tthinkMissGilchristhadanythingtodowithit.Thedoctorgotthereathalfpastfive.Heputsthetimeofdeathnotlaterthanfourthirty—andprobablymuchnearertwoo’clock,soitlooksasthoughwhoeveritwas,washangingroundwaitingforMissGilchristtoleavethecottage.”
Thelawyer’sfacetwitchedslightly.InspectorMortonwenton:“You’llbegoingtoseeMissGilchrist,Isuppose?”
“Ithoughtofdoingso.”
“Ishouldbegladifyouwould.She’stoldus,Ithink,everythingthatshecan,butyouneverknow.Sometimes,inconversation,somepointorothermaycropup.She’satrifleoldmaidish—butquiteasensible,practicalwoman—andshe’sreallybeenmosthelpfulandefficient.”
Hepausedandthensaid:
“Thebody’satthemortuary.Ifyouwouldliketoseeit—”
Mr.Entwhistleassented,thoughwithnoenthusiasm.
SomefewminuteslaterhestoodlookingdownatthemortalremainsofCoraLansquenet.Shehadbeensavagelyattackedandthehennadyedfringewasclottedandstiffenedwithblood.Mr.Entwhistle’slipstightenedandhelookedawayqueasily.
PoorlittleCora.Howeagershehadbeenthedaybeforeyesterdaytoknowwhetherherbrotherhadleftheranything.Whatrosyanticipationsshemusthavehadofthefuture.Whatalotofsillythingsshecouldhavedone—andenjoyeddoing—withthemoney.
PoorCora…Howshortatimethoseanticipationshadlasted.
Noonehadgainedbyherdeath—noteventhebrutalassailantwhohadthrustawaythosetrinketsashefled.Fivepeoplehadafewthousandsmoreofcapital—butthecapitaltheyhadalreadyreceivedwasprobablymorethansufficientforthem.No,therecouldbenomotivethere.
FunnythatmurdershouldhavebeenrunninginCora’smindtheverydaybeforesheherselfwasmurdered.
“Hewasmurdered,wasn’the?”
Sucharidiculousthingtosay.Ridiculous!Quiteridiculous!MuchtooridiculoustomentiontoInspectorMorton.
Ofcourse,afterhehadseenMissGilchrist….
SupposingthatMissGilchrist,althoughitwasunlikely,couldthrowanylightonwhatRichardhadsaidtoCora.
“Ithoughtfromwhathesaid—”WhathadRichardsaid?
“ImustseeMissGilchristatonce,”saidMr.Entwhistletohimself.
III
MissGilchristwasasparefaded-lookingwomanwithshort,irongreyhair.Shehadoneofthoseindeterminatefacesthatwomenaroundfiftysooftenacquire.
ShegreetedMr.Entwhistlewarmly.
“I’msogladyouhavecome,Mr.Entwhistle.IreallyknowsolittleaboutMrs.Lansquenet’sfamily,andofcourseI’venever,neverhadanythingtodowithamurderbefore.It’stoodreadful!”
Mr.EntwhistlefeltquitesurethatMissGilchristhadneverbeforehadanythingtodowithmurder.Indeed,herreactiontoitwasverymuchthatofhispartner.
“Onereadsaboutthem,ofcourse,”saidMissGilchrist,relegatingcrimestotheirpropersphere.“AndeventhatI’mnotveryfondofdoing.Sosordid,mostofthem.”
FollowingherintothesittingroomMr.Entwhistlewaslookingsharplyabouthim.Therewasastrongsmellofoilpaint.Thecottagewasovercrowded,lessbyfurniture,whichwasmuchasInspectorMortonhaddescribedit,thanbypictures.Thewallswerecoveredwithpictures,mostlyverydarkanddirtyoilpaintings.Buttherewerewatercoloursketchesaswell,andoneortwostilllifes.Smallerpictureswerestackedonthewindowseat.
“Mrs.Lansquenetusedtobuythematsales,”MissGilchristexplained.“Itwasagreatinteresttoher,poordear.Shewenttoallthesalesroundabout.Picturesgosocheap,nowadays,ameresong.Sheneverpaidmorethanapoundforanyofthem,sometimesonlyafewshillings,andtherewasawonderfulchance,shealwayssaid,ofpickingupsomethingworthwhile.SheusedtosaythatthiswasanItalianPrimitivethatmightbeworthalotofmoney.”
Mr.EntwhistlelookedattheItalianPrimitivepointedouttohimdubiously.Cora,hereflected,hadneverreallyknownanythingaboutpictures.He’deathishatifanyofthesedaubswereworthafivepoundnote!
“Ofcourse,”saidMissGilchrist,noticinghisexpression,andquicktosensehisreaction,“Idon’tknowmuchmyself,thoughmyfatherwasapainter—notaverysuccessfulone,I’mafraid.ButIusedtodowatercoloursmyselfasagirlandIheardalotoftalkaboutpaintingandthatmadeitniceforMrs.Lansquenettohavesomeoneshecouldtalktoaboutpaintingandwho’dunderstand.Poordearsoul,shecaredsomuchaboutartisticthings.”
“Youwerefondofher?”
Afoolishquestion,hetoldhimself.Couldshepossiblyanswer“no”?Cora,hethought,musthavebeenatiresomewomantolivewith.
“Ohyes,”saidMissGilchrist.“Wegotonverywelltogether.Insomeways,youknow,Mrs.Lansquenetwasjustlikeachild.Shesaidanythingthatcameintoherhead.Idon’tknowthatherjudgementwasalwaysverygood—”
Onedoesnotsayofthedead—“Shewasathoroughlysillywoman”—Mr.Entwhistlesaid,“Shewasnotinanysenseanintellectualwoman.”
“No—no—perhapsnot.Butshewasveryshrewd,Mr.Entwhistle.Reallyveryshrewd.Itquitesurprisedmesometimes—howshemanagedtohitthenailonthehead.”
Mr.EntwhistlelookedatMissGilchristwithmoreinterest.Hethoughtthatshewasnofoolherself.
“YouwerewithMrs.Lansquenetforsomeyears,Ithink?”
“Threeandahalf.”
“You—er—actedascompanionandalsodidthe—er—well—lookedafterthehouse?”
Itwasevidentthathehadtouchedonadelicatesubject.MissGilchristflushedalittle.
“Ohyes,indeed.Ididmostofthecooking—Iquiteenjoycooking—anddidsomedustingandlighthousework.Noneoftherough,ofcourse.”MissGilchrist’stoneexpressedafirmprinciple.Mr.Entwhistle,whohadnoideawhat“therough”was,madeasoothingmurmur.
“Mrs.Panterfromthevillagecameinforthat.Twiceaweekregularly.Yousee,Mr.Entwhistle,Icouldnothavecontemplatedbeinginanywayaservant.Whenmylittleteashopfailed—suchadisaster—itwasthewar,youknow.Adelightfulplace.IcalledittheWillowTreeandallthechinawasbluewillowpattern—sweetlypretty—andthecakesreallygood—I’vealwayshadahandwithcakesandscones.Yes,Iwasdoingreallywellandthenthewarcameandsupplieswerecutdownandthewholethingwentbankrupt—awarcasualty,thatiswhatIalwayssay,andItrytothinkofitlikethat.IlostthelittlemoneymyfatherleftmethatIhadinvestedinit,andofcourseIhadtolookroundforsomethingtodo.I’dneverbeentrainedforanything.SoIwenttooneladybutitdidn’tansweratall—shewassorudeandoverbearing—andthenIdidsomeofficework—butIdidn’tlikethatatall,andthenIcametoMrs.Lansquenetandwesuitedeachotherfromthestart—herhusbandbeinganartistandeverything.”MissGilchristcametoabreathlessstopandaddedmournfully:“ButhowIlovedmydear,dearlittleteashop.Suchnicepeopleusedtocometoit!”
LookingatMissGilchrist,Mr.Entwhistlefeltasuddenstabofrecognition—acompositepictureofhundredsofladylikefiguresapproachinghiminnumerousBayTrees,GingerCats,BlueParrots,WillowTreesandCosyCorners,allchastelyencasedinblueorpinkororangeoverallsandtakingordersforpotsofchinateaandcakes.MissGilchristhadaSpiritualHome—aladyliketeashopofYeOldeWorldevariety
MissGilchristwenton:
“ButreallyImustnottalkaboutmyself.Thepolicehavebeenverykindandconsiderate.Verykindindeed.AnInspectorMortoncameoverfromheadquartersandhewasmostunderstanding.HeevenarrangedformetogoandspendthenightatMrs.Lake’sdownthelanebutIsaid‘No.’IfeltitmydutytostayherewithallMrs.Lansquenet’snicethingsinthehouse.Theytookthe—the—”MissGilchristgulpedalittle—“thebodyaway,ofcourse,andlockeduptheroom,andtheInspectortoldmetherewouldbeaconstableondutyinthekitchenallnight—becauseofthebrokenwindow—ithasbeenreglazedthismorning,Iamgladtosay—wherewasI?Ohyes,soIsaidIshouldbequiteallrightinmyownroom,thoughImustconfessIdidpullthechestofdrawersacrossthedoorandputabigjugofwateronthewindowsill.Oneneverknows—andifbyanychanceitwasamaniac—onedoeshearofsuchthings….”
HereMissGilchristrandown.Mr.Entwhistlesaidquickly:
“Iaminpossessionofallthemainfacts.InspectorMortongavethemtome.Butifitwouldnotdistressyoutoomuchtogivemeyourownaccount—?”
“Ofcourse,Mr.Entwhistle.Iknowjustwhatyoufeel.Thepolicearesoimpersonal,aretheynot?Rightlyso,ofcourse.”
“Mrs.Lansquenetgotbackfromthefuneralthenightbeforelast,”Mr.Entwhistleprompted.
“Yes,hertraindidn’tgetinuntilquitelate.Ihadorderedataxitomeetitasshetoldmeto.Shewasverytired,poordear—aswasonlynatural—butonthewholeshewasinquitegoodspirits.”
“Yes,yes.Didshetalkaboutthefuneralatall?”
“Justalittle.Igaveheracupofhotmilk—shedidn’twantanythingelse—andshetoldmethatthechurchhadbeenquitefullandlotsandlotsofflowers—oh!andshesaidthatshewassorrynottohaveseenherotherbrother—Timothy—wasit?”
“Yes,Timothy.”
“Shesaiditwasovertwentyyearssinceshehadseenhimandthatshehopedhewouldhavebeenthere,butshequiterealizedhewouldhavethoughtitbetternottocomeunderthecircumstances,butthathiswifewasthereandthatshe’dneverbeenabletostandMaude—ohdear,Idobegyourpardon,Mr.Entwhistle—itjustslippedout—Inevermeant—”
“Notatall.Notatall,”saidMr.Entwhistleencouragingly.“Iamnorelation,youknow.AndIbelievethatCoraandhersister-in-lawneverhititoffverywell.”
“Well,shealmostsaidasmuch.‘IalwaysknewMaudewouldgrowintooneofthosebossyinterferingwomen,’iswhatshesaid.Andthenshewasverytiredandsaidshe’dgotobedatonce—I’dgotherhot-waterbottleinallready—andshewentup.”
“Shesaidnothingelsethatyoucanrememberspecially?”
“Shehadnopremonition,Mr.Entwhistle,ifthatiswhatyoumean.I’msureofthat.Shewasreally,youknow,inremarkablygoodspirits—apartfromtirednessandthe—thesadoccasion.SheaskedmehowI’dliketogotoCapri.ToCapri!OfcourseIsaiditwouldbetoowonderful—it’sathingI’dneverdreamedI’deverdo—andshesaid,‘We’llgo!’Justlikethat.Igathered—ofcourseitwasn’tactuallymentioned—thatherbrotherhadleftheranannuityorsomethingofthekind.”
Mr.Entwhistlenodded.
“Poordear.Well,I’mgladshehadthepleasureofplanning—atallevents.”MissGilchristsighedandmurmuredwistfully,“Idon’tsupposeIshallevergotoCaprinow….”
“Andthenextmorning?”Mr.Entwhistleprompted,obliviousofMissGilchrist’sdisappointments.
“ThenextmorningMrs.Lansquenetwasn’tatallwell.Really,shelookeddreadful.She’dhardlysleptatall,shetoldme.Nightmares.‘It’sbecauseyouwereovertiredyesterday,’Itoldher,andshesaidmaybeitwas.Shehadherbreakfastinbed,andshedidn’tgetupallthemorning,butatlunchtimeshetoldmethatshestillhadn’tbeenabletosleep.‘Ifeelsorestless,’shesaid.‘Ikeepthinkingofthingsandwondering.’Andthenshesaidshe’dtakesomesleepingtabletsandtryandgetagoodsleepintheafternoon.AndshewantedmetogooverbybustoReadingandchangehertwolibrarybooks,becauseshe’dfinishedthembothonthetrainjourneyandshehadn’tgotanythingtoread.Usuallytwobookslastedhernearlyaweek.SoIwentoffjustaftertwoandthat—andthat—wasthelasttime—”MissGilchristbegantosniff.“Shemusthavebeenasleep,youknow.Shewouldn’thaveheardanythingandtheInspectorassuresmethatshedidn’tsuffer…Hethinksthefirstblowkilledher.Ohdear,itmakesmequitesickeventothinkofit!”
“Please,please.I’venowishtotakeyouanyfurtheroverwhathappened.AllIwantedwastohearwhatyoucouldtellmeaboutMrs.Lansquenetbeforethetragedy.”
“Verynatural,I’msure.Dotellherrelationsthatapartfromhavingsuchabadnightshewasreallyveryhappyandlookingforwardtothefuture.”
Mr.Entwhistlepausedbeforeaskinghisnextquestion.Hewantedtobecarefulnottoleadthewitness.
“Shedidnotmentionanyofherrelationsinparticular?”
“No,no,Idon’tthinkso.”MissGilchristconsidered.“ExceptwhatshesaidaboutbeingsorrynottoseeherbrotherTimothy.”
“Shedidnotspeakatallaboutherbrother’sdecease?The—er—causeofit?Anythinglikethat?”
“No.”
TherewasnosignofalertnessinMissGilchrist’sface.Mr.EntwhistlefeltcertaintherewouldhavebeenifCorahadplumpedoutherverdictofmurder.
“He’dbeenillforsometime,Ithink,”saidMissGilchristvaguely,“thoughImustsayIwassurprisedtohearit.Helookedsoveryvigorous.”
Mr.Entwhistlesaidquickly:
“Yousawhim—when?”
“WhenhecamedownheretoseeMrs.Lansquenet.Letmesee—thatwasaboutthreeweeksago.”
“Didhestayhere?”
“Oh—no—justcameforluncheon.Itwasquiteasurprise.Mrs.Lansquenethadn’texpectedhim.Igathertherehadbeensomefamilydisagreement.Shehadn’tseenhimforyears,shetoldme.”
“Yes,thatisso.”
“Itquiteupsether—seeinghimagain—andprobablyrealizinghowillhewas—”
“Sheknewhewasill?”
“Ohyes,Irememberquitewell.BecauseIwondered—onlyinmyownmind,youunderstand—ifperhapsMr.Abernethiemightbesufferingfromsofteningofthebrain.Anauntofmine—”
Mr.Entwhistledeftlysidetrackedtheaunt.
“SomethingMrs.Lansquenetsaidcausedyoutothinkofsofteningofthebrain?”
“Yes.Mrs.Lansquenetsaidsomethinglike‘PoorRichard.Mortimer’sdeathmusthaveagedhimalot.Hesoundsquitesenile.Allthesefanciesaboutpersecutionandthatsomeoneispoisoninghim.Oldpeoplegetlikethat.’Andofcourse,asIknew,thatisonlytootrue.ThisauntthatIwastellingyouabout—wasconvincedtheservantsweretryingtopoisonherinherfoodandatlastwouldeatonlyboiledeggs—because,shesaid,youcouldn’tgetinsideaboiledeggtopoisonit.Wehumouredher,butifithadbeennowadaysIdon’tknowwhatweshouldhavedone.Witheggssoscarceandmostlyforeignatthat,sothatboilingisalwaysrisky.”
Mr.EntwhistlelistenedtothesagaofMissGilchrist’sauntwithdeafears.Hewasverymuchdisturbed.
Hesaidatlast,whenMissGilchristhadtwitteredintosilence:
“IsupposeMrs.Lansquenetdidn’ttakeallthistooseriously?”
“Ohno,Mr.Entwhistle,shequiteunderstood.”
Mr.Entwhistlefoundthatremarkdisturbingtoo,thoughnotquiteinthesenseinwhichMissGilchristhadusedit.
HadCoraLansquenetunderstood?Notthen,perhaps,butlater.Hadsheunderstoodonlytoowell?
Mr.EntwhistleknewthattherehadbeennosenilityaboutRichardAbernethie.Richardhadbeeninfullpossessionofhisfaculties.Hewasnotthemantohavepersecutionmaniainanyform.Hewas,ashealwayshadbeen,ahardheadedbusinessman—andhisillnessmadenodifferenceinthatrespect.
Itseemedextraordinarythatheshouldhavespokentohissisterinthetermsthathehad.ButperhapsCora,withheroddchildlikeshrewdness,hadreadbetweenthelines,andhadcrossedthet’sanddottedthei’sofwhatRichardAbernethiehadactuallysaid.
Inmostways,thoughtMr.Entwhistle,Corahadbeenacompletefool.Shehadnojudgement,nobalance,andacrudechildishpointofview,butshehadalsothechild’suncannyknackofsometimeshittingthenailontheheadinawaythatseemedquitestartling.
Mr.Entwhistleleftitatthat.MissGilchrist,hethought,knewnomorethanshehadtoldhim.HeaskedwhethersheknewifCoraLansquenethadleftawill.MissGilchristrepliedpromptlythatMrs.Lansquenet’swillwasattheBank
Withthatandaftermakingcertainfurtherarrangementshetookhisleave.HeinsistedonMissGilchrist’sacceptingasmallsumincashtodefraypresentexpensesandtoldherhewouldcommunicatewithheragain,andinthemeantimehewouldbegratefulifshewouldstayonatthecottagewhileshewaslookingaboutforanewpost.Thatwouldbe,MissGilchristsaid,agreatconvenienceandreallyshewasnotatallnervous
HewasunabletoescapewithoutbeingshownroundthecottagebyMissGilchrist,andintroducedtovariouspicturesbythelatePierreLansquenetwhichwerecrowdedintothesmalldiningroomandwhichmadeMr.Entwhistleflinch—theyweremostlynudesexecutedwithasingularlackofdraughtsmanshipbutwithmuchfidelitytodetail.HewasalsomadetoadmirevarioussmalloilsketchesofpicturesquefishingportsdonebyCoraherself.
“Polperro,”saidMissGilchristproudly.“WeweretherelastyearandMrs.Lansquenetwasdelightedwithitspicturesqueness.”
Mr.Entwhistle,viewingPolperrofromthesouthwest,fromthenorthwest,andpresumablyfromtheseveralotherpointsofthecompass,agreedthatMrs.Lansquenethadcertainlybeenenthusiastic.
“Mrs.Lansquenetpromisedtoleavemehersketches,”saidMissGilchristwistfully.“Iadmiredthemsomuch.Onecanreallyseethewavesbreakinginthisone,can’tone?Evenifsheforgot,Imightperhapshavejustoneasasouvenir,doyouthink?”
“I’msurethatcouldbearranged,”saidMr.Entwhistlegraciously.
HemadeafewfurtherarrangementsandthenlefttointerviewtheBankManagerandtohaveafurtherconsultationwithInspectorMorton.
Five
I
“Wornout,that’swhatyouare,”saidMissEntwhistleintheindignantandbullyingtonesadoptedbydevotedsisterstowardsbrothersforwhomtheykeephouse.“Youshouldn’tdoit,atyourage.What’sitallgottodowithyou,I’dliketoknow?You’veretired,haven’tyou?”
Mr.EntwhistlesaidmildlythatRichardAbernethiehadbeenoneofhisoldestfriends.
“Idaresay.ButRichardAbernethie’sdead,isn’the?SoIseenoreasonforyoutogomixingyourselfupinthingsthatarenoconcernofyoursandcatchingyourdeathofcoldinthesenastydraughtyrailwaytrains.Andmurder,too!Ican’tseewhytheysentforyouatall.”
“Theycommunicatedwithmebecausetherewasaletterinthecottagesignedbyme,tellingCorathearrangementsforthefuneral.”
“Funerals!Onefuneralafteranother,andthatremindsme.AnotherofthesepreciousAbernethieshasbeenringingyouup—Timothy,Ithinkhesaid.FromsomewhereinYorkshire—andthat’saboutafuneral,too!Saidhe’dringagainlater.”
ApersonalcallforMr.Entwhistlecamethroughthatevening.Takingit,heheardMaudeAbernethie’svoiceattheotherend.
“ThankgoodnessI’vegotholdofyouatlast!Timothyhasbeeninthemostterriblestate.ThisnewsaboutCorahasupsethimdreadfully.”
“Quiteunderstandable,”saidMr.Entwhistle.
“Whatdidyousay?”
“Isaiditwasquiteunderstandable.”
“Isupposeso.”Maudesoundedmorethandoubtful.“Doyoumeantosayitwasreallymurder?”
(“Itwasmurder,wasn’tit?”Corahadsaid.Butthistimetherewasnohesitationabouttheanswer.)
“Yes,itwasmurder,”saidMr.Entwhistle.
“Andwithahatchet,sothepaperssay?”
“Yes.”
“Itseemsquiteincredibletome,”saidMaude,“thatTimothy’ssister—hisownsister—canhavebeenmurderedwithahatchet!”
ItseemednolessincredibletoMr.Entwhistle.Timothy’slifewassoremotefromviolencethatevenhisrelations,onefelt,oughttobeequallyexempt.
“I’mafraidonehastofacethefact,”saidMr.Entwhistlemildly.
“IamreallyveryworriedaboutTimothy.It’ssobadforhim,allthis!I’vegothimtobednowbutheinsistsonmypersuadingyoutocomeupandseehim.Hewantstoknowahundredthings—whethertherewillbeaninquest,andwhooughttoattend,andhowsoonafterthatthefuneralcantakeplace,andwhere,andwhatfundsthereare,andifCoraexpressedanywishesaboutbeingcrematedorwhat,andifsheleftawill—”
Mr.Entwhistleinterruptedbeforethecataloguegottoolong.
“Thereisawill,yes.SheleftTimothyherexecutor.”
“Ohdear,I’mafraidTimothycan’tundertakeanything—”
“Thefirmwillattendtoallthenecessarybusiness.Thewill’sverysimple.Sheleftherownsketchesandanamethystbroochtohercompanion,MissGilchrist,andeverythingelsetoSusan.”
“ToSusan?NowIwonderwhySusan?Idon’tbelievesheeversawSusan—notsinceshewasababyanyway.”
“IimaginethatitwasbecauseSusanwasreportedtohavemadeamarriagenotwhollypleasingtothefamily.”
Maudesnorted.
“EvenGregoryisagreatdealbetterthanPierreLansqueneteverwas!Ofcoursemarryingamanwhoservesinashopwouldhavebeenunheardofinmyday—butachemist’sshopismuchbetterthanahaberdasher’s—andatleastGregoryseemsquiterespectable.”Shepausedandadded:“DoesthismeanthatSusangetstheincomeRichardlefttoCora?”
“Ohno.ThecapitalofthatwillbedividedaccordingtotheinstructionsofRichard’swill.No,poorCorahadonlyafewhundredpoundsandthefurnitureofhercottagetoleave.WhenoutstandingdebtsarepaidandthefurnituresoldIdoubtifthewholethingwillamounttomorethanatmostfivehundredpounds.”Hewenton:“Therewillhavetobeaninquest,ofcourse.ThatisfixedfornextThursday.IfTimothyisagreeable,we’llsenddownyoungLloydtowatchtheproceedingsonbehalfofthefamily.”Headdedapologetically:“I’mafraiditmayattractsomenotorietyowingtothe—er—circumstances.”
“Howveryunpleasant!Havetheycaughtthewretchwhodidit?”
“Notyet.”
“Oneofthesedreadfulhalf-bakedyoungmenwhogoaboutthecountryrovingandmurdering,Isuppose.Thepolicearesoincompetent.”
“No,no,”saidMr.Entwhistle.“Thepolicearebynomeansincompetent.Don’timaginethat,foramoment.”
“Well,itallseemstomequiteextraordinary.AndsobadforTimothy.Isupposeyoucouldn’tpossiblycomedownhere,Mr.Entwhistle?Ishouldbemostgratefulifyoucould.IthinkTimothy’smindmightbesetatrestifyouwereheretoreassurehim.”
Mr.Entwhistlewassilentforamoment.Theinvitationwasnotunwelcome.
“Thereissomethinginwhatyousay,”headmitted.“AndIshallneedTimothy’ssignatureasexecutortocertaindocuments.Yes,Ithinkitmightbequiteagoodthing.”
“Thatissplendid.Iamsorelieved.Tomorrow?Andyou’llstaythenight?Thebesttrainisthe11:20fromSt.Pancras.”
“Itwillhavetobeanafternoontrain,I’mafraid.Ihave,”saidMr.Entwhistle,“otherbusinessinthemorning….”
II
GeorgeCrossfieldgreetedMr.Entwhistleheartilybutwith,perhaps,justashadeofsurprise.
Mr.Entwhistlesaid,inanexplanatoryway,althoughitreallyexplainednothing:
“I’vejustcomeupfromLytchettSt.Mary.”
“ThenitreallywasAuntCora?IreadaboutitinthepapersandIjustcouldn’tbelieveit.Ithoughtitmustbesomeoneofthesamename.”
“Lansquenetisnotacommonname.”
“No,ofcourseitisn’t.Isupposethereisanaturalaversiontobelievingthatanyoneofone’sownfamilycanbemurdered.SoundstomeratherlikethatcaselastmonthonDartmoor.”
“Doesit?”
“Yes.Samecircumstances.Cottageinalonelyposition.Twoelderlywomenlivingtogether.Amountofcashtakenreallyquitepitifullyinadequateonewouldthink.”
“Thevalueofmoneyisalwaysrelative,”saidMr.Entwhistle.“Itistheneedthatcounts.”
“Yes—yes,Isupposeyou’reright.”
“Ifyouneedtenpoundsdesperately—thenfifteenismorethanadequate.Andinverselyso.Ifyourneedisforahundredpounds,forty-fivewouldbeworsethanuseless.Andifit’sthousandsyouneed,thenhundredsarenotenough.”
Georgesaidwithasuddenflickeroftheeyes:“I’dsayanymoneycameinusefulthesedays.Everyone’shardup.”
“Butnotdesperate,”Mr.Entwhistlepointedout.“It’sthedesperationthatcounts.”
“Areyouthinkingofsomethinginparticular?”
“Ohno,notatall.”Hepausedthenwenton:“Itwillbealittletimebeforetheestateissettled;woulditbeconvenientforyoutohaveanadvance?”
“Asamatteroffact,Iwasgoingtoraisethesubject.However,IsawtheBankthismorningandreferredthemtoyouandtheywerequiteobligingaboutanoverdraft.”
AgaintherecamethatflickerinGeorge’seyes,andMr.Entwhistle,fromthedepthsofhisexperience,recognizedit.George,hefeltcertain,hadbeen,ifnotdesperate,theninverysorestraitsformoney.Heknewatthatmoment,whathehadfeltsubconsciouslyallalong,thatinmoneymattershewouldnottrustGeorge.HewonderedifoldRichardAbernethie,whoalsohadhadgreatexperienceinjudgingmen,hadfeltthat.Mr.EntwhistlewasalsosurethatafterMortimer’sdeath,AbernethiehadformedtheintentionofmakingGeorgehisheir.GeorgewasnotanAbernethie,buthewastheonlymaleoftheyoungergeneration.HewasthenaturalsuccessortoMortimer.RichardAbernethiehadsentforGeorge,hadhadhimstayinginthehouseforsomedays.ItseemedprobablethatattheendofthevisittheoldermanhadnotfoundGeorgesatisfactory.Hadhefeltinstinctively,asMr.Entwhistlefelt,thatGeorgewasnotstraight?George’sfather,sothefamilyhadthought,hadbeenapoorchoiceonLaura’spart.Astockbrokerwhohadhadotherrathermysteriousactivities.GeorgetookafterhisfatherratherthanaftertheAbernethies.
Perhapsmisinterpretingtheoldlawyer’ssilence,Georgesaidwithanuneasylaugh:
“Truthis,I’venotbeenveryluckywithmyinvestmentslately.Itookabitofariskanditdidn’tcomeoff.Moreorlesscleanedmeout.ButI’llbeabletorecoupmyselfnow.Alloneneedsisabitofcapital.ArdensConsolidatedareprettygood,don’tyouthink?”
Mr.Entwhistleneitheragreednordissented.HewaswonderingifbyanychanceGeorgehadbeenspeculatingwithmoneythatbelongedtoclientsandnotwithhisown?IfGeorgehadbeenindangerofcriminalprosecution—
Mr.Entwhistlesaidprecisely:
“Itriedtoreachyouthedayafterthefuneral,butIsupposeyouweren’tintheoffice.”
“Didyou?Theynevertoldme.Asamatteroffact,IthoughtIwasentitledtoadayoffafterthegoodnews!”
“Thegoodnews?”
Georgereddened.
“Ohlookhere,Ididn’tmeanUncleRichard’sdeath.Butknowingyou’vecomeintomoneydoesgiveoneabitofakick.Onefeelsonemustcelebrate.AsamatteroffactIwenttoHurstPark.Backedtwowinners.Itneverrainsbutitpours!Ifyourluck’sin,it’sin!Onlyamatteroffiftyquid,butitallhelps.”
“Ohyes,”saidMr.Entwhistle.“Itallhelps.AndtherewillnowbeanadditionalsumcomingtoyouasaresultofyourAuntCora’sdeath.”
Georgelookedconcerned.
“Pooroldgirl,”hesaid.“Itdoesseemrottenluck,doesn’tit?Probablyjustwhenshewasallsettoenjoyherself.”
“Letushopethepolicewillfindthepersonresponsibleforherdeath,”saidMr.Entwhistle.
“Iexpectthey’llgethimallright.They’regood,ourpolice.Theyroundupalltheundesirablesintheneighbourhoodandgothrough’emwithatoothcomb—makethemaccountfortheiractionsatthetimeithappened.”
“Notsoeasyifalittletimehaselapsed,”saidMr.Entwhistle.Hegaveawintrylittlesmilethatindicatedhewasabouttomakeajoke.“ImyselfwasinHatchard’sbookshopat3:30onthedayinquestion.ShouldIrememberthatifIwerequestionedbythepoliceintendays’time?Iverymuchdoubtit.Andyou,George,youwereatHurstPark.Wouldyourememberwhichdayyouwenttotheracesin—say—amonth’stime?”
“OhIcouldfixitbythefuneral—thedayafter.”
“True—true.Andthenyoubackedacoupleofwinners.Anotheraidtomemory.Oneseldomforgetsthenamesofahorseonwhichonehaswonmoney.Whichwerethey,bytheway?”
“Letmesee.GaymarckandFroggII.Yes,Ishan’tforgettheminahurry.”
Mr.Entwhistlegavehisdrylittlecackleoflaughterandtookhisleave.
III
“It’slovelytoseeyou,ofcourse,”saidRosamundwithoutanymarkedenthusiasm.“Butit’sfrightfullyearlyinthemorning.”
Sheyawnedheavily.
“It’seleveno’clock,”saidMr.Entwhistle.
Rosamundyawnedagain.Shesaidapologetically:
“Wehadthehellofapartylastnight.Fartoomuchtodrink.Michael’sgotaterriblehangoverstill.”
Michaelappearedatthismoment,alsoyawning.Hehadacupofblackcoffeeinhishandandwaswearingaverysmartdressinggown.Helookedhaggardandattractive—andhissmilehadtheusualcharm.Rosamundwaswearingablackskirt,aratherdirtyyellowpullover,andnothingelseasfarasMr.Entwhistlecouldjudge.
ThepreciseandfastidiouslawyerdidnotapproveatalloftheyoungShanes’wayofliving.TheratherramshackleflatonthefirstfloorofaChelseahouse—thebottlesandglassesandcigaretteendsthatlayaboutinprofusion—thestaleair,andthegeneralairofdustanddishevelment.
InthemidstofthisdiscouragingsettingRosamundandMichaelbloomedwiththeirwonderfulgoodlooks.Theywerecertainlyaveryhandsomecoupleandtheyseemed,Mr.Entwhistlethought,veryfondofeachother.RosamundwascertainlyadoringlyfondofMichael.
“Darling,”shesaid.“Doyouthinkjustateenysipofchampagne?Justtopullustogetherandtoastthefuture.Oh,Mr.Entwhistle,itreallyisthemostmarvellousluckUncleRichardleavingusallthatlovelymoneyjustnow—”
Mr.Entwhistlenotedthequick,almostscowling,frownthatMichaelgave,butRosamundwentonserenely:
“Becausethere’sthemostwonderfulchanceofaplay.Michael’sgotanoptiononit.It’samostwonderfulpartforhimandevenasmallpartforme,too.It’saboutoneoftheseyoungcriminals,youknow,theyarereallysaints—it’sabsolutelyfullofthelatestmodernideas.”
“Soitwouldseem,”saidMr.Entwhistlestiffly.
“Herobs,youknow,andhekills,andhe’shoundedbythepoliceandbysociety—andthenintheend,hedoesamiracle.”
Mr.Entwhistlesatinoutragedsilence.Perniciousnonsensetheseyoungfoolstalked!Andwrote.
NotthatMichaelShanewastalkingmuch.Therewasstillafaintscowlonhisface.
“Mr.Entwhistledoesn’twanttohearallourrhapsodies,Rosamund,”hesaid.“Shutupforabitandlethimtelluswhyhe’scometoseeus.”
“Therearejustoneortwolittlematterstostraightenout,”saidMr.Entwhistle.“IhavejustcomebackfromLytchettSt.Mary.”
“ThenitwasAuntCorawhowasmurdered?Wesawitinthepaper.AndIsaiditmustbebecauseit’saveryuncommonname.PooroldAuntCora.Iwaslookingatheratthefuneralthatdayandthinkingwhatafrumpshewasandthatreallyonemightaswellbedeadifonelookedlikethat—andnowsheisdead.Theyabsolutelywouldn’tbelieveitlastnightwhenItoldthemthatthatmurderwiththehatchetinthepaperwasactuallymyaunt!Theyjustlaughed,didn’tthey,Michael?”
MichaelShanedidnotreplyandRosamundwitheveryappearanceofenjoymentsaid:
“Twomurdersoneafteranother.It’salmosttoomuch,isn’tit?”
“Don’tbeafool,Rosamund,yourUncleRichardwasn’tmurdered.”
“Well,Corathoughthewas.”
Mr.Entwhistleintervenedtoask:
“YoucamebacktoLondonafterthefuneral,didn’tyou?”
“Yes,wecamebythesametrainasyoudid.”
“Ofcourse…Ofcourse.IaskbecauseItriedtogetholdofyou,”heshotaquickglanceatthetelephone—“onthefollowingday—severaltimesinfact,andcouldn’tgetananswer.”
“Ohdear—I’msosorry.Whatwerewedoingthatday?Thedaybeforeyesterday.Wewerehereuntilabouttwelve,weren’twe?AndthenyouwentroundtotryandgetholdofRosenheimandyouwentontolunchwithOscarandIwentouttoseeifIcouldgetsomenylonsandroundtheshops.IwastomeetJanetbutwemissedeachother.Yes,Ihadalovelyafternoonshopping—andthenwedinedattheCastile.Wegotbackhereaboutteno’clock,Isuppose.”
“Aboutthat,”saidMichael.HewaslookingthoughtfullyatMr.Entwhistle.“Whatdidyouwanttogetholdofusfor,sir?”
“Oh!JustsomepointsthathadarisenaboutRichardAbernethie’sestate—paperstosign—allthat.”
Rosamundasked:“Dowegetthemoneynow,ornotforages?”
“I’mafraid,”saidMr.Entwhistle,“thatthelawispronetodelays.”
“Butwecangetanadvance,can’twe?”Rosamundlookedalarmed.“Michaelsaidwecould.Actuallyit’sterriblyimportant.Becauseoftheplay.”
Michaelsaidpleasantly:
“Oh,there’snorealhurry.It’sjustaquestionofdecidingwhetherornottotakeuptheoption.”
“Itwillbequiteeasytoadvanceyousomemoney,”saidMr.Entwhistle.“Asmuchasyouneed.”
“Thenthat’sallright.”Rosamundgaveasighofrelief.Sheaddedasanafterthought:“DidAuntCoraleaveanymoney?”
“Alittle.SheleftittoyourCousinSusan.”
“WhySusan,Ishouldliketoknow!Isitmuch?”
“Afewhundredpoundsandsomefurniture.”
“Nicefurniture?”
“No,”saidMr.Entwhistle.
Rosamundlostinterest.“It’sallveryodd,isn’tit?”shesaid.“TherewasCora,afterthefuneral,suddenlycomingoutwith‘Hewasmurdered!’andthen,theverynextday,shegoesandgetsherselfmurdered?Imean,itisodd,isn’tit?”
Therewasamoment’sratheruncomfortablesilencebeforeMr.Entwhistlesaidquietly:
“Yes,itisindeedveryodd….”
IV
Mr.EntwhistlestudiedSusanBanksassheleantforwardacrossthetabletalkinginheranimatedmanner.
NoneofthelovelinessofRosamundhere.Butitwasanattractivefaceanditsattractionlay,Mr.Entwhistledecided,initsvitality.Thecurvesofthemouthwererichandfull.Itwasawoman’smouthandherbodywasverydecidedlyawoman’s—emphaticallyso.YetinmanywaysSusanremindedhimofheruncle,RichardAbernethie.Theshapeofherhead,thelineofherjaw,thedeep-setreflectiveeyes.ShehadthesamekindofdominantpersonalitythatRichardhadhad,thesamedrivingenergy,thesameforesightednessandforthrightjudgement.OfthethreemembersoftheyoungergenerationshealoneseemedtobemadeofthemetalthathadraisedupthevastAbernethiefortunes.HadRichardrecognizedinthisnieceakindredspirittohisown?Mr.Entwhistlethoughthemusthavedone.Richardhadalwayshadakeenappreciationofcharacter.Here,surely,wereexactlythequalitiesofwhichhewasinsearch.Andyet,inhiswill,RichardAbernethiehadmadenodistinctioninherfavour.Distrustful,asMr.Entwhistlebelieved,ofGeorge,passingoverthatlovelydimwit,Rosamund—couldhenothavefoundinSusanwhathewasseeking—anheirofhisownmettle?
Ifnot,thecausemustbe—yes,itfollowedlogically—thehusband….
Mr.Entwhistle’seyesslidgentlyoverSusan’sshouldertowhereGregoryBanksstoodabsentlywhittlingatapencil
Athin,pale,nondescriptyoungmanwithreddishsandyhair.SoovershadowedbySusan’scolourfulpersonalitythatitwasdifficulttorealizewhathehimselfwasreallylike.Nothingtotakeholdofinthefellow—quitepleasant,readytobeagreeable—a“yes”man,asthemoderntermwent.Andyetthatdidnotseemtodescribehimsatisfactorily.TherewassomethingvaguelydisquietingabouttheunobtrusivenessofGregoryBanks.Hehadbeenanunsuitablematch—yetSusanhadinsistedonmarryinghim—hadoverborneallopposition—why?Whathadsheseeninhim?
Andnow,sixmonthsafterthemarriage—“She’scrazyaboutthefellow,”Mr.Entwhistlesaidtohimself.Heknewthesigns.AlargenumberofwiveswithmatrimonialtroubleshadpassedthroughtheofficeofBollard,Entwhistle,EntwhistleandBollard.Wivesmadlydevotedtounsatisfactoryandoftenwhatappearedquiteunprepossessinghusbands,wivescontemptuousof,andboredby,apparentlyattractiveandimpeccablehusbands.Whatanywomansawinsomeparticularmanwasbeyondthecomprehensionoftheaverageintelligentmale.Itjustwasso.Awomanwhocouldbeintelligentabouteverythingelseintheworldcouldbeacompletefoolwhenitcametosomeparticularman.Susan,thoughtMr.Entwhistle,wasoneofthosewomen.ForhertheworldrevolvedaroundGreg.Andthathaditsdangersinmorewaysthanone.
Susanwastalkingwithemphasisandindignation.
“—becauseitisdisgraceful.YourememberthatwomanwhowasmurderedinYorkshirelastyear?Nobodywaseverarrested.Andtheoldwomaninthesweetshopwhowaskilledwithacrowbar.Theydetainedsomeman,andthentheylethimgo!”
“Therehastobeevidence,mydear,”saidMr.Entwhistle.
Susanpaidnoattention.
“Andthatothercase—aretirednurse—thatwasahatchetoranaxe—justlikeAuntCora.”
“Dearme,youappeartohavemadequiteastudyofthesecrimes,Susan,”saidMr.Entwhistlemildly.
“Naturallyoneremembersthesethings—andwhensomeoneinone’sownfamilyiskilled—andinverymuchthesameway—well,itshowsthattheremustbealotofthesesortsofpeoplegoingroundthecountryside,breakingintoplacesandattackinglonelywomen—andthatthepolicejustdon’tbother!”
Mr.Entwhistleshookhishead.
“Don’tbelittlethepolice,Susan.Theyareaveryshrewdandpatientbodyofmen—persistent,too.
Justbecauseitisn’tstillmentionedinthenewspapersdoesn’tmeanthatacaseisclosed.Farfromit.”
“Andyettherearehundredsofunsolvedcrimeseveryyear.”
“Hundreds?”Mr.Entwhistlelookeddubious.“Acertainnumber,yes.Buttherearemanyoccasionswhenthepoliceknowwhohascommittedacrimebutwheretheevidenceisinsufficientforaprosecution.”
“Idon’tbelieveit,”saidSusan.“Ibelieveifyouknewdefinitelywhocommittedacrimeyoucouldalwaysgettheevidence.”
“Iwondernow.”Mr.Entwhistlesoundedthoughtful.“Iverymuchwonder….”
“Havetheyanyideaatall—inAuntCora’scase—ofwhoitmightbe?”
“ThatIcouldn’tsay.NotasfarasIknow.Buttheywouldhardlyconfideinme—andit’searlydaysyet—themurdertookplaceonlythedaybeforeyesterday,remember.”
“It’sdefinitelygottobeacertainkindofperson,”Susanmused.“Abrutal,perhapsslightlyhalf-wittedtype—adischargedsoldieroragaolbird.Imean,usingahatchetlikethat.”
Lookingslightlyquizzical,Mr.Entwhistleraisedhiseyebrowsandmurmured:
“LizzieBordenwithanaxeGaveherfatherfiftywhacks.WhenshesawwhatshehaddoneShegavehermotherfifty-one.”
“Oh,”Susanflushedangrily,“Corahadn’tgotanyrelationslivingwithher—unlessyoumeanthecompanion.AndanywayLizzieBordenwasacquitted.Nobodyknowsforcertainshekilledherfatherandstepmother.”
“Therhymeisquitedefinitelylibellous,”Mr.Entwhistleagreed.
“Youmeanthecompaniondiddoit?DidCoraleaveheranything?”
“Anamethystbroochofnogreatvalueandsomesketchesoffishingvillagesofsentimentalvalueonly.”
“Onehastohaveamotiveformurder—unlessoneishalf-witted.”
Mr.Entwhistlegavealittlechuckle.
“Asfarasonecansee,theonlypersonwhohadamotiveisyou,mydearSusan.”
“What’sthat?”Gregmovedforwardsuddenly.Hewaslikeasleepercomingawake.Anuglylightshowedinhiseyes.Hewassuddenlynolongeranegligiblefeatureinthebackground.“What’sSuegottodowithit?Whatdoyoumean—sayingthingslikethat?”
Susansaidsharply:
“Shutup,Greg.Mr.Entwhistledoesn’tmeananything—”
“Justmylittlejoke,”saidMr.Entwhistleapologetically.“Notinthebesttaste,I’mafraid.Coraleftherestate,suchasitwas,toyou,Susan.Buttoayoungladywhohasjustinheritedseveralhundredthousandpounds,anestate,amountingatthemosttoafewhundreds,canhardlybesaidtorepresentamotiveformurder.”
“Shelefthermoneytome?”Susansoundedsurprised.“Howextraordinary.Shedidn’tevenknowme!Whydidshedoit,doyouthink?”
“Ithinkshehadheardrumoursthattherehadbeenalittledifficulty—er—overyourmarriage.”Greg,backagainatsharpeninghispencil,scowled.“Therehadbeenacertainamountoftroubleoverherownmarriage—andIthinksheexperiencedafellowfeeling.”
Susanaskedwithacertainamountofinterest:
“Shemarriedanartist,didn’tshe,whomnoneofthefamilyliked?Washeagoodartist?”
Mr.Entwhistleshookhisheadverydecidedly.
“Arethereanyofhispaintingsinthecottage?”
“Yes.”
ThenIshalljudgeformyself,”saidSusan.
Mr.EntwhistlesmiledattheresolutetiltofSusan’schin.
“Sobeit.DoubtlessIamanoldfogeyandhopelesslyold-fashionedinmattersofart,butIreallydon’tthinkyouwilldisputemyverdict.”
“IsupposeIoughttogodownthere,anyway?Andlookoverwhatthereis.Isthereanybodytherenow?”
“IhavearrangedwithMissGilchristtoremainthereuntilfurthernotice.”
Gregsaid:“Shemusthaveaprettygoodnerve—tostayinacottagewhereamurder’sbeencommitted.”
“MissGilchristisquiteasensiblewoman,Ishouldsay.Besides,”addedthelawyerdrily,“Idon’tthinkshehasanywhereelsetogountilshegetsanothersituation.”
“SoAuntCora’sdeathleftherhighanddry?Didshe—weresheandAuntCora—onintimateterms—?”
Mr.Entwhistlelookedatherrathercuriously,wonderingjustwhatexactlywasinhermind.
“Moderatelyso,Iimagine,”hesaid.“ShenevertreatedMissGilchristasaservant.”
“Treatedheradamnedsightworse,Idaresay,”saidSusan.“Thesewretchedsocalled‘ladies’aretheoneswhogetittakenoutofthemnowadays.I’lltryandfindheradecentpostsomewhere.Itwon’tbedifficult.Anyonewho’swillingtodoabitofhouseworkandcookisworththeirweightingold—shedoescook,doesn’tshe?”
“Ohyes.Igatheritissomethingshecalled,er‘therough’thatsheobjectedto.I’mafraidIdon’tquiteknowwhat‘therough’is.”
Susanappearedtobeagooddealamused
Mr.Entwhistle,glancingathiswatch,said:
“YourauntleftTimothyherexecutor.”
“Timothy,”saidSusanwithscorn.“UncleTimothyispracticallyamyth.Nobodyeverseeshim.”
“Quite.”Mr.Entwhistleglancedathiswatch.“Iamtravellinguptoseehimthisafternoon.Iwillacquainthimwithyourdecisiontogodowntothecottage.”
“Itwillonlytakemeadayortwo,Iimagine.Idon’twanttobelongawayfromLondon.I’vegotvariousschemesinhand.I’mgoingintobusiness.”
Mr.Entwhistlelookedroundhimatthecrampedsittingroomofthetinyflat.GregandSusanwereevidentlyhardup.Herfather,heknew,hadrunthroughmostofhismoney.Hehadlefthisdaughterbadlyoff.
“Whatareyourplansforthefuture,ifImayask?”
“I’vegotmyeyeonsomepremisesinCardiganStreet.Isuppose,ifnecessary,youcanadvancemesomemoney?Imayhavetopayadeposit.”
“Thatcanbemanaged,”saidMr.Entwhistle.“Irangyouupthedayafterthefuneralseveraltimes—butcouldgetnoanswer.Ithoughtperhapsyoumightcareforanadvance.IwonderedwhetheryoumightperhapshavegoneoutofTown.”
“Ohno,”saidSusanquickly.“Wewereinallday.Bothofus.Wedidn’tgooutatall.”
Gregsaidgently:“YouknowSusan,Ithinkourtelephonemusthavebeenoutoforderthatday.YourememberhowIcouldn’tgetthroughtoHardandCo.intheafternoon.Imeanttoreportit,butitwasallrightthenextmorning.”
“Telephones,”saidMr.Entwhistle,“canbeveryunreliablesometimes.”
Susansaidsuddenly:
“HowdidAuntCoraknowaboutourmarriage?ItwasataRegistryOfficeandwedidn’ttellanyoneuntilafterwards!”
“IfancyRichardmayhavetoldheraboutit.Sheremadeherwillaboutthreeweeksago(itwasformerlyinfavouroftheTheosophicalSociety)—justaboutthetimehehadbeendowntoseeher.”
Susanlookedstartled.
“DidUncleRichardgodowntoseeher?I’dnoideaofthat?”
“Ihadn’tanyideaofitmyself,”saidMr.Entwhistle.
“Sothatwaswhen—”
“Whenwhat?”
“Nothing,”saidSusan.
Six
I
“Verygoodofyoutocomealong,”saidMaudegruffly,asshegreetedMr.EntwhistleontheplatformofBayhamComptonstation.“IcanassureyouthatbothTimothyandImuchappreciateit.OfcoursethetruthisthatRichard’sdeathwastheworstthingpossibleforTimothy.”
Mr.Entwhistlehadnotyetconsideredhisfriend’sdeathfromthisparticularangle.Butitwas,hesaw,theonlyanglefromwhichMrs.TimothyAbernethiewaslikelytoregardit.
Astheyproceededtowardstheexit,Maudedevelopedthetheme.
“Tobeginwith,itwasashock—TimothywasreallyveryattachedtoRichard.AndthenunfortunatelyitputtheideaofdeathintoTimothy’shead.Beingsuchaninvalidhasmadehimrathernervousabouthimself.Herealizedthathewastheonlyoneofthebrothersleftalive—andhestartedsayingthathe’dbethenexttogo—andthatitwouldn’tbelongnow—allverymorbidtalk,asItoldhim.”
TheyemergedfromthestationandMaudeledthewaytoadilapidatedcarofalmostfabulousantiquity.
“Sorryaboutouroldrattletrap,”shesaid.“We’vewantedanewcarforyears,butreallywecouldn’taffordit.Thishashadanewenginetwice—andtheseoldcarsreallystanduptoalotofhardwork.
“Ihopeitwillstart,”sheadded.“Sometimesonehastowindit.”
Shepressedthestarterseveraltimesbutonlyameaninglesswhirrresulted.Mr.Entwhistle,whohadneverwoundacarinhislife,feltratherapprehensive,butMaudeherselfdescended,insertedthestartinghandleandwithavigorouscoupleofturnswokethemotortolife.Itwasfortunate,Mr.Entwhistlereflected,thatMaudewassuchapowerfullybuiltwoman.
“That’sthat,”shesaid.“Theoldbrute’sbeenplayingmeuplately.DiditwhenIwascomingbackafterthefuneral.Hadtowalkacoupleofmilestothenearestgarageandtheyweren’tgoodformuch—justavillageaffair.Ihadtoputupatthelocalinnwhiletheytinkeredatit.OfcoursethatupsetTimothy,too.IhadtophonethroughtohimandtellhimIcouldn’tbebacktillthenextday.Fussedhimterribly.Onetriestokeepthingsfromhimasmuchaspossible—butsomethingsonecan’tdoanythingabout—Cora’smurder,forinstance.IhadtosendforDr.Bartontogivehimasedative.ThingslikemurderaretoomuchforamaninTimothy’sstateofhealth.IgatherCorawasalwaysafool.”
Mr.Entwhistledigestedthisremarkinsilence.Theinferencewasnotquitecleartohim.
“Idon’tthinkI’dseenCorasinceourmarriage,”saidMaude.“Ididn’tliketosaytoTimothyatthetime:‘Youryoungestsister’sbatty,’notjustlikethat.Butit’swhatIthought.Thereshewassayingthemostextraordinarythings!Onedidn’tknowwhethertoresentthemorwhethertolaugh.Isupposethetruthisshelivedinakindofimaginaryworldofherown—fullofmelodramaandfantasticideasaboutotherpeople.Well,poorsoul,she’spaidforitnow.Shedidn’thaveanyprotégés,didshe?”
“Protégés?Whatdoyoumean?”
“Ijustwondered.Someyoungcadgingartist,ormusician—orsomethingofthatkind.Someoneshemighthaveletinthatday,andwhokilledherforherloosecash.Perhapsanadolescent—they’resoqueeratthatagesometimes—especiallyifthey’retheneuroticartytype.Imean,itseemssooddtobreakinandmurderherinthemiddleoftheafternoon.Ifyoubreakintoahousesurelyyou’ddoitatnight.”
“Therewouldhavebeentwowomentherethen.”
“Ohyes,thecompanion.ButreallyIcan’tbelievethatanyonewoulddeliberatelywaituntilshewasoutofthewayandthenbreakinandattackCora.Whatfor?Hecan’thaveexpectedshe’dhaveanycashorstufftospeakof,andtheremusthavebeentimeswhenboththewomenwereoutandthehousewasempty.Thatwouldhavebeenmuchsafer.Itseemssostupidtogoandcommitamurderunlessit’sabsolutelynecessary.”
“AndCora’smurder,youfeel,wasunnecessary?”
“Itallseemssostupid.”
Shouldmurdermakesense?Mr.Entwhistlewondered.Academicallytheanswerwasyes.Butmanypointlesscrimeswereonrecord.Itdepended,Mr.Entwhistlereflected,onthementalityofthemurderer.
Whatdidhereallyknowaboutmurderersandtheirmentalprocesses?Verylittle.Hisfirmhadneverhadacriminalpractice.Hewasnostudentofcriminologyhimself.Murderers,asfarashecouldjudge,seemedtobeofallsortsandkinds.Somehadhadoverweeningvanity,somehadhadalustforpower,some,likeSeddon,hadbeenmeanandavaricious,others,likeSmithandRowse,hadhadanincrediblefascinationforwomen;some,likeArmstrong,hadbeenpleasantfellowstomeet.EdithThompsonhadlivedinaworldofviolentunreality,NurseWaddingtonhadputherelderlypatientsoutofthewaywithbusinesslikecheerfulness.
Maude’svoicebrokeintohismeditations.
“IfIcouldonlykeepthenewspapersfromTimothy!Buthewillinsistonreadingthem—andthen,ofcourse,itupsetshim.Youdounderstand,don’tyou,Mr.Entwhistle,thattherecanbenoquestionofTimothy’sattendingtheinquest?Ifnecessary,Dr.Bartoncanwriteoutacertificateorwhateveritis.”
“Youcansetyourmindatrestaboutthat.”
“Thankgoodness!”
TheyturnedinthroughthegatesofStansfieldGrange,andupaneglecteddrive.Ithadbeenanattractivesmallpropertyonce—buthadnowadolefulandneglectedappearance.Maudesighedasshesaid:
“Wehadtoletthisgotoseedduringthewar.Bothgardenerscalledup.Andnowwe’veonlygotoneoldman—andhe’snotmuchgood.Wageshavegoneupsoterribly.Imustsayit’sablessingtorealizethatwe’llbeabletospendalittlemoneyontheplacenow.We’rebothsofondofit.Iwasreallyafraidthatwemighthavetosellit…NotthatIsuggestedanythingofthekindtoTimothy.Itwouldhaveupsethim—dreadfully.”
TheydrewupbeforetheporticoofaveryoldGeorgianhousewhichbadlyneededacoatofpaint.
“Noservants,”saidMaudebitterly,assheledthewayin.“Justacoupleofwomenwhocomein.Wehadaresidentmaiduntilamonthago—slightlyhunchbackedandterriblyadenoidalandinmanywaysnottoobright,butshewastherewhichwassuchacomfort—andquitegoodatplaincooking.Andwouldyoubelieveit,shegavenoticeandwenttoafoolofawomanwhokeepssixPekinesedogs(it’salargerhousethanthisandmorework)becauseshewas‘sofondoflittledoggies,’shesaid.Dogs,indeed!BeingsickandmakingmessesallthetimeI’venodoubt!Really,thesegirlsaremental!Sothereweare,andifIhavetogooutanyafternoon,Timothyisleftquitealoneinthehouseandifanythingshouldhappen,howcouldhegethelp?ThoughIdoleavethetelephoneclosebyhischairsothatifhefeltfainthecoulddialDr.Bartonimmediately.”
Maudeledthewayintothedrawingroomwhereteawaslaidreadybythefireplace,andestablishingMr.Entwhistlethere,disappeared,presumablytothebackregions.Shereturnedinafewminutes’timewithateapotandsilverkettle,andproceededtoministertoMr.Entwhistle’sneeds.Itwasagoodteawithhomemadecakeandfreshbuns.Mr.Entwhistlemurmured:
“WhataboutTimothy?”andMaudeexplainedbrisklythatshehadtakenTimothyhistraybeforeshesetoutforthestation.
“Andnow,”saidMaude,“hewillhavehadhislittlenapanditwillbethebesttimeforhimtoseeyou.Dotryandnotlethimexcitehimselftoomuch.”
Mr.Entwhistleassuredherthathewouldexerciseeveryprecaution.
Studyingherintheflickeringfirelight,hewasseizedbyafeelingofcompassion.Thisbig,stalwartmatter-of-factwoman,sohealthy,sovigorous,sofullofcommonsense,andyetsostrangely,almostpitifully,vulnerableinonespot.Herloveforherhusbandwasmaternallove,Mr.Entwhistledecided.MaudeAbernethiehadbornenochildandshewasawomanbuiltformotherhood.Herinvalidhusbandhadbecomeherchild,tobeshielded,guarded,watchedover.Andperhaps,beingthestrongercharacterofthetwo,shehadunconsciouslyimposedonhimastateofinvalidismgreaterthanmightotherwisehavebeenthecase.
“PoorMrs.Tim,”thoughtMr.Entwhistletohimself.
II
“Goodofyoutocome,Entwhistle.”
Timothyraisedhimselfupinhischairasheheldoutahand.HewasabigmanwithamarkedresemblancetohisbrotherRichard.ButwhatwasstrengthinRichard,inTimothywasweakness.Themouthwasirresolute,thechinveryslightlyreceding,theeyeslessdeep-set.Linesofpeevishirritabilityshowedonhisforehead.
Hisinvalidstatuswasemphasizedbytherugacrosshiskneesandapositivepharmacopoeiaoflittlebottlesandboxes,onatableathisrighthand.
“Imustn’texertmyself,”hesaidwarningly.“Doctor’sforbiddenit.Keepstellingmenottoworry!Worry!Ifhe’dhadamurderinhisfamilyhe’ddoabitofworrying,Ibet!It’stoomuchforaman—firstRichard’sdeath—thenhearingallabouthisfuneralandhiswill—whatawill!—andontopofthatpoorlittleCorakilledwithahatchet.Hatchet!ugh!Thiscountry’sfullofgangstersnowadays—thugs—leftoverfromthewar!Goingaboutkillingdefencelesswomen.Nobody’sgotthegutstoputthesethingsdown—totakeastronghand.What’sthecountrycomingto,I’dliketoknow?What’sthedamnedcountrycomingto?”
Mr.Entwhistlewasfamiliarwiththisgambit.Itwasaquestionalmostinvariablyaskedsoonerorlaterbyhisclientsforthelasttwentyyearsandhehadhisroutineforansweringit.Thenoncommittalwordsheutteredcouldhavebeenclassifiedundertheheadingofsoothingnoises.
“ItallbeganwiththatdamnedLabourGovernment,”saidTimothy.“Sendingthewholecountrytoblazes.AndtheGovernmentwe’vegotnowisnobetter.Mealy-mouthed,milk-and-watersocialists!Lookatthestatewe’rein!Can’tgetadecentgardener,can’tgetservants—poorMaudeherehastoworkherselftoashadowmessingaboutinthekitchen(bytheway,Ithinkacustardpuddingwouldgowellwiththesoletonight,mydear—andperhapsalittleclearsoupfirst?).I’vegottokeepmystrengthup—DoctorBartonsaidso—letmesee,wherewasI?Ohyes,Cora.It’sashock,Icantellyou,toamanwhenhehearshissister—hisownsister—hasbeenmurdered!Why,Ihadpalpitationsfortwentyminutes!You’llhavetoattendtoeverythingforme,Entwhistle.Ican’tgototheinquestorbebotheredbybusinessofanykindconnectedwithCora’sestate.Iwanttoforgetthewholething.Whathappened,bytheway,toCora’sshareofRichard’smoney?Comestome,Isuppose?”
Murmuringsomethingaboutclearingawaytea,Maudelefttheroom.
Timothylaybackinhischairandsaid:
“Goodthingtogetridofthewomen.Nowwecantalkbusinesswithoutanysillyinterruptions.”
“ThesumleftintrustforCora,”saidMr.Entwhistle,“goesequallytoyouandtheniecesandnephew.”
“Butlookhere,”Timothy’scheeksassumedapurplishhueofindignation.“SurelyI’mhernextofkin?Onlysurvivingbrother.”
Mr.EntwhistleexplainedwithsomecaretheexactprovisionsofRichardAbernethie’swill,remindingTimothygentlythathehadhadacopysenthim.
“Don’texpectmetounderstandallthatlegaljargon,doyou?”saidTimothyungratefully.“Youlawyers!Matteroffact,Icouldn’tbelieveitwhenMaudecamehomeandtoldmethegistofit.Thoughtshe’dgotitwrong.Womenareneverclearheaded.Bestwomanintheworld,Maude—butwomendon’tunderstandfinance.Idon’tbelieveMaudeevenrealizesthatifRichardhadn’tdiedwhenhedid,wemighthavehadtoclearoutofhere.Fact!”
“SurelyifyouhadappliedtoRichard—”
Timothygaveashortbarkofharshlaughter.
“That’snotmystyle.Ourfatherleftusallaperfectlyreasonableshareofhismoney—thatis,ifwedidn’twanttogointothefamilyconcern.Ididn’t.I’veasoulabovecornplasters,Entwhistle!Richardtookmyattitudeabithard.Well,whatwithtaxes,depreciationofincome,onethingandanother—ithasn’tbeeneasytokeepthingsgoing.I’vehadtorealizeagooddealofcapital.Bestthingtodothesedays.IdidhintoncetoRichardthatthisplacewasgettingabithardtorun.Hetooktheattitudethatwe’dbemuchbetteroffinasmallerplacealtogether.EasierforMaude,hesaid,morelaboursaving—laboursaving,whataterm!Ohno,Iwouldn’thaveaskedRichardforhelp.ButIcantellyou,Entwhistle,thattheworryaffectedmyhealthmostunfavourably.Amaninmystateofhealthoughtn’ttohavetoworry.ThenRicharddiedandthoughofcoursenaturallyIwascutupaboutit—mybrotherandallthat—Icouldn’thelpfeelingrelievedaboutfutureprospects.Yes,it’sallplainsailingnow—andagreatrelief.Getthehousepainted—getacoupleofreallygoodmenonthegarden—youcangetthemataprice.Restocktherosegardencompletely.And—wherewasI—”
“Detailingyourfutureplans.”
“Yes,yes—butImustn’tbotheryouwithallthat.Whatdidhurtme—andhurtmecruelly—werethetermsofRichard’swill.”
“Indeed?”Mr.Entwhistlelookedinquiring.“Theywerenot—asyouexpected?”
“Ishouldsaytheyweren’t!Naturally,afterMortimer’sdeath,IassumedthatRichardwouldleaveeverythingtome.”
“Ah—didhe—ever—indicatethattoyou?”
“Heneversaidso—notinsomanywords.Reticentsortofchap,Richard.Butheaskedhimselfhere—notlongafterMortimer’sdeath.Wantedtotalkoverfamilyaffairsgenerally.WediscussedyoungGeorge—andthegirlsandtheirhusbands.Wantedtoknowmyviews—notthatIcouldtellhimmuch.I’maninvalidandIdon’tgetabout,andMaudieandIliveoutoftheworld.Rottensillymarriagesbothofthosegirlsmade,ifyouaskme.Well,Iaskyou,Entwhistle,naturallyIthoughthewasconsultingmeastheheadofthefamilyafterhewasgoneandnaturallyIthoughtthecontrolofthemoneywouldbemine.Richardcouldsurelytrustmetodotherightthingbytheyoungergeneration.AndtolookafterpooroldCora.Dashitall,Entwhistle,I’manAbernethie—thelastAbernethie.Fullcontrolshouldhavebeenleftinmyhands.”
InhisexcitementTimothyhadkickedasidehisrugandhadsatupinhischair.Therewerenosignsofweaknessorfragilityabouthim.Helooked,Mr.Entwhistlethought,aperfectlyhealthyman,evenifaslightlyexcitableone.MoreovertheoldlawyerrealizedveryclearlythatTimothyAbernethiehadprobablyalwaysbeensecretlyjealousofhisbrotherRichard.TheyhadbeensufficientlyalikeforTimothytoresenthisbrother’sstrengthofcharacterandfirmgraspofaffairs.WhenRichardhaddied,Timothyhadexultedintheprospectofsucceedingatthislatedatetothepowertocontrolthedestiniesofothers
RichardAbernethiehadnotgivenhimthatpower.Hadhethoughtofdoingsoandthendecidedagainstit?
AsuddensquallingofcatsinthegardenbroughtTimothyupoutofhischair.Rushingtothewindowhethrewupthesash,bawledout,“Stopit,you!”andpickingupalargebookhurleditoutatthemarauders.
“Beastlycats,”hegrumbled,returningtohisvisitor.“RuintheflowerbedsandIcan’tstandthatdamnedyowling.”
Hesatdownagainandasked:
“Haveadrink,Entwhistle?”
“Notquitesosoon.Maudehasjustgivenmeanexcellenttea.”
Timothygrunted.
“Capablewoman.Maude.Butshedoestoomuch.Evenhastomuckaboutwiththeinsideofthatoldcarofours—she’squiteamechanicinherway,youknow.”
“Ihearshehadabreakdowncomingbackfromthefuneral?”
“Yes.Carconkedout.Shehadthesensetotelephonethroughaboutit,incaseIshouldbeanxious,butthatassofadailywomanofourswrotedownthemessageinawaythatdidn’tmakesense.Iwasoutgettingabitoffreshair—I’madvisedbythedoctortotakewhatexerciseIcanifIfeellikeit—Igotbackfrommywalktofindscrawledonabitofpaper:‘Madame’ssorrycargonewronggottostaynight.’NaturallyIthoughtshewasstillatEnderby.PutacallthroughandfoundMaudehadleftthatmorning.Mighthavehadthebreakdownanywhere!Prettykettleoffish!Foolofadailywomanonlyleftmealumpymacaronicheeseforsupper.Ihadtogodowntothekitchenandwarmitupmyself—andmakemyselfacupoftea—tosaynothingofstokingtheboiler.Imighthavehadaheartattack—butdoesthatclassofwomancare?Notshe!Withanydecentfeelingsshe’dhavecomebackthateveningandlookedaftermeproperly.Noloyaltyanymoreinthelowerclasses—”
Hebroodedsadly.
“Idon’tknowhowmuchMaudetoldyouaboutthefuneralandtherelatives,”saidMr.Entwhistle.“Coraproducedratheranawkwardmoment.SaidbrightlythatRichardhadbeenmurdered,hadn’the?PerhapsMaudetoldyou.”
Timothychuckledeasily.
“Ohyes,Iheardaboutthat.Everybodylookeddowntheirnosesandpretendedtobeshocked.JustthesortofthingCorawouldsay!Youknowhowshealwaysmanagedtoputherfootinitwhenshewasagirl,Entwhistle?SaidsomethingatourweddingthatupsetMaude,Iremember.Maudenevercaredforherverymuch.Yes,MauderangmeupthateveningafterthefuneraltoknowifIwasallrightandifMrs.Joneshadcomeintogivememyeveningmealandthenshetoldmeithadallgoneoffverywell,andIsaid‘Whataboutthewill?’andshetriedtohedgeabit,butofcourseIhadthetruthoutofher.Icouldn’tbelieveit,andIsaidshemusthavemadeamistake,butshestucktoit.Ithurtme,Entwhistle—itreallywoundedme,ifyouknowwhatImean.Ifyouaskme,itwasjustspiteonRichard’spart.Iknowoneshouldn’tspeakillofthedead,but,uponmyword—”
Timothycontinuedonthisthemeforsometime.
ThenMaudecamebackintotheroomandsaidfirmly:
“Ithink,dear,Mr.Entwhistlehasbeenwithyouquitelongenough.Youreallymustrest.Ifyouhavesettledeverything—”
“Oh,we’vesettledthings.Ileaveitalltoyou,Entwhistle.Letmeknowwhentheycatchthefellow—iftheyeverdo.I’venofaithinthepolicenowadays—theChiefConstablesaren’ttherighttype.You’llseetothe—er—interment—won’tyou?Weshan’tbeabletocome,I’mafraid.Butorderanexpensivewreath—andtheremustbeaproperstoneputupinduecourse—she’llbeburiedlocally,Isuppose?NopointinbringingherNorthandI’venoideawhereLansquenetisburied,somewhereinFranceIbelieve.Idon’tknowwhatoneputsonastonewhenit’smurder…Can’tverywellsay‘enteredintorest’oranythinglikethat.Onewillhavetochooseatext—somethingappropriate.R.I.P.?No,that’sonlyforCatholics.”
“OLord,thouhasseenmywrong.Judgethoumycase,”murmuredMr.Entwhistle.
ThestartledglanceTimothybentonhimmadeMr.Entwhistlesmilefaintly.
“FromLamentations,”hesaid.“Itseemsappropriateifsomewhatmelodramatic.However,itwillbesometimebeforethequestionoftheMemorialstonecomesup.The—er—groundhastosettle,youknow.Nowdon’tworryaboutanything.Wewilldealwiththingsandkeepyoufullyinformed.”
Mr.EntwhistleleftforLondonbythebreakfasttrainonthefollowingmorning
Whenhegothome,afteralittlehesitation,herangupafriendofhis.
Seven
“Ican’ttellyouhowmuchIappreciateyourinvitation.”
Mr.Entwhistlepressedhishost’shandwarmly.
HerculePoirotgesturedhospitablytoachairbythefire.
Mr.Entwhistlesighedashesatdown.
Ononesideoftheroomatablewaslaidfortwo.
“Ireturnedfromthecountrythismorning,”hesaid.
“Andyouhaveamatteronwhichyouwishtoconsultme?”
“Yes.It’salongramblingstory,I’mafraid.”
“Thenwewillnothaveituntilafterwehavedined.Georges?”
TheefficientGeorgesmaterializedwithsomepatédefoiegrasaccompaniedbyhottoastinanapkin.
“Wewillhaveourpatébythefire,”saidPoirot.“Afterwardswewillmovetothetable.”
ItwasanhourandahalflaterthatMr.Entwhistlestretchedhimselfcomfortablyoutinhischairandsighedacontentedsigh.
“Youcertainlyknowhowtodoyourselfwell,Poirot.TrustaFrenchman.”
“IamaBelgian.Buttherestofyourremarkapplies.Atmyagethechiefpleasure,almosttheonlypleasurethatstillremains,isthepleasureofthetable.MercifullyIhaveanexcellentstomach.”
“Ah,”murmuredMr.Entwhistle.
Theyhaddinedoffsoleveronique,followedbyescalopedeveaumilanaise,proceedingtopoireflambéewithicecream
TheyhaddrunkaPouillyFuisséfollowedbyaCorton,andaverygoodportnowreposedatMr.Entwhistle’selbow.Poirot,whodidnotcareforport,wassippingCrèmedeCacao.
“Idon’tknow,”murmuredMr.Entwhistlereminiscently,“howyoumanagetogetholdofanescalopelikethat!Itmeltedinthemouth!”
“IhaveafriendwhoisaContinentalbutcher.ForhimIsolveasmalldomesticproblem.Heisappreciative—andeversincethenheismostsympathetictomeinthemattersofthestomach.”
“Adomesticproblem,”Mr.Entwhistlesighed.“Iwishyouhadnotremindedme…Thisissuchaperfectmoment….”
“Prolongit,myfriend.Wewillhavepresentlythedemitasseandthefinebrandy,andthen,whendigestionispeacefullyunderway,thenyoushalltellwhyyouneedmyadvice.”
TheclockstruckthehalfhourafterninebeforeMr.Entwhistlestirredinhischair.Thepsychologicalmomenthadcome.Henolongerfeltreluctanttobringforthhisperplexities—hewaseagertodoso.
“Idon’tknow,”hesaid,“whetherI’mmakingthemostcolossalfoolofmyself.InanycaseIdon’tseethatthere’sanythingthatcanpossiblybedone.ButI’dliketoputthefactsbeforeyou,andI’dliketoknowwhatyouthink.”
Hepausedforamomentortwo,theninhisdrymeticulousway,hetoldhisstory.Histrainedlegalbrainenabledhimtoputthefactsclearly,toleavenothingout,andtoaddnothingextraneous.Itwasaclearsuccinctaccount,andassuchappreciatedbythelittleelderlymanwiththeegg-shapedheadwhosatlisteningtohim.
Whenhehadfinishedtherewasapause.Mr.Entwhistlewaspreparedtoanswerquestions,butforsomefewmomentsnoquestioncame.HerculePoirotwasreviewingtheevidence.
Hesaidatlast:
“Itseemsveryclear.Youhaveinyourmindthesuspicionthatyourfriend,RichardAbernethie,mayhavebeenmurdered?Thatsuspicion,orassumption,restsonthebasisofonethingonly—thewordsspokenbyCoraLansquenetatRichardAbernethie’sfuneral.Takethoseaway—andthereisnothingleft.Thefactthatsheherselfwasmurderedthedayafterwardsmaybethepurestcoincidence.ItistruethatRichardAbernethiediedsuddenly,buthewasattendedbyareputabledoctorwhoknewhimwell,andthatdoctorhadnosuspicionsandgaveadeathcertificate.WasRichardburiedorcremated?”
“Cremated—accordingtohisownrequest.”
“Yes,thatisthelaw.Anditmeansthataseconddoctorsignedthecertificate—buttherewouldbenodifficultyaboutthat.Sowecomebacktotheessentialpoint,whatCoraLansquenetsaid.Youwerethereandyouheardher.Shesaid:‘Buthewasmurdered,wasn’the?’”
“Yes.”
“Andtherealpointis—thatyoubelieveshewasspeakingthetruth.”
Thelawyerhesitatedforamoment,thenhesaid:
“Yes,Ido.”
“Why?”
“Why?”Entwhistlerepeatedtheword,slightlypuzzled.
“Butyes,why?Isitbecause,already,deepdown,youhadanuneasinessaboutthemannerofRichard’sdeath?”
Thelawyershookhishead.“No,no,notintheleast.”
“Thenitisbecauseofher—ofCoraherself.Youknewherwell?”
“Ihadnotseenherfor—oh—overtwentyyears.”
“Wouldyouhaveknownherifyouhadmetherinthestreet?”
Mr.Entwhistlereflected.
“Imighthavepassedherbyinthestreetwithoutrecognizingher.ShewasathinslipofagirlwhenIsawherlastandshehadturnedintoastout,shabby,middle-agedwoman.ButIthinkthatthemomentIspoketoherfacetofaceIshouldhaverecognizedher.Sheworeherhairinthesameway,abangcutstraightacrosstheforehead,andshehadatrickofpeeringupatyouthroughherfringelikearathershyanimal,andshehadaverycharacteristic,abruptwayoftalking,andawayofputtingherheadononesideandthencomingoutwithsomethingquiteoutrageous.Shehadcharacter,yousee,andcharacterisalwayshighlyindividual.”
“Shewas,infact,thesameCorayouhadknownyearsago.Andshestillsaidoutrageousthings!Thethings,theoutrageousthings,shehadsaidinthepast—weretheyusually—justified?”
“ThatwasalwaystheawkwardthingaboutCora.Whentruthwouldhavebeenbetterleftunspoken,shespokeit.”
“Andthatcharacteristicremainedunchanged.RichardAbernethiewasmurdered—soCoraatoncementionedthefact.”
Mr.Entwhistlestirred.
“Youthinkhewasmurdered?”
“Oh,no,no,myfriend,wecannotgosofast.Weagreeonthis—Corathoughthehadbeenmurdered.Shewasquitesurehehadbeenmurdered.Itwas,toher,moreacertaintythanasurmise.Andso,wecometothis,shemusthavehadsomereasonforthebelief.Weagree,byyourknowledgeofher,thatitwasnotjustabitofmischiefmaking.Nowtellme—whenshesaidwhatshedid,therewas,atonce,akindofchorusofprotest—thatisright?”
“Quiteright.”
“Andshethenbecameconfused,abashed,andretreatedfromtheposition—saying—asfarasyoucanremember,somethinglike‘ButIthought—fromwhathetoldme—’”
Thelawyernodded.
“IwishIcouldremembermoreclearly.ButIamfairlysureofthat.Sheusedthewords‘hetoldme’or‘hesaid—’”
“Andthematterwasthensmoothedoverandeveryonespokeofsomethingelse.Youcanremember,lookingback,nospecialexpressiononanyone’sface?Anythingthatremainsinyourmemoryas—shallwesay—unusual?”
“No.”
“Andtheverynextday,Coraiskilled—andyouaskyourself:‘Canitbecauseandeffect?’”
Thelawyerstirred.
“Isupposethatseemstoyouquitefantastic?”
“Notatall,”saidPoirot.“Giventhattheoriginalassumptioniscorrect,itislogical.Theperfectmurder,themurderofRichardAbernethie,hasbeencommitted,allhasgoneoffsmoothly—andsuddenlyitappearsthatthereisonepersonwhohasaknowledgeofthetruth!Clearlythatpersonmustbesilencedasquicklyaspossible.”
“Thenyoudothinkthat—itwasmurder?”
Poirotsaidgravely:
“Ithink,moncher,exactlyasyouthought—thatthereisacaseforinvestigation.Haveyoutakenanysteps?Youhavespokenofthesematterstothepolice?”
“No.”Mr.Entwhistleshookhishead.“Itdidnotseemtomethatanygoodpurposecouldbeachieved.MypositionisthatIrepresentthefamily.IfRichardAbernethiewasmurdered,thereseemsonlyonemethodbywhichitcouldbedone.”
“Bypoison?”
“Exactly.Andthebodyhasbeencremated.Thereisnownoevidenceavailable.ButIdecidedthatI,myself,mustbesatisfiedonthepoint.Thatiswhy,Poirot,Ihavecometoyou.”
“Whowasinthehouseatthetimeofhisdeath?”
“Anoldbutlerwhohasbeenwithhimforyears,acookandahousemaid.Itwouldseem,perhaps,asthoughitmustnecessarilybeoneofthem—”
“Ah!donottrytopullthewooluponmyeyes.ThisCora,sheknowsRichardAbernethiewaskilled,yetsheacquiescesinthehushingup.Shesays,‘Ithinkyouareallquiteright.’Thereforeitmustbeoneofthefamilywhoisconcerned,someonewhomthevictimhimselfmightprefernottohaveopenlyaccused.Otherwise,sinceCorawasfondofherbrother,shewouldnotagreetoletthesleepingmurdererlie.Youagreetothat,yes?”
“ItwasthewayIreasoned—yes,”confessedMr.Entwhistle.“Thoughhowanyofthefamilycouldpossibly—”
Poirotcuthimshort.
“Wherepoisonisconcernedthereareallsortsofpossibilities.Itmust,presumably,havebeenanarcoticofsomesortifhediedinhissleepandiftherewerenosuspiciousappearances.Possiblyhewasalreadyhavingsomenarcoticadministeredtohim.”
“Inanycase,”saidMr.Entwhistle,“thehowhardlymatters.Weshallneverbeabletoproveanything.”
“InthecaseofRichardAbernethie,no.ButthemurderofCoraLansquenetisdifferent.Onceweknow‘who’thenevidenceoughttobepossibletoget.”Headdedwithasharpglance,“Youhave,perhaps,alreadydonesomething.”
“Verylittle.Mypurposewasmainly,Ithink,elimination.ItisdistastefultometothinkthatoneoftheAbernethiefamilyisamurderer.Istillcan’tquitebelieveit.IhopedthatbyafewapparentlyidlequestionsIcouldexoneratecertainmembersofthefamilybeyondquestion.Perhaps,whoknows,allofthem?Inwhichcase,Corawouldhavebeenwronginherassumptionandherowndeathcouldbeascribedtosomecasualprowlerwhobrokein.Afterall,theissueisverysimple.WhatwerethemembersoftheAbernethiefamilydoingontheafternoonthatCoraLansquenetwaskilled?”
“Ehbien,”saidPoirot,“whatweretheydoing?”
“GeorgeCrossfieldwasatHurstParkraces.RosamundShanewasoutshoppinginLondon.Herhusband—foronemustincludehusbands—”
“Assuredly.”
“Herhusbandwasfixingupadealaboutanoptiononaplay,SusanandGregoryBankswereathomeallday,TimothyAbernethie,whoisaninvalid,wasathishomeinYorkshire,andhiswifewasdrivingherselfhomefromEnderby.”
Hestopped.
HerculePoirotlookedathimandnoddedcomprehendingly.
“Yes,thatiswhattheysay.Andisitalltrue?”
“Isimplydon’tknow,Poirot.Someofthestatementsarecapableofproofordisproof—butitwouldbedifficulttodosowithoutshowingone’shandprettyplainly.Infacttodosowouldbetantamounttoanaccusation.Iwillsimplytellyoucertainconclusionsofmyown.GeorgemayhavebeenatHurstParkraces,butIdonotthinkhewas.Hewasrashenoughtoboastthathehadbackedacoupleofwinners.Itismyexperiencethatsomanyoffendersagainstthelawruintheirowncasebysayingtoomuch.Iaskedhimthenameofthewinners,andhegavethenamesoftwohorseswithoutanyapparenthesitation.Bothofthem,Ifound,hadbeenheavilytippedonthedayinquestionandonehaddulywon.Theother,thoughanoddsonfavourite,hadunaccountablyfailedeventogetaplace.”
“Interesting.HadthisGeorgeanyurgentneedformoneyatthetimeofhisuncle’sdeath?”
“Itismyimpressionthathisneedwasveryurgent.Ihavenoevidenceforsayingso,butIstronglysuspectthathehasbeenspeculatingwithhisclients’fundsandthathewasindangerofprosecution.ItisonlymyimpressionbutIhavesomeexperienceinthesematters.Defaultingsolicitors,Iregrettosay,arenotentirelyuncommon.IcanonlytellyouthatIwouldnothavecaredtoentrustmyownfundstoGeorge,andIsuspectthatRichardAbernethie,averyshrewdjudgeofmen,wasdissatisfiedwithhisnephewandplacednorelianceonhim.
“Hismother,”thelawyercontinued,“wasagood-lookingratherfoolishgirlandshemarriedamanofwhatIshouldcalldubiouscharacter.”Hesighed.“TheAbernethiegirlswerenotgoodchoosers.”
Hepausedandthenwenton:
“AsforRosamund,sheisalovelynitwit.IreallycannotseehersmashingCora’sheadinwithahatchet!Herhusband,MichaelShane,issomethingofadarkhorse—he’samanwithambitionandalsoamanofoverweeningvanityIshouldsay.ButreallyIknowverylittleabouthim.Ihavenoreasontosuspecthimofabrutalcrimeorofacarefullyplannedpoisoning,butuntilIknowthathereallywasdoingwhathesayshewasdoingIcannotrulehimout.”
“Butyouhavenodoubtsaboutthewife?”
“No—no—thereisacertainratherstartlingcallousness…butno,Ireallycannotenvisagethehatchet.Sheisafragile-lookingcreature.”
“Andbeautiful!”saidPoirotwithafaintcynicalsmile.“Andtheotherniece?”
“Susan?SheisaverydifferenttypefromRosamund—agirlofremarkableability,Ishouldsay.Sheandherhusbandwereathometogetherthatday.Isaid(falsely)thatIhadtriedtogetthemonthetelephoneontheafternooninquestion.Gregsaidveryquicklythatthetelephonehadbeenoutoforderallday.Hehadtriedtogetsomeoneandfailed.”
“Soagainitisnotconclusive…Youcannoteliminateasyouhopedtodo…Whatisthehusbandlike?”
“Ifindhimhardtomakeout.Hehasasomewhatunpleasingpersonalitythoughonecannotsayexactlywhyhemakesthisimpression.AsforSusan—”
“Yes?”
“Susanremindsmeofheruncle.Shehasthevigour,thedrive,thementalcapacityofRichardAbernethie.Itmaybemyfancythatshelackssomeofthekindlinessandthewarmthofmyoldfriend.”
“Womenareneverkind,”remarkedPoirot.“Thoughtheycansometimesbetender.Shelovesherhusband?”
“Devotedly,Ishouldsay.Butreally,Poirot,Ican’tbelieve—Iwon’tbelieveforonemomentthatSusan—”
“YoupreferGeorge?”saidPoirot.“Itisnatural!Asforme,Iamnotsosentimentalaboutbeautifulyoungladies.Nowtellmeaboutyourvisittotheoldergeneration?”
Mr.EntwhistledescribedhisvisittoTimothyandMaudeatsomelength.Poirotsummarizedtheresult.
“SoMrs.Abernethieisagoodmechanic.Sheknowsallabouttheinsideofacar.AndMr.Abernethieisnottheinvalidhelikestothinkhimself.Hegoesoutforwalksandis,accordingtoyou,capableofvigorousaction.Heisalsoabitofanegomaniacandheresentedhisbrother’ssuccessandsuperiorcharacter.”
“HespokeveryaffectionatelyofCora.”
“Andridiculedhersillyremarkafterthefuneral.Whatofthesixthbeneficiary?”
“Helen?Mrs.Leo?Idonotsuspectherforamoment.Inanycase,herinnocencewillbeeasytoprove.ShewasatEnderby.Withthreeservantsinthehouse.”
“Ehbien,myfriend,”saidPoirot.“Letusbepractical.Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”
“Iwanttoknowthetruth,Poirot.”
“Yes.Yes,Ishouldfeelthesameinyourplace.”
“Andyou’rethemantofinditoutforme.Iknowyoudon’ttakecasesanymore,butIaskyoutotakethisone.Thisisamatterofbusiness.Iwillberesponsibleforyourfees.Comenow,moneyisalwaysuseful.”
Poirotgrinned.
“Notifitallgoesinthetaxes!ButIwilladmit,yourprobleminterestsme!Becauseitisnoteasy…Itisallsonebulous…Onething,myfriend,hadbetterbedonebyyou.Afterthat,Iwilloccupymyselfofeverything.ButIthinkitwillbebestifyouyourselfseekoutthedoctorwhoattendedMr.RichardAbernethie.Youknowhim?”
“Slightly.”
“Whatishelike?”
“Middle-agedG.P.Quitecompetent.OnveryfriendlytermswithRichard.Athoroughlygoodfellow.”
“Thenseekhimout.Hewillspeakmorefreelytoyouthantome.AskhimaboutMr.Abernethie’sillness.FindoutwhatmedicinesMr.Abernethiewastakingatthetimeofhisdeathandbefore.FindoutifRichardAbernethieeversaidanythingtohisdoctoraboutfancyinghimselfbeingpoisoned.Bytheway,thisMissGilchristissurethatheusedthetermpoisonedintalkingtohissister?”
Mr.Entwhistlereflected.
“Itwasthewordsheused—butsheisthetypeofwitnesswhooftenchangestheactualwordsused,becausesheisconvincedsheiskeepingtothesenseofthem.IfRichardhadsaidhewasafraidsomeonewantedtokillhim,MissGilchristmighthaveassumedpoisonbecausesheconnectedhisfearswiththoseofanauntofherswhothoughtherfoodwas
“Yes.OrIwilldoso.”Hepausedandthensaidinadifferentvoice:“Hasitoccurredtoyou,myfriend,thatyourMissGilchristmaybeinsomedangerherself?”
Mr.Entwhistlelookedsurprised.
“Ican’tsaythatithad.”
“But,yes.Coravoicedhersuspicionsonthedayofthefuneral.Thequestioninthemurderer’smindwillbe,didshevoicethemtoanybodywhenshefirstheardofRichard’sdeath?AndthemostlikelypersonforhertohavespokentoaboutthemwillbeMissGilchrist.Ithink,moncher,thatshehadbetternotremainaloneinthatcottage.”
“IbelieveSusanisgoingdown.”
“Ah,soMrs.Banksisgoingdown?”
“ShewantstolookthroughCora’sthings.”
“Isee…Isee…Well,myfriend,dowhatIhaveaskedofyou.YoumightalsoprepareMrs.Abernethie—Mrs.LeoAbernethie,forthepossibilitythatImayarriveinthehouse.Wewillsee.FromnowonIoccupymyselfofeverything.”
AndPoirottwirledhismoustacheswithenormousenergy.
Eight
I
Mr.EntwhistlelookedatDr.Larrabythoughtfully.
Hehadhadalifetimeofexperienceinsummingpeopleup.Therehadbeenfrequentoccasionsonwhichithadbeennecessarytotackleadifficultsituationoradelicatesubject.Mr.Entwhistlewasanadeptbynowintheartofhowexactlytomaketheproperapproach.HowwoulditbebesttotackleDr.Larrabyonwhatwascertainlyaverydifficultsubjectandonewhichthedoctormightverywellresentasreflectinguponhisownprofessionalskill?
Frankness,Mr.Entwhistlethought—oratleastamodifiedfrankness.Tosaythatsuspicionshadarisenbecauseofahaphazardsuggestionthrownoutbyasillywomanwouldbeill-advised.Dr.LarrabyhadnotknownCora.
Mr.Entwhistleclearedhisthroatandplungedbravely.
“Iwanttoconsultyouonaverydelicatematter,”hesaid.“Youmaybeoffended,butIsincerelyhopenot.Youareasensiblemanandyouwillrealize,I’msure,thata—er—preposteroussuggestionisbestdealtwithbyfindingareasonableanswerandnotbycondemningitoutofhand.Itconcernsmyclient,thelateMr.Abernethie.I’llaskyoumyquestionflatout.Areyoucertain,absolutelycertain,thathediedwhatistermedanaturaldeath?”
Dr.Larraby’sgood-humoured,rubicundmiddle-agedfaceturnedinastonishmentonhisquestioner.
“Whatonearth—Ofcoursehedid.Igaveacertificate,didn’tI?IfIhadn’tbeensatisfied—”
Mr.Entwhistlecutinadroitly:
“Naturally,naturally.IassureyouthatIamnotassuminganythingtothecontrary.ButIwouldbegladtohaveyourpositiveassurance—infaceofthe—er—rumoursthatareflyingaround.”
“Rumours?Whatrumours?”
“Onedoesn’tknowquitehowthesethingsstart,”saidMr.Entwhistlemendaciously.“Butmyfeelingisthattheyshouldbestopped—authoritatively,ifpossible.”
“Abernethiewasasickman.Hewassufferingfromadiseasethatwouldhaveprovedfatalwithin,Ishouldsay,attheearliest,twoyears.Itmighthavecomemuchsooner.Hisson’sdeathhadweakenedhiswilltolive,andhispowersofresistance.IadmitthatIdidnotexpecthisdeathtocomesosoon,orindeedsosuddenly,butthereareprecedents—plentyofprecedents.Anymedicalmanwhopredictsexactlywhenapatientwilldie,orexactlyhowlonghewilllive,isboundtomakeafoolofhimself.Thehumanfactorisalwaysincalculable.Theweakhaveoftenunexpectedpowersofresistance,thestrongsometimessuccumb.”
“Iunderstandallthat.Iamnotdoubtingyourdiagnosis.Mr.Abernethiewas,shallwesay(rathermelodramatically,I’mafraid)undersentenceofdeath.AllI’maskingyouis,isitquitepossiblethataman,knowingorsuspectingthatheisdoomed,mightofhisownaccordshortenthatperiodoflife?Orthatsomeoneelsemightdoitforhim?”
Dr.Larrabyfrowned.
“Suicide,youmean?Abernethiewasn’tasuicidaltype.”
“Isee.Youcanassureme,medicallyspeaking,thatsuchasuggestionisimpossible.”
Thedoctorstirreduneasily.
“Iwouldn’tusethewordimpossible.Afterhisson’sdeathlifenolongerheldtheinterestforAbernethiethatithaddone.Icertainlydon’tfeelthatsuicideislikely—butIcan’tsaythatit’simpossible.”
“Youarespeakingfromthepsychologicalangle.WhenIsaymedically,Ireallymeant:dothecircumstancesofhisdeathmakesuchasuggestionimpossible?”
“No,ohno.No,Ican’tsaythat.Hediedinhissleep,aspeopleoftendo.Therewasnoreasontosuspectsuicide,noevidenceofhisstateofmind.Ifoneweretodemandanautopsyeverytimeamanwhoisseriouslyilldiedinhissleep—”
Thedoctor’sfacewasgettingredderandredder.Mr.Entwhistlehastenedtointerpose.
“Ofcourse.Ofcourse.Butiftherehadbeenevidence—evidenceofwhichyouyourselfwerenotaware?If,forinstance,hehadsaidsomethingtosomeone—”
“Indicatingthathewascontemplatingsuicide?Didhe?Imustsayitsurprisesme.”
“Butifitwereso—mycaseispurelyhypothetical—couldyouruleoutthepossibility?”
Dr.Larrabysaidslowly:
“No—not—Icouldnotdothat.ButIsayagain.Ishouldbeverymuchsurprised.”
Mr.Entwhistlehastenedtofollowuphisadvantage.
“If,then,weassumethathisdeathwasnotnatural—allthisispurelyhypothetical—whatcouldhavecausedit?Whatkindofadrug,Imean?”
“Several.Somekindofanarcoticwouldbeindicated.Therewasnosignofcyanosis,theattitudewasquitepeaceful.”
“Hehadsleepingdraughtsorpills?Somethingofthatkind.”
“Yes.IhadprescribedSlumberyl—averysafeanddependablehypnotic.Hedidnottakeiteverynight.Andheonlyhadasmallbottleoftabletsatatime.Threeorevenfourtimestheprescribeddosewouldnothavecauseddeath.Infact,Irememberseeingthebottleonhiswashstandafterhisdeathstillnearlyfull.”
“Whatelsehadyouprescribedforhim?”
“Variousthings—amedicinecontainingasmallquantityofmorphiatobetakenwhenhehadanattackofpain.Somevitamincapsules.Anindigestionmixture.”
Mr.Entwhistleinterrupted.
“Vitamincapsules?IthinkIwasonceprescribedacourseofthose.Smallroundcapsulesofgelatine.”
“Yes.Containingadexoline.”
“Couldanythingelsehavebeenintroducedinto—say—oneofthosecapsules?”
“Somethinglethal,youmean?”Thedoctorwaslookingmoreandmoresurprised.“Butsurelynomanwouldever—lookhere,Entwhistle,whatareyougettingat?MyGod,man,areyousuggestingmurder?”
“Idon’tquiteknowwhatI’msuggesting…Ijustwanttoknowwhatwouldbepossible.”
“Butwhatevidencehaveyouforevensuggestingsuchathing?”
“Ihaven’tanyevidence,”saidMr.Entwhistleinatiredvoice.“Mr.Abernethieisdead—andthepersontowhomhespokeisalsodead.Thewholethingisrumour—vague,unsatisfactoryrumour,andIwanttoscotchitifIcan.IfyoutellmethatnoonecouldpossiblyhavepoisonedAbernethieinanywaywhatsoever,I’llbedelighted!Itwouldbeabigweightoffmymind,Icanassureyou.”
Dr.Larrabygotupandwalkedupanddown.
“Ican’ttellyouwhatyouwantmetotellyou,”hesaidatlast.“IwishIcould.Ofcourseitcouldhavebeendone.Anybodycouldhaveextractedtheoilfromacapsuleandreplaceditwith—say—purenicotineorhalfadozenotherthings.Orsomethingcouldhavebeenputinhisfoodordrink?Isn’tthatmorelikely?”
“Possibly.Butyousee,therewereonlytheservantsinthehousewhenhedied—andIdon’tthinkitwasanyofthem—infactI’mquitesureitwasn’t.SoI’mlookingforsomedelayedactionpossibility.There’snodrug,Isuppose,thatyoucanadministerandthenthepersondiesweekslater?”
“Aconvenientidea—butuntenable,I’mafraid,”saidthedoctordrily.“Iknowyou’reareasonableperson,Entwhistle,butwhoismakingthissuggestion?Itseemstomewildlyfarfetched.”
“Abernethieneversaidanythingtoyou?Neverhintedthatoneofhisrelationsmightbewantinghimoutoftheway?”
Thedoctorlookedathimcuriously.
“No,heneversaidanythingtome.Areyousure,Entwhistle,thatsomebodyhasn’tbeen—well,playingupthesensational?Somehystericalsubjectscangiveanappearanceofbeingquitereasonableandnormal,youknow.”
“Ihopeitwaslikethat.Itmightwellbe.”
“Letmeunderstand.SomeoneclaimsthatAbernethietoldher—itwasawoman,Isuppose?”
“Ohyes,itwasawoman.”
“—toldhersomeonewastryingtokillhim?”
Cornered,Mr.EntwhistlereluctantlytoldthetaleofCora’sremarkatthefuneral.Dr.Larraby’sfacelightened.
“Mydearfellow.Ishouldn’tpayanyattention!Theexplanationisquitesimple.Thewoman’satacertaintimeoflife—cravingforsensation,unbalanced,unreliable—mightsayanything.Theydo,youknow!”
Mr.Entwhistleresentedthedoctor’seasyassumption.Hehimselfhadhadtodealwithplentyofsensation-huntingandhystericalwomen.
“Youmaybequiteright,”hesaid,rising.“Unfortunatelywecan’ttackleheronthesubject,asshe’sbeenmurderedherself.”
“What’sthat—murdered?”Dr.LarrabylookedasthoughhehadgravesuspicionsofMr.Entwhistle’sownstabilityofmind.
“You’veprobablyreadaboutitinthepaper.Mrs.LansquenetatLytchettSt.MaryinBerkshire.”
“Ofcourse—I’dnoideashewasarelationofRichardAbernethie’s!”Dr.Larrabywaslookingquiteshaken.
Feelingthathehadrevengedhimselfforthedoctor’sprofessionalsuperiority,andunhappilyconsciousthathisownsuspicionshadnotbeenassuagedasaresultofthevisit,Mr.Entwhistletookhisleave.
II
BackatEnderby,Mr.EntwhistledecidedtotalktoLanscombe.
Hestartedbyaskingtheoldbutlerwhathisplanswere.
“Mrs.Leohasaskedmetostayonhereuntilthehouseissold,sir,andI’msureIshallbeverypleasedtoobligeher.WeareallveryfondofMrs.Leo.”Hesighed.“Ifeelitverymuch,sir,ifyouwillexcusemementioningit,thatthehousehastobesold.I’veknownitforsoverymanyyears,andseenalltheyoungladiesandgentlemengrowupinit.IalwaysthoughtthatMr.Mortimerwouldcomehereafterhisfatherandperhapsbringupafamilyhere,too.Itwasarranged,sir,thatIshouldgototheNorthLodgewhenIgotpastdoingmyworkhere.Averynicelittleplace,theNorthLodge—andIlookedforwardtohavingitveryspickandspan.ButIsupposethat’sallovernow.”
“I’mafraidso,Lanscombe.Theestatewillhavetobesoldtogether.Butwithyourlegacy—”
“OhI’mnotcomplaining,sir,andI’mverysensibleofMr.Abernethie’sgenerosity.I’mwellprovidedfor,butit’snotsoeasytofindalittleplacetobuynowadaysandthoughmymarriedniecehasaskedmetomakemyhomewiththem,well,itwon’tbequitethesamethingaslivingontheestate.”
“Iknow,”saidMr.Entwhistle.“It’sahardnewworldforusoldfellows.IwishI’dseenmoreofmyoldfriendbeforehewent.Howdidheseemthoselastfewmonths?”
“Well,hewasn’thimself,sir,notsinceMr.Mortimer’sdeath.”
“No,itbrokehimup.Andthenhewasasickman—sickmenhavestrangefanciessometimes.IimagineMr.Abernethiesufferedfromthatsortofthinginhislastdays.Hespokeofenemiessometimes,ofsomebodywishingtodohimharm—perhaps?Hemayevenhavethoughthisfoodwasbeingtamperedwith?”
OldLanscombelookedsurprised—surprisedandoffended.
“Icannotrecallanythingofthatkind,sir.”
Entwhistlelookedathimkeenly.
“You’reaveryloyalservant,Lanscombe,Iknowthat.ButsuchfanciesonMr.Abernethie’spartwouldbequite—er—unimportant—anaturalsymptominsome—erdiseases.”
“Indeed,sir?IcanonlysayMr.Abernethieneversaidanythinglikethattome,orinmyhearing.”
Mr.Entwhistleslidgentlytoanothersubject.
“Hehadsomeofhisfamilydowntostaywithhim,didn’the,beforehedied.Hisnephewandhistwoniecesandtheirhusbands?”
“Yes,sir,thatisso.”
“Washesatisfiedwiththosevisits?Orwashedisappointed?
Lanscombe’seyesbecameremote,hisoldbackstiffened.
“Ireallycouldnotsay,sir.”
“Ithinkyoucould,youknow,”saidMr.Entwhistlegently.“It’snotyourplacetosayanythingofthatkind—that’swhatyoureallymean.Buttherearetimeswhenonehastodoviolencetoone’ssensesofwhatisfitting.Iwasoneofyourmaster’soldestfriends.Icaredforhimverymuch.Sodidyou.That’swhyI’maskingyouforyouropinionasaman,notasabutler.”
Lanscombewassilentforamoment,thenhesaidinacolourlessvoice:
“Isthereanything—wrong,sir?”
Mr.Entwhistlerepliedtruthfully.
“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“Ihopenot.Iwouldliketomakesure.Haveyoufeltyourselfthatsomethingwas—wrong?”
“Onlysincethefuneral,sir.AndIcouldn’tsayexactlywhatitis.ButMrs.LeoandMrs.Timothy,too,theydidn’tseemquitethemselvesthateveningaftertheothershadgone.”
“Youknowthecontentsofthewill?”
“Yes,sir.Mrs.LeothoughtIwouldliketoknow.Itseemedtome,ifImaypermitmyselftocomment,averyfairwill.”
“Yes,itwasafairwill.Equalbenefits.Butitisnot,Ithink,thewillthatMr.Abernethieoriginallyintendedtomakeafterhissondied.WillyouanswernowthequestionthatIaskedyoujustnow?”
“Asamatterofpersonalopinion—”
“Yes,yes,thatisunderstood.”
“Themaster,sir,wasverymuchdisappointedafterMr.Georgehadbeenhere…Hehadhoped,Ithink,thatMr.GeorgemightresembleMr.Mortimer.Mr.George,ifImaysayso,didnotcomeuptostandard.MissLaura’shusbandwasalwaysconsideredunsatisfactory,andI’mafraidMr.Georgetookafterhim.”Lanscombepausedandthenwenton,“Thentheyoungladiescamewiththeirhusbands.MissSusanhetooktoatonce—averyspiritedandhandsomeyounglady,butit’smyopinionhecouldn’tabideherhusband.Youngladiesmakefunnychoicesnowadays,sir.”
“Andtheothercouple?”
“Icouldn’tsaymuchaboutthat.Averypleasantandgood-lookingyoungpair.Ithinkthemasterenjoyedhavingthemhere—butIdon’tthink—”Theoldmanhesitated.
“Yes,Lanscombe?”
“Well,themasterhadneverbeenmuchstruckwiththestage.Hesaidtomeoneday,‘Ican’tunderstandwhyanyonegetsstage-struck.It’safoolishkindoflife.Seemstodeprivepeopleofwhatlittlesensetheyhave.Idon’tknowwhatitdoestoyourmoralsense.Youcertainlyloseyoursenseofproportion.’Ofcoursehewasn’treferringdirectly—”
“No,no,Iquiteunderstand.Nowafterthesevisits,Mr.Abernethiehimselfwentaway—firsttohisbrother,andafterwardstohissisterMrs.Lansquenet.”
“ThatIdidnotknow,sir.ImeanhementionedtomethathewasgoingtoMr.TimothyandafterwardstoSomethingSt.Mary.”
“Thatisright.Canyourememberanythinghesaidonhisreturninregardtothosevisits?”
Lanscombereflected.
“Ireallydon’tknow—nothingdirect.Hewasgladtobeback.Travellingandstayinginstrangehousestiredhimverymuch—thatIdorememberhissaying.”
“Nothingelse?Nothingabouteitherofthem?”
Lanscombefrowned.
“Themasterusedto—well,tomurmur,ifyougetmymeaning—speakingtomeandyetmoretohimself—hardlynoticingIwasthere—becauseheknewmesowell.”
“Knewyouandtrustedyou,yes.”
“Butmyrecollectionisveryvagueastowhathesaid—somethingabouthecouldn’tthinkwhathe’ddonewithhismoney—thatwasMr.Timothy,Itakeit.Andthenhesaidsomethingabout,‘Womencanbefoolsinninety-ninedifferentwaysbutbeprettyshrewdinthehundredth.’Ohyes,andhesaid,‘Youcanonlysaywhatyoureallythinktosomeoneofyourowngeneration.Theydon’tthinkyou’refancyingthingsastheyoungeronesdo.’Andlaterhesaid—butIdon’tknowinwhatconnection—‘It’snotverynicetohavetosettrapsforpeople,butIdon’tseewhatelseIcando.’ButIthinkitpossible,sir,thathemayhavebeenthinkingofthesecondgardener—aquestionofthepeachesbeingtaken.”
ButMr.EntwhistledidnotthinkthatitwasthesecondgardenerwhohadbeeninRichardAbernethie’smind.AfterafewmorequestionsheletLanscombegoandreflectedonwhathehadlearned.Nothing,really—nothing,thatis,thathehadnotdeducedbefore.Yetthereweresuggestivepoints.Itwasnothissister-in-law,Maude,buthissisterCora
III
Mr.EntwhistlehadmeditatedagooddealoverhowmuchheshouldtellHelen.Intheendhedecidedheshouldtakeherwhollyintohisconfidence.
FirsthethankedherforsortingoutRichard’sthingsandformakingvarioushouseholdarrangements.Thehousehadbeenadvertisedforsaleandtherewereoneortwoprospectivebuyerswhowouldshortlybecomingtolookoverit.
“Privatebuyers?”
“I’mafraidnot.TheY.W.C.A.areconsideringit,andthereisayoungpeople’sclub,andtheTrusteesoftheJeffersonTrustarelookingforasuitableplacetohousetheirCollection.”
“Itseemssadthatthehousewillnotbelivedin,butofcourseitisnotapracticablepropositionnowadays.”
“Iamgoingtoaskyouifitwouldbepossibleforyoutoremainhereuntilthehouseissold.Orwoulditbeagreatinconvenience?”
“No—actuallyitwouldsuitmeverywell.Idon’twanttogotoCyprusuntilMay,andImuchpreferbeingherethanbeinginLondonasIhadplanned.Ilovethishouse,youknow;Leolovedit,andwewerealwayshappywhenwewereheretogether.”
“ThereisanotherreasonwhyIshouldbegratefulifyouwouldstayon.Thereisafriendofmine,amancalledHerculePoirot—”
Helensaidsharply:“HerculePoirot?Thenyouthink—”
“Youknowofhim?”
“Yes.Somefriendsofmine—butIimaginedthathewasdeadlongago.”
“Heisverymuchalive.Notyoung,ofcourse.”
“No,hecouldhardlybeyoung.”
Shespokemechanically.Herfacewaswhiteandstrained.Shesaidwithaneffort:
“Youthink—thatCorawasright?ThatRichardwas—murdered?”
Mr.Entwhistleunburdenedhimself.ItwasapleasuretounburdenhimselftoHelenwithherclearcalmmind.
Whenhehadfinishedshesaid:
“Oneoughttofeelit’sfantastic—butonedoesn’t.MaudeandI,thatnightafterthefuneral—itwasinbothourminds,I’msure.SayingtoourselveswhatasillywomanCorawas—andyetbeinguneasy.Andthen—Corawaskilled—andItoldmyselfitwasjustcoincidence—andofcourseitmaybe—butoh!ifonecanonlybesure.It’sallsodifficult.”
“Yes,it’sdifficult.ButPoirotisamanofgreatoriginalityandhehassomethingreallyapproachinggenius.Heunderstandsperfectlywhatweneed—assurancethatthewholethingisamare’snest.”
“Andsupposeitisn’t?”
“Whatmakesyousaythat?”askedMr.Entwhistlesharply.
“Idon’tknow.I’vebeenuneasy…NotjustaboutwhatCorasaidthatday—somethingelse.SomethingthatIfeltatthetimetobewrong.”
“Wrong?Inwhatway?”
“That’sjustit.Idon’tknow.”
“Youmeanitwassomethingaboutoneofthepeopleintheroom?”
“Yes—yes—somethingofthatkind.ButIdon’tknowwhoorwhat…Ohthatsoundsabsurd—”
“Notatall.Itisinteresting—veryinteresting.Youarenotafool,Helen.Ifyounoticedsomething,thatsomethinghassignificance.”
“Yes,butIcan’trememberwhatitwas.ThemoreIthink—”
“Don’tthink.Thatisthewrongwaytobringanythingback.Letitgo.Soonerorlateritwillflashintoyourmind.Andwhenitdoes—letmeknow—atonce.”
“Iwill.”
Nine
MissGilchristpulledherblackhatdownfirmlyonherheadandtuckedinawispofgreyhair.Theinquestwassetfortwelveo’clockanditwasnotquitetwentypasteleven.Hergreycoatandskirtlookedquitenice,shethought,andshehadboughtherselfablackblouse.Shewishedshecouldhavebeenallinblack,butthatwouldhavebeenfarbeyondhermeans.ShelookedroundthesmallneatbedroomandatthewallshungwithrepresentationsofBrixhamHarbour,CockingtonForge,Anstey’sCove,KyanceCove,PolflexanHarbour,BabbacombeBay,etc.,allsignedinadashingway,CoraLansquenet.HereyesrestedwithparticularfondnessonPolflexanHarbour.OnthechestofdrawersafadedphotographcarefullyframedrepresentedtheWillowTreeteashop.MissGilchristlookedatitlovinglyandsighed.
Shewasdisturbedfromherreveriebythesoundofthedoorbellbelow.
“Dearme,”murmuredMissGilchrist,“Iwonderwho—”
Shewentoutofherroomanddowntheratherricketystairs.Thebellsoundedagainandtherewasasharpknock.
ForsomereasonMissGilchristfeltnervous.Foramomentortwoherstepsslowedup,thenshewentratherunwillinglytothedoor,adjuringherselfnottobesosilly.
Ayoungwomandressedsmartlyinblackandcarryingasmallsuitcasewasstandingonthestep.ShenoticedthealarmedlookonMissGilchrist’sfaceandsaidquickly:
“MissGilchrist?IamMrs.Lansquenet’sniece—SusanBanks.”
“Ohdear,yes,ofcourse.Ididn’tknow.Docomein,Mrs.Banks.Mindthehallstand—itsticksoutalittle.Inhere,yes.Ididn’tknowyouwerecomingdownfortheinquest.I’dhavehadsomethingready—somecoffeeorsomething.”
SusanBankssaidbriskly:
“Idon’twantanything.I’msosorryifIstartledyou.”
“Well,youknowyoudid,inaway.It’sverysillyofme.I’mnotusuallynervous.InfactItoldthelawyerthatIwasn’tnervous,andthatIwouldn’tbenervousstayingonherealone,andreallyI’mnotnervous.Only—perhapsit’sjusttheinquestand—andthinkingofthings,butIhavebeenjumpyallthismorning,justabouthalfanhouragothebellrangandIcouldhardlybringmyselftoopenthedoor—whichwasreallyverystupidandsounlikelythatamurdererwouldcomeback—andwhyshouldhe?—andactuallyitwasonlyanun,collectingforanorphanage—andIwassorelievedIgavehertwoshillingsalthoughI’mnotaRomanCatholicandindeedhavenosympathywiththeRomanChurchandallthesemonksandnunsalthoughIbelievetheLittleSistersofthePoorreallydogoodwork.Butdopleasesitdown,Mrs.—Mrs.—”
“Banks.”
“Yes,ofcourse,Banks.Didyoucomedownbytrain?”
“No,Idrovedown.ThelaneseemedsonarrowIranthecaronalittlewayandfoundasortofoldquarryIbackeditinto.”
“Thislaneisverynarrow,butthere’shardlyeveranytrafficalonghere.It’sratheralonelyroad.”
MissGilchristgavealittleshiverasshesaidthoselastwords.
SusanBankswaslookingroundtheroom.
“PooroldAuntCora,”shesaid.“Sheleftwhatshehadtome,youknow.”
“Yes,Iknow.Mr.Entwhistletoldme.Iexpectyou’llbegladofthefurniture.You’renewlymarried,Iunderstand,andfurnishingissuchanexpensenowadays.Mrs.Lansquenethadsomeverynicethings.”
Susandidnotagree.Corahadhadnotastefortheantique.Thecontentsvariedbetween“modernistic”piecesandthe“arty”type.
“Ishan’twantanyofthefurniture,”shesaid.“I’vegotmyown,youknow.Ishallputitupforauction.Unless—isthereanyofityouwouldlike?I’dbeveryglad….”
Shestopped,alittleembarrassed.ButMissGilchristwasnotatallembarrassed.Shebeamed.
“Nowreally,that’sverykindofyou,Mrs.Banks—yes,verykindindeed.Ireallydoappreciateit.Butactually,youknow,Ihavemyownthings.Iputtheminstoreincase—someday—Ishouldneedthem.Therearesomepicturesmyfatherlefttoo.Ihadasmallteashopatonetime,youknow—butthenthewarcame—itwasallveryunfortunate.ButIdidn’tsellupeverything,becauseIdidhopetohavemyownlittlehomeagainoneday,soIputthebestthingsinstorewithmyfather’spicturesandsomerelicsofouroldhome.ButIwouldlikeverymuch,ifyoureallywouldn’tmind,tohavethatlittlepaintedteatableofdearMrs.Lansquenet’s.Suchaprettythingandwealwayshadteaonit.”
Susan,lookingwithaslightshudderatasmallgreentablepaintedwithlargepurpleclematis,saidquicklythatshewouldbedelightedforMissGilchristtohaveit.
“Thankyouverymuch,Mrs.Banks.Ifeelalittlegreedy.I’vegotallherbeautifulpictures,youknow,andalovelyamethystbrooch,butIfeelthatperhapsIoughttogivethatbacktoyou.”
“No,no,indeed.”
“You’llwanttogothroughherthings?Aftertheinquest,perhaps?”
“IthoughtI’dstayhereacoupleofdays,gothroughthings,andcleareverythingup.”
“Sleephere,youmean?”
“Yes.Isthereanydifficulty?”
“Ohno,Mrs.Banks,ofcoursenot.I’llputfreshsheetsonmybed,andIcandossdownhereonthecouchquitewell.”
“Butthere’sAuntCora’sroom,isn’tthere?Icansleepinthat.”
“You—youwouldn’tmind?”
“Youmeanbecauseshewasmurderedthere?Ohno,Iwouldn’tmind.I’mverytough,MissGilchrist.It’sbeen—Imean—It’sallrightagain?”
MissGilchristunderstoodthequestion.
“Ohyes,Mrs.Banks.AlltheblanketssentawaytothecleanersandMrs.PanterandIscrubbedthewholeroomoutthoroughly.Andthereareplentyofspareblankets.Butcomeupandseeforyourself.”
SheledthewayupstairsandSusanfollowedher.
TheroomwhereCoraLansquenethaddiedwascleanandfreshandcuriouslydevoidofanysinisteratmosphere.Likethesittingroomitcontainedamixtureofmodernutilityandelaboratelypaintedfurniture.ItrepresentedCora’scheerfultastelesspersonality.Overthemantelpieceanoilpaintingshowedabuxomyoungwomanabouttoenterherbath.
SusangaveaslightshudderasshelookedatitandMissGilchristsaid:
“ThatwaspaintedbyMrs.Lansquenet’shusband.Therearealotmoreofhispicturesinthediningroomdownstairs.”
“Howterrible.”
“Well,Idon’tcareverymuchforthatstyleofpaintingmyself—butMrs.Lansquenetwasveryproudofherhusbandasanartistandthoughtthathisworkwassadlyunappreciated.”
“WhereareAuntCora’sownpictures?”
“Inmyroom.Wouldyouliketoseethem?”
MissGilchristdisplayedhertreasuresproudly.
SusanremarkedthatAuntCoraseemedtohavebeenfondofseacoastresorts.
“Ohyes.Yousee,shelivedformanyyearswithMr.LansquenetatasmallfishingvillageinBrittany.Fishingboatsarealwayssopicturesque,aretheynot?”
“Obviously,”Susanmurmured.Awholeseriesofpicturepostcardscould,shethought,havebeenmadefromCoraLansquenet’spaintingswhichwerefaithfultodetailandveryhighlycoloured.Theygaverisetothesuspicionthattheymightactuallyhavebeenpaintedfrompicturepostcards.
ButwhenshehazardedthisopinionMissGilchristwasindignant.Mrs.LansquenetalwayspaintedfromNature!Indeed,onceshehadhadatouchofthesunfromreluctancetoleaveasubjectwhenthelightwasjustright.
“Mrs.Lansquenetwasarealartist,”saidMissGilchristreproachfully.
SheglancedatherwatchandSusansaidquickly:
“Yes,weoughttostartfortheinquest.Isitfar?ShallIgetthecar?”
Itwasonlyfiveminutes’walk,MissGilchristassuredher.Sotheysetouttogetheronfoot.Mr.Entwhistle,whohadcomedownbytrain,metthemandshepherdedthemintotheVillageHall.
Thereseemedtobealargenumberofstrangerspresent.Theinquestwasnotsensational.Therewasevidenceoftheidentificationofthedeceased.Medicalevidenceastothenatureofthewoundsthathadkilledher.Therewerenosignsofastruggle.Deceasedwasprobablyunderanarcoticatthetimeshewasattackedandwouldhavebeentakenquiteunawares.Deathwasunlikelytohaveoccurredlaterthanfourthirty.Betweentwoandfourthirtywasthenearestapproximation.MissGilchristtestifiedtofindingthebody.ApoliceconstableandInspectorMortongavetheirevidence.TheCoronersummedupbriefly.Thejurymadenobonesabouttheverdict.“Murderbysomepersonorpersonsunknown.”
Itwasover.Theycameoutagainintothesunlight.Halfadozencamerasclicked.Mr.EntwhistleshepherdedSusanandMissGilchristintotheKing’sArms,wherehehadtakentheprecautiontoarrangeforlunchtobeservedinaprivateroombehindthebar.
“Notaverygoodlunch,”hesaidapologetically.
Butthelunchwasnotatallbad.MissGilchristsniffedalittleandmurmuredthat“itwasallsodreadful,”butcheeredupandtackledtheIrishstewwithappetiteafterMr.Entwhistlehadinsistedonherdrinkingaglassofsherry.HesaidtoSusan:
“I’dnoideayouwerecomingdowntoday,Susan.Wecouldhavecometogether.”
“IknowIsaidIwouldn’t.Butitseemedrathermeanfornoneofthefamilytobethere.IrangupGeorgebuthesaidhewasverybusyandcouldn’tpossiblymakeit,andRosamundhadanauditionandUncleTimothy,ofcourse,isacrock.Soithadtobeme.”
“Yourhusbanddidn’tcomewithyou?”
“Greghadtosettleupwithhistiresomeshop.”
SeeingastartledlookinMissGilchrist’seye,Susansaid:“Myhusbandworksinachemist’sshop.”
AhusbandinretailtradedidnotquitesquarewithMissGilchrist’simpressionofSusan’ssmartness,butshesaidvaliantly:“Ohyes,justlikeKeats.”
“Greg’snopoet,”saidSusan.
Sheadded:
“We’vegotgreatplansforthefuture—adouble-barrelledestablishment—CosmeticsandBeautyparlourandalaboratoryforspecialpreparations.”
“Thatwillbemuchnicer,”saidMissGilchristapprovingly.“SomethinglikeElizabethArdenwhoisreallyaCountess,soIhavebeentold—oristhatHelenaRubenstein?Inanycase,”sheaddedkindly,“apharmacist’sisnotintheleastlikeanordinaryshop—adraper,forinstance,oragrocer.”
“Youkeptateashop,yousaid,didn’tyou?”
“Yes,indeed,”MissGilchrist’sfacelitup.ThattheWillowTreehadeverbeen“trade”inthesensethatashopwastrade,wouldneverhaveoccurredtoher.Tokeepateashopwasinhermindtheessenceofgentility.ShestartedtellingSusanabouttheWillowTree
Mr.Entwhistle,whohadheardaboutitbefore,lethisminddrifttoothermatters.WhenSusanhadspokentohimtwicewithouthisansweringhehurriedlyapologized.
“Forgiveme,mydear,Iwasthinking,asamatteroffact,aboutyourUncleTimothy.Iamalittleworried.”
“AboutUncleTimothy?Ishouldn’tbe.Idon’tbelievereallythere’sanythingthematterwithhim.He’sjustahypochondriac.”
“Yes—yes,youmayberight.Iconfessitwasnothishealththatwasworryingme.It’sMrs.Timothy.Apparentlyshe’sfallendownstairsandtwistedherankle.She’slaidupandyouruncleisinaterriblestate.”
“Becausehe’llhavetolookafterherinsteadoftheotherwayabout?Dohimalotofgood,”saidSusan.
“Yes—yes,Idaresay.Butwillyourpoorauntgetanylookingafter?Thatisreallythequestion.Withnoservantsinthehouse?”
“Lifeisreallyhellforelderlypeople,”saidSusan.“TheyliveinakindofGeorgianManorhouse,don’tthey?”
Mr.Entwhistlenodded.
TheycameratherwarilyoutoftheKing’sArms,butthePressseemedtohavedispersed.
AcoupleofreporterswerelyinginwaitforSusanbythecottagedoor.ShepherdedbyMr.Entwhistleshesaidafewnecessaryandnoncommittalwords.ThensheandMissGilchristwentintothecottageandMr.EntwhistlereturnedtotheKing’sArmswherehehadbookedaroom.Thefuneralwastobeonthefollowingday.
“Mycar’sstillinthequarry,”saidSusan.“I’dforgottenaboutit.I’lldriveitalongtothevillagelater.”
MissGilchristsaidanxiously:
“Nottoolate.Youwon’tgooutafterdark,willyou?”
Susanlookedatherandlaughed.
“Youdon’tthinkthere’samurdererstillhangingabout,doyou?”
“No—no,Isupposenot.”MissGilchristlookedembarrassed.
“Butit’sexactlywhatshedoesthink,thoughtSusan.“Howamazing!”
MissGilchristhadvanishedtowardsthekitchen.
“I’msureyou’dliketeaearly.Inabouthalfanhour,doyouthink,Mrs.Banks?”
Susanthoughtthatteaathalfpastthreewasoverdoingit,butshewascharitableenoughtorealizethat“anicecupoftea”wasMissGilchrist’sideaofrestorationforthenervesandshehadherownreasonsforwishingtopleaseMissGilchrist,soshesaid:
“Wheneveryoulike,MissGilchrist.”
AhappyclatterofkitchenimplementsbeganandSusanwentintothesittingroom.Shehadonlybeenthereafewminuteswhenthebellsoundedandwassucceededbyaverypreciselittlerat-tat-tat.
SusancameoutintothehallandMissGilchristappearedatthekitchendoorwearinganapronandwipingflouryhandsonit.
“Ohdear,whodoyouthinkthatcanbe?”
“Morereporters,Iexpect,”saidSusan.
“Ohdear,howannoyingforyou,Mrs.Banks.”
“Ohwell,nevermind,I’llattendtoit.”
“Iwasjustgoingtomakeafewsconesfortea.”
SusanwenttowardsthefrontdoorandMissGilchristhovereduncertainly.Susanwonderedwhethershethoughtamanwithahatchetwaswaitingoutside.
Thevisitor,however,provedtobeanelderlygentlemanwhoraisedhishatwhenSusanopenedthedoorandsaid,beamingatherinavuncularstyle:
“Mrs.Banks,Ithink?”
“Yes.”
“MynameisGuthrie—AlexanderGuthrie.Iwasafriend—averyoldfriend,ofMrs.Lansquenet’s.You,Ithink,areherniece,formerlyMissSusanAbernethie?”
“That’squiteright.”
“Thensinceweknowwhoweare,Imaycomein?”
“Ofcourse.”
Mr.Guthriewipedhisfeetcarefullyonthemat,steppedinside,divestedhimselfofhisovercoat,laiditdownwithhishatonasmalloakchestandfollowedSusanintothesittingroom.
“Thisisamelancholyoccasion,”saidMr.Guthrie,towhommelancholydidnotseemtocomenaturally,hisowninclinationbeingtobeam.“Yes,averymelancholyoccasion.IwasinthispartoftheworldandIfelttheleastIcoulddowastoattendtheinquest—andofcoursethefuneral.PoorCora—poorfoolishCora.Ihaveknownher,mydearMrs.Banks,sincetheearlydaysofhermarriage.Ahigh-spiritedgirl—andshetookartveryseriously—tookPierreLansquenetseriously,too—asanartist,Imean.Allthingsconsideredhedidn’tmakehertoobadahusband.Hestrayed,ifyouknowwhatImean,yes,hestrayed—butfortunatelyCoratookitaspartoftheartistictemperament.Hewasanartistandthereforeimmoral!Infact,I’mnotsureshedidn’tgofurther:hewasimmoralandthereforehemustbeanartist!Nokindofsenseinartisticmatters,poorCora—thoughinotherways,mindyou,Corahadalotofsense—yes,asurprisinglotofsense.”
“That’swhateverybodyseemstosay,”saidSusan.“Ididn’treallyknowher.”
“No,no,cutherselfofffromherfamilybecausetheydidn’tappreciateherpreciousPierre.Shewasneveraprettygirl—butshehadsomething.Shewasgoodcompany!Youneverknewwhatshe’dsaynextandyouneverknewifhern?ivetéwasgenuineorwhethershewasdoingitdeliberately.Shemadeusalllaughagooddeal.Theeternalchild—that’swhatwealwaysfeltabouther.AndreallythelasttimeIsawher(IhaveseenherfromtimetotimesincePierredied)shestruckmeasstillbehavingverymuchlikeachild.”
SusanofferedMr.Guthrieacigarette,buttheoldgentlemanshookhishead.
“Nothankyou,mydear.Idon’tsmoke.YoumustwonderwhyI’vecome?TotellyouthetruthIwasfeelingratherconscience-stricken.IpromisedCoratocomeandseehersomeweeksago.Iusuallycalleduponheronceayear,andjustlatelyshe’dtakenupthehobbyofbuyingpicturesatlocalsales,andwantedmetolookatsomeofthem.Myprofessionisthatofartcritic,youknow.OfcoursemostofCora’spurchaseswerehorribledaubs,buttakeitallinall,itisn’tsuchabadspeculation.Picturesgofornexttonothingatthesecountrysalesandtheframesaloneareworthmorethanyoupayforthepicture.Naturallyanyimportantsaleisattendedbydealersandoneisn’tlikelytogetholdofmasterpieces.Butonlytheotherday,asmallCuypwasknockeddownforafewpoundsatafarmhousesale.Thehistoryofitwasquiteinteresting.Ithadbeengiventoanoldnursebythefamilyshehadservedfaithfullyformanyyears—theyhadnoideaofitsvalue.Oldnursegaveittoafarmernephewwholikedthehorseinitbutthoughtitwasadirtyoldthing!Yes,yes,thesethingssometimeshappen,andCorawasconvincedthatshehadaneyeforpictures.Shehadn’tofcourse.WantedmetocomeandlookataRembrandtshehadpickeduplastyear.ARembrandt!Notevenarespectablecopyofone!ButshehadgotholdofaquiteniceBartolozziengraving—dampspottedunfortunately.Isolditforherforthirtypoundsandofcoursethatspurredheron.ShewrotetomewithgreatgustoaboutanItalianPrimitiveshehadboughtatsomesaleandIpromisedI’dcomealongandseeit.”
“That’sitoverthere,Iexpect,”saidSusan,gesturingtothewallbehindhim.
Mr.Guthriegotup,putonapairofspectacles,andwentovertostudythepicture.
“PoordearCora,”hesaidatlast.
“Therearealotmore,”saidSusan.
Mr.GuthrieproceededtoaleisurelyinspectionofthearttreasuresacquiredbythehopefulMrs.Lansquenet.Occasionallyhesaid,“Tchk,Tchk,”occasionallyhesighed.
Finallyheremovedhisspectacles.
“Dirt,”hesaid,“isawonderfulthing,Mrs.Banks!Itgivesapatinaofromancetothemosthorribleexamplesofthepainter’sart.I’mafraidthatBartolozziwasbeginner’sluck.PoorCora.Still,itgaveheraninterestinlife.IamreallythankfulthatIdidnothavetodisillusionher.”
“Therearesomepicturesinthediningroom,”saidSusan,“butIthinktheyareallherhusband’swork.”
Mr.Guthrieshudderedslightlyandheldupaprotestinghand.
“Donotforcemetolookatthoseagain.Lifeclasseshavemuchtoanswerfor!IalwaystriedtospareCora’sfeelings.Adevotedwife—averydevotedwife.Well,dearMrs.Banks,Imustnottakeupmoreofyourtime.”
“Oh,dostayandhavesometea.Ithinkit’snearlyready.”
“Thatisverykindofyou.”Mr.Guthriesatdownagainpromptly.
“I’lljustgoandsee.”
Inthekitchen,MissGilchristwasjustliftingalastbatchofsconesfromtheoven.Theteatraystoodreadyandthekettlewasjustgentlyrattlingitslid.
“There’saMr.Guthriehere,andI’veaskedhimtostayfortea.”
“Mr.Guthrie?Oh,yes,hewasagreatfriendofdearMrs.Lansquenet’s.He’sthecelebratedartcritic.Howfortunate;I’vemadeanicelotofsconesandthat’ssomehomemadestrawberryjam,andIjustwhippedupsomelittledropcakes.I’lljustmakethetea—I’vewarmedthepot.Oh,please,Mrs.Banks,don’tcarrythatheavytray.Icanmanageeverything.”
However,SusantookinthetrayandMissGilchristfollowedwithteapotandkettle,greetedMr.Guthrie,andtheysetto.
“Hotscones,thatisatreat,”saidMr.Guthrie,“andwhatdeliciousjam!Really,thestuffonebuysnowadays.”
MissGilchristwasflushedanddelighted.Thelittlecakeswereexcellentandsowerethescones,andeveryonedidjusticetothem.TheghostoftheWillowTreehungovertheparty.Here,itwasclear,MissGilchristwasinherelement.
“Well,thankyou,perhapsIwill,”saidMr.Guthrieasheacceptedthelastcake,presseduponhimbyMissGilchrist.“Idofeelratherguilty,though—enjoyingmyteahere,wherepoorCorawassobrutallymurdered.”
MissGilchristdisplayedanunexpectedVictorianreactiontothis.
“Oh,butMrs.Lansquenetwouldhavewishedyoutotakeagoodtea.You’vegottokeepyourstrengthup.”
“Yes,yes,perhapsyouareright.Thefactis,youknow,thatonecannotreallybringoneselftobelievethatsomeoneyouknew—actuallyknew—canhavebeenmurdered!”
“Iagree,”saidSusan.“Itjustseems—fantastic.”
“Andcertainlynotbysomecasualtrampwhobrokeinandattackedher.Icanimagine,youknow,reasonswhyCoramighthavebeenmurdered—”
Susansaidquickly,“Canyou?Whatreasons?”
“Well,shewasn’tdiscreet,”saidMr.Guthrie.“Corawasneverdiscreet.Andsheenjoyed—howshallIputit—showinghowsharpshecouldbe?Likeachildwho’sgotholdofsomebody’ssecret.IfCoragotholdofasecretshe’dwanttotalkaboutit.Evenifshepromisednotto,she’dstilldoit.Shewouldn’tbeabletohelpherself.”
Susandidnotspeak.MissGilchristdidnoteither.Shelookedworried.Mr.Guthriewenton:
“Yes,alittledoseofarsenicinacupoftea—thatwouldnothavesurprisedme,oraboxofchocolatesbypost.Butsordidrobberyandassault—thatseemshighlyincongruous.ImaybewrongbutIshouldhavethoughtshehadverylittletotakethatwouldbeworthaburglar’swhile.Shedidn’tkeepmuchmoneyinthehouse,didshe?”
MissGilchristsaid,“Verylittle.”
Mr.Guthriesighedandrosetohisfeet
“Ah!well,there’salotoflawlessnessaboutsincethewar.Timeshavechanged.”
Thankingthemfortheteahetookapolitefarewellofthetwowomen.MissGilchristsawhimoutandhelpedhimonwithhisovercoat.Fromthewindowofthesittingroom,Susanwatchedhimtrotbrisklydownthefrontpathtothegate.
MissGilchristcamebackintotheroomwithasmallparcelinherhand.
“Thepostmanmusthavebeenwhilewewereattheinquest.Hepusheditthroughtheletterboxandithadfalleninthecornerbehindthedoor.NowIwonder—why,ofcourse,itmustbeweddingcake.”
HappilyMissGilchristrippedoffthepaper.Insidewasasmallwhiteboxtiedwithsilverribbon.
“Itis!”Shepulledofftheribbon,insidewasamodestwedgeofrichcakewithalmondpasteandwhiteicing.“Hownice!Nowwho—”Sheconsultedthecardattached.“JohnandMary.Nowwhocanthatbe?Howsillytoputnosurname.”
Susan,rousingherselffromcontemplation,saidvaguely:
“It’squitedifficultsometimeswithpeoplejustusingChristiannames.IgotapostcardtheotherdaysignedJoan.IcountedupIkneweightJoans—andwithtelephoningsomuch,oneoftendoesn’tknowtheirhandwriting.”
MissGilchristwashappilygoingoverthepossibleJohnsandMarysofheracquaintance.
“ItmightbeDorothy’sdaughter—hernamewasMary,butIhadn’theardofanengagement,stilllessofamarriage.Thenthere’slittleJohnBanfield—Isupposehe’sgrownupandoldenoughtobemarried—ortheEnfieldgirl—no,hernamewasMargaret.Noaddressoranything.Ohwell,Idaresayitwillcometome….”
Shepickedupthetrayandwentouttothekitchen.
Susanrousedherselfandsaid:
“Well—IsupposeI’dbettergoandputthecarsomewhere.”
Ten
Susanretrievedthecarfromthequarrywhereshehadleftitanddroveitintothevillage.TherewasapetrolpumpbutnogarageandshewasadvisedtotakeittotheKing’sArms.TheyhadroomforitthereandsheleftitbyabigDaimlerwhichwaspreparingtogoout.Itwaschauffeurdrivenandinsideit,verymuchmuffledup,wasanelderlyforeigngentlemanwithalargemoustache.
TheboytowhomSusanwastalkingaboutthecarwasstaringatherwithsuchraptattentionthathedidnotseemtobetakinginhalfofwhatshesaid.
Finallyhesaidinanawe-strickenvoice:
“You’reherniece,aren’tyou?”
“What?”
“You’rethevictim’sniece,”theboyrepeatedwithrelish.
“Oh—yes—yes,Iam.”
“Ar!WonderedwhereI’dseenyoubefore.”
“Ghoul,”thoughtSusanassheretracedherstepstothecottage.
MissGilchristgreetedherwith:
“Oh,you’resafelyback,”intonesofreliefwhichfurtherannoyedher.MissGilchristaddedanxiously:
“Youcaneatspaghetti,can’tyou?Ithoughtfortonight—”
“Ohyes,anything.Idon’twantmuch.”
“IreallyflattermyselfthatIcanmakeaverytastyspaghettiaugratin.”
Theboastwasnotanidleone.MissGilchrist,Susanreflected,wasreallyanexcellentcook.SusanofferedtohelpwashupbutMissGilchrist,thoughclearlygratifiedbytheoffer,assuredSusanthattherewasverylittletodo.
Shecameinalittlewhileafterwithcoffee.Thecoffeewaslessexcellent,beingdecidedlyweak.MissGilchristofferedSusanapieceoftheweddingcakewhichSusanrefused.
“It’sreallyverygoodcake,”MissGilchristinsisted,tastingit.Shehadsettledtoherownsatisfactionthatitmusthavebeensentbysomeonewhomshealludedtoas“dearEllen’sdaughterwhoIknowwasengagedtobemarriedbutIcan’trememberhername.”
SusanletMissGilchristchirrupawayintosilencebeforestartingherownsubjectofconversation.Thismoment,aftersupper,sittingbeforethefire,wasacompanionableone.
Shesaidatlast:
“MyUncleRichardcamedownherebeforehedied,didn’the?”
“Yes,hedid.”
“Whenwasthatexactly?”
“Letmesee—itmusthavebeenone,two—nearlythreeweeksbeforehisdeathwasannounced.”
“Didheseem—ill?”
“Well,no,Iwouldn’tsayheseemedexactlyill.Hehadaveryheartyvigorousmanner.Mrs.Lansquenetwasverysurprisedtoseehim.Shesaid,‘Well,really,Richard,afteralltheseyears!’andhesaid,‘Icametoseeformyselfexactlyhowthingsarewithyou.’AndMrs.Lansquenetsaid,‘I’mallright.’Ithink,youknow,shewasateenybitoffendedbyhisturningupsocasually—afterthelongbreak.AnywayMr.Abernethiesaid,‘Nousekeepingupoldgrievances.YouandIandTimothyaretheonlyonesleft—andnobodycantalktoTimothyexceptabouthisownhealth.’Andhesaid,‘Pierreseemstohavemadeyouhappy,soitseemsIwasinthewrong.There,willthatcontentyou?’Verynicelyhesaidit.Ahandsomeman,thoughelderly,ofcourse.”
“Howlongwashehere?”
“Hestayedforlunch.Beefolives,Imade.Fortunatelyitwasthedaythebutchercalled.”
MissGilchrist’smemoryseemedtobealmostwhollyculinary.
“Theyseemedtobegettingonwelltogether?”
“Oh,yes.”
Susanpausedandthensaid:
“WasAuntCorasurprisedwhen—hedied?”
“Ohyes,itwasquitesudden,wasn’tit?”
“Yes,itwassudden…Imean—shewassurprised.Hehadn’tgivenheranyindicationhowillhewas.”
“Oh—Iseewhatyoumean.”MissGilchristpausedamoment.“No,no,Ithinkperhapsyouareright.Shedidsaythathehadgotveryold—Ithinkshesaidsenile….”
“Butyoudidn’tthinkhewassenile?”
“Well,nottolookat.ButIdidn’ttalktohimmuch,naturallyIleftthemalonetogether.”
SusanlookedatMissGilchristspeculatively.WasMissGilchristthekindofwomanwholistenedatdoors?Shewashonest,Susanfeltsure,shewouldn’teverpilfer,orcheatoverthehousekeeping,oropenletters.Butinquisitivenesscandrapeitselfinamantleofrectitude.MissGilchristmighthavefounditnecessarytogardennearanopenwindow,ortodustthehall…Thatwouldbewithinthepermittedlengths.Andthen,ofcourse,shecouldnothavehelpedhearingsomething….
“Youdidn’thearanyoftheirconversation?”Susanasked.
Tooabrupt.MissGilchristflushedangrily.
“No,indeed,Mrs.Banks.Ithasneverbeenmycustomtolistenatdoors!”
Thatmeansshedoes,thoughtSusan,otherwiseshe’djustsay“No.”
Aloudshesaid:“I’msosorry,MissGilchrist.Ididn’tmeanitthatway.Butsometimes,inthesesmallflimsilybuiltcottages,onesimplycan’thelpoverhearingnearlyeverythingthatgoeson,andnowthattheyarebothdead,it’sreallyratherimportanttothefamilytoknowjustwhatwassaidatthatmeetingbetweenthem.”
Thecottagewasanythingbutflimsilybuilt—itdatedfromasturdiereraofbuilding,butMissGilchristacceptedthebait,androsetothesuggestionheldout.
“Ofcoursewhatyousayisquitetrue,Mrs.Banks—thisisaverysmallplaceandIdoappreciatethatyouwouldwanttoknowwhatpassedbetweenthem,butreallyI’mafraidIcan’thelpverymuch.IthinktheyweretalkingaboutMr.Abernethie’shealth—andcertain—well,fancieshehad.Hedidn’tlookit,buthemusthavebeenasickmanandasissooftenthecase,heputhisillhealthdowntooutsideagencies.Acommonsymptom,Ibelieve.Myaunt—”
MissGilchristdescribedheraunt.
Susan,likeMr.Entwhistle,sidetrackedtheaunt.
“Yes,”shesaid.“Thatisjustwhatwethought.Myuncle’sservantswereallveryattachedtohimandnaturallytheyareupsetbyhisthinking—”Shepaused.
“Oh,ofcourse!Servantsareverytouchyaboutanythingofthatkind.Irememberthatmyaunt—”
AgainSusaninterrupted.
“Itwastheservantshesuspected,Isuppose?Ofpoisoninghim,Imean?”
“Idon’tknow…I—really—”
Susannotedherconfusion.
“Itwasn’ttheservants.Wasitoneparticularperson?”
“Idon’tknow,Mrs.Banks.ReallyIdon’tknow—”
ButhereyeavoidedSusan’s.SusanthoughttoherselfthatMissGilchristknewmorethanshewaswillingtoadmit.
ItwaspossiblethatMissGilchristknewagooddeal….
Decidingnottopressthepointforthemoment,Susansaid:
“Whatareyourownplansforthefuture,MissGilchrist?”
“Well,really,Iwasgoingtospeaktoyouaboutthat,Mrs.Banks.ItoldMr.EntwhistleIwouldbewillingtostayonuntileverythingherewasclearedup.”
“Iknow.I’mverygrateful.”
“AndIwantedtoaskyouhowlongthatwaslikelytobe,because,ofcourse,Imuststartlookingaboutforanotherpost.”
Susanconsidered.
“There’sreallynotverymuchtobedonehere.InacoupleofdaysIcangetthingssortedoutandnotifytheauctioneer.”
“Youhavedecidedtosellupeverything,then?”
“Yes.Idon’tsupposetherewillbeanydifficultyinlettingthecottage?”
“Oh,no—peoplewillqueueupforit,I’msure.Therearesofewcottagestorent.Onenearlyalwayshastobuy.”
“Soit’sallverysimple,yousee.”Susanhesitatedamomentbeforesaying,“Iwantedtotellyou—thatIhopeyou’llacceptthreemonths’salary.”
“That’sverygenerousofyou,I’msure,Mrs.Banks.Idoappreciateit.Andyouwouldbepreparedto—ImeanIcouldaskyou—ifnecessary—to—torecommendme?TosaythatIhadbeenwitharelationofyoursandthatIhad—provedsatisfactory?”
“Oh,ofcourse.”
“Idon’tknowwhetherIoughttoaskit.”MissGilchrist’shandsbegantoshakeandshetriedtosteadyhervoice.“Butwoulditbepossiblenotto—tomentionthecircumstances—oreventhename?”
Susanstared.
“Idon’tunderstand.”
“That’sbecauseyouhaven’tthought,Mrs.Banks.It’smurder.Amurderthat’sbeeninthepapersandthateverybodyhasreadabout.Don’tyousee?Peoplemightthink,‘Twowomenlivingtogether,andoneofthemiskilled—andperhapsthecompaniondidit.’Don’tyousee,Mrs.Banks?I’msurethatifIwaslookingforsomeone,I’d—well,I’dthinktwicebeforeengagingmyself—ifyouunderstandwhatImean.Becauseoneneverknows!It’sbeenworryingmedreadfully,Mrs.Banks;I’vebeenlyingawakeatnightthinkingthatperhapsI’llnevergetanotherjob—notofthiskind.AndwhatelseistherethatIcando?”
Thequestioncameoutwithunconsciouspathos.Susanfeltsuddenlystricken.Sherealizedthedesperationofthispleasant-spokencommonplacewomanwhowasdependentforexistenceonthefearsandwhimsofemployers.AndtherewasalotoftruthinwhatMissGilchristhadsaid.Youwouldn’t,ifyoucouldhelpit,engageawomantosharedomesticintimacywhohadfigured,howeverinnocently,inamurdercase.
Susansaid:“Butiftheyfindthemanwhodidit—”
“Ohthen,ofcourse,itwillbequiteallright.Butwilltheyfindhim?Idon’tthink,myself,thepolicehavetheleastidea.Andifhe’snotcaught—well,thatleavesmeas—asnotquitethemostlikelyperson,butasapersonwhocouldhavedoneit.”
Susannoddedthoughtfully.ItwastruethatMissGilchristdidnotbenefitfromCoraLansquenet’sdeath—butwhowastoknowthat?Andbesides,thereweresomanytales—uglytales—ofanimosityarisingbetweenwomenwholivedtogether—strangepathologicalmotivesforsuddenviolence.SomeonewhohadnotknownthemmightimaginethatCoraLansquenetandMissGilchristhadlivedonthoseterms….
Susanspokewithherusualdecision.
“Don’tworry,MissGilchrist,”shesaid,speakingbrisklyandcheerfully.“I’msureIcanfindyouapostamongstmyfriends.Therewon’tbetheleastdifficulty.”
“I’mafraid,”saidMissGilchrist,regainingsomeofhercustomarymanner,“thatIcouldn’tundertakeanyreallyroughwork.Justalittleplaincookingandhousework—”
ThetelephonerangandMissGilchristjumped.
“Dearme,Iwonderwhothatcanbe.”
“Iexpectit’smyhusband,”saidSusan,jumpingup.“Hesaidhe’dringmetonight.”
Shewenttothetelephone.
“Yes?—yes,thisisMrs.Banksspeakingpersonally…”Therewasapauseandthenhervoicechanged.Itbecamesoftandwarm.“Hallo,darling—yes,it’sme…Oh,quitewell…Murderbysomeoneunknown…theusualthing…OnlyMr.Entwhistle…What?…it’sdifficulttosay,butIthinkso…Yes,justaswethought…Absolutelyaccordingtoplan…Ishallsellthestuff.There’snothingwe’dwant…Notforadayortwo…Absolutelyfrightful…Don’tfuss.IknowwhatI’mdoing…Greg,youdidn’t…Youwerecarefulto…No,it’snothing.Nothingatall.Goodnight,darling.”
Sherangoff.ThenearnessofMissGilchristhadhamperedheralittle.MissGilchristcouldprobablyhearfromthekitchen,whereshehadtactfullyretired,exactlywhatwenton.TherewerethingsshehadwantedtoaskGreg,butshehadn’tlikedto.
Shestoodbythetelephone,frowningabstractedly.Thensuddenlyanideacametoher.
“Ofcourse,”shemurmured.“Justthething.”
LiftingthereceiversheaskedforTrunkEnquiry.
Somequarterofanhourlaterawearyvoicefromtheexchangewassaying:
“I’mafraidthere’snoreply.”
“Pleasegoonringingthem.”
Susanspokeautocratically.Shelistenedtothefar-offbuzzingofatelephonebell.Then,suddenlyitwasinterruptedandaman’svoice,peevishandslightlyindignant,said:
“Yes,yes,whatisit?”
“UncleTimothy?”
“What’sthat?Ican’thearyou.”
“UncleTimothy?I’mSusanBanks.”
“Susanwho?”
“Banks.FormerlyAbernethie.YournieceSusan.”
“Oh,you’reSusan,areyou?What’sthematter?Whatareyouringingupforatthistimeofnight?”
“It’squiteearlystill.”
“Itisn’t.Iwasinbed.”
“Youmustgotobedveryearly.How’sAuntMaude?”
“Isthatallyouranguptoask?Youraunt’sinagooddealofpainandshecan’tdoathing.Notathing.She’shelpless.We’reinanicemess,Icantellyou.Thatfoolofadoctorsayshecan’tevengetanurse.HewantedtocartMaudeofftohospital.Istoodoutagainstthat.He’stryingtogetholdofsomeoneforus.Ican’tdoanything—Idaren’teventry.There’safoolfromthevillagestayinginthehousetonight—butshe’smurmuringaboutgettingbacktoherhusband.Don’tknowwhatwe’regoingtodo.”
“That’swhatIrangupabout.WouldyoulikeMissGilchrist?”
“Who’sshe?Neverheardofher.”
“AuntCora’scompanion.She’sveryniceandcapable.”
“Canshecook?”
“Yes,shecooksverywell,andshecouldlookafterAuntMaude.”
“That’sallverywell,butwhencouldshecome?HereIam,allonmyown,withonlytheseidiotsofvillagewomenpoppinginandoutatoddhours,andit’snotgoodforme.Myheart’splayingmeup.”
“I’llarrangeforhertogetofftoyouassoonaspossible.Thedayaftertomorrow,perhaps?”
“Well,thanksverymuch,”saidthevoicerathergrudgingly.“You’reagoodgirl,Susan—er—thankyou.”
Susanrangoffandwentintothekitchen.
“WouldyoubewillingtogouptoYorkshireandlookaftermyaunt?Shefellandbrokeherankleandmyuncleisquiteuseless.He’sabitofapestbutAuntMaudeisaverygoodsort.Theyhavehelpinfromthevillage,butyoucouldcookandlookafterAuntMaude.”
MissGilchristdroppedthecoffeepotinheragitation.
“Oh,thankyou,thankyou—thatreallyiskind.IthinkIcansayofmyselfthatIamreallygoodinthesickroom,andI’msureIcanmanageyouruncleandcookhimnicelittlemeals.It’sreallyverykindofyou,Mrs.Banks,andIdoappreciateit.”
Eleven
I
Susanlayinbedandwaitedforsleeptocome.Ithadbeenalongdayandshewastired.Shehadbeenquitesurethatshewouldgotosleepatonce.Sheneverhadanydifficultyingoingtosleep.Andyethereshelay,hourafterhour,wideawake,hermindracing.
Shehadsaidshedidnotmindsleepinginthisroom,inthisbed.ThisbedwhereCoraAbernethie—
No,noshemustputallthatoutofhermind.Shehadalwayspridedherselfonhavingnonerves.Whythinkofthatafternoonlessthanaweekago?Thinkahead—thefuture.HerfutureandGreg’s.ThosepremisesinCardiganStreet—justwhattheywanted.Thebusinessonthegroundfloorandacharmingflatupstairs.TheroomoutatthebackalaboratoryforGreg.Forpurposesofincometaxitwouldbeanexcellentsetup.Gregwouldgetcalmandwellagain.Therewouldbenomoreofthosealarmingbrainstorms.Thetimeswhenhelookedatherwithoutseemingtoknowwhoshewas.Onceortwiceshe’dbeenquitefrightened…AndoldMr.Cole—he’dhinted—threatened:“Ifthishappensagain…”Anditmighthavehappenedagain—itwouldhavehappenedagain.IfUncleRichardhadn’tdiedjustwhenhedid….
UncleRichard—butreallywhylookatitlikethat?He’dnothingtolivefor.Oldandtiredandill.Hissondead.Itwasamercyreally.Todieinhissleepquietlylikethat.Quietly…inhissleep…Ifonlyshecouldsleep.Itwassostupidlyingawakehourafterhour…hearingthefurniturecreak,andtherustlingoftreesandbushesoutsidethewindowandtheoccasionalqueermelancholyhoot—anowl,shesupposed.Howsinisterthecountrywas,somehow.Sodifferentfromthebignoisyindifferenttown.Onefeltsosafethere—surroundedbypeople—neveralone.Whereashere….
Houseswhereamurderhadbeencommittedweresometimeshaunted.Perhapsthiscottagewouldcometobeknownasthehauntedcottage.HauntedbythespiritofCoraLansquenet…AuntCora.Odd,really,howeversinceshehadarrivedshehadfeltasthoughAuntCorawerequiteclosetoher…withinreach.Allnervesandfancy.CoraLansquenetwasdead,tomorrowshewouldbeburied.TherewasnooneinthecottageexceptSusanherselfandMissGilchrist.Thenwhydidshefeelthattherewassomeoneinthisroom,someoneclosebesideher….
Shehadlainonthisbedwhenthehatchetfell…Lyingtheretrustinglyasleep…Knowingnothingtillthehatchetfell…Andnowshewouldn’tletSusansleep….
Thefurniturecreakedagain…wasthatastealthystep?Susanswitchedonthelight.Nothing.Nerves,nothingbutnerves.Relax…closeyoureyes….
Surelythatwasagroan—agroanorafaintmoan…Someoneinpain—someonedying….
“Imustn’timaginethings,Imustn’t,Imustn’t,”Susanwhisperedtoherself.
Deathwastheend—therewasnoexistenceafterdeath.Undernocircumstancescouldanyonecomeback.Orwassherelivingascenefromthepast—adyingwomangroaning….
Thereitwasagain…stronger…someonegroaninginacutepain….
But—thiswasreal.OnceagainSusanswitchedonthelight,satupinbedandlistened.Thegroanswererealgroansandshewashearingthemthroughthewall.Theycamefromtheroomnextdoor.
Susanjumpedoutofbed,flungonadressinggownandcrossedtothedoor.Shewentoutontothelanding,tappedforamomentonMissGilchrist’sdoorandthenwentin.MissGilchrist’slightwason.Shewassittingupinbed.Shelookedghastly.Herfacewasdistortedwithpain.
“MissGilchrist,what’sthematter?Areyouill?”
“Yes.Idon’tknowwhat—I—”shetriedtogetoutofbed,wasseizedwithafitofvomitingandthencollapsedbackonthepillows.
Shemurmured:“Please—ringupdoctor.Musthaveeatensomething….”
“I’llgetyousomebicarbonate.Wecangetthedoctorinthemorningifyou’renobetter.”
MissGilchristshookherhead.
“No,getthedoctornow.I—Ifeeldreadful.”
“Doyouknowhisnumber?OrshallIlookinthebook?”
MissGilchristgaveherthenumber.Shewasinterruptedbyanotherfitofretching.
Susan’scallwasansweredbyasleepymalevoice.
“Who?Gilchrist?InMead’sLane.Yes,Iknow.I’llberightalong.”
Hewasasgoodashisword.TenminuteslaterSusanheardhiscardrawupoutsideandshewenttoopenthedoortohim.
Sheexplainedthecaseandshetookhimupstairs.“Ithink,”shesaid,“shemusthaveeatensomethingthatdisagreedwithher.Butsheseemsprettybad.”
Thedoctorhadhadtheairofonekeepinghistemperinleashandwhohashadsomeexperienceofbeingcalledoutunnecessarilyonmorethanoneoccasion.Butassoonasheexaminedthemoaningwomanhismannerchanged.HegavevariouscurtorderstoSusanandpresentlycamedownandtelephoned.ThenhejoinedSusaninthesittingroom.
“I’vesentforanambulance.Mustgetherintohospital.”
“She’sreallybadthen?”
“Yes.I’vegivenherashotofmorphiatoeasethepain.Butitlooks—”Hebrokeoff.“What’ssheeaten?”
“Wehadmacaroniaugratinforsupperandacustardpudding.Coffeeafterwards.”
“Youhavethesamethings?”
“Yes.”
“Andyou’reallright?Nopainordiscomfort?”
“No.”
“She’stakennothingelse?Notinnedfish?Orsausages?”
“No.WehadlunchattheKing’sArms—aftertheinquest.”
“Yes,ofcourse.You’reMrs.Lansquenet’sniece?”
“Yes.”
“Thatwasanastybusiness.Hopetheycatchthemanwhodidit.”
“Yes,indeed.”
Theambulancecame.MissGilchristwastakenawayandthedoctorwentwithher.HetoldSusanhewouldringherupinthemorning.Whenhehadleftshewentupstairstobed.
Thistimeshefellasleepassoonasherheadtouchedthepillow.
II
Thefuneralwaswell-attended.Mostofthevillagehadturnedout.SusanandMr.Entwhistleweretheonlymourners,butvariouswreathshadbeensentbytheothermembersofthefamily.Mr.EntwhistleaskedwhereMissGilchristwas,andSusanexplainedthecircumstancesinahurriedwhisper.Mr.Entwhistleraisedhiseyebrows.
“Ratheranoddoccurrence?”
“Oh,she’sbetterthismorning.Theyrangupfromthehospital.Peopledogetthesebiliousturns.Somemakemorefussthanothers.”
Mr.Entwhistlesaidnomore.HewasreturningtoLondonimmediatelyafterthefuneral.
Susanwentbacktothecottage.Shefoundsomeeggsandmadeherselfanomelette.ThenshewentuptoCora’sroomandstartedtosortthroughthedeadwoman’sthings.
Shewasinterruptedbythearrivalofthedoctor.
Thedoctorwaslookingworried.HerepliedtoSusan’sinquirybysayingthatMissGilchristwasmuchbetter.
“She’llbeoutandaroundinacoupleofdays,”hesaid.“ButitwasluckyIgotcalledinsopromptly.Otherwise—itmighthavebeenanearthing.”
Susanstared.“Wasshereallysobad?”
“Mrs.Banks,willyoutellmeagainexactlywhatMissGilchristhadtoeatanddrinkyesterday.Everything.”
Susanreflectedandgaveameticulousaccount.Thedoctorshookhisheadinadissatisfiedmanner.
“Theremusthavebeensomethingshehadandyoudidn’t?”
“Idon’tthinkso…Cakes,scones,jam,tea—andthensupper.No,Ican’trememberanything.”
Thedoctorrubbedhisnose.Hewalkedupanddowntheroom.
“Wasitdefinitelysomethingsheate?Definitelyfoodpoisoning?”
Thedoctorthrewherasharpglance.Thenheseemedtocometoadecision.
“Itwasarsenic,”hesaid.
“Arsenic?”Susanstarted.“Youmeansomebodygaveherarsenic?”
“That’swhatitlookslike.”
“Couldshehavetakenitherself?Deliberately,Imean?”
“Suicide?Shesaysnotandsheshouldknow.Besides,ifshewantedtocommitsuicideshewouldn’tbelikelytochoosearsenic.Therearesleepingpillsinthishouse.Shecouldhavetakenanoverdoseofthem.”
“Couldthearsenichavegotintosomethingbyaccident?”
“That’swhatI’mwondering.Itseemsveryunlikely,butsuchthingshavebeenknown.Butifyouandsheatethesamethings—”
Susannodded.Shesaid,“Itallseemsimpossible—”thenshegaveasuddengasp.“Why,ofcourse,theweddingcake!”
“What’sthat?Weddingcake?”
Susanexplained.Thedoctorlistenedwithcloseattention.
“Odd.Andyousayshewasn’tsurewhosentit?Anyofitleft?Oristheboxitcameinlyingaround?”
“Idon’tknow.I’lllook.”
Theysearchedtogetherandfinallyfoundthewhitecardboardboxwithafewcrumbsofcakestillinitlyingonthekitchendresser.Thedoctorpackeditawaywithsomecare.
“I’lltakechargeofthis.Anyideawherethewrappingpaperitcameinmightbe?”
HeretheywerenotsuccessfulandSusansaidthatithadprobablygoneintotheIdealboiler.
“Youwon’tbeleavingherejustyet,Mrs.Banks?”
Histonewasgenial,butitmadeSusanfeelalittleuncomfortable.
“No,Ihavetogothroughmyaunt’sthings.Ishallbehereforafewdays.”
“Good.Youunderstandthepolicewillprobablywanttoasksomequestions.Youdon’tknowofanyonewho—well,mighthavehaditinforMissGilchrist?”
Susanshookherhead.
“Idon’treallyknowmuchabouther.Shewaswithmyauntforsomeyears—that’sallIknow.”
“Quite,quite.Alwaysseemedapleasantunassumingwoman—quiteordinary.Notthekind,you’dsay,tohaveenemiesoranythingmelodramaticofthatkind.Weddingcakethroughthepost.Soundslikesomejealouswoman—butwho’dbejealousofMissGilchrist?Doesn’tseemtofit.”
“No.”
“Well,Imustbeonmyway.Idon’tknowwhat’shappeningtousinquietlittleLytchettSt.Mary.Firstabrutalmurderandnowattemptedpoisoningthroughthepost.Odd,theonefollowingtheother.”
Hewentdownthepathtohiscar.ThecottagefeltstuffyandSusanleftthedoorstandingopenasshewentslowlyupstairstoresumehertask.
CoraLansquenethadnotbeenatidyormethodicalwoman.Herdrawersheldamiscellaneousassortmentofthings.Thereweretoiletaccessoriesandlettersandoldhandkerchiefsandpaintbrushesmixeduptogetherinonedrawer.Therewereafewoldlettersandbillsthrustinamongstabulgingdrawerofunderclothes.Inanotherdrawerundersomewoollenjumperswasacardboardboxholdingtwofalsefringes.Therewasanotherdrawerfullofoldphotographsandsketchingbooks.SusanlingeredoveragrouptakenevidentlyatsomeFrenchplacemanyyearsagoandwhichshowedayounger,thinnerCoraclingingtothearmofatalllankymanwithastragglingbearddressedinwhatseemedtobeavelveteencoatandwhomSusantooktobethelatePierreLansquenet.
ThephotographsinterestedSusan,butshelaidthemaside,sortedallthepapersshehadfoundintoaheapandbegantogothroughthemmethodically.Aboutaquarterwaythroughshecametoaletter.Shereaditthroughtwiceandwasstillstaringatitwhenavoicespeakingbehindhercausedhertogiveacryofalarm.
“Andwhatmayyouhavegotholdofthere,Susan?Hallo,what’sthematter?”
Susanreddenedwithannoyance.Hercryofalarmhadbeenquiteinvoluntaryandshefeltashamedandanxioustoexplain.
“George?Howyoustartledme!”
Hercousinsmiledlazily.
“Soitseems.”
“Howdidyougethere?”
“Well,thedoordownstairswasopen,soIwalkedin.Thereseemedtobenobodyaboutonthegroundfloor,soIcameuphere.IfyoumeanhowdidIgettothispartoftheworld,Istarteddownthismorningtocometothefuneral.”
“Ididn’tseeyouthere?”
“Theoldbusplayedmeup.Thepetrolfeedseemedchoked.Itinkeredwithitforsometimeandfinallyitseemedtoclearitself.Iwastoolateforthefuneralbythen,butIthoughtImightaswellcomeondown.Iknewyouwerehere.”
Hepaused,andthenwenton:
“Irangyouup,asamatteroffact,andGregtoldmeyou’dcomedowntotakepossession,asitwere.IthoughtImightgiveyouahand.”
Susansaid,“Aren’tyouneededintheoffice?Orcanyoutakedaysoffwheneveryoulike?”
“Afuneralhasalwaysbeenarecognizedexcuseforabsenteeism.Andthisfuneralisindubitablygenuine.Besides,amurderalwaysfascinatespeople.Anyway,Ishan’tbegoingmuchtotheofficeinfuture—notnowthatI’mamanofmeans.Ishallhavebetterthingstodo.”
Hepausedandgrinned,“SameasGreg,”hesaid.
SusanlookedatGeorgethoughtfully.Shehadneverseenmuchofthiscousinofhersandwhentheydidmeetshehadalwaysfoundhimratherdifficulttomakeout.
Sheasked,“Whydidyoureallycomedownhere,George?”
“I’mnotsureitwasn’ttodoalittledetectivework.I’vebeenthinkingagooddealaboutthelastfuneralweattended.AuntCoracertainlythrewaspannerintotheworksthatday.I’vewonderedwhetheritwassheerirresponsibilityandauntlyjoiedevivrethatpromptedherwords,orwhethershereallyhadsomethingtogoupon.WhatactuallyisinthatletterthatyouwerereadingsoattentivelywhenIcamein?”
Susansaidslowly,“It’saletterthatUncleRichardwrotetoCoraafterhe’dbeendownheretoseeher.”
HowveryblackGeorge’seyeswere.She’dthoughtofthemasbrownbuttheywereblack,andtherewassomethingcuriouslyimpenetrableaboutblackeyes.Theyconcealedthethoughtsthatlaybehindthem.
Georgedrawledslowly.“Anythinginterestinginit?”
“No,notexactly….”
“CanIsee?”
Shehesitatedforamoment,thenputtheletterintohisoutstretchedhand.
Hereadit,skimmingoverthecontentsinalowmonotone.
“Gladtohaveseenyouagainafteralltheseyears…lookingverywell…hadagoodjourneyhomeandarrivedbacknottootired….”
Hisvoicechangedsuddenly,sharpened:
“Pleasedon’tsayanythingtoanyoneaboutwhatItoldyou.Itmaybeamistake.Yourlovingbrother,Richard.”
HelookedupatSusan.“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“Itmightmeananything…Itmightbejustabouthishealth.Oritmightbesomegossipaboutamutualfriend.”
“Ohyes,itmightbealotofthings.Itisn’tconclusive—butit’ssuggestive…WhatdidhetellCora?Doesanyoneknowwhathetoldher?”
“MissGilchristmightknow,”saidSusanthoughtfully.“Ithinkshelistened.”
“Oh,yes,thecompanionhelp.Whereisshe,bytheway?”
“Inhospital,sufferingfromarsenicpoisoning.”
Georgestared.
“Youdon’tmeanit?”
“Ido.Someonesenthersomepoisonedweddingcake.”
Georgesatdownononeofthebedroomchairsandwhistled.
“Itlooks,”hesaid,“asthoughUncleRichardwasnotmistaken.”
III
OnthefollowingmorningInspectorMortoncalledatthecottage.
Hewasaquietmiddle-agedmanwithasoftcountryburrinhisvoice.Hismannerwasquietandunhurried,buthiseyeswereshrewd.
“Yourealizewhatthisisabout,Mrs.Banks?”hesaid.“Dr.ProctorhasalreadytoldyouaboutMissGilchrist.Thefewcrumbsofweddingcakethathetookfromherehavebeenanalysedtoshowtracesofarsenic.”
“Sosomeonedeliberatelywantedtopoisonher?”
“That’swhatitlookslike.MissGilchristherselfdoesn’tseemabletohelpus.Shekeepsrepeatingthatit’simpossible—thatnobodywoulddosuchathing.Butsomebodydid.Youcan’tthrowanylightonthematter?”
Susanshookherhead.
“I’msimplydumbfounded,”shesaid.“Can’tyoufindoutanythingfromthepostmark?Orthehandwriting?”
“You’veforgotten—thewrappingpaperwaspresumablyburnt.Andthere’salittledoubtwhetheritcamethroughthepostatall.YoungAndrews,thedriverofthepostalvan,doesn’tseemabletorememberdeliveringit.He’sgotabiground,andhecan’tbesure—butthereitis—there’sadoubtaboutit.”
“But—what’sthealternative?”
“Thealternative,Mrs.Banks,isthatanoldpieceofbrownpaperwasusedthatalreadyhadMissGilchrist’snameandaddressonitandacancelledstamp,andthatthepackagewaspushedthroughtheletterboxordepositedinsidethedoorbyhandtocreatetheimpressionthatithadcomebypost.”
Headdeddispassionately:
“It’squiteacleveridea,youknow,tochooseweddingcake.Lonelymiddle-agedwomenaresentimentalaboutweddingcake,pleasedathavingbeenremembered.Aboxofsweets,orsomethingofthatkindmighthaveawakenedsuspicion.”
Susansaidslowly:
“MissGilchristspeculatedagooddealaboutwhocouldhavesentit,butshewasn’tatallsuspicious—asyousay,shewaspleasedandyes—flattered.”
Sheadded:“Wasthereenoughpoisoninitto—kill?”
“That’sdifficulttosayuntilwegetthequantitativeanalysis.ItratherdependsonwhetherMissGilchristatethewholeofthewedge.Sheseemstothinkthatshedidn’t.Canyouremember?”
“No—no,I’mnotsure.SheofferedmesomeandIrefusedandthensheatesomeandsaiditwasaverygoodcake,butIdon’trememberifshefinisheditornot.”
“I’dliketogoupstairsifyoudon’tmind,Mrs.Banks.”
“Ofcourse.”
ShefollowedhimuptoMissGilchrist’sroom.Shesaidapologetically:
“I’mafraidit’sinaratherdisgustingstate.ButIdidn’thavetimetodoanythingaboutitwithmyaunt’sfuneralandeverything,andthenafterDr.ProctorcameIthoughtperhapsIoughttoleaveitasitwas.”
“Thatwasveryintelligentofyou,Mrs.Banks.It’snoteveryonewhowouldhavebeensointelligent.”
Hewenttothebedandslippinghishandunderthepillowraiseditcarefully.Aslowsmilespreadoverhisface.
“Thereyouare,”hesaid.
Apieceofweddingcakelayonthesheetlookingsomewhattheworseforwear.
“Howextraordinary,”saidSusan.
“Ohno,it’snot.Perhapsyourgenerationdoesn’tdoit.Youngladiesnowadaysmayn’tsetsomuchstoreongettingmarried.Butit’sanoldcustom.Putapieceofweddingcakeunderyourpillowandyou’lldreamofyourfuturehusband.”
“ButsurelyMissGilchrist—”
“Shedidn’twanttotellusaboutitbecauseshefeltfoolishdoingsuchathingatherage.ButIhadanotionthat’swhatitmightbe.”Hisfacesobered.“Andifithadn’tbeenforanoldmaid’sfoolishness,MissGilchristmightn’tbealivetoday.”
“Butwhocouldhavepossiblywantedtokillher?”
Hiseyesmethers,acuriousspeculativelookinthemthatmadeSusanfeeluncomfortable.
“Youdon’tknow?”heasked.
“No—ofcourseIdon’t.”
“Itseemsthenasthoughweshallhavetofindout,”saidInspectorMorton.
Twelve
Twoelderlymensattogetherinaroomwhosefurnishingswereofthemostmodernkind.Therewerenocurvesintheroom.Everythingwassquare.AlmosttheonlyexceptionwasHerculePoirothimselfwhowasfullofcurves.Hisstomachwaspleasantlyrounded,hisheadresembledanegginshape,andhismoustachescurvedupwardsinaflamboyantflourish
HewassippingaglassofsiropandlookingthoughtfullyatMr.Goby.
Mr.Gobywassmallandspareandshrunken.Hehadalwaysbeenrefreshinglynondescriptinappearanceandhewasnowsonondescriptaspracticallynottobethereatall.HewasnotlookingatPoirotbecauseMr.Gobyneverlookedatanybody.
Suchremarksashewasnowmakingseemedtobeaddressedtotheleft-handcornerofthechromium-platedfireplacecurb.
Mr.Gobywasfamousfortheacquiringofinformation.Veryfewpeopleknewabouthimandveryfewemployedhisservices—butthosefewwereusuallyextremelyrich.Theyhadtobe,forMr.Gobywasveryexpensive.Hisspecialitywastheacquiringofinformationquickly.AttheflickofMr.Goby’sdouble-jointedthumb,hundredsofpatientquestioningploddingmenandwomen,oldandyoung,ofallapparentstationsinlife,weredespatchedtoquestion,andprobe,andachieveresults.
Mr.Gobyhadnowpracticallyretiredfrombusiness.Butheoccasionally“obliged”afewoldpatrons.HerculePoirotwasoneofthese.
“I’vegotwhatIcouldforyou,”Mr.Gobytoldthefirecurbinasoftconfidentialwhisper.“Isenttheboysout.Theydowhattheycan—goodlads—goodladsallofthem,butnotwhattheyusedtobeintheolddays.Theydon’tcomethatwaynowadays.Notwillingtolearn,that’swhatitis.Thinktheyknoweverythingafterthey’veonlybeenacoupleofyearsonthejob.Andtheyworktotime.Shockingthewaytheyworktotime.”
Heshookhisheadsadlyandshiftedhisgazetoanelectricplugsocket.
“It’stheGovernment,”hetoldit.“Andallthiseducationracket.Itgivesthemideas.Theycomebackandtelluswhattheythink.Theycan’tthink,mostofthem,anyway.Alltheyknowisthingsoutofbooks.That’snogoodinourbusiness.Bringintheanswers—that’sallthat’sneeded—nothinking.”
Mr.Gobyflunghimselfbackinhischairandwinkedatalampshade.
“Mustn’tcrabtheGovernment,though!Don’tknowreallywhatwe’ddowithoutit.Icantellyouthatnowadaysyoucanwalkinmostanywherewithanotebookandpencil,dressedright,andspeakingB.B.C.,andaskpeopleallthemostintimatedetailsoftheirdailylivesandalltheirbackhistory,andwhattheyhadfordinneronNovember23rdbecausethatwasatestdayformiddleclassincomes—orwhateverithappenstobe(makingitagradeabovetobutterthemup!)—ask’emanymortalthingyoucan;andninetimesoutoftenthey’llcomeacrosspat,andeventhetenthtimethoughtheymaycutuprough,theywon’tdoubtforaminutethatyou’rewhatyousayyouare—andthattheGovernmentreallywantstoknow—forsomecompletelyunfathomablereason!Icantellyou,M.Poirot,”saidMr.Goby,stilltalkingtothelampshade,“thatit’sthebestlinewe’veeverhad;muchbetterthanreadingtheelectricmeterortracingafaultinthetelephone—yes,orthancallingasnuns,ortheGirlGuidesorBoyScoutsaskingforsubscriptions—thoughweuseallthosetoo.Yes,GovernmentsnoopingisGod’sgifttoinvestigatorsandlongmayitcontinue!”
Poirotdidnotspeak.Mr.Gobyhadgrownalittlegarrulouswithadvancingyears,buthewouldcometothepointinhisowngoodtime.
“Ar,”saidMr.Goby,andtookoutaveryscrubbylittlenotebook.Helickedhisfingerandflickedoverthepages.“Hereweare.Mr.GeorgeCrossfield.We’lltakehimfirst.Justtheplainfacts.Youwon’twanttoknowhowIgotthem.He’sbeeninQueerStreetforquiteawhilenow.Horses,mostly,andgambling—he’snotagreatoneforwomen.GoesovertoFrancenowandthen,andMontetoo.SpendsalotoftimeattheCasino.Toodownytocashchequesthere,butgetsholdofalotmoremoneythanhistravellingallowancewouldaccountfor.Ididn’tgointothat,becauseitwasn’twhatyouwanttoknow.Buthe’snotscrupulousaboutevadingthelaw—andbeingalawyerheknowshowtodoit.Somereasontobelievehe’sbeenusingtrustfundsentrustedtohimtoinvest.Plungingprettywildlyoflate—ontheStockExchangeandonthegee-gees!Badjudgementandbadluck.Beenoffhisfeedbadlyforthreemonths.Worried,bad-temperedandirritableintheoffice.Butsincehisuncle’sdeaththat’sallchanged.He’slikethebreakfasteggs(ifwehad’em).Sunnysideup!
“Now,astoparticularinformationaskedfor.StatementthathewasatHurstParkracesonthedayinquestionalmostcertainlyuntrue.Almostinvariablyplacesbetswithoneorotheroftwobookiesonthecourse.Theydidn’tseehimthatday.PossiblethatheleftPaddingtonbytrainfordestinationunknown.TaxidriverwhotookfaretoPaddingtonmadedoubtfulidentificationofhisphotograph.ButIwouldn’tbankonit.He’saverycommontype—nothingoutstandingabouthim.Nosuccesswithporters,etc.,atPaddington.Certainlydidn’tarriveatCholseystation—whichisnearestforLytchettSt.Mary.Smallstation,strangersnoticeable.CouldhavegotoutatReadingandtakenbus.Busestherecrowded,frequentandseveralroutesgowithinamileorsoofLytchettSt.Maryaswellasthebusservicethatgoesrightintothevillage.Hewouldn’ttakethat—notifhemeantbusiness.Allinall,he’sadownycard.Wasn’tseeninLytchettSt.Marybutheneedn’thavebeen.Otherwaysofapproachthanthroughthevillage.WasintheOUDSatOxford,bytheway.Ifhewenttothecottagethatdayhemayn’thavelookedquiteliketheusualGeorgeCrossfield.I’llkeephiminmybook,shallI?There’sablackmarketangleI’dliketoplayup.”
“Youmaykeephimin,”saidHerculePoirot.
Mr.Gobylickedhisfingerandturnedanotherpageofhisnotebook.
“Mr.MichaelShane.He’sthoughtquitealotofintheprofession.Hasanevenbetterideaofhimselfthanotherpeoplehave.Wantstostarandwantstostarquickly.Fondofmoneyanddoinghimselfwell.Veryattractivetowomen.Theyfallforhimrightandleft.He’spartialtothemhimself—butbusinesscomesfirst,asyoumightsay.He’sbeenrunningaroundwithSorrelDaintonwhowasplayingtheleadinthelastshowhewasin.Heonlyhadaminorpartbutmadequiteahitinit,andMissDainton’shusbanddoesn’tlikehim.Hiswifedoesn’tknowabouthimandMissDainton.Doesn’tknowmuchaboutanything,itseems.NotmuchofanactressIgather,buteasyontheeye.Crazyaboutherhusband.Somerumourofabust-uplikelybetweenthemnotlongago,butthatseemsoutnow.OutsinceMr.RichardAbernethie’sdeath.”
Mr.Gobyemphasisedthelastpointbynoddinghisheadatacushiononthesofa.
“Onthedayinquestion,Mr.ShanesayshewasmeetingaMr.RosenheimandaMr.OscarLewistofixupsomestagebusiness.Hedidn’tmeetthem.Sentthemawiretosayhewasterriblysorryhecouldn’tmakeit.WhathediddowastogototheEmeraldoCarpeople,whohireout‘driveyourself’cars.Hehiredacarabouttwelveo’clockanddroveawayinit.Hereturneditaboutsixintheevening.Accordingtothespeedometerithadbeendrivenjustabouttherightnumberofmilesforwhatwe’reafter.NoconfirmationfromLytchettSt.Mary.Nostrangecarseemstohavebeenobservedtherethatday.Lotsofplacesitcouldbeleftunnoticedamileorsoaway.Andthere’sevenadisusedquarryafewhundredyardsdownthelanefromthecottage.Threemarkettownswithinwalkingdistancewhereyoucanparkinsidestreets,withoutthepolicebotheringaboutyou.Allright,wekeepMr.Shanein?”
“Mostcertainly.”
“NowMrs.Shane.”Mr.GobyrubbedhisnoseandtoldhisleftcuffaboutMrs.Shane.“Shesaysshewasshopping.Justshopping…”Mr.Gobyraisedhiseyestotheceiling.“Womenwhoareshopping—justscatty,that’swhattheyare.Andshe’dheardshe’dcomeintomoneythedaybefore.Naturallythere’dbenoholdingher.Shehasoneortwochargeaccountsbutthey’reoverdrawnandthey’vebeenpressingherforpaymentandshedidn’tputanymoreonthesheet.It’squiteonthecardsthatshewentinhereandthereandeverywhere,tryingonclothes,lookingatjewellery,pricingthis,that,andtheother—andaslikelyasnot,notbuyinganything!She’seasytoapproach—I’llsaythat.Ihadoneofmyyoungladieswho’sknowledgeableonthetheatricallinetodoahookup.Stoppedbyhertableinarestaurantandexclaimedthewaytheydo:‘Darling,Ihaven’tseenyousinceWayDownUnder.Youwerewonderfulinthat!HaveyouseenHubertlately?’ThatwastheproducerandMrs.Shanewasabitofaflopintheplay—butthatmakesitgoallthebetter.They’rechattingtheatricalstuffatonce,andmygirlthrowstherightnamesabout,andthenshesays,‘IbelieveIcaughtaglimpseofyouatsoandso,onsoandso,’givingtheday—andmostladiesfallforitandsay,‘Ohno,Iwas—’whateveritmaybe.ButnotMrs.Shane.Justlooksvacantandsays,‘Oh,Idaresay.’Whatcanyoudowithaladylikethat?”Mr.Gobyshookhisheadseverelyattheradiator.
“Nothing,”saidHerculePoirotwithfeeling.“DoInothavecausetoknowit?NevershallIforgetthekillingofLordEdgware.Iwasnearlydefeated—yes,I,HerculePoirot—bytheextremelysimplecunningofavacantbrain.Theverysimple-mindedhaveoftenthegeniustocommitanuncomplicatedcrimeandthenleaveitalone.Letushopethatourmurderer—ifthereisamurdererinthisaffair—isintelligentandsuperiorandthoroughlypleasedwithhimselfandunabletoresistpaintingthelily.Enfin—butcontinue.”
OncemoreMr.Gobyappliedhimselftohislittlebook.
“Mr.andMrs.Banks—whosaidtheywereathomeallday.Shewasn’t,anyway!Wentroundtothegarage,gotouthercar,anddroveoffinitabout1o’clock.Destinationunknown.Backaboutfive.Can’ttellaboutmileagebecauseshe’shaditouteverydaysinceandit’sbeennobody’sbusinesstocheck.
“AstoMr.Banks,we’vedugupsomethingcurious.Tobeginwith,I’llmentionthatonthedayinquestionwedon’tknowwhathedid.Hedidn’tgotowork.Seemshe’dalreadyaskedforacoupleofdaysoffonaccountofthefuneral.Andsincethenhe’schuckedhisjob—withnoconsiderationforthefirm.Nice,well-establishedpharmacyitis.They’renottookeenonMasterBanks.Seemsheusedtogetintoratherqueerexcitablestates.
“Well,asIsay,wedon’tknowwhathewasdoingonthedayofMrs.L.’sdeath.Hedidn’tgowithhiswife.Itcouldbethathestoppedintheirlittleflatallday.There’snoporterthere,andnobodyknowswhethertenantsareinorout.Buthisbackhistoryisinteresting.Uptillaboutfourmonthsago—justbeforehemethiswife,hewasinaMentalHome.Notcertified—justwhattheycallamentalbreakdown.Seemshemadesomeslipupindispensingamedicinedoctorhewasobsessedbyguilt—thatithadallbeendeliberate—thewomanhadbeenoverbearingandrudetohimwhenshecameintotheshop,hadcomplainedthatherlastprescriptionhadbeenbadlymadeup—andthathehadresentedthisandhaddeliberatelyaddedanearlethaldoseofsomedrugorother.Hesaid,‘Shehadtobepunishedfordaringtospeaktomelikethat!’Andthenweptandsaidhewastoowickedtoliveandalotofthingslikethat.Themedicoshavealongwordforthatsortofthing—guiltcomplexorsomething—anddon’tbelieveitwasdeliberateatall,justcarelessness,butthathewantedtomakeitimportantandserious.”
“?asepeut,”saidHerculePoirot.
“Pardon?Anyway,hewentintothisSanatoriumandtheytreatedhimanddischargedhimascured,andhemetMissAbernethieasshewasthen.Andhegotajobinthisrespectablebutratherobscurelittlechemist’sshop.Toldthemhe’dbeenoutofEnglandforayearandahalf,andgavethemhisformerreferencefromsomeshopinEastbourne.Nothingagainsthiminthatshop,butafellowdispensersaidhehadaveryqueertemperandwasoddinhismannersometimes.There’sastoryaboutacustomersayingonceasajoke,‘Wishyou’dsellmesomethingtopoisonmywife,haha!’AndBankssaystohim,verysoftandquiet:‘Icould…Itwouldcostyoutwohundredpounds.’Themanfeltuneasyandlaugheditoff.Mayhavebeenallajoke,butitdoesn’tseemtomethatBanksisthejokingkind.”
“Monami,”saidHerculePoirot.“Itreallyamazesmehowyougetyourinformation!Medicalandhighlyconfidentialmostofit!”
Mr.Goby’seyesswivelledrightroundtheroomandhemurmured,lookingexpectantlyatthedoor,thattherewereways….
“Nowwecometothecountrydepartment.Mr.andMrs.TimothyAbernethie.Veryniceplacethey’vegot,butsadlyneedingmoneyspentonit.Verystraitenedtheyseemtobe,verystraitened.Taxationandunfortunateinvestments.Mr.Abernethieenjoysillhealthandtheemphasisisontheenjoyment.Complainsalotandhaseveryonerunningandfetchingandcarrying.Eatsheartymeals,andseemsquitestrongphysicallyifhelikestomaketheeffort.There’snooneinthehouseafterthedailywomangoesandnoone’sallowedintoMr.Abernethie’sroomunlessheringsthebell.Hewasinaverybadtemperthemorningofthedayafterthefuneral.SworeatMrs.Jones.Ateonlyalittleofhisbreakfastandsaidhewouldn’thaveanylunch—he’dhadabadnight.Hesaidthesuppershehadleftoutforhimwasunfittoeatandagooddealmore.Hewasaloneinthehouseandunseenbyanybodyfrom9:30thatmorninguntilthefollowingmorning.”
“AndMrs.Abernethie?”
“ShestartedofffromEnderbybycaratthetimeyoumentioned.ArrivedonfootatasmalllocalgarageinaplacecalledCathstoneandexplainedhercarhadbrokendownacoupleofmilesaway.
“Amechanicdroveherouttoit,madeaninvestigationandsaidthey’dhavetotowitinanditwouldbealongjob—couldn’tpromisetofinishitthatday.Theladywasveryputout,butwenttoasmallinn,arrangedtostaythenight,andaskedforsomesandwichesasshesaidshe’dliketoseesomethingofthecountryside—it’sontheedgeofthemoorlandcountry.Shedidn’tcomebacktotheinntillquitelatethatevening.Myinformantsaidhedidn’twonder.It’sasordidlittleplace!”
“Andthetimes?”
“Shegotthesandwichesateleven.Ifshe’dwalkedtothemainroad,amile,shecouldhavehitchhikedintoWallcasterandcaughtaspecialSouthCoastexpresswhichstopsatReadingWest.Iwon’tgointodetailsofbusesetcetera.Itcouldjusthavebeendoneifyoucouldmakethe—er—attackfairlylateintheafternoon.”
“Iunderstandthedoctorstretchedthetimelimittopossibly4:30.”
“Mindyou,”saidMr.Goby,“Ishouldn’tsayitwaslikely.Sheseemstobeanicelady,likedbyeverybody.She’sdevotedtoherhusband,treatshimlikeachild.”
“Yes,yes,thematernalcomplex.”
“She’sstrongandhefty,chopsthewoodandoftenhaulsingreatbasketsoflogs.Prettygoodwiththeinsideofacar,too.”
“Iwascomingtothat.Whatexactlywaswrongwiththecar?”
“Doyouwanttheexactdetails,M.Poirot?”
“Heavenforbid.Ihavenomechanicalknowledge.”
“Itwasadifficultthingtospot.Andalsotoputright.Anditcouldhavebeendonemaliciouslybysomeonewithoutverymuchtrouble.Bysomeonewhowasfamiliarwiththeinsidesofacar.”
“C’estmagnifique!”saidPoirotwithbitterenthusiasm.“Allsoconvenient,allsopossible.Bondieu,canweeliminatenobody?AndMrs.LeoAbernethie?”
“She’saverynicelady,too.Mr.Abernethiedeceasedwasveryfondofher.Shecametheretostayaboutafortnightbeforehedied.”
“AfterhehadbeentoLytchettSt.Marytoseehissister?”
“No,justbefore.Herincomeisagooddealreducedsincethewar.ShegaveupherhouseinEnglandandtookasmallflatinLondon.ShehasavillainCyprusandspendspartoftheyearthere.Shehasayoungnephewwhomsheishelpingtoeducate,andthereseemstobeoneortwoyoungartistswhomshehelpsfinanciallyfromtimetotime.”
“St.Helenoftheblamelesslife,”saidPoirot,shuttinghiseyes.“AnditwasquiteimpossibleforhertohaveleftEnderbythatdaywithouttheservantsknowing?Saythatisso,Iimploreyou!”
Mr.GobybroughthisglanceacrosstorestapologeticallyonPoirot’spolishedpatentleathershoe,thenearesthehadcometoadirectencounter,andmurmured:
“I’mafraidIcan’tsaythat,M.Poirot.Mrs.AbernethiewenttoLondontofetchsomeextraclothesandbelongingsasshehadagreedwithMr.Entwhistletostayonandseetothings.”
“Ilnemanquait?a!”saidPoirotwithstrongfeeling.
Thirteen
WhenthecardofInspectorMortonoftheBerkshireCountyPolicewasbroughttoHerculePoirot,hiseyebrowswentup.
“Showhimin,Georges,showhimin.Andbring—whatisitthatthepoliceprefer?”
“Iwouldsuggestbeer,sir.”
“Howhorrible!ButhowBritish.Bringbeer,then.”
InspectorMortoncamestraighttothepoint.
“IhadtocometoLondon,”hesaid.“AndIgotholdofyouraddress,M.Poirot.IwasinterestedtoseeyouattheinquestonThursday.”
“Soyousawmethere?”
“Yes.Iwassurprised—and,asIsay,interested.Youwon’tremembermebutIrememberyouverywell.InthatPangbourneCase.”
“Ah,youwereconnectedwiththat?”
“Onlyinaveryjuniorcapacity.It’salongtimeagobutI’veneverforgottenyou.”
“Andyourecognizedmeatoncetheotherday?”
“Thatwasn’tdifficult,sir.”InspectorMortonrepressedaslightsmile.“Yourappearanceis—ratherunusual.”
HisgazetookinPoirot’ssartorialperfectionandrestedfinallyonthecurvingmoustaches.
“Youstickoutinacountryplace,”hesaid.
“Itispossible,itispossible,”saidPoirotwithcomplacency.
“Itinterestedmewhyyoushouldbethere.Thatsortofcrime—robbery—assault—doesn’tusuallyinterestyou.”
“Wasittheusualordinarybrutaltypeofcrime?”
“That’swhatI’vebeenwondering.”
“Youhavewonderedfromthebeginning,haveyounot?”
“Yes,M.Poirot.Thereweresomeunusualfeatures.Sincethenwe’veworkedalongtheroutinelines.Pulledinoneortwopeopleforquestioning,buteveryonehasbeenabletoaccountquitesatisfactorilyforhistimethatafternoon.Itwasn’twhatyou’dcallan‘ordinary’crime,M.Poirot—we’requitesureofthat.TheChiefConstableagrees.Itwasdonebysomeonewhowishedtomakeitappearthatway.ItcouldhavebeentheGilchristwoman,buttheredoesn’tseemtobeanymotive—andtherewasn’tanyemotionalbackground,Mrs.Lansquenetwasperhapsabitmental—or‘simple,’ifyouliketoputitthatway,butitwasahouseholdofmistressanddogsbodywithnofeverishfemininefriendshipaboutit.TherearedozensofMissGilchristsabout,andthey’renotusuallythemurderingtype.”
Hepaused.
“Soitlooksasthoughwe’dhavetolookfartherafield.Icametoaskifyoucouldhelpusatall.Somethingmusthavebroughtyoudownthere,M.Poirot.”
“Yes,yes,somethingdid.AnexcellentDaimlercar.Butnotonlythat.”
“Youhad—information?”
“Hardlyinyoursenseoftheword.Nothingthatcouldbeusedasevidence.”
“Butsomethingthatcouldbe—apointer?”
“Yes.”
“Yousee,M.Poirot,therehavebeendevelopments.”
Meticulously,indetail,hetoldofthepoisonedwedgeofweddingcake.
Poirottookadeep,hissingbreath.
“Ingenious—yes,ingenious…IwarnedMr.EntwhistletolookafterMissGilchrist.Anattackonherwasalwaysapossibility.ButImustconfessthatIdidnotexpectpoison.Ianticipatedarepetitionofthehatchetmotif.Imerelythoughtthatitwouldbeinadvisableforhertowalkaloneinunfrequentedlanesafterdark.”
“Butwhydidyouanticipateanattackonher?Ithink,M.Poirot,yououghttotellmethat.”
Poirotnoddedhisheadslowly.
“Yes,Iwilltellyou.Mr.Entwhistlewillnottellyou,becauseheisalawyerandlawyersdonotliketospeakofsuppositions,orinferencesmadefromthecharacterofadeadwoman,orfromafewirresponsiblewords.Buthewillnotbeaversetomytellingyou—no,hewillberelieved.Hedoesnotwishtoappearfoolishorfanciful,buthewantsyoutoknowwhatmay—onlymay—bethefacts.”
PoirotpausedasGeorgesenteredwithatallglassofbeer.
“Somerefreshment,Inspector.No,no,Iinsist.”
“Won’tyoujoinme?”
“Idonotdrinkthebeer.ButIwillmyselfhaveaglassofsiropdecassis—theEnglishtheydonotcareforit,Ihavenoticed.”
InspectorMortonlookedgratefullyathisbeer.
Poirot,sippingdelicatelyfromhisglassofdarkpurplefluid,said:
“Itbegins,allthis,atafuneral.Orrather,tobeexact,afterthefuneral.”
Graphically,withmanygestures,hesetforththestoryasMr.Entwhistlehadtoldittohim,butwithsuchembellishmentsashisexuberantnaturesuggested.OnealmostfeltthatHerculePoirothimselfhadbeenaneyewitnessofthescene.
InspectorMortonhadanexcellentclear-cutbrain.Heseizedatonceonwhatwere,forhispurposes,thesalientpoints.
“ThisMr.Abernethiemayhavebeenpoisoned?”
“Itisapossibility.”
“Andthebodyhasbeencrematedandthereisnoevidence?”
“Exactly.”
InspectorMortonruminated.
“Interesting.There’snothinginitforus.Nothing,thatis,tomakeRichardAbernethie’sdeathworthinvestigating.Itwouldbeawasteoftime.”
“Yes.”
“Buttherearethepeople—thepeoplewhowerethere—thepeoplewhoheardCoraLansquenetsaywhatshedid,andoneofwhommayhavethoughtthatshemightsayitagainandwithmoredetail.”
“Assheundoubtedlywouldhave.Thereare,Inspector,asyousay,thepeople.AndnowyouseewhyIwasattheinquest,whyIinterestedmyselfinthecase—becauseitis,always,peopleinwhomIinterestmyself.”
“ThentheattackonMissGilchrist—”
“Wasalwaysindicated.RichardAbernethiehadbeendowntothecottage.HehadtalkedtoCora.Hehad,perhaps,actuallymentionedaname.TheonlypersonwhomightpossiblyhaveknownoroverheardsomethingwasMissGilchrist.AfterCoraissilenced,themurderermightcontinuetobeanxious.Doestheotherwomanknowsomething—anything?Ofcourse,ifthemurdereriswisehewillletwellalone,butmurderers,Inspector,areseldomwise.Fortunatelyforus.Theybrood,theyfeeluncertain,theydesiretomakesure—quitesure.Theyarepleasedwiththeirowncleverness.Andso,intheend,theyprotrudetheirnecks,asyousay.”
InspectorMortonsmiledfaintly.
Poirotwenton:
“ThisattempttosilenceMissGilchrist,alreadyitisamistake.Fornowtherearetwooccasionsaboutwhichyoumakeinquiry.Thereisthehandwritingontheweddinglabelalso.Itisapitythewrappingpaperwasburnt.”
“Yes,Icouldhavebeencertain,then,whetheritcamebypostorwhetheritdidn’t.”
“Youhavereasonforthinkingthelatter,yousay?”
“It’sonlywhatthepostmanthinks—he’snotsure.Iftheparcelhadgonethroughavillagepostoffice,it’stentoonethepostmistresswouldhavenoticedit,butnowadaysthemailisdeliveredbyvanfromMarketKeynesandofcoursetheyoungchapdoesquitearoundanddeliversalotofthings.Hethinksitwaslettersonlyandnoparcelatthecottage—butheisn’tsure.Asamatteroffacthe’shavingabitofgirltroubleandhecan’tthinkaboutanythingelse.I’vetestedhismemoryandheisn’treliableinanyway.Ifhediddeliverit,itseemstomeoddthattheparcelshouldn’thavebeennoticeduntilafterthisMr.—whatshisname—Guthrie—”
“Ah,Mr.Guthrie.”
InspectorMortonsmiled.
“Yes,M.Poirot.We’recheckinguponhim.Afterall,itwouldbeeasy,wouldn’tit,tocomealongwithaplausibletaleofhavingbeenafriendofMrs.Lansquenet’s.Mrs.Bankswasn’ttoknowifhewasorhewasn’t.Hecouldhavedroppedthatlittleparcel,youknow.It’seasytomakeathinglookasthoughit’sbeenthroughthepost.Lampblackalittlesmudged,makesquiteagoodpostmarkcancellationmarkoverastamp.”
Hepausedandthenadded:
“Andthereareotherpossibilities.”
Poirotnodded.
“Youthink—?”
“Mr.GeorgeCrossfieldwasdowninthatpartoftheworld—butnotuntilthenextday.Meanttoattendthefuneral,buthadalittleenginetroubleontheway.Knowanythingabouthim,M.Poirot?”
“Alittle.ButnotasmuchasIwouldliketoknow.”
“Likethat,isit?QuitealittlebunchinterestedinthelateMr.Abernethie’swill,Iunderstand.Ihopeitdoesn’tmeangoingafterallofthem.”
“Ihaveaccumulatedalittleinformation.Itisatyourdisposal.NaturallyIhavenoauthoritytoaskthesepeoplequestions.Infact,itwouldnotbewiseformetodoso.”
“Ishallgoslowlymyself.Youdon’twanttoflusteryourbirdtoosoon.Butwhenyoudoflusterit,youwanttoflusteritwell.”
“Averysoundtechnique.Foryouthen,myfriend,theroutine—withallthemachineryyouhaveatyourdisposal.Itisslow—butsure.Formyself—”
“Yes,M.Poirot?”
“Formyself,IgoNorth.AsIhavetoldyou,itispeopleinwhomIinterestmyself.Yes—alittlepreparatorycamouflage—andIgoNorth.
“Iintend,”addedHerculePoirot,“topurchaseacountrymansionforforeignrefugees.IrepresentU.N.A.R.C.O.”
“Andwhat’sU.N.A.R.C.O.?”
“UnitedNationsAidforRefugeeCentreOrganization.Itsoundswell,doyounotthink?”
InspectorMortongrinned.
Fourteen
HerculePoirotsaidtoagrim-facedJanet:
“Thankyouverymuch.Youhavebeenmostkind.”
Janet,herlipsstillfixedinasourline,lefttheroom.Theseforeigners!Thequestionstheyasked.Theirimpertinence!AllverywelltosaythathewasaspecialistinterestedinunsuspectedheartconditionssuchasMr.Abernethiemusthavesufferedfrom.Thatwasverylikelytrue—goneverysuddenthemasterhad,andthedoctorhadbeensurprised.Butwhatbusinesswasitofsomeforeigndoctorcomingalongandnosingaround?
AllverywellforMrs.Leotosay:“PleaseanswerMonsieurPontarlier’squestions.Hehasagoodreasonforasking.”
Questions.Alwaysquestions.Sheetsofthemsometimestofillinasbestyoucould—andwhatdidtheGovernmentoranyoneelsewanttoknowaboutyourprivateaffairsfor?Askingyourageatthatcensus—downrightimpertinentandshehadn’ttoldthem,either!Cutofffiveyearsshehad.Whynot?Ifsheonlyfeltfifty-four,she’dcallherselffifty-four!
AtanyrateMonsieurPontarlierhadn’twantedtoknowherage.He’dhadsomedecency.Justquestionsaboutthemedicinesthemasterhadtaken,andwheretheywerekept,andif,perhaps,hemighthavetakentoomuchofthemifhewasfeelingnotquitethething—orifhe’dbeenforgetful.Asthoughshecouldrememberallthatrubbish—themasterknewwhathewasdoing!Andaskingifanyofthemedicineshetookwerestillinthehouse.Naturallythey’dallbeenthrownaway.Heartcondition—andsomelongwordhe’dused.Alwaysthinkingofsomethingnewtheywere,thesedoctors.LookatthemtellingoldRogershehadadiscorsomesuchinhisspine.Plainlumbago,thatwasallthatwasthematterwithhim.Herfatherhadbeenagardenerandhe’dsufferedfromlumbago.Doctors!
Theself-appointedmedicalmansighedandwentdownstairsinsearchofLanscombe.HehadnotgotverymuchoutofJanetbuthehadhardlyexpectedtodoso.AllhehadreallywantedtodowastochecksuchinformationascouldunwillinglybeextractedfromherwiththatgivenhimbyHelenAbernethieandwhichhadbeenobtainedfromthesamesource—butwithmuchlessdifficulty,sinceJanetwasreadytoadmitthatMrs.LeohadaperfectrighttoasksuchquestionsandindeedJanetherselfhadenjoyeddwellingatlengthonthelastfewweeksofhermaster’slife.Illnessanddeathwerecongenialsubjectstoher.
Yes,Poirotthought,hecouldhavereliedontheinformationthatHelenhadgotforhim.Hehaddonesoreally.Butbynatureandlonghabithetrustednobodyuntilhehimselfhadtriedandprovedthem.
Inanycasetheevidencewasslightandunsatisfactory.ItboileddowntothefactthatRichardAbernethiehadbeenprescribedvitaminoilcapsules.Thatthesehadbeeninalargebottlewhichhadbeennearlyfinishedatthetimeofhisdeath.Anybodywhohadwantedto,couldhaveoperatedononeormoreofthosecapsuleswithahypodermicsyringeandcouldhaverearrangedthebottlesothatthefataldosewouldonlybetakensomeweeksafterthatsomebodyhadleftthehouse.OrsomeonemighthaveslippedintothehouseonthedaybeforeRichardAbernethiediedandhavedoctoredacapsulethen—or,whichwasmorelikely—havesubstitutedsomethingelseforasleepingtabletinthelittlebottlethatstoodbesidethebed.Oragainhemighthavequitesimplytamperedwiththefoodordrink.
HerculePoirothadmadehisownexperiments.Thefrontdoorwaskeptlocked,buttherewasasidedoorgivingonthegardenwhichwasnotlockeduntilevening.Ataboutquarterpastone,whenthegardenershadgonetolunchandwhenthehouseholdwasinthediningroom,Poirothadenteredthegrounds,cometothesidedoor,andmountedthestairstoRichardAbernethie’sbedroomwithoutmeetinganybody.Asavarianthehadpushedthroughabaizedoorandslippedintothelarder.Hehadheardvoicesfromthekitchenattheendofthepassagebutnoonehadseenhim.
Yes,itcouldhavebeendone.Buthaditbeendone?Therewasnothingtoindicatethatthatwasso.NotthatPoirotwasreallylookingforevidence—hewantedonlytosatisfyhimselfastopossibilities.ThemurderofRichardAbernethiecouldonlybeahypothesis.ItwasCoraLansquenet’smurderforwhichevidencewasneeded.Whathewantedwastostudythepeoplewhohadbeenassembledforthefuneralthatday,andtoformhisownconclusionsaboutthem.Healreadyhadhisplan,butfirsthewantedafewmorewordswitholdLanscombe.
Lanscombewascourteousbutdistant.LessresentfulthanJanet,heneverthelessregardedthisupstartforeignerasthematerializationoftheWritingontheWall.ThiswasWhatWeareComingto!
HeputdowntheleatherwithwhichhewaslovinglypolishingtheGeorgianteapotandstraightenedhisback.
“Yes,sir?”hesaidpolitely.
Poirotsatdowngingerlyonapantrystool.
“Mrs.Abernethietellsmethatyouhopedtoresideinthelodgebythenorthgatewhenyouretiredfromservicehere?”
“Thatisso,sir.Naturallyallthatischangednow.Whenthepropetyissold—”
Poirotinterrupteddeftly:
“Itmightstillbepossible.Therearecottagesforthegardeners.Thelodgeisnotneededfortheguestsortheirattendants.Itmightbepossibletomakeanarrangementofsomekind.”
“Well,thankyou,sir,forthesuggestion.ButIhardlythink—Themajorityofthe—guestswouldbeforeigners,Ipresume?”
“Yes,theywillbeforeigners.AmongstthosewhofledfromEuropetothiscountryareseveralwhoareoldandinfirm.Therecanbenofutureforthemiftheyreturntotheirowncountries,forthesepersons,youunderstand,arethosewhoserelativestherehaveperished.Theycannotearntheirlivinghereasanable-bodiedmanorwomancando.FundshavebeenraisedandarebeingadministeredbytheorganizationwhichIrepresenttoendowvariouscountryhomesforthem.Thisplaceis,Ithink,eminentlysuitable.Thematterispracticallysettled.”
Lanscombesighed.
“You’llunderstand,sir,thatit’ssadformetothinkthatthiswon’tbeaprivatedwellinghouseanylonger.ButIknowhowthingsarenowadays.Noneofthefamilycouldaffordtolivehere—andIdon’tthinktheyoungladiesandgentlemenwouldevenwanttodoso.Domestichelpistoodifficulttoobtainthesedays,andevenifobtainedisexpensiveandunsatisfactory.Iquiterealizethatthesefinemansionshaveservedtheirturn.”Lanscombesighedagain.“Ifithastobean—aninstitutionofsomekind,I’llbegladtothinkthatit’sthekindyou’rementioning.WewereSparedinThisCountry,sir,owingtoourNavyandAirForceandourbraveyoungmenandbeingfortunateenoughtobeanisland.IfHitlerhadlandedherewe’dallhaveturnedoutandgivenhimshortshrift.Mysightisn’tgoodenoughforshooting,butIcouldhaveusedapitchfork,sir,andIintendedtodosoifnecessary.We’vealwayswelcomedtheunfortunateinthiscountry,sir,it’sbeenourpride.Weshallcontinuesotodo.”
“Thankyou,Lanscombe,”saidPoirotgently.“Yourmaster’sdeathmusthavebeenagreatblowtoyou.”
“Itwas,sir.I’dbeenwiththemastersincehewasquiteayoungman.I’vebeenveryfortunateinmylife,sir.Noonecouldhavehadabettermaster.”
“Ihavebeenconversingwithmyfriendand—er—colleague,Dr.Larraby.Wewerewonderingifyourmastercouldhavehadanyextraworry—anyunpleasantinterview—onthedaybeforehedied?Youdonotrememberifanyvisitorscametothehousethatday?”
“Ithinknot,sir.Idonotrecallany.”
“Noonecalledatalljustaboutthattime?”
“Thevicarwasheretoteathedaybefore.Otherwisesomenunscalledforasubscription—andayoungmancametothebackdoorandwantedtosellMarjoriesomebrushesandsaucepancleaners.Verypersistenthewas.Nobodyelse.”
AworriedexpressionhadappearedonLanscombe’sface.Poirotdidnotpresshimfurther.LanscombehadalreadyunburdenedhimselftoMr.Entwhistle.HewouldbefarlessforthcomingwithHerculePoirot.
WithMarjorie,ontheotherhand,Poirothadhadinstantsuccess.Marjoriehadnoneoftheconventionsof“goodservice.”Marjoriewasafirst-classcookandthewaytoherheartlaythroughhercooking.Poirothadvisitedherinthekitchen,praisedcertaindisheswithdiscernment,andMarjorie,realizingthatherewassomeonewhoknewwhathewastalkingabout,hailedhimimmediatelyasafellowspirit.HehadnodifficultyinfindingoutexactlywhathadbeenservedthenightbeforeRichardAbernethiehaddied.Marjorie,indeed,wasinclinedtoviewthematteras,“ItwasthenightImadethatchocolatesouffléthatMr.Abernethiedied.SixeggsI’dsavedupforit.Thedairymanhe’safriendofmine.Gotholdofsomecreamtoo.Betternotaskhow.Enjoyedit,Mr.Abernethiedid.”Therestofthemealwaslikewisedetailed.Whathadcomeoutfromthediningroomhadbeenfinishedinthekitchen.ReadyasMarjoriewastotalk,Poirothadlearnednothingofvaluefromher.
Hewentnowtofetchhisovercoatandacoupleofscarves,andthuspaddedagainsttheNorthCountryairhewentoutontheterraceandjoinedHelenAbernethie,whowasclippingsomelateroses.
“Haveyoufoundoutanythingfresh?”sheasked.
“Nothing.ButIhardlyexpectedtodoso.”
“Iknow.EversinceMr.Entwhistletoldmeyouwerecoming,I’vebeenferretingaround,butthere’sreallybeennothing.”
Shepausedandsaidhopefully:
“Perhapsitisallamare’snest?”
“Tobeattackedwithahatchet?”
“Iwasn’tthinkingofCora.”
“ButitisofCorathatIthink.Whywasitnecessaryforsomeonetokillher?Mr.Entwhistlehastoldmethatonthatday,atthemomentthatshecameoutsuddenlywithhergaffe,youyourselffeltthatsomethingwaswrong.Thatisso?”
“Well—yes,butIdon’tknow—”
Poirotswepton.
“How‘wrong’?Unexpected?Surprising?Or—whatshallwesay—uneasy?Sinister?”
“Ohno,notsinister.Justsomethingthatwasn’t—oh,Idon’tknow.Ican’trememberanditwasn’timportant.”
“Butwhycannotyouremember—becausesomethingelseputitoutofyourhead—somethingmoreimportant?”
“Yes—yes—Ithinkyou’rerightthere.Itwasthementionofmurder,Isuppose.Thatsweptawayeverythingelse.”
“Itwas,perhaps,thereactionofsomeparticularpersontotheword‘murder’?”
“Perhaps…ButIdon’trememberlookingatanyoneinparticular.WewereallstaringatCora.”
“Itmayhavebeensomethingyouheard—somethingdroppedperhaps…orbroken….”
Helenfrownedinaneffortofremembrance.
“No…Idon’tthinkso….”
“Ahwell,somedayitwillcomeback.Anditmaybeofnoconsequence.Nowtellme,Madame,ofthosethere,whoknewCorabest?”
Helenconsidered.
“Lanscombe,Isuppose.Heremembersherfromachild.Thehousemaid,Janet,onlycameaftershehadmarriedandgoneaway.”
“AndnexttoLanscombe?”
Helensaidthoughtfully:“Isuppose—Idid.Maudehardlyknewheratall.”
“Then,takingyouasthepersonwhoknewherbest,whydoyouthinksheaskedthatquestionasshedid?”
Helensmiled.
“ItwasverycharacteristicofCora!”
“WhatImeanis,wasitabêtisepureandsimple?Didshejustblurtoutwhatwasinhermindwithoutthinking?Orwasshebeingmalicious—amusingherselfbyupsettingeveryone?”
Helenreflected.
“Youcan’teverbequitesureaboutaperson,canyou?IneverhaveknownwhetherCorawasjustingenuous—orwhethershecounted,childishly,onmakinganeffect.That’swhatyoumean,isn’tit?”
“Yes.Iwasthinking:SupposethisMrs.Corasaystoherself‘WhatfunitwouldbetoaskifRichardwasmurderedandseehowtheyalllook!’Thatwouldbelikeher,yes?”
Helenlookeddoubtful.
“Itmightbe.Shecertainlyhadanimpishsenseofhumourasachild.Butwhatdifferencedoesitmake?”
“Itwouldunderlinethepointthatitisunwisetomakejokesaboutmurder,”saidPoirotdrily.
Helenshivered.
“PoorCora.”
Poirotchangedthesubject.
“Mrs.TimothyAbernethiestayedthenightafterthefuneral?”
“Yes.”
“DidshetalktoyouatallaboutwhatCorahadsaid?”
“Yes,shesaiditwasoutrageousandjustlikeCora!”
“Shedidn’ttakeitseriously?”
“Ohno.No,I’msureshedidn’t.”
Thesecond“no,”Poirotthought,hadsoundedsuddenlydoubtful.Butwasnotthatalmostalwaysthecasewhenyouwentbackoversomethinginyourmind?
“Andyou,Madame,didyoutakeitseriously?”
HelenAbernethie,hereyeslookingveryblueandstrangelyyoungunderthesidewayssweepofcrispgreyhair,saidthoughtfully:
“Yes,M.Poirot,IthinkIdid.”
“Becauseofyourfeelingthatsomethingwaswrong?”
“Perhaps.”
Hewaited—butasshesaidnothingmore,hewenton:
“Therehadbeenanestrangement,lastingmanyyears,betweenMrs.Lansquenetandherfamily?”
“Yes.Noneofuslikedherhusbandandshewasoffendedaboutit,andsotheestrangementgrew.”
“Andthen,suddenly,yourbrother-in-lawwenttoseeher.Why?”
“Idon’tknow—Isupposeheknew,orguessed,thathehadn’tverylongtoliveandwantedtobereconciled—butIreallydon’tknow.”
“Hedidn’ttellyou?”
“Tellme?”
“Yes.Youwerehere,stayingwithhim,justbeforehewentthere.Hedidn’tevenmentionhisintentiontoyou?”
Hethoughtaslightreservecameintohermanner.
“HetoldmethathewasgoingtoseehisbrotherTimothy—whichhedid.HenevermentionedCoraatall.Shallwegoin?Itmustbenearlylunchtime.”
Shewalkedbesidehimcarryingtheflowersshehadpicked.Astheywentinbythesidedoor,Poirotsaid:
“Youaresure,quitesure,thatduringyourvisit,Mr.Abernethiesaidnothingtoyouaboutanymemberofthefamilywhichmightberelevant?”
Afaintresentmentinhermanner,Helensaid:
“Youarespeakinglikeapoliceman.”
“Iwasapoliceman—once.Ihavenostatus—norighttoquestionyou.Butyouwantthetruth—orsoIhavebeenledtobelieve?”
Theyenteredthegreendrawingroom.Helensaidwithasigh:
“Richardwasdisappointedintheyoungergeneration.Oldmenusuallyare.Hedisparagedtheminvariousways—buttherewasnothing—nothing,doyouunderstand—thatcouldpossiblysuggestamotiveformurder.”
“Ah,”saidPoirot.ShereachedforaChinesebowl,andbegantoarrangetherosesinit.Whentheyweredisposedtohersatisfactionshelookedroundforaplacetoputit.
“Youarrangeflowersadmirably,Madame,”saidHercule.“Ithinkthatanythingyouundertookyouwouldmanagetodowithperfection.”
“Thankyou.Iamfondofflowers.Ithinkthiswouldlookwellonthatgreenmalachitetable.”
Therewasabouquetofwaxflowersunderaglassshadeonthemalachitetable.Asshelifteditoff,Poirotsaidcasually:
“DidanyonetellMr.AbernethiethathisnieceSusan’shusbandhadcomeneartopoisoningacustomerwhenmakingupaprescription?Ah,pardon!”
Hesprangforward.
TheVictorianornamenthadslippedfromHelen’sfingers.Poirot’sspringforwardwasnotquickenough.Itdroppedonthefloorandtheglassshadebroke.Helengaveanexpressionofannoyance.
“Howcarelessofme.However,theflowersarenotdamaged.Icangetanewglassshademadeforit.I’llputitawayinthebigcupboardunderthestairs.”
ItwasnotuntilPoirothadhelpedhertoliftitontoashelfinthedarkcupboardandhadfollowedherbacktothedrawingroomthathesaid:
“Itwasmyfault.Ishouldnothavestartledyou.”
“Whatwasitthatyouaskedme?Ihaveforgotten.”
“Oh,thereisnoneedtorepeatmyquestion.Indeed—Ihaveforgottenwhatitwas.”
Helencameuptohim.Shelaidherhandonhisarm.“M.Poirot,isthereanyonewhoselifewouldreallybearcloseinvestigation?Mustpeople’slivesbedraggedintothiswhentheyhavenothingtodowith—with—”
“WiththedeathofCoraLansquenet?Yes.Becauseonehastoexamineeverything.Oh!itistrueenough—itisanoldmaxim—everyonehassomethingtohide.Itistrueofallofus—itisperhapstrueofyou,too,Madame.ButIsaytoyou,nothingcanbeignored.Thatiswhyyourfriend,Mr.Entwhistle,hehascometome.ForIamnotthepolice.IamdiscreetandwhatIlearndoesnotconcernme.ButIhavetoknow.Andsinceinthismatteritisnotsomuchevidenceaspeople—thenitispeoplewithwhomIoccupymyself.Ineed,Madame,tomeeteveryonewhowashereonthedayofthefuneral.Anditwouldbeagreatconvenience—yes,anditwouldbestrategicallysatisfactory—ifIcouldmeetthemhere.”
“I’mafraid,”saidHelenslowly,“thatthatwouldbetoodifficult—”
“Notsodifficultasyouthink.AlreadyIhavedevisedameans.Thehouse,itissold.SoMr.Entwhistlewilldeclare.(Entendu,sometimesthesethingsfallthrough!)Hewillinvitethevariousmembersofthefamilytoassemblehereandtochoosewhattheywillfromthefurnishingsbeforeitisallputuptoauction.Asuitableweekendcanbeselectedforthatpurpose.”
Hepausedandthensaid:
“Yousee,itiseasy,isitnot?”
Helenlookedathim.Theblueeyeswerecold—almostfrosty.
“Areyoulayingatrapforsomeone,M.Poirot?”
“Alas!IwishIknewenough.No,Ihavestilltheopenmind.
“Theremay,”HerculePoirotaddedthoughtfully,“becertaintests….”
“Tests?Whatkindoftests?”
“Ihavenotyetformulatedthemtomyself.Andinanycase,Madame,itwouldbebetterthatyoushouldnotknowthem.”
“SothatIcanbetestedtoo?”
“You,Madame,havebeentakenbehindthescenes.Nowthereisonethingthatisdoubtful.Theyoungpeoplewill,Ithink,comereadily.Butitmaybedifficult,mayitnot,tosecurethepresencehereofMr.TimothyAbernethie.Ihearthatheneverleaveshome.”
Helensmiledsuddenly.
“Ibelieveyoumaybeluckythere,M.Poirot.IheardfromMaudeyesterday.TheworkmenareinpaintingthehouseandTimothyissufferingterriblyfromthesmellofthepaint.Hesaysthatitisseriouslyaffectinghishealth.IthinkthatheandMaudewouldbothbepleasedtocomehere—perhapsforaweekortwo.Maudeisstillnotabletogetaboutverywell—youknowshebrokeherankle?”
“Ihadnotheard.Howunfortunate.”
“LuckilytheyhavegotCora’scompanion,MissGilchrist.Itseemsthatshehasturnedoutaperfecttreasure.”
“Whatisthat?”PoirotturnedsharplyonHelen.“DidtheyaskforMissGilchristtogotothem?Whosuggestedit?”
“IthinkSusanfixeditup.SusanBanks.”
“Aha,”saidPoirotinacuriousvoice.“SoitwasthelittleSusanwhosuggestedit.Sheisfondofmakingthearrangements.”
“Susanstruckmeasbeingaverycompetentgirl.”
“Yes.Sheiscompetent.DidyouhearthatMissGilchristhadanarrowescapefromdeathwithapieceofpoisonedweddingcake?”
“No!”Helenlookedstartled.“IdoremembernowthatMaudesaidoverthetelephonethatMissGilchristhadjustcomeoutofhospitalbutI’dnoideawhyshehadbeeninhospital.Poisoned?But,M.Poirot—why—”
“Doyoureallyaskthat?”
Helensaidwithsuddenvehemence:
“Oh!getthemallhere!Findoutthetruth!Theremustn’tbeanymoremurders.”
“Soyouwillcooperate?”
“Yes—Iwillcooperate.”
Fifteen
I
“Thatlinoleumdoeslooknice,Mrs.Jones.Whatahandyouhavewithlino.Theteapot’sonthekitchentable,sogoandhelpyourself.I’llbethereassoonasI’vetakenupMr.Abernethie’selevenses.”
MissGilchristtrottedupthestaircase,carryingadaintilysetouttray.ShetappedonTimothy’sdoor,interpretedagrowlfromwithinasaninvitationtoenter,andtrippedbrisklyin.
“Morningcoffeeandbiscuits,Mr.Abernethie.Idohopeyou’refeelingbrightertoday.Suchalovelyday.”
Timothygruntedandsaidsuspiciously:
“Isthereskimonthatmilk?”
“Ohno,Mr.Abernethie.Itookitoffverycarefully,andanywayI’vebroughtupthelittlestrainerincaseitshouldformagain.Somepeoplelikeit,youknow,theysayit’sthecream—andsoitisreally.”
“Idiots!”saidTimothy.“Whatkindofbiscuitsarethose?”
“They’rethosenicedigestivebiscuits.”
“Digestivetripe.Ginger-nutsaretheonlybiscuitswortheating.”
“I’mafraidthegrocerhadn’tgotanythisweek.Butthesearereallyverynice.Youtrythemandsee.”
“Iknowwhatthey’relike,thankyou.Leavethosecurtainsalone,can’tyou?”
“Ithoughtyoumightlikealittlesunshine.It’ssuchanicesunnyday.”
“Iwanttheroomkeptdark.Myhead’sterrible.It’sthispaint.I’vealwaysbeensensitivetopaint.It’spoisoningme.”
MissGilchristsniffedexperimentallyandsaidbrightly:
“Onereallycan’tsmellitmuchinhere.Theworkmenareoverontheotherside.”
“You’renotsensitivelikeIam.MustIhaveallthebooksI’mreadingtakenoutofmyreach?”
“I’msosorry,Mr.Abernethie,Ididn’tknowyouwerereadingallofthem.”
“Where’smywife?Ihaven’tseenherforoveranhour.”
“Mrs.Abernethieisrestingonthesofa.”
“Tellhertocomeandrestuphere.”
“I’lltellher,Mr.Abernethie.Butshemayhavedroppedofftosleep.Shallwesayinaboutaquarterofanhour?”
“No,tellherIwanthernow.Don’tmonkeyaboutwiththatrug.It’sarrangedthewayIlikeit.”
“I’msosorry.Ithoughtitwasslippingoffthefarside.”
“Ilikeitslippingoff.GoandgetMaude.Iwanther.”
MissGilchristdeparteddownstairsandtiptoedintothedrawingroomwhereMaudeAbernethiewassittingwithherlegupreadinganovel.
“I’msosorry,Mrs.Abernethie,”shesaidapologetically.“Mr.Abernethieisaskingforyou.”
Maudethrustasidehernovelwithaguiltyexpression.
“Ohdear,”shesaid.“I’llgoatonce.”
Shereachedforherstick.
Timothyburstoutassoonashiswifeenteredtheroom:
“Sothereyouareatlast!”
“I’msosorrydear,Ididn’tknowyouwantedme.”
“Thatwomanyou’vegotintothehousewilldrivememad.Twitteringandflutteringroundlikeadementedhen.Realtypicaloldmaid,that’swhatsheis.”
“I’msorrysheannoysyou.Shetriestobekind,that’sall.”
“Idon’twantanybodykind.Idon’twantablastedoldmaidalwayschirrupingoverme.She’ssodamnedarch,too—”
“Justalittle,perhaps.”
“TreatsmeasthoughtIwasaconfoundedkid!It’smaddening.”
“I’msureitmustbe.Butplease,please,Timothy,dotrynottoberudetoher.I’mreallyveryhelplessstill—andyouyourselfsayshecookswell.”
“Hercooking’sallright,”Mr.Abernethieadmittedgrudgingly.“Yes,she’sadecentenoughcook.Butkeepherinthekitchen,that’sallIask.Don’tlethercomefussingroundme.”
“No,dear,ofcoursenot.Howareyoufeeling?”
“Notatallwell.Ithinkyou’dbettersendforBartontocomeandhavealookatme.Thispaintaffectsmyheart.Feelmypulse—theirregularwayit’sbeating.”
Maudefeltitwithoutcomment.
“Timothy,shallwegotoanhoteluntilthehousepaintingisfinished?”
“Itwouldbeagreatwasteofmoney.”
“Doesthatmattersomuch—now?”
“You’rejustlikeallwomen—hopelesslyextravagant!Justbecausewe’vecomeintoaridiculouslysmallpartofmybrother’sestate,youthinkwecangoandliveindefinitelyattheRitz.”
“Ididn’tquitesaythat,dear.”
“IcantellyouthatthedifferenceRichard’smoneywillmakewillbehardlyappreciable.ThisbloodsuckingGovernmentwillseetothat.Youmarkmywords,thewholelotwillgointaxation.”
Mrs.Abernethieshookherheadsadly.
“Thiscoffee’scold,”saidtheinvalid,lookingwithdistasteatthecupwhichhehadnotasyettasted.“Whycan’tIevergetacupofreallyhotcoffee?”
“I’lltakeitdownandwarmitup.”
InthekitchenMissGilchristwasdrinkingteaandconversingaffably,thoughwithslightcondescension,withMrs.Jones.
“I’msoanxioustospareMrs.AbernethieallIcan,”shesaid.“Allthisrunningupanddownstairsissopainfulforher.”
“Waitsonhimhandandfoot,shedoes,”saidMrs.Jones,stirringthesugarinhercup.
“It’sverysadhisbeingsuchaninvalid.”
“Notsuchaninvalideither,”Mrs.Jonessaiddarkly.“Suitshimverywelltolieupandringbellsandhavetraysbroughtupanddown.Buthe’swellabletogetupandgoabout.Evenseenhimoutinthevillage,Ihave,whenshe’sbeenaway.Walkingasheartyasyouplease.Anythinghereallyneeds—likehistobaccoorastamp—hecancomeandget.Andthat’swhywhenshewasofftothatfuneralandgothelduponthewayback,andhetoldmeI’dgottocomeinandstaythenightagain,Irefused.‘I’msorry,sir,’Isaid,‘butI’vegotmyhusbandtothinkof.Goingouttoobligeinthemorningsisallverywell,butI’vegottobetheretoseetohimwhenhecomesbackfromwork.’NorIwouldn’tbudge,Iwouldn’t.Dohimgood,Ithought,togetaboutthehouseandlookafterhimselfforonce.Mightmakehimseewhatalothegetsdoneforhim.SoIstoodfirm,Idid.Hedidn’thalfcreate.”
Mrs.Jonesdrewadeepbreathandtookalongsatisfyingdrinkofsweetinkytea.“Ar,”shesaid.
ThoughdeeplysuspiciousofMissGilchrist,andconsideringherasafinickythinganda“regularfussyoldmaid,”Mrs.JonesapprovedofthelavishwayinwhichMissGilchristdispensedheremployer’steaandsugarration.
Shesetdownthecupandsaidaffably:
“I’llgivethekitchenflooranicescrubdownandthenI’llbegettingalong.Thepotatoesisallreadypeeled,dear,you’llfindthembythesink.”
Thoughslightlyaffrontedbythe“dear,”MissGilchristwasappreciativeofthegoodwillwhichhaddivestedanenormousquantityofpotatoesoftheiroutercoverings.
Beforeshecouldsayanythingthetelephonerangandshehurriedoutinthehalltoanswerit.Thetelephone,inthestyleoffiftyoddyearsago,wassituatedinconvenientlyinadraughtypassagebehindthestaircase.
MaudeAbernethieappearedatthetopofthestairswhileMissGilchristwasstillspeaking.Thelatterlookedupandsaid:
“It’sMrs.—Leo—isit?—Abernethiespeaking.”
“TellherI’mjustcoming.”
Maudedescendedthestairsslowlyandpainfully.
MissGilchristmurmured,“I’msosorryyou’vehadtocomedownagain,Mrs.Abernethie.HasMr.Abernethiefinishedhiselevenses?I’lljustnipupandgetthetray.”
ShetrottedupthestairsasMrs.Abernethiesaidintothereceiver:
“Helen?ThisisMaudehere.”
TheinvalidreceivedMissGilchristwithabalefulglare.Asshepickedupthetrayheaskedfretfully:
“Who’sthatonthetelephone?”
“Mrs.LeoAbernethie.”
“Oh?Supposethey’llgoongossipingforaboutanhour.Womenhavenosenseoftimewhentheygetonthephone.Neverthinkofthemoneythey’rewasting.”
MissGilchristsaidbrightlythatitwouldbeMrs.Leowhohadtopay,andTimothygrunted.
“Justpullthatcurtainaside,willyou?No,notthatone,theotherone.Idon’twantthelightslapinmyeyes.That’sbetter.NoreasonbecauseI’maninvalidthatIshouldhavetositinthedarkallday.”
Hewenton:
“Andyoumightlookinthatbookcaseoverthereforagreen—What’sthematternow?Whatareyourushingofffor?”
“It’sthefrontdoor,Mr.Abernethie.”
“Ididn’thearanything.You’vegotthatwomandownstairs,haven’tyou?Lethergoandanswerit.”
“Yes,Mr.Abernethie.Whatwasthebookyouwantedmetofind?”
Theinvalidclosedhiseyes.
“Ican’tremembernow.You’veputitoutofmyhead.You’dbettergo.”
MissGilchristseizedthetrayandhurriedlydeparted.Puttingthetrayonthepantrytableshehurriedintothefronthall,passingMrs.Abernethiewhowasstillatthetelephone.
Shereturnedinamomenttoaskinamutedvoice:
“I’msosorrytointerrupt.It’sanun.Collecting.TheHeartofMaryFund,Ithinkshesaid.Shehasabook.Halfacrownorfiveshillingsmostpeopleseemtohavegiven.”
MaudeAbernethiesaid:
“Justamoment,Helen,”intothetelephone,andtoMissGilchrist,“Idon’tsubscribetoRomanCatholics.WehaveourownChurchcharities.”
MissGilchristhurriedawayagain.
Maudeterminatedherconversationafterafewminuteswiththephrase,“I’lltalktoTimothyaboutit.”
Shereplacedthereceiverandcameintothefronthall.MissGilchristwasstandingquitestillbythedrawingroomdoor.ShewasfrowninginapuzzledwayandjumpedwhenMaudeAbernethiespoketoher.
“There’snothingthematter,isthere,MissGilchrist?”
“Ohno,Mrs.Abernethie,I’mafraidIwasjustwoolgathering.Sostupidofmewhenthere’ssomuchtobedone.”
MissGilchristresumedherimitationofabusyantandMaudeAbernethieclimbedthestairsslowlyandpainfullytoherhusband’sroom.
“ThatwasHelenonthetelephone.Itseemsthattheplaceisdefinitelysold—someInstitutionforForeignRefugees—”
ShepausedwhilstTimothyexpressedhimselfforciblyonthesubjectofForeignRefugees,withsideissuesastothehouseinwhichhehadbeenbornandbroughtup.“Nodecentstandardsleftinthiscountry.Myoldhome!Icanhardlybeartothinkofit.”
Maudewenton:
“Helenquiteappreciateswhatyou—we—willfeelaboutit.Shesuggeststhatwemightliketocomethereforavisitbeforeitgoes.Shewasverydistressedaboutyourhealthandthewaythepaintingisaffectingit.ShethoughtyoumightprefercomingtoEnderbytogoingtoanhotel.Theservantsaretherestill,soyoucouldbelookedaftercomfortably.”
Timothy,whosemouthhadbeenopeninoutragedprotestshalfwaythroughthis,hadcloseditagain.Hiseyeshadbecomesuddenlyshrewd.Henownoddedhisheadapprovingly.
“ThoughtfulofHelen,”hesaid.“Verythoughtful.Idon’tknow,I’msure,I’llhavetothinkitover…There’snodoubtthatthispaintispoisoningme—there’sarsenicinpaint,Ibelieve.Iseemtohaveheardsomethingofthekind.Ontheotherhandtheexertionofmovingmightbetoomuchforme.It’sdifficulttoknowwhatwouldbethebest.”
“Perhapsyou’dpreferanhotel,dear,”saidMaude.“Agoodhotelisveryexpensive,butwhereyourhealthisconcerned—”
Timothyinterrupted.
“IwishIcouldmakeyouunderstand,Maude,thatwearenotmillionaires.WhygotoanhotelwhenHelenhasverykindlysuggestedthatweshouldgotoEnderby?Notthatit’sreallyforhertosuggest!Thehouseisn’thers.Idon’tunderstandlegalsubtleties,butIpresumeitbelongstousequallyuntilit’ssoldandtheproceedsdivided.ForeignRefugees!ItwouldhavemadeoldCorneliusturninhisgrave.Yes,”hesighed,“IshouldliketoseetheoldplaceagainbeforeIdie.”
Maudeplayedherlastcardadroitly.
“IunderstandthatMr.Entwhistlehassuggestedthatthemembersofthefamilymightliketochoosecertainpiecesoffurnitureorchinaorsomething—beforethecontentsareputupforauction.”
Timothyheavedhimselfbrisklyupright.
“Wemustcertainlygo.Theremustbeaveryexactvaluationofwhatischosenbyeachperson.Thosementhegirlshavemarried—Iwouldn’ttrusteitherofthemfromwhatI’veheard.Theremightbesomesharppractice.Helenisfartooamiable.Astheheadofthefamily,itismydutytobepresent!”
Hegotupandwalkedupanddowntheroomwithabriskvigoroustread.
“Yes,itisanexcellentplan.WritetoHelenandaccept.WhatIamreallythinkingaboutisyou,mydear.Itwillbeanicerestandchangeforyou.Youhavebeendoingfartoomuchlately.ThedecoratorscangetonwiththepaintingwhileweareawayandthatGillespiewomancanstayhereandlookafterthehouse.”
“Gilchrist,”saidMaude.
Timothywavedahandandsaidthatitwasallthesame.
II
“Ican’tdoit,”saidMissGilchrist
Maudelookedatherinsurprise.
MissGilchristwastrembling.HereyeslookedpleadinglyintoMaude’s.
“It’sstupidofme,Iknow…ButIsimplycan’t.Notstayhereallaloneinthehouse.Iftherewasanyonewhocouldcomeand—andsleepheretoo?”
Shelookedhopefullyattheotherwoman,butMaudeshookherhead.MaudeAbernethieknewonlytoowellhowdifficultitwastogetanyoneintheneighbourhoodto“livein.”
MissGilchristwenton,akindofdesperationinhervoice.“Iknowyou’llthinkitnervyandfoolish—andIwouldn’thavedreamedoncethatI’deverfeellikethis.I’veneverbeenanervouswoman—orfanciful.Butnowitallseemsdifferent.I’dbeterrified—yes,literallyterrified—tobeallalonehere.”
“Ofcourse,”saidMaude.“It’sstupidofme.AfterwhathappendatLytchettSt.Mary.”
“Isupposethat’sit…It’snotlogical,Iknow.AndIdidn’tfeelitatfirst.Ididn’tmindbeingaloneinthecottageafter—afterithadhappened.Thefeeling’sgrownupgradually.You’llhavenoopinionofmeatall,Mrs.Abernethie,buteversinceI’vebeenhereI’vebeenfeelingit—frightened,youknow.Notofanythinginparticular—butjustfrightened…It’ssosillyandIreallyamashamed.It’sjustasthoughallthetimeIwasexpectingsomethingawfultohappen…Eventhatnuncomingtothedoorstartledme.Ohdear,Iaminabadway….”
“Isupposeit’swhattheycalldelayedshock,”saidMaudevaguely.
“Isit?Idon’tknow.Oh,dear,I’msosorrytoappearso—soungrateful,andafterallyourkindness.Whatyouwillthink—”
Maudesoothedher.
“Wemustthinkofsomeotherarrangement,”shesaid.
Sixteen
GeorgeCrossfieldpausedirresolutelyforamomentashewatchedaparticularfemininebackdisappearthroughadoorway.Thenhenoddedtohimselfandwentinpursuit.
Thedoorwayinquestionwasthatofadouble-frontedshop—ashopthathadgoneoutofbusiness.Theplate-glasswindowsshowedadisconcertingemptinesswithin.Thedoorwasclosed,butGeorgerappedonit.AvacuousfacedyoungmanwithspectaclesopeneditandstaredatGeorge.
“Excuseme,”saidGeorge.“ButIthinkmycousinjustcameinhere.”
TheyoungmandrewbackandGeorgewalkedin.
“Hallo,Susan,”hesaid.
Susan,whowasstandingonapackingcaseandusingafootrule,turnedherheadinsomesurprise.
“Hallo,George.Wheredidyouspringfrom?”
“Isawyourback.Iwassureitwasyours.”
“Howcleverofyou.Isupposebacksaredistinctive.”
“Muchmoresothanfaces.Addabeardandpadsinyourcheeksanddoafewthingstoyourhairandnobodywillknowyouwhenyoucomefacetofacewiththem—butbewareofthemomentwhenyouwalkaway.”
“I’llremember.CanyouremembersevenfeetfiveinchesuntilI’vegottimetowriteitdown.”
“Certainly.Whatisthis,bookshelves?”
“No,cubiclespace.Eightfeetnine—andthreeseven….”
Theyoungmanwiththespectacleswhohadbeenfidgetingfromonefoottotheother,coughedapologetically.
“Excuseme,Mrs.Banks,butifyouwanttobehereforsometime—”
“Ido,rather,”saidSusan.“Ifyouleavethekeys,I’lllockthedoorandreturnthemtotheofficewhenIgopast.Willthatbeallright?”
“Yes,thankyou.Ifitweren’tthatwe’reshortstaffedthismorning—”
Susanacceptedtheapologeticintentofthehalf-finishedsentenceandtheyoungmanremovedhimselftotheouterworldofthestreet.
“I’mgladwe’vegotridofhim,”saidSusan.“Houseagentsareabother.TheywillkeeptalkingjustwhenIwanttodosums.”
“Ah,”saidGeorge.“Murderinanemptyshop.Howexcitingitwouldbeforthepassersbytoseethedeadbodyofabeautifulyoungwomandisplayedbehindplateglass.Howtheywouldgoggle.Likegoldfish.”
“Therewouldn’tbeanyreasonforyoutomurderme,George.”
“Well,Ishouldgetafourthpartofyourshareofouresteemeduncle’sestate.Ifoneweresufficientlyfondofmoneythatshouldbeareason.”
Susanstoppedtakingmeasurementsandturnedtolookathim.Hereyesopenedalittle.
“Youlookadifferentperson,George.It’sreally—extraordinary.”
“Different?Howdifferent?”
“Likeanadvertisement.Thisisthesamemanthatyousawoverleaf,butnowhehastakenUppington’sHealthSalts.”
Shesatdownonanotherpackingcaseandlitacigarette.
“YoumusthavewantedyourshareofoldRichard’smoneyprettybadly,George?”
“Nobodycouldhonestlysaythatmoneyisn’twelcomethesedays.”
George’stonewaslight.
Susansaid:“Youwereinajam,weren’tyou?”
“Hardlyyourbusiness,isit,Susan?”
“Iwasjustinterested.”
“Areyourentingthisshopasaplaceofbusiness?”
“I’mbuyingthewholehouse.”
“Withpossession?”
“Yes.Thetwoupperfloorswereflats.One’semptyandwentwiththeshop.Theother,I’mbuyingthepeopleout.”
“Nicetohavemoney,isn’tit,Susan?”
TherewasamalicioustoneinGeorge’svoice.ButSusanmerelytookadeepbreathandsaid:
“AsfarasI’mconcerned,it’swonderful.Ananswertoprayer.”
“Doesprayerkilloffelderlyrelatives?”
Susanpaidnoattention.
“Thisplaceisexactlyright.Tobeginwith,it’saverygoodpieceofperiodarchitecture.Icanmakethelivingpartupstairssomethingquiteunique.Therearetwolovelymouldedceilingsandtheroomsareabeautifulshape.ThispartdownherewhichhasalreadybeenhackedaboutIshallhavecompletelymodern.”
“Whatisthis?Adressbusiness?”
“No.Beautyculture.Herbalpreparations.Facecreams!”
“Thefullracket?”
“Theracketasbefore.Itpays.Italwayspays.Whatyouneedtoputitoverispersonality.Icandoit.”
Georgelookedathiscousinappreciatively.Headmiredtheslantingplanesofherface,thegenerousmouth,theradiantcolouring.Altogetheranunusualandvividface.AndherecognizedinSusanthatodd,indefinablequality,thequalityofsuccess.
“Yes,”hesaid,“Ithinkyou’vegotwhatittakes,Susan.You’llgetbackyouroutlayonthisschemeandyou’llgetplaceswithit.”
“It’stherightneighbourhood,justoffamainshoppingstreetandyoucanparkacarrightinfrontofthedoor.”
AgainGeorgenodded.
“Yes,Susan,you’regoingtosucceed.Haveyouhadthisinmindforalongtime?”
“Overayear.”
“Whydidn’tyouputituptooldRichard?Hemighthavestakedyou.”
“Ididputituptohim.”
“Andhedidn’tseehisway?Iwonderwhy.Ishouldhavethoughthe’dhaverecognizedthesamemettlethathehimselfwasmadeof.”
Susandidnotanswer,andintoGeorge’smindthereleaptaswiftbird’seyeviewofanotherfigure.Athin,nervous,suspicious-eyedyoungman.
“Wheredoes—what’shisname—Greg—comeinonallthis?”heasked.“He’llgiveupdishingoutpillsandpowders,Itakeit?”
“Ofcourse.Therewillbealaboratorybuiltoutattheback.Weshallhaveourownformulasforfacecreamsandbeautypreparations.”
Georgesuppressedagrin.Hewantedtosay:“Sobabyistohavehisplaypen,”buthedidnotsayit.Asacousinhedidnotmindbeingspiteful,buthehadanuneasysensethatSusan’sfeelingforherhusbandwasathingtobetreatedwithcare.Ithadallthequalitiesofadangerousexplosive.Hewondered,ashehadwonderedonthedayofthefuneral,aboutthatqueerfish,Gregory.Somethingoddaboutthefellow.Sonondescriptinappearance—andyet,insomeway,notnondescript….
HelookedagainatSusan,calmlyandradiantlytriumphant.
“You’vegotthetrueAbernethietouch,”hesaid.“Theonlyoneofthefamilywhohas.PityasfarasoldRichardwasconcernedthatyou’reawoman.Ifyou’dbeenaboy,Ibethe’dhaveleftyouthewholecaboodle.”
Susansaidslowly:“Yes,Ithinkhewould.”
Shepausedandthenwenton:
“Hedidn’tlikeGreg,youknow….”
“Ah.”Georgeraisedhiseyebrows.“Hismistake.”
“Yes.”
“Oh,well.Anyway,thingsaregoingwellnow—allgoingaccordingtoplan.”
AshesaidthewordshewasstruckbythefactthattheyseemedparticularlyapplicabletoSusan.
Theideamadehim,justforamoment,ashadeuncomfortable.
Hedidn’treallylikeawomanwhowassocold-bloodedlyefficient.
Changingthesubjecthesaid:
“Bytheway,didyougetaletterfromHelen?AboutEnderby?”
“Yes,Idid.Thismorning.Didyou?”
“Yes.Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”
“GregandIthoughtofgoinguptheweekendafternext—ifthatsuitseveryoneelse.Helenseemedtowantusalltogether.”
Georgelaughedshrewdly.
“Orsomebodymightchooseamorevaluablepieceoffurniturethansomebodyelse?”
Susanlaughed.
“Oh,Isupposethereisapropervaluation.Butavaluationforprobatewillbemuchlowerthanthethingswouldbeintheopenmarket.Andbesides,I’dquiteliketohaveafewrelicsofthefounderofthefamilyfortunes.ThenIthinkitwouldbeamusingtohaveoneortworeallyabsurdandcharmingspecimensoftheVictorianageinthisplace.Makeakindofthingofthem!Thatperiod’scominginnow.Therewasagreenmalachitetableinthedrawingroom.Youcouldbuildquiteacolourschemearoundit.Andperhapsacaseofstuffedhummingbirds—oroneofthosecrownsmadeofwaxedflowers.Somethinglikethat—justasakeynote—canbeveryeffective.”
“Itrustyourjudgement.”
“You’llbethere,Isuppose?”
“Oh,Ishallbethere—toseefairplayifnothingelse.”
Susanlaughed.
“Whatdoyoubettherewillbeagrandfamilyrow?”sheasked.
“Rosamundwillprobablywantyourgreenmalachitetableforastageset!”
Susandidnotlaugh.Insteadshefrowned.
“HaveyouseenRosamundlately?”
“IhavenotseenbeautifulCousinRosamundsinceweallcamebackthird-classfromthefuneral.”
“I’veseenheronceortwice…She—sheseemedratherodd—”
“Whatwasthematterwithher?Tryingtothink?”
“No.Sheseemed—well—upset.”
“UpsetaboutcomingintoalotofmoneyandbeingabletoputonsomeperfectlyfrightfulplayinwhichMichaelcanmakeanassofhimself?”
“Oh,that’sgoingaheadanditdoessoundfrightful—butallthesame,itmaybeasuccess.Michael’sgood,youknow.Hecanputhimselfacrossthefootlights—orwhateverthetermis.He’snotlikeRosamund,who’sjustbeautifulandham.”
“PoorbeautifulhamRosamund.”
“AllthesameRosamundisnotquitesodumbasonemightthink.Shesaysthingsthatarequiteshrewd,sometimes.Thingsthatyouwouldn’thaveimaginedshe’devennoticed.It’s—it’squitedisconcerting.”
“QuitelikeourAuntCora—”
“Yes….”
Amomentaryuneasinessdescendedonthemboth—conjuredupitseemed,bythementionofCoraLansquenet.
ThenGeorgesaidwitharatherelaborateairofunconcern:
“TalkingofCora—whataboutthatcompanionwomanofhers?Iratherthinksomethingoughttobedoneabouther.”
“Doneabouther?Whatdoyoumean?”
“Well,it’suptothefamily,sotospeak.ImeanI’vebeenthinkingCorawasourAunt—anditoccurredtomethatthiswomanmayn’tfinditeasytogetanotherpost.”
“Thatoccurredtoyou,didit?”
“Yes.Peoplearesocarefuloftheirskins.Idon’tsaythey’dactuallythinkthatthisGilchristfemalewouldtakeahatchettothem—butatthebackoftheirmindsthey’dfeelthatitmightbeunlucky.Peoplearesuperstitious.”
“Howoddthatyoushouldhavethoughtofallthat,George?Howwouldyouknowaboutthingslikethat?”
Georgesaiddrily:
“YouforgetthatI’malawyer.Iseealotofthequeerillogicalsideofpeople.WhatI’mgettingatis,thatIthinkwemightdosomethingaboutthewoman,giveherasmallallowanceorsomething,totideherover,orfindsomeofficepostforherifshe’scapableofthatsortofthing.Ifeelratherasthoughweoughttokeepintouchwithher.”
“Youneedn’tworry,”saidSusan.Hervoicewasdryandironic.“I’veseentothings.She’sgonetoTimothyandMaude.”
Georgelookedstartled.
“Isay,Susan—isthatwise?”
“ItwasthebestthingIcouldthinkof—atthemoment.”
Georgelookedathercuriously.
“You’reverysureofyourself,aren’tyou,Susan?Youknowwhatyou’redoingandyoudon’thave—regrets.”
Susansaidlightly:
“It’sawasteoftime—havingregrets.”
Seventeen
MichaeltossedtheletteracrossthetabletoRosamund.
“Whataboutit?”
“Oh,we’llgo.Don’tyouthinkso?”
Michaelsaidslowly:
“Itmightbeaswell.”
“Theremightbesomejewellery…Ofcourseallthethingsinthehousearequitehideous—stuffedbirdsandwaxflowers—ugh!”
“Yes.Bitofamausoleum.AsamatteroffactI’dliketomakeasketchortwo—particularlyinthatdrawingroom.Themantelpiece,forinstance,andthatveryoddshapedcouch.They’dbejustrightforTheBaronet’sProgress—ifwereviveit.”
Hegotupandlookedathiswatch.
“Thatremindsme.ImustgoroundandseeRosenheim.Don’texpectmeuntilratherlatethisevening.I’mdiningwithOscarandwe’regoingintothequestionoftakingupthatoptionandhowitfitsinwiththeAmericanoffer.”
“DarlingOscar.He’llbepleasedtoseeyouafterallthistime.Givehimmylove.”
Michaellookedathersharply.Henolongersmiledandhisfacehadanalertpredatorylook.
“Whatdoyoumean—afterallthistime?AnyonewouldthinkIhadn’tseenhimformonths.”
“Well,youhaven’t,haveyou?”murmuredRosamund.
“Yes,Ihave.Welunchedtogetheronlyaweekago.”
“Howfunny.Hemusthaveforgottenaboutit.Herangupyesterdayandsaidhehadn’tseenyousincethefirstnightofTillyLooksWest.”
“Theoldfoolmustbeoffhishead.”
Michaellaughed.Rosamund,hereyeswideandblue,lookedathimwithoutemotion.
“YouthinkI’mafool,don’tyou,Mick?”
Michaelprotested.
“Darling,ofcourseIdon’t.”
“Yes,youdo.ButI’mnotanabsolutenitwit.Youdidn’tgonearOscarthatday.Iknowwhereyoudidgo.”
“Rosamunddarling—whatdoyoumean?”
“ImeanIknowwhereyoureallywere….”
Michael,hisattractivefaceuncertain,staredathiswife.Shestaredbackathim,placid,unruffled.
Howverydisconcerting,hesuddenlythought,areallyemptystarecouldbe.
Hesaidratherunsuccessfully:
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’redrivingat….”
“Ijustmeantit’srathersillytellingmealotoflies.”
“Lookhere,Rosamund—”
Hehadstartedtobluster—buthestopped,takenabackashiswifesaidsoftly:
“Wedowanttotakeupthisoptionandputthisplayon,don’twe?”
“Wantto?It’sthepartI’vealwaysdreamedmustexistsomewhere.”
“Yes—that’swhatImean.”
“Justwhatdoyoumean?”
“Well—it’sworthagooddeal,isn’tit?Butonemustn’ttaketoomanyrisks.”
Hestaredatherandsaidslowly:
“It’syourmoney—Iknowthat.Ifyoudon’twanttoriskit—”
“It’sourmoney,darling.”Rosamundstressedit.“Ithinkthat’sratherimportant.”
“Listen,darling.ThepartofEileen—itwouldbearwritingup.”
Rosamundsmiled.
“Idon’tthink—really—Iwanttoplayit.”
“Mydeargirl.”Michaelwasaghast.“What’scomeoveryou?”
“Nothing.”
“Yes,thereis,you’vebeendifferentlately—moody—nervous,whatisit?”
“Nothing.Ionlywantyoutobe—careful,Mick.”
“Carefulaboutwhat?I’malwayscareful.”
“No,Idon’tthinkyouare.Youalwaysthinkyoucangetawaywiththingsandthateveryonewillbelievewhateveryouwantthemto.YouwerestupidaboutOscarthatday.”
Michaelflushedangrily.
“Andwhataboutyou?YousaidyouweregoingshoppingwithJane.Youdidn’t.Jane’sinAmerica,hasbeenforweeks.”
“Yes,”saidRosamund.“Thatwasstupid,too.Ireallyjustwentforawalk—inRegent’sPark.”
Michaellookedathercuriously.
“Regent’sPark?YouneverwentforawalkinRegent’sParkinyourlife.What’sitallabout?Haveyougotaboyfriend?Youmaysaywhatyoulike,Rosamund,youhavebeendifferentlately.Why?”
“I’vebeen—thinkingaboutthings.Aboutwhattodo….”
Michaelcameroundthetabletoherinasatisfyingspontaneousrush.Hisvoiceheldfervourashecried:
“Darling—youknowIloveyoumadly!”
Sherespondedsatisfactorilytotheembrace,butastheydrewaparthewasstruckagaindisagreeablybytheoddcalculationinthosebeautifuleyes.
“WhateverI’ddone,you’dalwaysforgiveme,wouldn’tyou?”hedemanded.
“Isupposeso,”saidRosamundvaguely.“That’snotthepoint.Yousee,it’salldifferentnow.We’vegottothinkandplan.”
“Thinkandplan—what?”
Rosamund,frowning,said:
“Thingsaren’toverwhenyou’vedonethem.It’sreallyasortofbeginningandthenone’sgottoarrangewhattodonext,andwhat’simportantandwhatisnot.”
“Rosamund….”
Shesat,herfaceperplexed,herwidegazeonamiddledistanceinwhichMichael,apparently,didnotfeature.
Atthethirdrepetitionofhername,shestartedslightlyandcameoutofherreverie.
“Whatdidyousay?”
“Iaskedyouwhatyouwerethinkingabout….”
“Oh?Ohyes,IwaswonderingifI’dgodownto—whatisit?—LytchettSt.Mary,andseethatMissSomebody—theonewhowaswithAuntCora.”
“Butwhy?”
“Well,she’llbegoingawaysoon,won’tshe?Torelativesorsomeone.Idon’tthinkweoughttolethergoawayuntilwe’veaskedher.”
“Askedherwhat?”
“AskedherwhokilledAuntCora.”
Michaelstared.
“Youmean—youthinksheknows?”
Rosamundsaidratherabsently:
“Ohyes,Iexpectso…Shelivedthere,yousee.”
“Butshe’dhavetoldthepolice.”
“Oh,Idon’tmeansheknowsthatway—Ijustmeanthatshe’sprobablyquitesure.BecauseofwhatUncleRichardsaidwhenhewentdownthere.Hedidgodownthere,youknow,Susantoldmeso.”
“Butshewouldn’thaveheardwhathesaid.”
“Ohyes,shewould,darling.”Rosamundsoundedlikesomeonearguingwithanunreasonablechild.
“Nonsense,IcanhardlyseeoldRichardAbernethiediscussinghissuspicionsofhisfamilybeforeanoutsider.”
“Well,ofcourse.She’dhavehearditthroughthedoor.”
“Eavesdropping,youmean?”
“Iexpectso—infactI’msure.Itmustbedeadlydullshutup,twowomeninacottageandnothingeverhappeningexceptwashingupandthesinkandputtingthecatoutandthingslikethat.Ofcourseshelistenedandreadletters—anyonewould.”
Michaellookedatherwithsomethingfaintlyapproachingdismay.
“Wouldyou?”hedemandedbluntly.
“Iwouldn’tgoandbeacompanioninthecountry.”Rosamundshuddered.“I’dratherdie.”
“Imean—wouldyoureadlettersand—andallthat?”
Rosamundsaidcalmly:
“IfIwantedtoknow,yes.Everybodydoes,don’tyouthinkso?”
Thelimpidgazemethis.
“Onejustwantstoknow,”saidRosamund.“Onedoesn’twanttodoanythingaboutit.Iexpectthat’showshefeels—MissGilchrist,Imean.ButI’mcertainsheknows.”
Michaelsaidinastifledvoice:
“Rosamund,whodoyouthinkkilledCora?AndoldRichard?”
Onceagainthatlimpidbluegazemethis.
“Darling—don’tbeabsurd…YouknowaswellasIdo.Butit’smuch,muchbetternevertomentionit.Sowewon’t.”
Eighteen
Fromhisseatbythefireplaceinthelibrary,HerculePoirotlookedattheassembledcompany.
HiseyespassedthoughtfullyoverSusan,sittingupright,lookingvividandanimated,overherhusband,sittingnearher,hisexpressionrathervacantandhisfingerstwistingaloopofstring;theywentontoGeorgeCrossfield,debonairanddistinctlypleasedwithhimself,talkingaboutcardsharpersonAtlanticcruisestoRosamund,whosaidmechanically,“Howextraordinary,darling.Butwhy?”inacompletelyuninterestedvoice;wentontoMichaelwithhisveryindividualtypeofhaggardgoodlooksandhisveryapparentcharm;toHelen,poisedandslightlyremote;toTimothy,comfortablysettledinthebestarmchairwithanextracushionathisback;andMaude,sturdyandthickset,indevotedattendance,andfinallytothefiguresittingwithatingeofapologyjustbeyondtherangeofthefamilycircle—thefigureofMissGilchristwearingaratherpeculiar“dressy”blouse.Presently,hejudged,shewouldgetup,murmurherexcuseandleavethefamilygatheringandgouptoherroom.MissGilchrist,hethought,knewherplace.Shehadlearneditthehardway.
HerculePoirotsippedhisafter-dinnercoffeeandbetweenhalf-closedlidsmadehisappraisal.
Hehadwantedthemthere—alltogether,andhehadgotthem.Andwhat,hethoughttohimself,washegoingtodowiththemnow?Hefeltasuddenwearydistasteforgoingonwiththebusiness.Whywasthat,hewondered?WasittheinfluenceofHelenAbernethie?Therewasaqualityofpassiveresistanceaboutherthatseemedunexpectedlystrong.Hadshe,whileapparentlygracefulandunconcerned,managedtoimpressherownreluctanceuponhim?ShewasaversetothisrakingupofthedetailsofoldRichard’sdeath,heknewthat.Shewanteditleftalone,lefttodieoutintooblivion.Poirotwasnotsurprisedbythat.Whatdidsurprisehimwashisowndispositiontoagreewithher.
Mr.Entwhistle’saccountofthefamilyhad,herealized,beenadmirable.Hehaddescribedallthesepeopleshrewdlyandwell.Withtheoldlawyer’sknowledgeandappraisaltoguidehim,Poirothadwantedtoseeforhimself.Hehadfanciedthat,meetingthesepeopleintimately,hewouldhaveaveryshrewdidea—notofhowandwhen—(thosewerequestionswithwhichhedidnotproposetoconcernhimself.Murderhadbeenpossible—thatwasallheneededtoknow!)—butofwho.ForHerculePoirothadalifetimeofexperiencebehindhim,andasamanwhodealswithpicturescanrecognizetheartist,soPoirotbelievedhecouldrecognizealikelytypeoftheamateurcriminalwhowill—ifhisownparticularneedarises—bepreparedtokill.
Butitwasnottobesoeasy.
Becausehecouldvisualizealmostallofthesepeopleasapossible—thoughnotaprobable—murderer.Georgemightkill—asthecorneredratkills.Susancalmly—efficiently—tofurtheraplan.Gregorybecausehehadthatqueermorbidstreakwhichdiscountsandinvites,almostcraves,punishment.Michaelbecausehewasambitiousandhadamurderer’scocksurevanity.Rosamundbecauseshewasfrighteninglysimpleinoutlook.Timothybecausehehadhatedandresentedhisbrotherandhadcravedthepowerhisbrother’smoneywouldgive.MaudebecauseTimothywasherchildandwhereherchildwasconcernedshewouldberuthless.EvenMissGilchrist,hethought,mighthavecontemplatedmurderifitcouldhaverestoredtohertheWillowTreeinitsladylikeglory!AndHelen?HecouldnotseeHelenascommittingmurder.Shewastoocivilized—tooremovedfromviolence.AndsheandherhusbandhadsurelylovedRichardAbernethie.
Poirotsighedtohimself.Thereweretobenoshortcutstothetruth.Insteadhewouldhavetoadoptalonger,butareasonablysuremethod.Therewouldhavetobeconversation.Muchconversation.Forinthelongrun,eitherthroughalie,orthroughtruth,peoplewereboundtogivethemselvesaway….
HehadbeenintroducedbyHelentothegathering,andhadsettoworktoovercomethealmostuniversalannoyancecausedbyhispresence—aforeignstranger!—inthisfamilygathering.Hehadusedhiseyesandhisears.Hehadwatchedandlistened—openlyandbehinddoors!Hehadnoticedaffinities,antagonism,theunguardedwordsthataroseasalwayswhenpropertywastobedivided.Hehadengineeredadroitlytête-à-têtes,walksupontheterrace,andhadmadehisdeductionsandobservations.HehadtalkedwithMissGilchristaboutthevanishedgloriesofherteashopandaboutthecorrectcompositionofbriochesandchocolateéclairsandhadvisitedthekitchengardenwithhertodiscusstheproperuseofherbsincooking.HehadspentsomelonghalfhourslisteningtoTimothytalkingabouthisownhealthandabouttheeffectuponitofpaint.
Paint?Poirotfrowned.Somebodyelsehadsaidsomethingaboutpaint—Mr.Entwhistle?
Therehadalsobeendiscussionofadifferentkindofpainting.PierreLansquenetasapainter.CoraLansquenet’spaintings,rapturizedoverbyMissGilchrist,dismissedscornfullybySusan.“Justlikepicturepostcards,”shehadsaid.“Shedidthemfrompostcards,too.”
MissGilchristhadbeenquiteupsetbythatandhadsaidsharplythatdearMrs.LansquenetalwayspaintedfromNature
“ButIbetshecheated,”saidSusantoPoirotwhenMissGilchristhadgoneoutoftheroom.“InfactIknowshedid,thoughIwon’tupsettheoldpussybysayingso.”
“Andhowdoyouknow?”
PoirotwatchedthestrongconfidentlineofSusan’schin.
“Shewillalwaysbesure,thisone,”hethought.“Andperhapssometimes,shewillbetoosure….”
Susanwasgoingon.
“I’lltellyou,butdon’tpassitontotheGilchrist.OnepictureisofPolflexan,thecoveandlighthouseandthepier—theusualaspectthatallamateurartistssitdownandsketch.Butthepierwasblownupinthewar,andsinceAuntCora’ssketchwasdoneacoupleofyearsago,itcan’tverywellbefromNature,canit?Butthepostcardstheyselltherestillshowthepierasitusedtobe.Therewasoneinherbedroomdrawer.SoAuntCorastartedher‘roughsketch’downthere,Iexpect,andthenfinisheditsurreptitiouslylaterathomefromapostcard!It’sfunny,isn’tit,thewaypeoplegetcaughtout?”
“Yes,itis,asyousay,funny.”Hepaused,andthenthoughtthattheopeningwasagoodone.
“Youdonotrememberme,Madame,”hesaid,“butIrememberyou.ThisisnotthefirsttimethatIhaveseenyou.”
Shestaredathim.Poirotnoddedwithgreatgusto.
“Yes,yes,itisso.Iwasinsideanautomobile,wellwrappedupandfromthewindowIsawyou.Youweretalkingtooneofthemechanicsinthegarage.Youdonotnoticeme—itisnatural—Iaminsidethecar—anelderlymuffled-upforeigner!ButInoticedyou,foryouareyoungandagreeabletolookatandyoustandthereinthesun.SowhenIarrivehere,Isaytomyself,‘Tiens!Whatacoincidence!’”
“Agarage?Where?Whenwasthis?”
“Oh,alittletimeago—aweek—no,more.Forthemoment,”saidPoirotdisingenuouslyandwithafullrecollectionoftheKing’sArmsgarageinhismind,“Icannotrememberwhere.Itravelsomuchalloverthiscountry.”
“Lookingforasuitablehousetobuyforyourrefugees?”
“Yes.Thereissomuchtotakeintoconsideration,yousee.Price—neighbourhood—suitabilityforconversion.”
“Isupposeyou’llhavetopullthehouseaboutalot?Lotsofhorriblepartitions.”
“Inthebedrooms,yes,certainly.Butmostofthegroundfloorroomsweshallnottouch.”Hepausedbeforegoingon.“Doesitsaddenyou,Madame,thatthisoldfamilymansionofyoursshouldgothisway—tostrangers?”
“Ofcoursenot.”Susanlookedamused.“Ithinkit’sanexcellentidea.It’sanimpossibleplaceforanybodytothinkoflivinginasitis.AndI’venothingtobesentimentalabout.It’snotmyoldhome.MymotherandfatherlivedinLondon.WejustcamehereforChristmassometimes.ActuallyI’vealwaysthoughtitquitehideous—analmostindecenttempletowealth.”
“Thealtarsaredifferentnow.Thereisthebuildingin,andtheconcealedlightingandtheexpensivesimplicity.Butwealthstillhasitstemples,Madame.Iunderstand—Iamnot,Ihope,indiscreet—thatyouyourselfareplanningsuchanedifice?Everythingdeluxe—andnoexpensespared.”
Susanlaughed.
“Hardlyatemple—it’sjustaplaceofbusiness.”
“Perhapsthenamedoesnotmatter…Butitwillcostmuchmoney—thatistrue,isitnot?”
“Everything’swickedlyexpensivenowadays.Buttheinitialoutlaywillbeworthwhile,Ithink.”
“Tellmesomethingabouttheseplansofyours.Itamazesmetofindabeautifulyoungwomansopractical,socompetent.Inmyyoungdays—alongtimeago,Iadmit—beautifulwomenthoughtonlyoftheirpleasures,ofcosmetics—oflatoilette.”
“Womenstillthinkagreatdealabouttheirfaces—that’swhereIcomein.”
“Tellme.”
Andshehadtoldhim.Toldhimwithawealthofdetailandwithagreatdealofunconsciousself-revelation.Heappreciatedherbusinessacumen,herboldnessofplanningandhergraspofdetail.Agoodboldplanner,sweepingallsideissuesaway.Perhapsalittleruthlessasallthosewhoplanboldlymustbe.
Watchingher,hehadsaid:
“Yes,youwillsucceed.Youwillgoahead.Howfortunatethatyouarenotrestricted,assomanyare,bypoverty.Onecannotgofarwithoutthecapitaloutlay.Tohavehadthesecreativeideasandtohavebeenfrustratedbylackofmeans—thatwouldhavebeenunbearable.”
“Icouldn’thaveborneit!ButI’dhaveraisedmoneysomehoworother—gotsomeonetobackme.”
“Ah!ofcourse.Youruncle,whosehousethiswas,wasrich.Evenifhehadnotdied,hewould,asyouexpressit,have‘staked’you.”
“Ohno,hewouldn’t.UncleRichardwasabitofastick-in-the-mudwherewomenwereconcerned.IfI’dbeenaman—”Aquickflashofangersweptacrossherface.“Hemademeveryangry.”
“Isee—yes,Isee….”
“Theoldshouldn’tstandinthewayoftheyoung.I—oh,Ibegyourpardon.”
HerculePoirotlaughedeasilyandtwirledhismoustache.
“Iamold,yes.ButIdonotimpedeyouth.Thereisnoonewhoneedstowaitformydeath.”
“Whatahorrididea.”
“Butyouarearealist,Madame.Letusadmitwithoutmoreadothattheworldisfulloftheyoung—oreventhemiddle-aged—whowait,patientlyorimpatiently,forthedeathofsomeonewhosedeceasewillgivethemifnotaffluence—thenopportunity.”
“Opportunity!”Susansaid,takingadeepbreath.“That’swhatoneneeds.”
Poirotwhohadbeenlookingbeyondher,saidgaily:
“Andhereisyourhusbandcometojoinourlittlediscussion…Wetalk,Mr.Banks,ofopportunity.Opportunitythegolden—opportunitywhomustbegraspedwithbothhands.Howfarinconsciencecanonego?Letushearyourviews?”
ButhewasnotdestinedtoheartheviewsofGregoryBanksonopportunityoronanythingelse.InfacthehadfounditnexttoimpossibletotalktoGregoryBanksatall.Bankshadacuriousfluidquality.Whetherbyhisownwish,orbythatofhiswife,heseemedtohavenolikingfortête-à-têtesorquietdiscussions.No,“conversation”withGregoryhadfailed.
PoirothadtalkedwithMaudeAbernethie—alsoaboutpaint(thesmellof)andhowfortunateithadbeenthatTimothyhadbeenabletocometoEnderby,andhowkindithadbeenofHelentoextendaninvitationtoMissGilchristalso.
“Forreallysheismostuseful.Timothysooftenfeelslikeasnack—andonecannotasktoomuchofotherpeople’sservantsbutthereisagasringinalittleroomoffthepantry,sothatMissGilchristcanwarmupOvaltineorBenger’stherewithoutdisturbinganybody.Andshe’ssowillingaboutfetchingthings,she’squitewillingtorunupanddownstairsadozentimesaday.Ohyes,IfeelthatitwasreallyquiteProvidentialthatsheshouldhavelosthernerveaboutstayingaloneinthehouseasshedid,thoughIadmititvexedmeatthetime.”
“Losthernerve?”Poirotwasinterested.
HelistenedwhilstMaudegavehimanaccountofMissGilchrist’ssuddencollapse.
“Shewasfrightened,yousay?Andyetcouldnotexactlysaywhy?Thatisinteresting.Veryinteresting.”
“Iputitdownmyselftodelayedshock.”
“Perhaps.”
“Onceduringthewar,whenabombdroppedaboutamilefromus,IrememberTimothy—”
PoirotabstractedhismindfromTimothy
“Hadanythingparticularhappenedthatday?”heasked.
“Onwhatday?”Maudelookedblank.
“ThedaythatMissGilchristwasupset.”
“Oh,that—no,Idon’tthinkso.ItseemstohavebeencomingoneversincesheleftLytchettSt.Mary,orsoshesaid.Shedidn’tseemtomindwhenshewasthere.”
Andtheresult,Poirotthought,hadbeenapieceofpoisonedweddingcake.NotsoverysurprisingthatMissGilchristwasfrightenedafterthat…AndevenwhenshehadremovedherselftothepeacefulcountryroundStansfieldGrange,thefearhadlingered.Morethanlingered.Grown.Whygrown?SurelyattendingonanexactinghypochondriaclikeTimothymustbesoexhaustingthatnervousfearswouldbelikelytobeswallowedupinexasperation?
ButsomethinginthathousehadmadeMissGilchristafraid.What?Didsheknowherself?
FindinghimselfalonewithMissGilchristforabriefspacebeforedinner,Poirothadsailedintothesubjectwithanexaggeratedforeigncuriosity.
“Impossible,youcomprehend,formetomentionthematterofmurdertomembersofthefamily.ButIamintrigued.Whowouldnotbe?Abrutalcrime—asensitiveartistattackedinalonelycottage.Terribleforherfamily.Butterrible,also,Iimagine,foryou.SinceMrs.TimothyAbernethiegivesmetounderstandthatyouwerethereatthetime?”
“Yes,Iwas.Andifyou’llexcuseme,M.Pontarlier,Idon’twanttotalkaboutit.”
“Iunderstand—ohyes,Icompletelyunderstand.”
Havingsaidthis,Poirotwaited.And,ashehadthought,MissGilchristimmediatelydidbegintotalkaboutit.
Heheardnothingfromherthathehadnotheardbefore,butheplayedhispartwithperfectsympathy,utteringlittlecriesofcomprehensionandlisteningwithanabsorbedinterestwhichMissGilchristcouldnothelpbutenjoy.
Notuntilshehadexhaustedthesubjectofwhatsheherselfhadfelt,andwhatthedoctorhadsaid,andhowkindMr.Entwhistlehadbeen,didPoirotproceedcautiouslytothenextpoint.
“Youwerewise,Ithink,nottoremainalonedowninthatcottage.”
“Icouldn’thavedoneit,M.Pontarlier.Ireallycouldn’thavedoneit.”
“No.IunderstandeventhatyouwereafraidtoremainaloneinthehouseofMr.TimothyAbernethiewhilsttheycamehere?”
MissGilchristlookedguilty.
“I’mterriblyashamedaboutthat.Sofoolishreally.ItwasjustakindofpanicIhad—reallydon’tknowwhy.”
“Butofcourseoneknowswhy.Youhadjustrecoveredfromadastardlyattempttopoisonyou—”
MissGilchristheresighedandsaidshesimplycouldn’tunderstandit.Whyshouldanyonetrytopoisonher?
“Butobviously,mydearlady,becausethiscriminal,thisassassin,thoughtthatyouknewsomethingthatmightleadtohisapprehensionbythepolice.”
“ButwhatcouldIknow?Somedreadfultramp,orsemi-crazedcreature.”
“Ifitwasatramp.Itseemstomeunlikely—”
“Oh,please,M.Pontarlier—”MissGilchristbecamesuddenlyveryupset.“Don’tsuggestsuchthings.Idon’twanttobelieveit.”
“Youdonotwanttobelievewhat?”
“Idon’twanttobelievethatitwasn’t—Imean—thatitwas—”
Shepaused,confused.
“Andyet,”saidPoirotshrewdly,“youdobelieve.”
“Oh,Idon’t.Idon’t!”
“ButIthinkyoudo.Thatiswhyyouarefrightened…Youarestillfrightened,areyounot?”
“Oh,no,notsinceIcamehere.Somanypeople.Andsuchanicefamilyatmosphere.Oh,no,everythingseemsquiteallrighthere.”
“Itseemstome—youmustexcusemyinterest—Iamanoldman,somewhatinfirmandagreatpartofmytimeisgiventoidlespeculationonmatterswhichinterestme—itseemstomethattheremusthavebeensomedefiniteoccurrenceatStansfieldGrangewhich,sotospeak,broughtyourfearstoahead.Doctorsrecognizenowadayshowmuchtakesplaceinoursubconscious.”
“Yes,yes—Iknowtheysayso.”
“AndIthinkyoursubconsciousfearsmighthavebeenbroughttoapointbysomesmallconcretehappening,something,perhaps,quiteextraneous,serving,shallwesay,asafocalpoint.”
MissGilchristseemedtolapthisupeagerly.
“I’msureyouareright,”shesaid.
“Nowwhat,shouldyouthink,wasthis—er—extraneouscircumstance?”
MissGilchristponderedamoment,andthensaid,unexpectedly:
“Ithink,youknow,M.Pontarlier,itwasthenun.”
BeforePoirotcouldtakethisup,Susanandherhusbandcamein,closelyfollowedbyHelen.
“Anun,”thoughtPoirot…“Nowwhere,inallthis,haveIheardsomethingaboutanun?”
Heresolvedtoleadtheconversationontonunssometimeinthecourseoftheevening.
Nineteen
ThefamilyhadallbeenpolitetoM.Pontarlier,therepresentativeofU.N.A.R.C.O.Andhowrighthehadbeentohavechosentodesignatehimselfbyinitials.EveryonehadacceptedU.N.A.R.C.O.asamatterofcourse—hadevenpretendedtoknowallaboutit!Howaversehumanbeingswereevertoadmitignorance!AnexceptionhadbeenRosamund,whohadaskedhimwonderingly:“Butwhatisit?Ineverheardofit?”Fortunatelynooneelsehadbeenthereatthetime.PoirothadexplainedtheorganizationinsuchawaythatanyonebutRosamundwouldhavefeltabashedathavingdisplayedignoranceofsuchawell-knownworldwideinstitution.Rosamund,however,hadonlysaidvaguely,“Oh!refugeesalloveragain.I’msotiredofrefugees.”Thusvoicingtheunspokenreactionofmany,whowereusuallytooconventionaltoexpressthemselvessofrankly.
M.Pontarlierwas,therefore,nowaccepted—asanuisancebutalsoasanonentity.Hehadbecome,asitwere,apieceofforeigndécor.ThegeneralopinionwasthatHelenshouldhaveavoidedhavinghimherethisparticularweekend,butashewasheretheymustmakethebestofit.FortunatelythisqueerlittleforeignerdidnotseemtoknowmuchEnglish.Quiteoftenhedidnotunderstandwhatyousaidtohim,andwheneveryonewasspeakingmoreorlessatonceheseemedcompletelyatsea.Heappearedtobeinterestedonlyinrefugeesandpostwarconditions,andhisvocabularyonlyincludedthosesubjects.Ordinarychit-chatappearedtobewilderhim.Moreorlessforgottenbyall,HerculePoirotleantbackinhischair,sippedhiscoffeeandobserved,asacatmayobservethetwitteringsandcomingsandgoingsofaflockofbirds.Thecatisnotreadyyettomakeitsspring.
Aftertwenty-fourhoursofprowlingroundthehouseandexaminingitscontents,theheirsofRichardAbernethiewerereadytostatetheirpreferences,and,ifneedbe,tofightforthem.
Thesubjectofconversationwas,first,acertainSpodedinnerdessertserviceoffwhichtheyhadjustbeeneatingdessert.
“Idon’tsupposeIhavelongtolive,”saidTimothyinafaintmelancholyvoice.“AndMaudeandIhavenochildren.Itishardlyworthwhileourburdeningourselveswithuselesspossessions.Butforsentiment’ssakeIshouldliketohavetheolddessertservice.Irememberitinthedearolddays.It’soutoffashion,ofcourse,andIunderstanddessertserviceshaveverylittlevaluenowadays—butthereitis.Ishallbequitecontentwiththat—andperhapstheBouleCabinetintheWhiteBoudoir.”
“You’retoolate,Uncle,”Georgespokewithdebonairinsouciance.“IaskedHelentomarkofftheSpodeservicetomethismorning.”
Timothybecamepurpleintheface.
“Markitoff—markitoff?Whatdoyoumean?Nothing’sbeensettledyet.Andwhatdoyouwantwithadessertservice?You’renotmarried.”
“AsamatteroffactIcollectSpode.Andthisisreallyasplendidspecimen.Butit’squiteallrightabouttheBouleCabinet,Uncle.Iwouldn’thavethatasagift.”
TimothywavedasidetheBouleCabinet.
“Nowlookhere,youngGeorge.Youcan’tgobuttingin,inthisway.I’manoldermanthanyouare—andI’mRichard’sonlysurvivingbrother.Thatdessertserviceismine.”
“WhynottaketheDresdenservice,Uncle?AveryfineexampleandI’msurejustasfullofsentimentalmemories.Anyway,theSpode’smine.Firstcome,firstserved.”
“Nonsense—nothingofthekind!”Timothyspluttered.
Maudesaidsharply:
“Pleasedon’tupsetyouruncle,George.It’sverybadforhim.NaturallyhewilltaketheSpodeifhewantsto!Thefirstchoiceishis,andyouyoungpeoplemustcomeafterwards.HewasRichard’sbrother,ashesays,andyouareonlyanephew.”
“AndIcantellyouthis,youngman.”Timothywasseethingwithfury.“IfRichardhadmadeaproperwill,thedisposalofthecontentsofthisplacewouldhavebeenentirelyinmyhands.That’sthewaythepropertyshouldhavebeenleft,andifitwasn’t,Icanonlysuspectundueinfluence.Yes—andIrepeatit—undueinfluence.”
Timothyglaredathisnephew.
“Apreposterouswill,”hesaid.“Preposterous!”
Heleantback,placedahandtohisheart,andgroaned:
“Thisisverybadforme.IfIcouldhave—alittlebrandy.”
MissGilchristhurriedtogetitandreturnedwiththerestorativeinasmallglass.
“Hereyouare,Mr.Abernethie.Please—pleasedon’texciteyouself.Areyousureyououghtn’ttogouptobed?”
“Don’tbeafool.”Timothyswallowedthebrandy.“Gotobed?Iintendtoprotectmyinterests.”
“Really,George,I’msurprisedatyou,”saidMaude.“Whatyourunclesaysisperfectlytrue.Hiswishescomefirst.IfhewantstheSpodedessertserviceheshallhaveit!”
“It’squitehideousanyway,”saidSusan.
“Holdyourtongue,Susan,”saidTimothy.
ThethinyoungmanwhosatbesideSusanraisedhishead.Inavoicethatwasalittleshrillerthanhisordinarytones,hesaid:
“Don’tspeaklikethattomywife!”
Hehalfrosefromhisseat.
Susansaidquickly:“It’sallright,Greg.Idon’tmind.”
“ButIdo.”
Helensaid:“Ithinkitwouldbegracefulonyourpart,George,toletyourunclehavethedessertservice.”
Timothysplutteredindignantly:“There’sno‘letting’aboutit!”
ButGeorge,withaslightbowtoHelensaid,“Yourwishislaw,AuntHelen.Iabandonmyclaim.”
“Youdidn’treallywantit,anyway,didyou?”saidHelen.
Hecastasharpglanceather,thengrinned:
“Thetroublewithyou,AuntHelen,isthatyou’retoosharpbyhalf!Youseemorethanyou’remeanttosee.Don’tworry,UncleTimothy,theSpodeisyours.Justmyideaoffun.”
“Fun,indeed.”MaudeAbernethiewasindignant.“Yourunclemighthavehadaheartattack!”
“Don’tyoubelieveit,”saidGeorgecheerfully.“UncleTimothywillprobablyoutliveusall.He’swhatisknownasacreakinggate.”
Timothyleanedforwardbalefully.
“Idon’twonder,”hesaid,“thatRichardwasdisappointedinyou.”
“What’sthat?”ThegoodhumourwentoutofGeorge’sface.
“YoucameuphereafterMortimerdied,expectingtostepintohisshoes—expectingthatRichardwouldmakeyouhisheir,didn’tyou?Butmypoorbrothersoontookyourmeasure.Heknewwherethemoneywouldgoifyouhadcontrolofit.I’msurprisedthatheevenleftyouapartofhisfortune.Heknewwhereitwouldgo.Horses,gambling,MonteCarlo,foreigncasinos.Perhapsworse.Hesuspectedyouofnotbeingstraight,didn’the?”
George,awhitedintappearingeachsideofhisnose,saidquietly:
“Hadn’tyoubetterbecarefulofwhatyouaresaying?”
“Iwasn’twellenoughtocomehereforthefuneral,”saidTimothyslowly,“butMaudetoldmewhatCorasaid.Coraalwayswasafool—buttheremayhavebeensomethinginit!Andifso,IknowwhoI’dsuspect—”
“Timothy!”Maudestoodup,solid,calm,atowerofforcefulness.“Youhavehadaverytryingevening.Youmustconsideryourhealth.Ican’thaveyougettingillagain.Comeupwithme.Youmusttakeasedativeandgostraighttobed.TimothyandI,Helen,willtaketheSpodedessertserviceandtheBouleCabinetasmementoesofRichard.Thereisnoobjectiontothat,Ihope?”
Herglancesweptroundthecompany.Nobodyspoke,andshemarchedoutoftheroomsupportingTimothywithahandunderhiselbow,wavingasideMissGilchristwhowashoveringhalf-heartedlybythedoor.
Georgebrokethesilenceaftertheyhaddeparted.
“Femmeformidable!”hesaid.“ThatdescribesAuntMaudeexactly.Ishouldhateevertoimpedehertriumphalprogress.”
MissGilchristsatdownagainratheruncomfortablyandmurmured:
“Mrs.Abernethieisalwayssokind.”
Theremarkfellratherflat.
MichaelShanelaughedsuddenlyandsaid:“Youknow,I’menjoyingallthis!‘TheVoyseyInheritance’tothelife.Bytheway,RosamundandIwantthatmalachitetableinthedrawingroom.”
“Oh,no,”criedSusan.“Iwantthat.”
“Herewegoagain,”saidGeorge,raisinghiseyestotheceiling.
“Well,weneedn’tgetangryaboutit,”saidSusan.“ThereasonIwantitisformynewBeautyshop.Justanoteofcolour—andIshallputagreatbouquetofwaxflowersonit.Itwouldlookwonderful.Icanfindwaxflowerseasilyenough,butagreenmalachitetableisn’tsocommon.”
“But,darling,”saidRosamund,“that’sjustwhywewantit.Forthenewset.Asyousay,anoteofcolour—andsoabsolutelyperiod.Andeitherwaxflowersorstuffedhummingbirds.Itwillbeabsolutelyright.”
“Iseewhatyoumean,Rosamund,”saidSusan.“ButIdon’tthinkyou’vegotasgoodacaseasIhave.Youcouldeasilyhaveapaintedmalachitetableforthestage—itwouldlookjustthesame.ButformysalonI’vegottohavethegenuinething.”
“Now,ladies,”saidGeorge.“Whataboutasportingdecision?Whynottossforit?Orcutthecards?Allquiteinkeepingwiththeperiodofthetable.”
Susansmiledpleasantly.
“RosamundandIwilltalkaboutittomorrow,”shesaid.
Sheseemed,asusual,quitesureofherself.GeorgelookedwithsomeinterestfromherfacetothatofRosamund.Rosamund’sfacehadavague,ratherfarawayexpression.
“Whichonewillyouback,AuntHelen?”heasked.“Anevenmoneychance,I’dsay.Susanhasdetermination,butRosamundissowonderfullysingle-minded.”
“Orperhapsnothummingbirds,”saidRosamund.“OneofthosebigChinesevaseswouldmakealovelylamp,withagoldshade.”
MissGilchristhurriedintoplacatingspeech.
“Thishouseisfullofsomanybeautifulthings,”shesaid.“Thatgreentablewouldlookwonderfulinyournewestablishment,I’msure,Mrs.Banks.I’veneverseenonelikeit.Itmustbeworthalotofmoney.”
“Itwillbedeductedfrommyshareoftheestate,ofcourse,”saidSusan.
“I’msosorry—Ididn’tmean—”MissGilchristwascoveredwithconfusion.
“Itmaybedeductedfromourshareoftheestate,”Michaelpointedout.“Withthewaxflowersthrownin.”
“Theylooksorightonthattable,”MissGilchristmurmured.“Reallyartistic.Sweetlypretty.”
ButnobodywaspayinganyattentiontoMissGilchrist’swell-meanttrivialities.
Gregsaid,speakingagaininthathighnervousvoice:
“Susanwantsthattable.”
Therewasamomentarystirofunease,asthough,byhiswords,Greghadsetadifferentmusicalkey.
Helensaidquickly:
“Andwhatdoyoureallywant,George?LeavingouttheSpodeservice.”
Georgegrinnedandthetensionrelaxed.
“RatherashametobaitoldTimothy,”hesaid.“Buthereallyisquiteunbelievable.He’shadhisownwayineverythingsolongthathe’sbecomequitepathologicalaboutit.”
“Youhavetohumouraninvalid,Mr.Crossfield,”saidMissGilchrist.
“Ruddyoldhypochondriac,that’swhatheis,”saidGeorge.
“Ofcourseheis,”Susanagreed.“Idon’tbelievethere’sanythingwhateverthematterwithhim,doyou,Rosamund?”
“What?”
“AnythingthematterwithUncleTimothy.”
“No—no,Ishouldn’tthinkso.”Rosamundwasvague.Sheapologized.“I’msorry.Iwasthinkingaboutwhatlightingwouldberightforthetable.”
“Yousee?”saidGeorge.“Awomanofoneidea.Yourwife’sadangerouswoman,Michael.Ihopeyourealizeit.”
“Irealizeit,”saidMichaelrathergrimly.
Georgewentonwitheveryappearanceofenjoyment.
“TheBattleoftheTable!Tobefoughttomorrow—politely—butwithgrimdetermination.Weoughtalltotakesides.IbackRosamundwholookssosweetandyieldingandisn’t.Husbands,presumablybacktheirownwives.MissGilchrist?OnSusan’sside,obviously.”
“Oh,really,Mr.Crossfield,Iwouldn’tventureto—”
“AuntHelen?”GeorgepaidnoattentiontoMissGilchrist’sflutterings.“Youhavethecastingvote.Oh,er—Iforgot.M.Pontarlier?”
“Pardon?”HerculePoirotlookedblank.
Georgeconsideredexplanations,butdecidedagainstit.Thepooroldboyhadn’tunderstoodawordofwhatwasgoingon.Hesaid:“Justafamilyjoke.”
“Yes,yes,Icomprehend.”Poirotsmiledamiably.
“Soyoursisthecastingvote,AuntHelen.Whosesideareyouon?”
Helensmiled.
“PerhapsIwantitmyself,George.”
Shechangedthesubjectdeliberately,turningtoherforeignguest.
“I’mafraidthisisallverydullforyou,M.Pontarlier?”
“Notatall,Madame.Iconsidermyselfprivilegedtobeadmittedtoyourfamilylife—”hebowed.“Iwouldliketosay—Icannotquiteexpressmymeaning—myregretthatthishousehadtopassoutofyourhandsintothehandsofstrangers.Itiswithoutdoubt—agreatsorrow.”
“No,indeed,wedon’tregretatall,”Susanassuredhim.
“Youareveryamiable,Madame.Itwillbe,letmetellyou,perfectionhereformyelderlysufferersofpersecution.Whatahaven!Whatpeace!Ibegyoutorememberthat,whentheharshfeelingscometoyouasassuredlytheymust.Ihearthattherewasalsothequestionofaschoolcominghere—notaregularschool,aconvent—runbyreligieuses—by‘nuns,’Ithinkyousay?Youwouldhavepreferredthat,perhaps?”
“Notatall,”saidGeorge.
“TheSacredHeartofMary,”continuedPoirot.“Fortunately,owingtothekindnessofanunknownbenefactorywewereabletomakeaslightlyhigheroffer.”HeaddressedMissGilchristdirectly.“Youdonotlikenuns,Ithink?”
MissGilchristflushedandlookedembarrassed.
“Oh,really,Mr.Pontarlier,youmustn’t—Imean,it’snothingpersonal.ButIneverdoseethatit’srighttoshutyourselfupfromtheworldinthatway—notnecessary,Imean,andreallyalmostselfish,thoughnotteachingones,ofcourse,ortheonesthatgoaboutamongstthepoor—becauseI’msurethey’rethoroughlyunselfishwomenanddoalotofgood.”
“Isimplycan’timaginewantingtobeanun,”saidSusan.
“It’sverybecoming,”saidRosamund.“Youremember—whentheyrevivedTheMiraclelastyear.SoniaWellslookedabsolutelytooglamorousforwords.”
“Whatbeatsme,”saidGeorge,“iswhyitshouldbepleasingtotheAlmightytodressoneselfupinmedievaldress.Forafterall,that’sallanun’sdressis.Thoroughlycumbersome,unhygienicandimpractical.”
“Anditmakesthemlooksoalike,doesn’tit?”saidMissGilchrist.“It’ssilly,youknow,butIgotquiteaturnwhenIwasatMrs.Abernethie’sandanuncametothedoor,collecting.IgotitintomyheadshewasthesameasthenunwhocametothedooronthedayoftheinquestonpoorMrs.LansquenetatLytchettSt.Mary.Ifelt,youknow,almostasthoughshehadbeenfollowingmeround!”
“Ithoughtnunsalwayscollectedincouples,”saidGeorge.“Surelyadetectivestoryhingedonthatpointonce?”
“Therewasonlyonethistime,”saidMissGilchrist.“Perhapsthey’vegottoeconomize,”sheaddedvaguely.“Andanywayitcouldn’thavebeenthesamenun,fortheotheronewascollectingforanorganforSt—Barnabas,Ithink—andthisonewasforsomethingquitedifferent—somethingtodowithchildren.”
“Buttheybothhadthesametypeoffeatures?”HerculePoirotasked.Hesoundedinterested.MissGilchristturnedtohim.
“Isupposethatmustbeit.Theupperlip—almostasthoughshehadamoustache.Ithink,youknow,thatthatisreallywhatalarmedme—beinginarathernervousstateatthetime,andrememberingthosestoriesduringthewarofnunswhowerereallymenandintheFifthColumnandlandedbyparachute.Ofcourseitwasveryfoolishofme.Iknewthatafterwards.”
“Anunwouldbeagooddisguise,”saidSusanthoughtfully.“Ithidesyourfeet.”
“Thetruthis,”saidGeorge,“thatoneveryseldomlooksproperlyatanyone.That’swhyonegetssuchwildlydifferingaccountsofapersonfromdifferentwitnessesincourt.You’dbesurprised.Amanisoftendescribedastall—short;thin—stout;fair—dark;dressedinadark—light—suit,andsoon.There’susuallyonereliableobserver,butonehastomakeupone’smindwhothatis.”
“Anotherqueerthing,”saidSusan,“isthatyousometimescatchsightofyourselfinamirrorunexpectedlyanddon’tknowwhoitis.Itjustlooksvaguelyfamiliar.Andyousaytoyourself,‘There’ssomebodyIknowquitewell…’andthensuddenlyrealizeit’syourself!”
Georgesaid:“Itwouldbemoredifficultstillifyoucouldreallyseeyourself—andnotamirrorimage.”
“Why?”askedRosamund,lookingpuzzled.
“Because,don’tyousee,nobodyeverseesthemselves—astheyappeartootherpeople.Theyalwaysseethemselvesinaglass—thatis—asareversedimage.”
“Butwhydoesthatlookanydifferent?”
“Ohyes,”saidSusanquickly.“Itmust.Becausepeople’sfacesaren’tthesamebothsides.Theireyebrowsaredifferent,andtheirmouthsgouponeside,andtheirnosesaren’treallystraight.Youcanseewithapencil—who’sgotapencil?”
Somebodyproducedapencil,andtheyexperimented,holdingapencileachsideofthenoseandlaughingtoseetheridiculousvariationinangle.
Theatmospherenowhadlightenedagooddeal.Everybodywasinagoodhumour.TheywerenolongertheheirsofRichardAbernethiegatheredtogetherforadivisionofproperty.Theywereacheerfulandnormalsetofpeoplegatheredtogetherforaweekendinthecountry.
OnlyHelenAbernethieremainedsilentandabstracted.
Withasigh,HerculePoirotrosetohisfeetandbadehishostessapolitegoodnight.
“Andperhaps,Madame,Ihadbettersaygood-bye.Mytraindepartsitselfatnineo’clocktomorrowmorning.Thatisveryearly.SoIwillthankyounowforallyourkindnessandhospitality.Thedateofpossession—thatwillbearrangedwiththegoodMr.Entwhistle.Tosuityourconvenience,ofcourse.”
“Itcanbeanytimeyouplease,M.Pontarlier.I—IhavefinishedallthatIcameheretodo.”
“YouwillreturnnowtoyourvillaatCyprus?”
“Yes.”AlittlesmilecurvedHelenAbernethie’slips.
Poirotsaid:
“Youareglad,yes.Youhavenoregrets?”
“AtleavingEngland?Orleavinghere,doyoumean?”
“Imeant—leavinghere?”
“Oh—no.It’snogood,isit,toclingontothepast?Onemustleavethatbehindone.”
“Ifonecan.”BlinkinghiseyesinnocentlyPoirotsmiledapologeticallyroundonthegroupofpolitefacesthatsurroundedhim.
“Sometimes,isitnot,thePastwillnotbeleft,willnotsufferitselftopassintooblivion?Itstandsatone’selbow—itsays,‘Iamnotdonewithyet.’”
Susangavearatherdoubtfullaugh.Poirotsaid:
“ButIamserious—yes.”
“Youmean,”saidMichael,“thatyourrefugeeswhentheycomeherewillnotbeabletoputtheirpastsufferingscompletelybehindthem?”
“IdidnotmeanmyRefugees.”
“Hemeantus,darling,”saidRosamund.“HemeansUncleRichardandAuntCoraandthehatchetandallthat.”
SheturnedtoPoirot.
“Didn’tyou?”
Poirotlookedatherwithablankface.Thenhesaid:
“Whydoyouthinkthat,Madame?”
“Becauseyou’readetective,aren’tyou?That’swhyyou’rehere.N.A.R.C.O.,orwhateveryoucallit,isjustnonsense,isn’tit?”
Twenty
I
Therewasamomentofextraordinarytenseness.Poirotfeltit,thoughhehimselfdidnotremovehiseyesfromRosamund’slovelyplacidface.
Hesaidwithalittlebow,“Youhavegreatperspicacity,Madame.”
“Notreally,”saidRosamund.“Youwerepointedouttomeonceinarestaurant.Iremembered.”
“Butyouhavenotmentionedit—untilnow?”
“Ithoughtitwouldbemorefunnotto,”saidRosamund.
Michaelsaidinanimperfectlycontrolledvoice:
“My—deargirl.”
Poirotshiftedhisgazethentolookathim.
Michaelwasangry.Angryandsomethingelse—apprehensive?
Poirot’seyeswentslowlyroundallthefaces.Susan’s,angryandwatchful;Gregory’sdeadandshutin;MissGilchrist’s,foolish,hermouthwideopen;George,wary;Helen,dismayedandnervous….
Allthoseexpressionswerenormalonesunderthecircumstances.Hewishedhecouldhaveseentheirfacesasplitsecondearlier,whenthewords“adetective”fellfromRosamund’slips.Fornow,inevitably,itcouldnotbequitethesame….
Hesquaredhisshouldersandbowedtothem.Hislanguageandhisaccentbecamelessforeign.
“Yes,”hesaid.“Iamadetective.”
GeorgeCrossfieldsaid,thewhitedintsshowingoncemoreeachsideofhisnose,“Whosentyouhere?”
“IwascommissionedtoinquireintothecircumstancesofRichardAbernethie’sdeath.”
“Bywhom?”
“Forthemoment,thatdoesnotconcernyou.Butitwouldbeanadvantage,woulditnot,ifyoucouldbeassuredbeyondanypossibledoubtthatRichardAbernethiediedanaturaldeath?”
“Ofcoursehediedanaturaldeath.Whosaysanythingelse?”
“CoraLansquenetsaidso.AndCoraLansquenetisdeadherself.”
Alittlewaveofuneasinessseemedtosighthroughtheroomlikeanevilbreeze.
“Shesaidithere—inthisroom,”saidSusan.“ButIdidn’treallythink—”
“Didn’tyou,Susan?”GeorgeCrossfieldturnedhissardonicglanceuponher.“Whypretendanymore?Youwon’ttakeM.Pontarlierin?”
“Weallthoughtsoreally,”saidRosamund.Andhisnameisn’tPontarlier—it’sHerculessomething.”
“HerculePoirot—atyourservice.”
Poirotbowed.
Therewerenogaspsofastonishmentorofapprehension.Hisnameseemedtomeannothingatalltothem.
Theywerelessalarmedbyitthantheyhadbeenbythesingleword“detective.”
“MayIaskwhatconclusionsyouhavecometo?”askedGeorge.
“Hewon’ttellyou,darling,”saidRosamund.“Orifhedoestellyou,whathesayswon’tbetrue.”
Aloneofallthecompanysheappearedtobeamused.
HerculePoirotlookedatherthoughtfully.
II
HerculePoirotdidnotsleepwellthatnight.Hewasperturbed,andhewasnotquitesurewhyhewasperturbed.Elusivesnatchesofconversation,variousglances,oddmovements—allseemedfraughtwithatantalizingsignificanceinthelonelinessofthenight.Hewasonthethresholdofsleep,butsleepwouldnotcome.Justashewasabouttodropoff,somethingflashedintohismindandwokehimupagain.Paint—Timothyandpaint.Oilpaint—thesmellofoilpaint—connectedsomehowwithMr.Entwhistle.PaintandCora.Cora’spaintings—picturepostcards…Corawasdeceitfulaboutherpainting…No,backtoMr.Entwhistle—somethingMr.Entwhistlehadsaid—orwasitLanscombe?AnunwhocametothehouseonthedaythatRichardAbernethiedied.Anunwithamoustache.AnunatStansfieldGrange—andatLytchettSt.Mary.Altogethertoomanynuns!Rosamundlookingglamorousasanunonthestage.Rosamund—sayingthathewasadetective—andeveryonestaringatherwhenshesaidit.ThatwasthewaythattheymustallhavestaredatCorathatdaywhenshesaid,“Buthewasmurdered,wasn’the?”WhatwasitHelenAbernethiehadfelttobe“wrong”onthatoccasion?HelenAbernethie—leavingthepastbehind—goingtoCyprus…Helendroppingthewaxflowerswithacrashwhenhehadsaid—whatwasithehadsaid?Hecouldn’tquiteremember….
Hesleptthen,andasheslepthedreamed….
Hedreamedofthegreenmalachitetable.Onitwastheglass-coveredstandofwaxflowers—onlythewholethinghadbeenpaintedoverwiththickcrimsonoilpaint.Paintthecolourofblood.Hecouldsmellthepaint,andTimothywasgroaning,wassaying,“I’mdying—dying…thisistheend.”AndMaude,standingby,tallandstern,withalargeknifeinherhandwasechoinghim,saying,“Yes,it’stheend…”Theend—adeathbed,withcandlesandanunpraying.Ifhecouldjustseethenun’sface,hewouldknow….
HerculePoirotwokeup—andhedidknow!
Yes,itwastheend….
Thoughtherewasstillalongwaytogo
Hesortedoutthevariousbitsofthemosaic.
Mr.Entwhistle,thesmellofpaint,Timothy’shouseandsomethingthatmustbeinit—ormightbeinit…thewaxflowers…Helen…Brokenglass….
III
HelenAbernethie,inherroom,tooksometimeingoingtobed.Shewasthinking.
Sittinginfrontofherdressingtable,shestaredatherselfunseeinglyintheglass.
ShehadbeenforcedintohavingHerculePoirotinthehouse.Shehadnotwantedit.ButMr.Entwhistlehadmadeithardforhertorefuse.Andnowthewholethinghadcomeoutintotheopen.NoquestionanymoreoflettingRichardAbernethieliequietinhisgrave.AllstartedbythosefewwordsofCora’s….
Thatdayafterthefuneral…Howhadtheyalllooked,shewondered?HowhadtheylookedtoCora?Howhadsheherselflooked?
WhatwasitGeorgehadsaid?Aboutseeingoneself?
Therewassomequotation,too.Toseeourselvesasothersseeus…Asothersseeus.
Theeyesthatwerestaringintotheglassunseeinglysuddenlyfocused.Shewasseeingherself—butnotreallyherself—notherselfasotherssawher—notasCorahadseenherthatday.
Herright—no,herlefteyebrowwasarchedalittlehigherthantheright.Themouth?No,thecurveofthemouthwassymmetrical.Ifshemetherselfshewouldsurelynotseemuchdifferencefromthismirrorimage.NotlikeCora.
Cora—thepicturecamequiteclearly…Cora,onthedayofthefuneral,herheadtiltedsideways—askingherquestion—lookingatHelen….
SuddenlyHelenraisedherhandstoherface.Shesaidtoherself,“Itdoesn’tmakesense…itcan’tmakesense….”
IV
MissEntwhistlewasarousedfromadelightfuldreaminwhichshewasplayingPiquetwithQueenMary,bytheringingofthetelephone.
Shetriedtoignoreit—butitpersisted.Sleepilysheraisedherheadfromthepillowandlookedatthewatchbesideherbed.Fiveminutestoseven—whoonearthcouldberingingupatthathour?Itmustbeawrongnumber.
Theirritatingding-dongcontinued.MissEntwhistlesighed,snatchedupadressinggownandmarchedintothesittingroom.
“ThisisKensington675498,”shesaidwithasperityasshepickedupthereceiver.
“ThisisMrs.Abernethiespeaking.MrsLeoAbernethie.CanIspeaktoMr.Entwhistle?”
“Oh,goodmorning,Mrs.Abernethie.”The“goodmorning”wasnotcordial.“ThisisMissEntwhistle.Mybrotherisstillasleep,I’mafraid.Iwasasleepmyself.”
“I’msosorry,”Helenwasforcedtotheapology.“Butit’sveryimportantthatIshouldspeaktoyourbrotheratonce.”
“Wouldn’titdolater?”
“I’mafraidnot.”
“Oh,verywellthen.”
MissEntwhistlewastart.
Shetappedatherbrother’sdoorandwentin.
“ThoseAbernethiesagain!”shesaidbitterly.
“Eh!TheAberbethies?”
“Mrs.LeoAbernethie.Ringingupbeforeseveninthemorning!Really!”
“Mrs.Leo,isit?Dearme.Howremarkable.Whereismydressinggown?Ah,thankyou.”
Presentlyhewassaying:
“Entwhistlespeaking.Isthatyou,Helen?”
“Yes.I’mterriblysorrytogetyououtofbedlikethis.ButyoudidtellmeoncetoringyouupatonceifIrememberedwhatitwasthatstruckmeashavingbeenwrongsomehowonthedayofthefuneralwhenCoraelectrifiedusallbysuggestingthatRichardhadbeenmurdered.”
“Ah!Youhaveremembered?”
Helensaidinapuzzledvoice:
“Yes,butitdoesn’tmakesense.”
“Youmustallowmetobethejudgeofthat.Wasitsomethingyounoticedaboutoneofthepeople?”
“Yes.”
“Tellme.”
“Itseemsabsurd.”Helen’svoicesoundedapologetic.“ButI’mquitesureofit.ItcametomewhenIwaslookingatmyselfintheglasslastnight.Oh….”
Thelittlestartledhalfcrywassucceededbyasoundthatcameoddlythroughthewires—adullheavysoundthatMr.Entwhistlecouldn’tplaceatall.
Hesaidurgently:
“Hallo—hallo—areyouthere?Helen,areyouthere?…Helen….”
Twenty-one
I
ItwasnotuntilnearlyanhourlaterthatMr.Entwhistle,afteragreatdealofconversationwithsupervisorsandothers,foundhimselfatlastspeakingtoHerculePoirot.
“Thankheaven!”saidMr.Entwhistlewithpardonableexasperation.“TheExchangeseemstohavehadthegreatestdifficultyingettingthenumber.”
“Thatisnotsurprising.Thereceiverwasoffthehook.”
TherewasagrimqualityinPoirot’svoicewhichcarriedthroughtothelistener.
Mr.Entwhistlesaidsharply:
“Hassomethinghappened?”
“Yes.Mrs.LeoAbernethiewasfoundbythehousemaidabouttwentyminutesagolyingbythetelephoneinthestudy.Shewasunconscious.Aseriousconcussion.”
“Doyoumeanshewasstruckonthehead?”
“Ithinkso.Itisjustpossiblethatshefellandstruckherheadonamarbledoorstop,butmeIdonotthinkso,andthedoctor,hedoesnotthinksoeither.”
“Shewastelephoningtomeatthetime.Iwonderedwhenwewerecutoffsosuddenly.”
“Soitwastoyoushewastelephoning?Whatdidshesay?”
“ShementionedtomesometimeagothatontheoccasionwhenCoraLansquenetsuggestedherbrotherhadbeenmurdered,sheherselfhadafeelingofsomethingbeingwrong—odd—shedidnotquiteknowhowtoputit—unfortunatelyshecouldnotrememberwhyshehadthatimpression.”
“Andsuddenly,shedidremember?”
“Yes.”
“Andrangyouuptotellyou?”
“Yes.”
“Ehbien.”
“There’snoehbienaboutit,”saidMr.Entwhistletestily.“Shestartedtotellme,butwasinterrupted.”
“Howmuchhadshesaid?”
“Nothingpertinent.”
“Youwillexcuseme,monami,butIamthejudgeofthat,notyou.Whatexactlydidshesay?”
“SheremindedmethatIhadaskedhertoletmeknowatonceifsherememberedwhatitwasthathadstruckheraspeculiar.Shesaidshehadremembered—butthatit‘didn’tmakesense.’
“Iaskedherifitwassomethingaboutoneofthepeoplewhoweretherethatday,andshesaid,yes,itwas.Shesaidithadcometoherwhenshewaslookingintheglass—”
“Yes?”
“Thatwasall.”
“Shegavenohintasto—whichofthepeopleconcerneditwas?”
“Ishouldhardlyfailtoletyouknowifshehadtoldmethat,”saidMr.Entwhistleacidly.
“Iapologize,monami.Ofcourseyouwouldhavetoldme.”
Mr.Entwhistlesaid:
“Weshalljusthavetowaituntilsherecoversconsciousnessbeforeweknow.”
Poirotsaidgravely:
“Thatmaynotbeforaverylongtime.Perhapsnever.”
“Isitasbadasthat?”Mr.Entwhistle’svoiceshookalittle.
“Yes,itisasbadasthat.”
“But—that’sterrible,Poirot.”
“Yes,itisterrible.Anditiswhywecannotaffordtowait.Foritshowsthatwehavetodealwithsomeonewhoiseithercompletelyruthlessorsofrightenedthatitcomestothesamething.”
“Butlookhere,Poirot.WhataboutHelen?Ifeelworried.AreyousureshewillbesafeatEnderby?”
“No,shewouldnotbesafe.SosheisnotatEnderby.Alreadytheambulancehascomeandistakinghertoanursinghomewhereshewillhavespecialnursesandwherenoone,familyorotherwise,willbeallowedintoseeher.”
Mr.Entwhistlesighed.
“Yourelievemymind!Shemighthavebeenindanger.”
“Sheassuredlywouldhavebeenindanger!”
Mr.Entwhistle’svoicesoundeddeeplymoved.
“IhaveagreatregardforHelenAbernethie.Ialwayshavehad.Awomanofveryexceptionalcharacter.Shemayhavehadcertain—whatshallIsay?—reticencesinherlife.”
“Ah,therewerereticences?”
“Ihavealwayshadanideathatsuchwasthecase.”
“HencethevillainCyprus.Yes,thatexplainsagooddeal….”
“Idon’twantyoutobeginthinking—”
“Youcannotstopmethinking.Butnow,thereisalittlecommissionthatIhaveforyou.Onemoment.”
Therewasapause,thenPoirot’svoicespokeagain.
“Ihadtomakesurethatnobodywaslistening.Alliswell.NowhereiswhatIwantyoutodoforme.Youmustpreparetomakeajourney.”
“Ajourney?”Mr.Entwhistlesoundedfaintlydismayed.“Oh,Isee—youwantmetocomedowntoEnderby?”
“Notatall.Iaminchargehere.No,youwillnothavetotravelsofar.YourjourneywillnottakeyouveryfarfromLondon.YouwilltraveltoBurySt.Edmunds—(Mafoi!whatnamesyourEnglishtownshave!)andthereyouwillhireacaranddrivetoForsdykeHouse.ItisaMentalHome.AskforDr.Penrithandinquireofhimparticularsaboutapatientwhowasrecentlydischarged.”
“Whatpatient?Anyway,surely—”
Poirotbrokein:
“ThenameofthepatientisGregoryBanks.Findoutforwhatformofinsanityhewasbeingtreated.”
“DoyoumeanthatGregoryBanksisinsane?”
“Sh!Becarefulwhatyousay.Andnow—Ihavenotyetbreakfastedandyou,too,Isuspect,havenotbreakfasted?”
“Notyet.Iwastooanxious—”
“Quiteso.Then,Iprayyou,eatyourbreakfast,reposeyourself.ThereisagoodtraintoBurySt.Edmundsattwelveo’clock.IfIhaveanymorenewsIwilltelephoneyoubeforeyoustart.”
“Becarefulofyourself,Poirot,”saidMr.Entwhistlewithsomeconcern.
“Ahthat,yes!Me,Idonotwanttobehitontheheadwithamarbledoorstop.YoumaybeassuredthatIwilltakeeveryprecaution.Andnow—forthemoment—good-bye.”
Poirotheardthesoundofthereceiverbeingreplacedattheotherend,thenheheardaveryfaintsecondclick—andsmiledtohimself.Somebodyhadreplacedthereceiveronthetelephoneinthehall.
Hewentoutthere.Therewasnooneabout.Hetiptoedtothecupboardatthebackofthestairsandlookedinside.AtthatmomentLanscombecamethroughtheservicedoorcarryingatraywithtoastandasilvercoffeepot.HelookedslightlysurprisedtoseePoirotemergefromthecupboard.
“Breakfastisreadyinthediningroom,sir,”hesaid.
Poirotsurveyedhimthoughtfully.
Theoldbutlerlookedwhiteandshaken.
“Courage,”saidPoirot,clappinghimontheshoulder.“Allwillyetbewell.Woulditbetoomuchtroubletoservemeacupofcoffeeinmybedroom?”
“Certainly,sir.IwillsendJanetupwithit,sir.”
LanscombelookeddisapprovinglyatHerculePoirot’sbackasthelatterclimbedthestairs.Poirotwasattiredinanexoticsilkdressinggownwithapatternoftrianglesandsquares.
“Foreigners!”thoughtLanscombebitterly.“Foreignersinthehouse!AndMrs.Leowithconcussion!Idon’tknowwhatwe’recomingto.Nothing’sthesamesinceMr.Richarddied.”
HerculePoirotwasdressedbythetimehereceivedhiscoffeefromJanet.Hismurmursofsympathywerewell-received,sincehestressedtheshockherdiscoverymusthavegivenher.
“Yes,indeed,sir,whatIfeltwhenIopenedthedoorofthestudyandcameinwiththeHooverandsawMrs.LeolyingthereIshallneverforget.Thereshelay—andImadesureshewasdead.Shemusthavebeentakenfaintasshestoodatthephone—andfancyherbeingupatthattimeinthemorning!I’veneverknownhertodosuchathingbefore.”
“Fancy,indeed!”Headdedcasually:“Nooneelsewasup,Isuppose?”
“Asithappens,sir,Mrs.Timothywasupandabout.She’saveryearlyriseralways—oftengoesforawalkbeforebreakfast.”
“Sheisofthegenerationthatrisesearly,”saidPoirot,noddinghishead.“Theyoungerones,now—theydonotgetupsoearly?”
“No,indeed,sir,allfastasleepwhenIbroughtthemtheirtea—andverylateIwas,too,whatwiththeshockandgettingthedoctortocomeandhavingtohaveacupfirsttosteadymyself.”
ShewentoffandPoirotreflectedonwhatshehadsaid.
MaudeAbernethiehadbeenupandabout,andtheyoungergenerationhadbeeninbed—butthat,Poirotreflected,meantnothingatall.AnyonecouldhaveheardHelen’sdooropenandclose,andhavefollowedherdowntolisten—andwouldafterwardshavemadeapointofbeingfastasleepinbed.
“ButifIamright,”thoughtPoirot,“andafterall,itisnaturaltometoberight—itisahabitIhave!—thenthereisnoneedtogointowhowashereandwhowasthese.First,ImustseekaproofwhereIhavededucedtheproofmaybe.Andthen—Imakemylittlespeech.AndIsitbackandseewhathappens….”
AssoonasJanethadlefttheroom,Poirotdrainedhiscoffeecup,putonhisovercoatandhishat,lefthisroom,rannimblydownthebackstairsandleftthehousebythesidedoor.Hewalkedbrisklythequartermiletothepostofficewherehedemandedatrunkcall.PresentlyhewasoncemorespeakingtoMr.Entwhistle.
“Yes,itisIyetagain!PaynoattentiontothecommissionwithwhichIentrustedyou.C’étaituneblague!Someonewaslistening.Now,monvieux,totherealcommission.Youmust,asIsaid,takeatrain.ButnottoBurySt.Edmunds.IwantyoutoproceedtothehouseofMr.TimothyAbernethie.”
“ButTimothyandMaudeareatEnderby.”
“Exactly.ThereisnooneinthehousebutawomanbythenameofJoneswhohasbeenpersuadedbytheofferofconsiderablelargessetoguardthehousewhilsttheyareabsent.WhatIwantyoutodoistotakesomethingoutofthathouse!”
“MydearPoirot!Ireallycan’tstooptoburglary!”
“Itwillnotseemlikeburglary.YouwillsaytotheexcellentMrs.Joneswhoknowsyou,thatyouhavebeenaskedbyMr.orMrs.AbernethietofetchthisparticularobjectandtakeittoLondon.Shewillnotsuspectanythingamiss.”
“No,no,probablynot.ButIdon’tlikeit.”Mr.Entwhistlesoundedmostreluctant.“Whycan’tyougoandgetwhateveritisyourself?”
“Because,myfriend,Ishouldbeastrangerofforeignappearanceandassuchasuspiciouscharacter,andMrs.Joneswouldatonceraisethedifficulties!Withyou,shewillnot.”
“No,no—Iseethat.ButwhatonearthareTimothyandMaudegoingtothinkwhentheyhearaboutit?Ihaveknownthemforfortyoddyears.”
“AndyouknewRichardAbernethieforthattimealso!AndyouknewCoraLansquenetwhenshewasalittlegirl!”
InamartyredvoiceMr.Entwhistleasked:
“You’resurethisisreallynecessary,Poirot?”
“Theoldquestiontheyaskedinwartimeontheposters.Isyourjourneyreallynecessary?Isaytoyou,itisnecessary.Itisvital!”
“AndwhatisthisobjectI’vegottogetholdof?”
Poirottoldhim.
“Butreally,Poirot,Idon’tsee—”
“Itisnotnecessaryforyoutosee.Iamdoingtheseeing.”
“Andwhatdoyouwantmetodowiththedamnedthing?”
“YouwilltakeittoLondon,toanaddressinElmParkGardens.Ifyouhaveapencil,noteitdown.”
Havingdoneso,Mr.Entwhistlesaid,stillinhismartyredvoice:
“Ihopeyouknowwhatyouaredoing,Poirot?”
Hesoundedverydoubtful—butPoirot’sreplywasnotdoubtfulatall.
“OfcourseIknowwhatIamdoing.Wearenearingtheend.”
Mr.Entwhistlesighed:
“IfwecouldonlyguesswhatHelenwasgoingtotellme.”
“Noneedtoguess,Iknow.”
“Youknow?ButmydearPoirot—”
“Explanationsmustwait.Butletmeassureyouofthis.IknowwhatHelenAbernethiesawwhenshelookedinhermirror.”
II
Breakfasthadbeenanuneasymeal.NeitherRosamundnorTimothyhadappeared,buttheotherswerethereandhadtalkedinrathersubduedtones,andeatenalittlelessthantheynormallywouldhavedone.
Georgewasthefirstonetorecoverhisspirits.Histemperamentwasmercurialandoptimistic.
“IexpectAuntHelenwillbeallright,”hesaid.“Doctorsalwaysliketopullalongface.Afterall,what’sconcussion?Oftenclearsupcompletelyinacoupleofdays.”
“AwomanIknewhadconcussionduringthewar,”saidMissGilchristconversationally.“AbrickorsomethinghitherasshewaswalkingdownTottenhamCourtRoad—itwasduringflybombtime—andsheneverfeltanythingatall.Justwentonwithwhatshewasdoing—andcollapsedinatraintoLiverpooltwelvehourslater.Andwouldyoubelieveit,shehadnorecollectionatallofgoingtothestationandcatchingthetrainoranything.Shejustcouldn’tunderstanditwhenshewokeupinhospital.Shewastherefornearlythreeweeks.”
“WhatIcan’tmakeout,”saidSusan,“iswhatHelenwasdoingtelephoningatthatunearthlyhour,andwhoshewastelephoningto?”
“Feltill,”saidMaudewithdecision.“Probablywokeupfeelingqueerandcamedowntoringupthedoctor.Thenhadagiddyfitandfell.That’stheonlythingthatmakessense.”
“Badluckhittingherheadonthatdoorstop,”saidMichael.“Ifshe’djustpitchedoverontothatthickpilecarpetshe’dhavebeenallright.”
ThedooropenedandRosamundcamein,frowning.
“Ican’tfindthosewaxflowers,”shesaid.“ImeantheonesthatwerestandingonthemalachitetablethedayofUncleRichard’sfuneral.”ShelookedaccusinglyatSusan.“Youhaven’ttakenthem?”
“OfcourseIhaven’t!Really,Rosamund,you’renotstillthinkingaboutmalachitetableswithpooroldHelencartedofftohospitalwithconcussion?”
“Idon’tseewhyIshouldn’tthinkaboutthem.Ifyou’vegotconcussionyoudon’tknowwhat’shappeninganditdoesn’tmattertoyou.Wecan’tdoanythingforAuntHelen,andMichaelandIhavegottogetbacktoLondonbytomorrowlunchtimebecausewe’reseeingJackieLygoaboutopeningdatesforTheBaronet’sProgress.SoI’dliketofixupdefinitelyaboutthetable.ButI’dliketohavealookatthosewaxflowersagain.There’sakindofChinesevaseonthetablenow—nice—butnotnearlysoperiod.Idowonderwheretheyare—perhapsLanscombeknows.”
Lanscombehadjustlookedintoseeiftheyhadfinishedbreakfast.
“We’reallthrough,Lanscombe,”saidGeorgegettingup.“What’shappenedtoourforeignfriend?”
“Heishavinghiscoffeeandtoastservedupstairs,sir.”
“PetitdéjeunerforN.A.R.C.O.”
“Lanscombe,doyouknowwherethosewaxflowersarethatusedtobeonthatgreentableinthedrawingroom?”askedRosamund.
“IunderstandMrs.Leohadanaccidentwiththem,ma’am.Shewasgoingtohaveanewglassshademade,butIdon’tthinkshehasseenaboutityet.”
“Thenwhereisthething?”
“Itwouldprobablybeinthecupboardbehindthestaircase,ma’am.Thatiswherethingsareusuallyplacedwhenawaitingrepair.ShallIascertainforyou?”
“I’llgoandlookmyself.Comewithme,Michaelsweetie.It’sdarkthere,andI’mnotgoinginanydarkcornersbymyselfafterwhathappenedtoAuntHelen.”
Everybodyshowedasharpreaction.Maudedemandedinherdeepvoice:
“Whatdoyoumean,Rosamund?”
“Well,shewascoshedbysomeone,wasn’tshe?”
GregoryBankssaidsharply:
“Shewastakensuddenlyfaintandfell.”
Rosamundlaughed.
“Didshetellyouso?Don’tbesilly,Greg,ofcourseshewascoshed.”
Georgesaidsharply:
“Youshouldn’tsaythingslikethat,Rosamund.”
“Nonsense,”saidRosamund.“Shemusthavebeen.Imean,italladdsup.Adetectiveinthehouselookingforclues,andUncleRichardpoisoned,andAuntCorakilledwithahatchet,andMissGilchristgivenpoisonedweddingcake,andnowAuntHelenstruckdownwithabluntinstrument.You’llsee,itwillgoonlikethat.Oneafteranotherofuswillbekilledandtheonethat’sleftwillbeIt—themurderer,Imean.Butit’snotgoingtobeme—who’skilled,Imean.”
“Andwhyshouldanyonewanttokillyou,beautifulRosamund?”askedGeorgelightly.
Rosamundopenedhereyesverywide.
“Oh,”shesaid.“BecauseIknowtoomuch,ofcourse.”
“Whatdoyouknow?”MaudeAbernethieandGregoryBanksspokealmostinunison.
Rosamundgavehervacantandangelicsmile.
“Wouldn’tyouallliketoknow?”shesaidagreeably.“Comeon,Michael.”
Twenty-two
I
Ateleveno’clock,HerculePoirotcalledaninformalmeetinginthelibrary.EveryonewasthereandPoirotlookedthoughtfullyroundthesemicircleoffaces
“Lastnight,”hesaid,“Mrs.ShaneannouncedtoyouthatIwasaprivatedetective.Formyself,Ihopedtoretainmy—camouflage,shallwesay?—alittlelonger.Butnomatter!Today—oratmostthedayafter—Iwouldhavetoldyouthetruth.PleaselistencarefullynowtowhatIhavetosay.
“Iaminmyownlineacelebratedperson—Imaysayamostcelebratedperson.Mygifts,infact,areunequalled!”
GeorgeCrossfieldgrinnedandsaid:
“That’sthestuff,M.Pont—no,it’sM.Poirot,isn’tit?Funny,isn’tit,thatI’veneverevenheardofyou?”
“Itisnotfunny,”saidPoirotseverely.“Itislamentable!Alas,thereisnopropereducationnowadays.Apparentlyonelearnsnothingbuteconomics—andhowtositIntelligenceTests!Buttocontinue.IhavebeenafriendformanyyearsofMr.Entwhistle’s—”
“Sohe’stheflyintheointment!”
“Ifyouliketoputitthatway,Mr.Crossfield!Mr.Entwhistlewasgreatlyupsetbythedeathofhisoldfriend,Mr.RichardAbernethie.HewasparticularlyperturbedbysomewordsspokenonthedayofthefuneralbyMr.Abernethie’ssister,Mrs.Lansquenet.Wordsspokeninthisveryroom.”
“Verysilly—andjustlikeCora,”saidMaude.“Mr.Entwhistleshouldhavehadmoresensethantopayattentiontothem!”
Poirotwenton:
“Mr.Entwhistlewasevenmoreperturbedafterthe—thecoincidence,shallIsay?—ofMrs.Lansquenet’sdeath.Hewantedonethingonly—tobeassuredthatthatdeathwasacoincidence.InotherwordshewantedtofeelassuredthatRichardAbernethiehaddiedanaturaldeath.Tothatendhecommissionedmetomakethenecessaryinvestigations.”
Therewasapause.
“Ihavemadethem….”
Againtherewasapause.Noonespoke.
Poirotthrewbackhishead.
“Ehbien,youwillallbedelightedtohearthatasaresultofmyinvestigations—thereisabsolutelynoreasontobelievethatMr.Abernethiediedanythingbutanaturaldeath.Thereisnoreasonatalltobelievethathewasmurdered!”Hesmiled.Hethrewouthishandsinatriumphantgesture.
“Thatisgoodnews,isitnot?”
Ithardlyseemedtobe,bythewaytheytookit.Theystaredathimandinallbuttheeyesofonepersontherestillseemedtobedoubtandsuspicion.
TheexceptionwasTimothyAbernethie,whowasnoddinghisheadinviolentagreement.
“OfcourseRichardwasn’tmurdered,”hesaidangrily.“Nevercouldunderstandwhyanybodyevereventhoughtofsuchathingforamoment!JustCorauptohertricks,thatwasall.Wantingtogiveyouallascare.Herideaofbeingfunny.Truthisthatalthoughshewasmyownsister,shewasalwaysabitmental,poorgirl.Well,Mr.whateveryournameis,I’mgladyou’vehadthesensetocometotherightconclusion,thoughifyouaskme,IcallitdamnedcheekofEntwhistletogocommissioningyoutocomepryingandpokingabout.Andifhethinkshe’sgoingtochargetheestatewithyourfee,Icantellyouhewon’tgetawaywithit!Damnedcheek,andmostuncalledfor!Who’sEntwhistletosethimselfup?Ifthefamily’ssatisfied—”
“Butthefamilywasn’t,UncleTimothy,”saidRosamund.
“Hey—what’sthat?”
Timothypeeredatherunderbeetlingbrowsofdispleasure.
“Weweren’tsatisfied.AndwhataboutAuntHelenthismorning?”
Maudesaidsharply:
“Helen’sjusttheagewhenyou’reliabletogetastroke.That’sallthereistothat.”
“Isee,”saidRosamund.“Anothercoincidence,youthink?”
ShelookedatPoirot.
“Aren’tthererathertoomanycoincidences?”
“Coincidences,”saidHerculePoirot,“dohappen.”
“Nonsense,”saidMaude.“Helenfeltill,camedownandrangupthedoctor,andthen—”
“Butshedidn’tringupthedoctor,”saidRosamund.“Iaskedhim—”
Susansaidsharply:
“Whodidsheringup?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidRosamund,ashadeofvexationpassingoverherface.“ButIdaresayIcanfindout,”sheaddedhopefully.
II
HerculePoirotwassittingintheVictoriansummerhouse.Hedrewhislargewatchfromhispocketandlaiditonthetableinfrontofhim.
Hehadannouncedthathewasleavingbythetwelveo’clocktrain.Therewasstillhalfanhourtogo.Halfanhourforsomeonetomakeuptheirmindandcometohim.Perhapsmorethanoneperson….
Thesummerhousewasclearlyvisiblefrommostofthewindowsofthehouse.Surely,soon,someonewouldcome?
Ifnot,hisknowledgeofhumannaturewasdeficient,andhismainpremisesincorrect.
Hewaited—andabovehisheadaspiderinitswebwaitedforafly.
ItwasMissGilchristwhocamefirst.Shewasflusteredandupsetandratherincoherent.
“Oh,Mr.Pontarlier—Ican’trememberyourothername,”shesaid.“IhadtocomeandspeaktoyoualthoughIdon’tlikedoingit—butreallyIfeelIoughtto.Imean,afterwhathappenedtopoorMrs.Leothismorning—andIthinkmyselfMrs.Shanewasquiteright—andnotcoincidence,andcertainlynotastroke—asMrs.Timothysuggested,becausemyownfatherhadastrokeanditwasquiteadifferentappearance,andanywaythedoctorsaidconcussionquiteclearly!”
Shepaused,tookbreathandlookedatPoirotwithappealingeyes.
“Yes,”saidPoirotgentlyandencouragingly.“Youwanttotellmesomething?”
“AsIsay,Idon’tlikedoingit—becauseshe’sbeensokind.ShefoundmethepositionwithMrs.Timothyandeverything.She’sbeenreallyverykind.That’swhyIfeelsoungrateful.AndevengavemeMrs.Lansquenet’smusquashjacketwhichisreallymosthandsomeandfitsbeautifullybecauseitnevermattersiffurisalittleonthelargeside.AndwhenIwantedtoreturnheramethystbroochshewouldn’thearofit—”
“Youarereferring,”saidPoirotgently,“toMrs.Banks?”
“Yes,yousee—”MissGilchristlookeddown,twistingherfingersunhappily.Shelookedupandsaidwithasuddengulp:
“Yousee,Ilistened!”
“Youmeanyouhappenedtooverhearaconversation—”
“No.”MissGilchristshookherheadwithanairofheroicdetermination.“I’dratherspeakthetruth.Andit’snotsobadtellingyoubecauseyou’renotEnglish.”
HerculePoirotunderstoodherwithouttakingoffence.
“Youmeanthattoaforeigneritisnaturalthatpeopleshouldlistenatdoorsandopenletters,orreadlettersthatareleftabout?”
“Oh,I’dneveropenanybodyelse’sletters,”saidMissGilchristinashockedtone.“Notthat.ButIdidlistenthatday—thedaythatMr.RichardAbernethiecamedowntoseehissister.Iwascurious,youknow,abouthisturningupsuddenlyafterallthoseyears.AndIdidwonderwhy—and—and—youseewhenyouhaven’tmuchlifeofyourownorverymanyfriends,youdotendtogetinterested—whenyou’relivingwithanybody,Imean.”
“Mostnatural,”saidPoirot.
“Yes,Idothinkitwasnatural…Thoughnot,ofcourse,atallright.ButIdidit!AndIheardwhathesaid!”
“YouheardwhatMr.AbernethiesaidtoMrs.Lansquenet?”
“Yes.Hesaidsomethinglike—‘It’snogoodtalkingtoTimothy.Hepooh-poohseverything.Simplywon’tlisten.ButIthoughtI’dliketogetitoffmychesttoyou,Cora.Wethreearetheonlyonesleft.Andthoughyou’vealwayslikedtoplaythesimpletonyou’vegotalotofcommonsense.Sowhatwouldyoudoaboutit,ifyouwereme?’
“Icouldn’tquitehearwhatMrs.Lansquenetsaid,butIcaughtthewordpolice—andthenMr.Abernethieburstoutquiteloud,andsaid,‘Ican’tdothat.Notwhenit’saquestionofmyownniece.’AndthenIhadtoruninthekitchenforsomethingboilingoverandwhenIgotbackMr.Abernethiewassaying,‘EvenifIdieanunnaturaldeathIdon’twantthepolicecalledin,ifitcanpossiblybeavoided.Youunderstandthat,don’tyou,mydeargirl?Butdon’tworry.NowthatIknow,Ishalltakeallpossibleprecautions.’Andhewenton,sayinghe’dmadeanewwill,andthatshe,Cora,wouldbequiteallright.Andthenhesaidaboutherhavingbeenhappywithherhusbandandhowperhapshe’dmadeamistakeoverthatinthepast.”
MissGilchriststopped.
“Poirotsaid:“Isee—Isee….”
“ButIneverwantedtosay—totell.Ididn’tthinkMrs.Lansquenetwouldhavewantedmeto…Butnow—afterMrs.Leobeingattackedthismorning—andthenyousayingsocalmlyitwascoincidence.But,oh,M.Pontarlier,itwasn’tcoincidence!”
Poirotsmiled.Hesaid:
“No,itwasn’tcoincidence…Thankyou,MissGilchrist,forcomingtome.Itwasverynecessarythatyoushould.”
III
HehadalittledifficultyingettingridofMissGilchrist,anditwasurgentthatheshould,forhehopedforfurtherconfidences.
Hisinstinctwasright.MissGilchristhadhardlygonebeforeGregoryBanks,stridingacrossthelawn,cameimpetuouslyintothesummerhouse.Hisfacewaspaleandtherewerebeadsofperspirationonhisforehead.Hiseyeswerecuriouslyexcited.
“Atlast!”hesaid.“Ithoughtthatstupidwomanwouldnevergo.You’reallwronginwhatyousaidthismorning.You’rewrongabouteverything.RichardAbernethiewaskilled.Ikilledhim.”
HerculePoirotlethiseyesmoveupanddownovertheexcitedyoungman.Heshowednosurprise.
“Soyoukilledhim,didyou?How?”
GregoryBankssmiled.
“Itwasn’tdifficultforme.Youcansurelyrealizethat.TherewerefifteenortwentydifferentdrugsIcouldlaymyhandsonthatwoulddoit.Themethodofadministrationtookrathermorethinkingout,butIhitonaveryingeniousideaintheend.ThebeautyofitwasthatIdidn’tneedtobeanywherenearatthetime.”
“Clever,”saidPoirot.
“Yes.”GregoryBankscasthiseyesdownmodestly.Heseemedpleased.“Yes—Idothinkitwasingenious.”
Poirotaskedwithinterest:
“Whydidyoukillhim?Forthemoneythatwouldcometoyourwife?”
“No.No,ofcoursenot.”Gregwassuddenlyexcitedlyindignant.“I’mnotamoneygrubber.Ididn’tmarrySusanforhermoney!”
“Didn’tyou,Mr.Banks?”
“That’swhathethought,”Gregsaidwithsuddenvenom.“RichardAbernethie!HelikedSusan,headmiredher,hewasproudofherasanexampleofAbernethieblood!Buthethoughtshe’dmarriedbeneathher—hethoughtIwasnogood—hedespisedme!IdaresayIhadn’ttherightaccent—Ididn’twearmyclothestherightway.Hewasasnob—afilthysnob!”
“Idon’tthinkso,”saidPoirotmildly.“FromallIhaveheard,RichardAbernethiewasnosnob.”
“Hewas.Hewas.”Theyoungmanspokewithsomethingapproachinghysteria.“Hethoughtnothingofme.Hesneeredatme—alwaysverypolitebutunderneathIcouldseethathedidn’tlikeme!”
“Possibly.”
“Peoplecan’ttreatmelikethatandgetawaywithit!They’vetrieditbefore!Awomanwhousedtocomeandhavehermedicinesmadeup.Shewasrudetome.DoyouknowwhatIdid?”
“Yes,”saidPoirot.
Gregorylookedstartled.
“Soyouknowthat?”
“Yes.”
“Shenearlydied.”Hespokedinasatisfiedmanner.“ThatshowsyouI’mnotthesortofpersontobetrifledwith!RichardAbernethiedespisedme—andwhathappenedtohim?Hedied.”
“Amostsuccessfulmurder,”saidPoirotwithgravecongratulation.
Headded:“Butwhycomeandgiveyourselfaway—tome?”
“Becauseyousaidyouwerethroughwithitall!Yousaidhehadn’tbeenmurdered.Ihadtoshowyouthatyou’renotascleverasyouthinkyouare—andbesides—besides—”
“Yes,”saidPoirot.“Andbesides?”
Gregcollapsedsuddenlyonthebench.Hisfacechanged.Ittookonasuddenecstaticquality.
“Itwaswrong—wicked…Imustbepunished…Imustgobackthere—totheplaceofpunishment…toatone…Yes,toatone!Repentance!Retribution!”
Hisfacewasalightnowwithakindofglowingecstasy.Poirotstudiedhimforamomentortwocuriously.
Thenheasked:
“Howbadlydoyouwanttogetawayfromyourwife?”
Gregory’sfacechanged.
“Susan?Susaniswonderful—wonderful!”
“Yes.Susaniswonderful.Thatisagraveburden.Susanlovesyoudevotedly.Thatisaburden,too?”
Gregorysatlookinginfrontofhim.Thenhesaid,ratherinthemannerofasulkychild:
“Whycouldn’tsheletmealone?”
Hesprangup.
“She’scomingnow—acrossthelawn.I’llgonow.Butyou’lltellherwhatItoldyou?TellherI’vegonetothepolicestation.Toconfess.”
IV
Susancameinbreathlessly.
“Where’sGreg?Hewashere!Isawhim.”
“Yes.”Poirotpausedamoment—beforesaying:“HecametotellmethatitwashewhopoisonedRichardAbernethie….”
“Whatabsolutenonsense!Youdidn’tbelievehim,Ihope?”
“WhyshouldInotbelievehim?”
“Hewasn’tevennearthisplacewhenUncleRicharddied!”
“Perhapsnot.WherewashewhenCoraLansquenetdied?”
“InLondon.Webothwere.”
HerculePoirotshookhishead.
“No,no,thatwillnotdo.You,forinstance,tookoutyourcarthatdayandwereawayalltheafternoon.IthinkIknowwhereyouwent.YouwenttoLytchettSt.Mary.”
“Ididnosuchthing!”
Poirotsmiled.
“WhenImetyouhere,Madame,itwasnot,asItoldyou,thefirsttimeIhadseenyou.AftertheinquestonMrs.LansquenetyouwereinthegarageoftheKing’sArms.Youtalktheretoamechanicandclosebyyouisacarcontaininganelderlyforeigngentleman.Youdidnotnoticehim,buthenoticedyou.”
“Idon’tseewhatyoumean.Thatwasthedayoftheinquest.”
“Ah,butrememberwhatthatmechanicsaidtoyou!Heaskedyouifyouwerearelativeofthevictim,andyousaidyouwereherniece.”
“Hewasjustbeingaghoul.They’reallghouls.”
“Andhisnextwordswere,‘Ah,wonderedwhereI’dseenyoubefore.’Wheredidheseeyoubefore,Madame?ItmusthavebeeninLytchettSt.Mary,sinceinhismindhisseeingyoubeforewasaccountedforbyyourbeingMrs.Lansquenet’sniece.Hadheseenyounearhercottage?Andwhen?Itwasamatter,wasitnot,thatdemandsinquiry.Andtheresultoftheinquiryis,thatyouwerethere—inLytchettSt.Mary—ontheafternoonCoraLansquenetdied.Youparkedyourcarinthesamequarrywhereyouleftitthemorningoftheinquest.Thecarwasseenandthenumberwasnoted.BythistimeInspectorMortonknowswhosecaritwas.”
Susanstaredathim.Herbreathcameratherfast,butsheshowednosignsofdiscomposure.
“You’retalkingnonsense,M.Poirot.Andyou’remakingmeforgetwhatIcameheretosay—Iwantedtotryandfindyoualone—”
“Toconfesstomeitwasyouandnotyourhusbandwhocommittedthemurder?”
“No,ofcoursenot.WhatkindofafooldoyouthinkIam?AndI’vealreadytoldyouthatGregoryneverleftLondonthatday.”
“Afactwhichyoucannotpossiblyknowsinceyouwereawayyourself.WhydidyougodowntoLytchettSt.Mary,Mrs.Banks?”
Susandrewadeepbreath.
“Allright,ifyoumusthaveit!WhatCorasaidatthefuneralworriedme.Ikeptonthinkingaboutit.FinallyIdecidedtorundowninthecarandseeher,andaskherwhathadputtheideaintoherhead.Gregthoughtitasillyidea,soIdidn’teventellhimwhereIwasgoing.Igotthereaboutthreeo’clock,knockedandrang,buttherewasnoanswer,soIthoughtshemustbeoutorgoneaway.That’sallthereistoit.Ididn’tgoroundtothebackofthecottage.IfIhad,Imighthaveseenthebrokenwindow.IjustwentbacktoLondonwithoutthefaintestideatherewasanythingwrong.”
Poirot’sfacewasnoncommittal.Hesaid:
“Whydoesyourhusbandaccusehimselfofthecrime?”
“Becausehe’s—”awordtrembledonSusan’stongueandwasrejected.Poirotseizedonit.
“Youweregoingtosay‘becauseheisbatty’speakinginjest—butthejestwastoonearthetruth,wasitnot?”
“Greg’sallright.Heis.Heis.”
“Iknowsomethingofhishistory,”saidPoirot.“HewasforsomemonthsinForsdykeHouseMentalHomebeforeyoumethim.”
“Hewasnevercertified.Hewasavoluntarypatient.”
“Thatistrue.Heisnot,Iagree,tobeclassedasinsane.Butheis,verydefinitely,unbalanced.Hehasapunishmentcomplex—hashadit,Isuspect,sinceinfancy.”
Susanspokequicklyandeagerly:
“Youdon’tunderstand,M.Poirot.Greghasneverhadachance.That’swhyIwantedUncleRichard’smoneysobadly.UncleRichardwassomatter-of-fact.Hecouldn’tunderstand.IknewGreghadgottosetupforhimself.Hehadgottofeelhewassomeone—notjustachemist’sassistant,beingpushedaround.Everythingwillbedifferentnow.Hewillhavehisownlaboratory.Hecanworkouthisownformulas.”
“Yes,yes—youwillgivehimtheearth—becauseyoulovehim.Lovehimtoomuchforsafetyorforhappiness.Butyoucannotgivetopeoplewhattheyareincapableofreceiving.Attheendofitall,hewillstillbesomethingthathedoesnotwanttobe….”
“What’sthat?”
“Susan’shusband.”
“Howcruelyouare!Andwhatnonsenseyoutalk!”
“WhereGregoryBanksisconcernedyouareunscrupulous.Youwantedyouruncle’smoney—notforyourself—butforyourhusband.Howbadlydidyouwantit?”
Angrily,Susanturnedanddashedaway.
V
“Ithought,”saidMichaelShanelightly,“thatI’djustcomealongandsaygood-bye.”
Hesmiled,andhissmilehadasingularlyintoxicatingquality.
Poirotwasawareoftheman’svitalcharm.
HestudiedMichaelShaneforsomemomentsinsilence.Hefeltasthoughheknewthismanleastwellofallthehouseparty,forMichaelShaneonlyshowedthesideofhimselfthathewantedtoshow.
“Yourwife,”saidPoirotconversationally,“isaveryunusualwoman.”
Michaelraisedhiseyebrows.
“Doyouthinkso?She’salovely,Iagree.Butnot,orsoI’vefound,conspicuousforbrains.”
“Shewillnevertrytobetooclever,”Poirotagreed.“Butsheknowswhatshewants.”Hesighed.“Sofewpeopledo.”
“Ah!”Michael’ssmilebrokeoutagain.“Thinkingofthemalachitetable?”
“Perhaps.”Poirotpausedandadded:“Andofwhatwasonit.”
“Thewaxflowers,youmean?”
“Thewaxflowers.”
Michaelfrowned.
“Idon’talwaysquiteunderstandyou,M.Poirot.However,”thesmilewasswitchedonagain,“I’mmorethankfulthanIcansaythatwe’realloutofthewood.It’sunpleasant,tosaytheleastofit,togoaroundwiththesuspicionthatsomehoworotheroneofusmurderedpooroldUncleRichard.”
“Thatishowheseemedtoyouwhenyoumethim?”Poirotinquired.“PooroldUncleRichard?”
“Ofcoursehewasverywell-preservedandallthat—”
“Andinfullpossessionofhisfaculties—”
“Ohyes.”
“And,infact,quiteshrewd?”
“Idaresay.”
“Ashrewdjudgeofcharacter.”
Thesmileremainedunaltered.
“Youcan’texpectmetoagreewiththat,M.Poirot.Hedidn’tapproveofme.”
“Hethoughtyou,perhaps,theunfaithfultype?”Poirotsuggested.
Michaellaughed.
“Whatanold-fashionedidea!”
“Butitistrue,isn’tit?”
“NowIwonderwhatyoumeanbythat?”
Poirotplacedthetipsofhisfingerstogether.
“Therehavebeeninquiriesmade,youknow,”hemurmured.
“Byyou?”
“Notonlybyme.”
MichaelShanegavehimaquicksearchingglance.Hisreactions,Poirotnoted,werequick.MichaelShanewasnofool.
“Youmean—thepoliceareinterested?”
“Theyhaveneverbeenquitesatisfied,youknow,toregardthemurderofCoraLansquenetasacasualcrime.”
“Andthey’vebeenmakinginquiriesaboutme?”
Poirotsaidprimly:
“TheyareinterestedinthemovementsofMrs.Lansquenet’srelationsonthedaythatshewaskilled.”
“That’sextremelyawkward.”Michaelspokewithacharmingconfidentialruefulair.
“Isit,Mr.Shane?”
“Moresothanyoucanimagine!ItoldRosamund,yousee,thatIwaslunchingwithacertainOscarLewisonthatday.”
“When,inactualfact,youwerenot?”
“No.ActuallyImotoreddowntoseeawomancalledSorrelDainton—quiteawell-knownactress.Iwaswithherinherlastshow.Ratherawkward,yousee—forthoughit’squitesatisfactoryasfarasthepoliceareconcerned,itwon’tgodownverywellwithRosamund.”
“Ah!”Poirotlookeddiscreet.“Therehasbeenalittletroubleoverthisfriendshipofyours?”
“Yes…Infact—RosamundmademepromiseIwouldn’tseeheranymore.”
“Yes,Icanseethatmaybeawkward…Entrenous,youhadanaffairwiththelady?”
“Oh,justoneofthosethings!It’snotasthoughIcaredforthewomanatall.”
“Butshecaresforyou?”
“Well,she’sbeenrathertiresome…Womendoclingso.However,asyousay,thepoliceatanyratewillbesatisfied.”
“Youthinkso?”
“Well,IcouldhardlybetakingahatchettoCoraifIwasdallyingwithSorrelmilesandmilesaway.She’sgotacottageinKent.”
“Isee—Isee—andthisMissDainton,shewilltestifyforyou?”
“Shewon’tlikeit—butasit’smurder,Isupposeshe’llhavetodoit.”
“Shewilldoit,perhaps,evenifyouwerenotdallyingwithher.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Michaellookedsuddenlyblackasthunder.
“Theladyisfondofyou.Whentheyarefond,womenwillsweartowhatistrue—andalsotowhatisuntrue.”
“Doyoumeantosaythatyoudon’tbelieveme?”
“ItdoesnotmatterifIbelieveyouornot.ItisnotIyouhavetosatisfy.”
“Whothen?”
Poirotsmiled.
“InspectorMorton—whohasjustcomeoutontheterracethroughthesidedoor.”
MichaelShanewheeledroundsharply.
Twenty-three
I
“Iheardyouwerehere,M.Poirot,”saidInspectorMorton.
Thetwomenwerepacingtheterracetogether.
“IcameoverwithSuperintendentParwellfromMatchfield.Dr.LarrabyranghimupaboutMrs.LeoAbernethieandhe’scomeoverheretomakeafewinquiries.Thedoctorwasn’tsatisfied.”
“Andyou,myfriend,”inquiredPoirot,“wheredoyoucomein?YouarealongwayfromyournativeBerkshire.”
“Iwantedtoaskafewquestions—andthepeopleIwantedtoaskthemofseemedveryconvenientlyassembledhere.”Hepausedbeforeadding,“Yourdoing?”
“Yes,mydoing.”
“AndasaresultMrs.LeoAbernethiegetsknockedout.”
“Youmustnotblamemeforthat.Ifshehadcometome…Butshedidnot.InsteadsherangupherlawyerinLondon.”
“Andwasintheprocessofspillingthebeanstohimwhen—Wonk!”
“When—asyousay—Wonk!”
“Andwhathadshemanagedtotellhim?”
“Verylittle.Shehadonlygotasfarastellinghimthatshewaslookingatherselfintheglass.”
“Ah!well,”saidInspectorMortonphilosophically.“Womenwilldoit.”HelookedsharplyatPoirot.“Thatsuggestssomethingtoyou?”
“Yes,IthinkIknowwhatitwasshewasgoingtotellhim.”
“Wonderfulguesser,aren’tyou?Youalwayswere.Well,whatwasit?”
“Excuseme,areyouinquiringintothedeathofRichardAbernethie?”
“Officially,no.Actually,ofcourse,ifithasabearingonthemurderofMrs.Lansquenet—”
“Ithasabearingonthat,yes.ButIwillaskyou,myfriend,togivemeafewmorehours.IshallknowbythenifwhatIhaveimagined—imaginedonly,youcomprehend—iscorrect.Ifitis—”
“Well,ifitis?”
“ThenImaybeabletoplaceinyourhandsapieceofconcreteevidence.”
“Wecouldcertainlydowithit,”saidInspectorMortonwithfeeling.HelookedaskanceatPoirot.“Whathaveyoubeenholdingback?”
“Nothing.Absolutelynothing.SincethepieceofevidenceIhaveimaginedmaynotinfactexist.Ihaveonlydeduceditsexistencefromvariousscrapsofconversation.Imay,”saidPoirotinacompletelyunconvincedtone,“bewrong.”
Mortonsmiled.
“Butthatdoesn’toftenhappentoyou?”
“No.ThoughIwilladmit—yes,Iamforcedtoadmit—thatithashappenedtome.”
“ImustsayI’mgladtohearit!Tobealwaysrightmustbesometimesmonotonous.”
“Idonotfinditso,”Poirotassuredhim.
InspectorMortonlaughed.
“Andyou’reaskingmetoholdoffwithmyquestioning?”
“No,no,notatall.Proceedasyouhadplannedtodo.Isupposeyouwerenotactuallycontemplatinganarrest?”
Mortonshookhishead.
“Muchtooflimsyforthat.We’dhavetogetadecisionfromthePublicProsecutorfirst—andwe’realongwayfromthat.No,juststatementsfromcertainpartiesoftheirmovementsonthedayinquestion—inonecasewithacaution,perhaps.”
“Isee.Mrs.Banks?”
“Smart,aren’tyou?Yes.Shewastherethatday.Hercarwasparkedinthatquarry.”
“Shewasnotseenactuallydrivingthecar?”
“No.”
TheInspectoradded,“It’sbadyouknow,thatshe’sneversaidawordaboutbeingdowntherethatday.She’sgottoexplainthatsatisfactorily.”
“Sheisquiteskilfulatexplanations,”saidPoirotdrily.
“Yes.Cleveryounglady.Perhapsathoughttooclever.”
“Itisneverwisetobetooclever.Thatishowmurderersgetcaught.HasanythingmorecomeupaboutGeorgeCrossfield?”
“Nothingdefinite.He’saveryordinarytype.Therearealotofyoungmenlikehimgoingaboutthecountryintrainsandbusesoronbicycles.PeoplefindithardtorememberwhenaweekorsohasgonebyifitwasWednesdayorThursdaywhentheywereatacertainplaceornoticedacertainperson.”
Hepausedandwenton:“We’vehadonepieceofrathercuriousinformation—fromtheMotherSuperiorofsomeconventorother.Twoofhernunshadbeenoutcollectingfromdoortodoor.ItseemsthattheywenttoMrs.Lansquenet’scottageonthedaybeforeshewasmurdered,butcouldn’tmakeanyonehearwhentheyknockedandrang.That’snaturalenough—shewasupNorthattheAbernethiefuneralandGilchristhadbeengiventhedayoffandhadgoneonanexcursiontoBournemouth.Thepointisthattheysaytherewassomeoneinthecottage.Theysaytheyheardsighsandgroans.I’vequeriedwhetheritwasn’tadaylaterbuttheMotherSuperiorisquitedefinitethatthatcouldn’tbeso.It’sallenteredupinsomebook.Wastheresomeonesearchingforsomethinginthecottagethatday,whoseizedtheopportunityofboththewomenbeingaway?Anddidthatsomebodynotfindwhatheorshewaslookingforandcomebackthenextday?Idon’tsetmuchstoreonthesighsandstilllessonthegroans.Evennunsaresuggestibleandacottagewheremurderhasoccurredpositivelyasksforgroans.Thepointis,wastheresomeoneinthecottagewhoshouldn’thavebeenthere?Andifso,whowasit?AlltheAbernethiecrowdwereatthefuneral.”
Poirotaskedaseeminglyirrelevantquestion:
“Thesenunswhowerecollectinginthatdistrict,didtheyreturnatallatalaterdatetotryagain?”
“Asamatteroffacttheydidcomeagain—aboutaweeklater.Actuallyonthedayoftheinquest,Ibelieve.”
“Thatfits,”saidHerculePoirot.“Thatfitsverywell.”
InspectorMortonlookedathim.
“Whythisinterestinnuns?”
“TheyhavebeenforcedonmyattentionwhetherIwillorno.Itwillnothaveescapedyourattention,Inspector,thatthevisitofthenunswasthesamedaythatpoisonedweddingcakefounditswayintothatcottage.”
“Youdon’tthink—Surelythat’saridiculousidea?”
“Myideasareneverridiculous,”saidHerculePoirotseverely.“Andnow,moncher,ImustleaveyoutoyourquestionsandtotheinquiriesintotheattackonMrs.Abernethie.ImyselfmustgoinsearchofthelateRichardAbernethie’sniece.”
“NowbecarefulwhatyougosayingtoMrs.Banks.”
“IdonotmeanMrs.Banks.ImeanRichardAbernethie’sotherniece.”
II
PoirotfoundRosamundsittingonabenchoverlookingalittlestreamthatcascadeddowninawaterfallandthenflowedthroughrhododendronthickets.Shewasstaringintothewater.
“Idonot,Itrust,disturbanOphelia,”saidPoirotashetookhisseatbesideher.“Youare,perhaps,studyingtherole?”
“I’veneverplayedinShakespeare,”saidRosamund.“ExceptonceinRep.IwasJessicainTheMerchant.Alousypart.”
“Yetnotwithoutpathos.‘IamnevermerrywhenIhearsweetmusic.’Whataloadshecarried,poorJessica,thedaughterofthehatedanddespisedJew.Whatdoubtsofherselfshemusthavehadwhenshebroughtwithherherfather’sducatswhensheranawaytoherlover.Jessicawithgoldwasonething—Jessicawithoutgoldmighthavebeenanother.”
Rosamundturnedherheadtolookathim
“Ithoughtyou’dgone,”shesaidwithatouchofreproach.Sheglanceddownatherwristwatch.“It’spasttwelveo’clock.”
“Ihavemissedmytrain,”saidPoirot
“Why?”
“YouthinkImisseditforareason?”
“Isupposeso.You’reratherprecise,aren’tyou?Ifyouwantedtocatchatrain,Ishouldthinkyou’dcatchit.”
“Yourjudgementisadmirable.Doyouknow,Madame,Ihavebeensittinginthelittlesummerhousehopingthatyouwould,perhaps,paymeavisitthere?”
Rosamundstaredathim.
“WhyshouldI?Youmoreorlesssaidgood-byetousallinthelibrary.”
“Quiteso.Andtherewasnothing—youwantedtosaytome?”
“No.”Rosamundshookherhead.“IhadalotIwantedtothinkabout.Importantthings.”
“Isee.”
“Idon’toftendomuchthinking,”saidRosamund.“Itseemsawasteoftime.Butthisisimportant.Ithinkoneoughttoplanone’slifejustasonewantsittobe.”
“Andthatiswhatyouaredoing?”
“Well,yes…Iwastryingtomakeadecisionaboutsomething.”
“Aboutyourhusband?”
“Inaway.”
Poirotwaitedamoment,thenhesaid:
“InspectorMortonhasjustarrivedhere.”HeanticipatedRosamund’squestionbygoingon:“HeisthepoliceofficerinchargeoftheinquiriesaboutMrs.Lansquenet’sdeath.Hehascomeheretogetstatementsfromyouallaboutwhatyouweredoingonthedayshewasmurdered.”
“Isee.Alibis,”saidRosamundcheerfully.
Herbeautifulfacerelaxedintoanimpishglee.
“ThatwillbehellforMichael,”shesaid.“HethinksIdon’treallyknowhewentofftobewiththatwomanthatday.”
“Howdidyouknow?”
“ItwasobviousfromthewayhesaidhewasgoingtolunchwithOscar.Sofrightfullycasually,youknow,andhisnosetwitchingjustatinybitlikeitalwaysdoeswhenhetellslies.”
“HowdevoutlythankfulIamIamnotmarriedtoyou,Madame!”
“Andthen,ofcourse,ImadesurebyringingupOscar,”continuedRosamund.“Menalwaystellsuchsillylies.”
“Heisnot,Ifear,averyfaithfulhusband?”Poirothazarded.
Rosamund,however,didnotrejectthestatement.
“No.”
“Butyoudonotmind?”
“Well,it’sratherfuninaway,”saidRosamund.“Imeanhavingahusbandthatalltheotherwomenwanttosnatchawayfromyou.Ishouldhatetobemarriedtoamanthatnobodywanted—likepoorSusan.ReallyGregissocompletelywet!”
Poirotwasstudyingher.
“Andsupposesomeonedidsucceed—insnatchingyourhusbandawayfromyou?”
“Theywon’t,”saidRosamund.“Notnow,”sheadded.
“Youmean—”
“Notnowthatthere’sUncleRichard’smoney.Michaelfallsforthesecreaturesinaway—thatSorrelDaintonwomannearlygotherhooksintohim—wantedhimforkeeps—butwithMichaeltheshowwillalwayscomefirst.Hecanlaunchoutnowinabigway—puthisownshowson.Dosomeproductionaswellasacting.He’sambitious,youknow,andhereallyisgood.Notlikeme.Iadoreacting—butI’mham,thoughIlooknice.No,I’mnotworriedaboutMichaelanymore.Becauseit’smymoney,yousee.”
HereyesmetPoirot’scalmly.HethoughthowstrangeitwasthatbothRichardAbernethie’sniecesshouldhavefallendeeplyinlovewithmenwhowereincapableofreturningthatlove.AndyetRosamundwasunusuallybeautifulandSusanwasattractiveandfullofsexappeal.SusanneededandclungtotheillusionthatGregorylovedher.Rosamund,clear-sighted,hadnoillusionsatall,butknewwhatshewanted.
“Thepointis,”saidRosamund,“thatI’vegottomakeabigdecision—aboutthefuture.Michaeldoesn’tknowyet.”Herfacecurvedintoasmile.“HefoundoutthatIwasn’tshoppingthatdayandhe’smadlysuspiciousaboutRegent’sPark.”
“WhatisthisaboutRegent’sPark?”Poirotlookedpuzzled.
“Iwentthere,yousee,afterHarleyStreet.Justtowalkaboutandthink.NaturallyMichaelthinksthatifIwentthereatall,Iwenttomeetsomeman!”
Rosamundsmiledbeatificallyandadded:
“Hedidn’tlikethatatall!”
“ButwhyshouldyounotgotoRegent’sPark?”askedPoirot.
“Justtowalkthere,youmean?”
“Yes.Haveyouneverdoneitbefore?”
“Never.WhyshouldI?WhatistheretogotoRegent’sParkfor?”
Poirotlookedatherandsaid:
“Foryou—nothing.”
Headded:
“Ithink,Madame,thatyoumustcedethegreenmalachitetabletoyourcousinSusan.”
Rosamund’seyesopenedverywide.
“WhyshouldI?Iwantit.”
“Iknow.Iknow.Butyou—youwillkeepyourhusband.AndthepoorSusan,shewilllosehers.”
“Losehim?DoyoumeanGreg’sgoingoffwithsomeone?Iwouldn’thavebelieveditofhim.Helookssowet.”
“Infidelityisnottheonlywayoflosingahusband,Madame.”
“Youdon’tmean—?”Rosamundstaredathim.“You’renotthinkingthatGregpoisonedUncleRichardandkilledAuntCoraandconkedAuntHelenonthehead?That’sridiculous.EvenIknowbetterthanthat.”
“Whodid,then?”
“George,ofcourse.Georgeisawrongun,youknow,he’smixedupinsomesortofcurrencyswindle—IheardaboutitfromsomefriendsofminewhowereinMonte.IexpectUncleRichardgottoknowaboutitandwasjustgoingtocuthimoutofhiswill.”
Rosamundaddedcomplacently:
“I’vealwaysknownitwasGeorge.”
Twenty-four
I
Thetelegramcameaboutsixo’clockthatevening.
Asspeciallyrequesteditwasdeliveredbyhand,nottelephoned,andHerculePoirot,whohadbeenhoveringforsometimeintheneighbourhoodofthefrontdoor,wasathandtoreceiveitfromLanscombeasthelattertookitfromthetelegraphboy.
Hetoreitopenwithsomewhatlessthanhisusualprecision.Itconsistedofthreewordsandasignature.
Poirotgaveventtoanenormoussighofrelief.
Thenhetookapoundnotefromhispocketandhandedittothedumbfoundedboy
“Therearemoments,”hesaidtoLanscombe,“wheneconomyshouldbeabandoned.”
“Verypossibly,sir,”saidLanscombepolitely.
“WhereisInspectorMorton?”askedPoirot.
“Oneofthepolicegentlemen,”Lanscombespokewithdistaste—andindicatedsubtlythatsuchthingsasnamesforpoliceofficerswereimpossibletoremember—“hasleft.Theotheris,Ibelieve,inthestudy.”
“Splendid,”saidPoirot.“Ijoinhimimmediately.”
HeoncemoreclappedLanscombeontheshoulderandsaid:
“Courage,weareonthepointofarriving!”
Lanscombelookedslightlybewilderedsincedepartures,andnotarrivals,hadbeeninhismind.
Hesaid:
“Youdonot,then,proposetoleavebytheninethirtytrainafterall,sir?”
“Donotlosehope,”Poirottoldhim.
Poirotmovedaway,thenwheelinground,heasked:
“Iwonder,canyourememberwhatwerethefirstwordsMrs.Lansquenetsaidtoyouwhenshearrivedhereonthedayofyourmaster’sfuneral?”
“Irememberverywell,sir,”saidLanscombe,hisfacelightingup.“MissCora—Ibegpardon,Mrs.Lansquenet—IalwaysthinkofherasMissCora,somehow—”
“Verynaturally.”
“Shesaidtome:‘Hallo,Lanscombe.It’salongtimesinceyouusedtobringusoutmeringuestothehuts.’Allthechildrenusedtohaveahutoftheirown—downbythefenceinthePark.Insummer,whentherewasgoingtobeadinnerparty,Iusedtotaketheyoungladiesandgentlemen—theyoungerones,youunderstand,sir—somemeringues.MissCora,sir,wasalwaysveryfondofherfood.”
Poirotnodded.
“Yes,”hesaid,“thatwasasIthought.Yes,itwasverytypical,that.”
HewentintothestudytofindInspectorMortonandwithoutawordhandedhimthetelegram.
Mortonreaditblankly.
“Idon’tunderstandawordofthis.”
“Thetimehascometotellyouall.”
InspectorMortongrinned.
“YousoundlikeayoungladyinaVictorianmelodrama.Butit’sabouttimeyoucameacrosswithsomething.Ican’tholdoutonthissetupmuchlonger.ThatBanksfellowisstillinsistingthathepoisonedRichardAbernethieandboastingthatwecan’tfindouthow.Whatbeatsmeiswhythere’salwayssomebodywhocomesforwardwhenthere’samurderandyellsoutthattheydidit!Whatdotheythinkthereisinitforthem?I’veneverbeenabletofathomthat.”
“Inthiscase,probablyshelterfromthedifficultiesofbeingresponsibleforoneself—inotherwords—ForsdykeSanatorium.”
“MorelikelytobeBroadmoor.”
“Thatmightbeequallysatisfactory.”
“Didhedoit,Poirot?TheGilchristwomancameoutwiththestoryshe’dalreadytoldyouanditwouldfitwithwhatRichardAbernethiesaidabouthisniece.Ifherhusbanddidit,itwouldinvolveher.Somehow,youknow,Ican’tvisualizethatgirlcommittingalotofcrimes.Butthere’snothingshewouldn’tdototryandcoverhim.”
“Iwilltellyouall—”
“Yes,yes,tellmeall!AndfortheLord’ssakehurryupanddoit!”
II
ThistimeitwasinthebigdrawingroomthatHerculePoirotassembledhisaudience.
Therewasamusementratherthantensioninthefacesthatwereturnedtowardshim.MenacehadmaterializedintheshapeofInspectorMortonandSuperintendentParwell.Withthepoliceincharge,questioning,askingforstatements,HerculePoirot,privatedetective,hadrecededintosomethingcloselyresemblingajoke.
Timothywasnotfarfromvoicingthegeneralfeelingwhenheremarkedinanaudiblesottovocetohiswife:
“Damnedlittlemountebank!Entwhistlemustbegaga!—that’sallIcansay.”
ItlookedasthoughHerculePoirotwouldhavetoworkhardtomakehispropereffect.
Hebeganinaslightlypompousmanner.
“Forthesecondtime,Iannouncemydeparture!ThismorningIannounceditforthetwelveo’clocktrain.ThiseveningIannounceitfortheninethirty—immediately,thatis,afterdinner.Igobecausethereisnothingmorehereformetodo.”
“Couldhavetoldhimthatallalong.”Timothy’scommentarywasstillinevidence.“Neverwasanythingforhimtodo.Thecheekofthesefellows!”
“Icamehereoriginallytosolveariddle.Theriddleissolved.Letme,first,gooverthevariouspointswhichwerebroughttomyattentionbytheexcellentMr.Entwhistle.
“First,Mr.RichardAbernethiediessuddenly.Secondly,afterhisfuneral,hissisterCoraLansquenetsays,‘Hewasmurdered,wasn’the?’ThirdlyMrs.Lansquenetiskilled.Thequestionis,arethosethreethingspartofasequence?Letusobservewhathappensnext?MissGilchrist,thedeadwoman’scompanion,istakenillaftereatingapieceofweddingcakewhichcontainsarsenic.That,then,isthenextstepinthesequence.
“Now,asItoldyouthismorning,inthecourseofmyinquiriesIhavecomeacrossnothing—nothingatall,tosubstantiatethebeliefthatMr.Abernethiewaspoisoned.Equally,Imaysay,Ihavefoundnothingtoproveconclusivelythathewasnotpoisoned.Butasweproceed,thingsbecomeeasier.CoraLansquenetundoubtedlyaskedthatsensationalquestionatthefuneral.Everyoneagreesuponthat.Andundoubtedly,onthefollowingday,Mrs.Lansquenetwasmurdered—ahatchetbeingtheinstrumentemployed.Nowletusexaminethefourthhappening.Thelocalpostvandriverisstronglyofthebelief—thoughhewillnotdefinitelysweartoit—thathedidnotdeliverthatparcelofweddingcakeintheusualway.Andifthatisso,thentheparcelwasleftbyhandandthoughwecannotexcludea‘personunknown’—wemusttakeparticularnoticeofthosepeoplewhowereactuallyonthespotandinapositiontoputtheparcelwhereitwassubsequentlyfound.Thosewere:MissGilchristherself,ofcourse;SusanBankswhocamedownthatdayfortheinquest;Mr.Entwhistle(butyes,wemustconsiderMr.Entwhistle;hewaspresent,remember,whenCoramadeherdisquietingremark!)Andthereweretwootherpeople.AnoldgentlemanwhorepresentedhimselftobeaMr.Guthrie,anartcritic,andanunornunswhocalledearlythatmorningtocollectasubscription.
“NowIdecidedthatIwouldstartontheassumptionthatthepostalvandriver’srecollectionwascorrect.Thereforethelittlegroupofpeopleundersuspicionmustbeverycarefullystudied.MissGilchristdidnotbenefitinanywaybyRichardAbernethie’sdeathandinonlyaveryminutedegreebyMrs.Lansquenet’s—inactualfactthedeathofthelatterputheroutofemploymentandleftherwiththepossibilityoffindingitdifficulttogetnewemployment.AlsoMissGilchristwastakentohospitaldefinitelysufferingfromarsenicpoisoning.
“SusanBanksdidbenefitfromRichardAbernethie’sdeath,andinasmalldegreefromMrs.Lansquenet’s—thoughherehermotivemustalmostcertainlyhavebeensecurity.ShemighthaveverygoodreasontobelievethatMissGilchristhadoverheardaconversationbetweenCoraLansquenetandherbrotherwhichreferredtoher,andshemightthereforedecidethatMissGilchristmustbeeliminated.Sheherself,remember,refusedtopartakeoftheweddingcakeandalsosuggestednotcallinginadoctoruntilthemorning,whenMissGilchristwastakenillinthenight.
“Mr.Entwhistledidnotbenefitbyeitherofthedeaths—buthehadhadconsiderablecontroloverMr.Abernethie’saffairs,andthetrustfunds,andtheremightwellbesomereasonwhyRichardAbernethieshouldnotlivetoolong.But—youwillsay—ifitisMr.Entwhistlewhowasconcerned,whyshouldhecometome?
“AndtothatIwillanswer—itisnotthefirsttimethatamurdererhasbeentoosureofhimself.
“WenowcometowhatImaycallthetwooutsiders.Mr.Guthrieandanun.IfMr.GuthrieisreallyMr.Guthrie,theartcritic,thenthatclearshim.Thesameappliestothenun,ifsheisreallyanun.Thequestionis,arethesepeoplethemselves,oraretheysomebodyelse?
“AndImaysaythatthereseemstobeacurious—motif—onemightcallit—ofanunrunningthroughthisbusiness.AnuncomestothedoorofMr.TimothyAbernethie’shouseandMissGilchristbelievesitisthesamenunshehasseenatLytchettSt.Mary.Alsoanun,ornuns,calledherethedaybeforeMr.Abernethiedied….”
GeorgeCrossfieldmurmured,“Threetoone,thenun.”
Poirotwenton:
“Soherewehavecertainpiecesofourpattern—thedeathofMr.Abernethie,themurderofCoraLansquenet,thepoisonedweddingcake,the‘motif’ofthe‘nun.’
“Iwilladdsomeotherfeaturesofthecasethatengagedmyattention:
“Thevisitofanartcritic,asmellofoilpaint,apicturepostcardofPolflexanharbour,andfinallyabouquetofwaxflowersstandingonthatmalachitetablewhereaChinesevasestandsnow.
“Itwasreflectingonthesethingsthatledmetothetruth—andIamnowabouttotellyouthetruth.
“ThefirstpartofitItoldyouthismorning.RichardAbernethiediedsuddenly—buttherewouldhavebeennoreasonatalltosuspectfoulplayhaditnotbeenforthewordsutteredbyhissisterCoraathisfuneral.ThewholecaseforthemurderofRichardAbernethierestsuponthosewords.Asaresultofthem,youallbelievedthatmurderhadtakenplace,andyoubelievedit,notreallybecauseofthewordsthemselvesbutbecauseofthecharacterofCoraLansquenetherself.ForCoraLansquenethadalwaysbeenfamousforspeakingthetruthatawkwardmoments.SothecaseforRichard’smurderrestednotonlyuponwhatCorahadsaidbutuponCoraherself.
“AndnowIcometothequestionthatIsuddenlyaskedmyself:
“HowwelldidyouallknowCoraLansquenet?”
Hewassilentforamoment,andSusanaskedsharply,“Whatdoyoumean?”
Poirotwenton:
“Notwellatall—thatistheanswer!Theyoungergenerationhadneverseenheratall,orifso,onlywhentheywereveryyoungchildren.TherewereactuallyonlythreepeoplepresentthatdaywhoactuallyknewCora.Lanscombe,thebutler,whoisoldandveryblind;Mrs.TimothyAbernethiewhohadonlyseenherafewtimesroundaboutthedateofherownwedding,andMrs.LeoAbernethiewhohadknownherquitewell,butwhohadnotseenherforovertwentyyears.
“SoIsaidtomyself:‘SupposingitwasnotCoraLansquenetwhocametothefuneralthatday?’”
“DoyoumeanthatAuntCora—wasn’tAuntCora?”Susandemandedincredulously.“Doyoumeanthatitwasn’tAuntCorawhowasmurdered,butsomeoneelse?”
“No,no,itwasCoraLansquenetwhowasmurdered.ButitwasnotCoraLansquenetwhocamethedaybeforetoherbrother’sfuneral.Thewomanwhocamethatdaycameforonepurposeonly—toexploit,onemaysay,thefactthatRicharddiedsuddenly.Andtocreateinthemindsofhisrelationsthathehadbeenmurdered.Whichshemanagedtodomostsuccessfully!”
“Nonsense!Why?Whatwasthepointofit?”Maudespokebluffly.
“Why?Todrawattentionawayfromtheothermurder.FromthemurderofCoraLansquenetherself.ForifCorasaysthatRichardhasbeenmurderedandthenextdaysheherselfiskilled,thetwodeathsareboundtobeatleastconsideredaspossiblecauseandeffect.ButifCoraismurderedandhercottageisbrokeninto,andiftheapparentrobberydoesnotconvincethepolice,thentheywilllook—where?Closeathome,willtheynot?Suspicionwilltendtofallonthewomanwhosharesthehousewithher.”
MissGilchristprotestedinatonethatwasalmostbright:
“Ohcome—really—Mr.Pontarlier—youdon’tsuggestI’dcommitamurderforanamethystbroochandafewworthlesssketches?”
“No,”saidPoirot.“Foralittlemorethanthat.Therewasoneofthosesketches,MissGilchrist,thatrepresentedPolflexanharbourandwhich,asMrs.Bankswascleverenoughtorealize,hadbeencopiedfromapicturepostcardwhichshowedtheoldpierstillinposition.ButMrs.Lansquenetpaintedalwaysfromlife.IrememberedthenthatMr.Entwhistlehadmentionedtherebeingasmellofoilpaintinthecottagewhenhefirstgotthere.Youcanpaint,can’tyou,MissGilchrist?Yourfatherwasanartistandyouknowagooddealaboutpictures.SupposingthatoneofthepicturesthatCorapickedupcheaplyatasalewasavaluablepicture.Supposingthatsheherselfdidnotrecognizeitforwhatitwas,butthatyoudid.Youknewshewasexpecting,veryshortly,avisitfromanoldfriendofherswhowasawell-knownartcritic.Thenherbrotherdiedsuddenly—andaplanleapsintoyourhead.EasytoadministerasedativetoherinherearlycupofteathatwillkeepherunconsciousforthewholeofthedayofthefuneralwhilstyouyourselfareplayingherpartatEnderby.YouknowEnderbywellfromlisteningtohertalkaboutit.Shehastalked,aspeopledowhentheygetoninlife,agreatdealaboutherchildhooddays.EasyforyoutostartoffbyaremarktooldLanscombeaboutmeringuesandhutswhichwillmakehimquitesureofyouridentityincasehewasinclinedtodoubt.Yes,youusedyourknowledgeofEnderbywellthatday,withallusionstothisandthat,andrecallingmemories,NoneofthemsuspectedyouwerenotCora.Youwerewearingherclothes,slightlypadded,andsincesheworeafalsefrontofhair,itwaseasyforyoutoassumethat.NobodyhadseenCorafortwentyyears—andintwentyyearspeoplechangesomuchthatoneoftenhearstheremark:‘Iwouldneverhaveknownher!’Butmannerismsareremembered,andCorahadcertainverydefinitemannerisms,allofwhichyouhadpractisedcarefullybeforetheglass.
“Anditwasthere,strangelyenough,thatyoumadeyourfirstmistake.Youforgotthatamirrorimageisreversed.WhenyousawintheglasstheperfectreproductionofCora’sbirdlikesidewisetiltofthehead,youdidn’trealizethatitwasactuallythewrongwayround.Yousaw,letussay,Coraincliningherheadtotheright—butyouforgotthatactuallyyourownheadwasinclinedtothelefttoproducethateffectintheglass.
“ThatwaswhatpuzzledandworriedHelenAbernethieatthemomentwhenyoumadeyourfamousinsinuation.Somethingseemedtoher‘wrong.’IrealizedmyselftheothernightwhenRosamundShanemadeanunexpectedremarkwhathappensonsuchanoccasion.Everybodyinevitablylooksatthespeaker.Therefore,whenMrs.Leofeltsomethingwas‘wrong,’itmustbethatsomethingwaswrongwithCoraLansquenet.Theotherevening,aftertalkaboutmirrorimagesand‘seeingoneself’IthinkMrs.Leoexperimentedbeforealookingglass.Herownfaceisnotparticularlyasymmetrical.SheprobablythoughtofCora,rememberedhowCorausedtoinclineherheadtotheright,didso,andlookedintheglass—when,ofcourse,theimageseemedtoher‘wrong’andsherealized,inaflash,justwhathadbeenwrongonthedayofthefuneral.Shepuzzleditout—eitherCorahadtakentoincliningherheadintheoppositedirection—mostunlikely—orelseCorahadnotbeenCora.Neitherwayseemedtohertomakesense.ButshewasdeterminedtotellMr.Entwhistleofherdiscoveryatonce.Someonewhowasusedtogettingupearlywasalreadyabout,andfollowedherdown,andfearfulofwhatrevelationsshemightbeabouttomakestruckherdownwithaheavydoorstop.”
Poirotpausedandadded:
“Imayaswelltellyounow,MissGilchrist,thatMrs.Abernethie’sconcussionisnotserious.Shewillsoonbeabletotellusherownstory.”
“Ineverdidanythingofthesort,”saidMissGilchrist.“Thewholethingisawickedlie.”
“Itwasyouthatday,”saidMichaelShanesuddenly.HehadbeenstudyingMissGilchrist’sface.“Ioughttohaveseenitsooner—IfeltinavaguekindofwayIhadseenyoubeforesomewhere—butofcourseoneneverlooksmuchat—”hestopped.
“No,onedoesn’tbothertolookatamerecompanion-help,”saidMissGilchrist.Hervoiceshookalittle.“Adrudge,adomesticdrudge!Almostaservant!Butgoon,M.Poirot.Goonwiththisfantasticpieceofnonsense!”
“Thesuggestionofmurderthrownoutatthefuneralwasonlythefirststep,ofcourse,”saidPoirot.“Youhadmoreinreserve.AtanymomentyouwerepreparedtoadmittohavinglistenedtoaconversationbetweenRichardandhissister.Whatheactuallytoldher,nodoubt,wasthefactthathehadnotlongtolive,andthatexplainsacrypticphraseintheletterhewrotetoheraftergettinghome.The‘nun’wasanotherofyoursuggestions.Thenun—orrathernuns—whocalledatthecottageonthedayoftheinquestsuggestedtoyouamentionofanunwhowas‘followingyouround,’andyouusedthatwhenyouwereanxioustohearwhatMrs.Timothywassayingtohersister-in-lawatEnderby.Andalsobecauseyouwishedtoaccompanyherthereandfindoutforyourselfjusthowsuspicionsweregoing.Actuallytopoisonyourself,badlybutnotfatally,witharsenic,isaveryolddevice—andImaysaythatitservedtoawakenInspectorMorton’ssuspicionsofyou.”
“Butthepicture?”saidRosamund.“Whatkindofapicturewasit?”
Poirotslowlyunfoldedatelegram.
“ThismorningIrangupMr.Entwhistle,aresponsibleperson,togotoStansfieldGrangeand,actingonauthorityfromMr.Abernethiehimself”(herePoirotgaveahardstareatTimothy)“tolookamongstthepicturesinMissGilchrist’sroomandselecttheoneofPolflexanHarbouronpretextofhavingitreframedasasurpriseforMissGilchrist.HewastotakeitbacktoLondonandcalluponMr.GuthriewhomIhadwarnedbytelegram.ThehastilypaintedsketchofPolflexanHarbourwasremovedandtheoriginalpictureexposed.”
Heheldupthetelegramandread:
“DefinitelyaVermeer.Guthrie.”
Suddenly,withelectrifyingeffect,MissGilchristburstintospeech.
“IknewitwasaVermeer.Iknewit!Shedidn’tknow!TalkingaboutRembrandtsandItalianPrimitivesandunabletorecognizeaVermeerwhenitwasunderhernose!AlwayspratingaboutArt—andreallyknowingnothingaboutit!Shewasathoroughlystupidwoman.Alwaysmaunderingonaboutthisplace—aboutEnderby,andwhattheydidthereaschildren,andaboutRichardandTimothyandLauraandalltherestofthem.Rollinginmoneyalways!Alwaysthebestofeverythingthosechildrenhad.Youdon’tknowhowboringitislisteningtosomebodygoingonaboutthesamethings,hourafterhouranddayafterday.Andsaying,‘Oh,yes,Mrs.Lansquenet’and‘Really,Mrs.Lansquenet?’Pretendingtobeinterested.Andreallybored—bored—bored…Andnothingtolookforwardto…Andthen—aVermeer!IsawinthepapersthataVermeersoldtheotherdayforoverfivethousandpounds!”
“Youkilledher—inthatbrutalway—forfivethousandpounds?”Susan’svoicewasincredulous.
“Fivethousandpounds,”saidPoirot,“wouldhaverentedandequippedateashop….”
MissGilchristturnedtohim.
“Atleast,”shesaid.“Youdounderstand.ItwastheonlychanceI’deverget.Ihadtohaveacapitalsum.”Hervoicevibratedwiththeforceandobsessionofherdream.“IwasgoingtocallitthePalmTree.Andhavelittlecamelsasmenuholders.Onecanoccasionallygetquitenicechina—exportrejects—notthatawfulwhiteutilitystuff.Imeanttostartitinsomeniceneighbourhoodwherenicepeoplewouldcomein.IhadthoughtofRye…OrperhapsChichester…I’msureIcouldhavemadeasuccessofit.”Shepausedaminute,thenaddedmusingly,“Oaktables—andlittlebasketchairswithstripedredandwhitecushions….”
Forafewmoments,theteashopthatwouldneverbe,seemedmorerealthantheVictoriansolidityofthedrawingroomatEnderby….
ItwasInspectorMortonwhobrokethespell.
MissGilchristturnedtohimquitepolitely.
“Oh,certainly,”shesaid.“Atonce.Idon’twanttogiveanytrouble,I’msure.Afterall,ifIcan’thavethePalmTree,nothingreallyseemstomatterverymuch….”
ShewentoutoftheroomwithhimandSusansaid,hervoicestillshaken:
“I’veneverimaginedaladylikemurderer.It’shorrible….”
Twenty-five
“ButIdon’tunderstandaboutthewaxflowers,”saidRosamund.
ShefixedPoirotwithlargereproachfulblueeyes.
TheywereatHelen’sflatinLondon.HelenherselfwasrestingonthesofaandRosamundandPoirotwerehavingteawithher.
“Idon’tseethatwaxflowershadanythingtodowithit,”saidRosamund.“Orthemalachitetable.”
“Themalachitetable,no.ButthewaxflowerswereMissGilchrist’ssecondmistake.Shesaidhownicetheylookedonthemalachitetable.Andyousee,Madame,shecouldnothaveseenthemthere.BecausetheyhadbeenbrokenandputawaybeforeshearrivedwiththeTimothyAbernethies.SoshecouldonlyhaveseenthemwhenshewasthereasCoraLansquenet.”
“Thatwasstupidofher,wasn’tit?”saidRosamund.
Poirotshookaforefingerather.
“Itshowsyou,Madame,thedangersofconversations.Itisaprofoundbeliefofminethatifyoucaninduceapersontotalktoyouforlongenough,onanysubjectwhatever!soonerorlatertheywillgivethemselvesaway.MissGilchristdid.”
“Ishallhavetobecareful,”saidRosamundthoughtfully.
Thenshebrightenedup.
“Didyouknow?I’mgoingtohaveababy.”
“Aha!SothatisthemeaningofHarleyStreetandRegent’sPark?”
“Yes.Iwassoupset,youknow,andsosurprised—thatIjusthadtogosomewhereandthink.”
“Yousaid,Iremember,thatthatdoesnotveryoftenhappen.”
“Well,it’smucheasiernotto.ButthistimeIhadtodecideaboutthefuture.AndI’vedecidedtoleavethestageandjustbeamother.”
“Arolethatwillsuityouadmirably.AlreadyIforeseedelightfulpicturesintheSketchandtheTatler.”
Rosamundsmiledhappily.
“Yes,it’swonderful.Doyouknow,Michaelisdelighted.Ididn’treallythinkhewouldbe.”
Shepausedandadded:
“Susan’sgotthemalachitetable.Ithought,asIwashavingababy—”
Sheleftthesentenceunfinished.
“Susan’scosmeticbusinesspromiseswell,”saidHelen.“Ithinksheisallsetforabigsuccess.”
“Yes,shewasborntosucceed,”saidPoirot.“Sheislikeheruncle.”
“YoumeanRichard,Isuppose,”saidRosamund.“NotTimothy?”
“AssuredlynotlikeTimothy,”saidPoirot.
Theylaughed.
“Greg’sawaysomewhere,”saidRosamund.“HavingarestcureSusansays?”
ShelookedinquiringlyatPoirotwhosaidnothing.
“Ican’tthinkwhyhekeptonsayinghe’dkilledUncleRichard,”saidRosamund.“DoyouthinkitwasaformofExhibitionism?”
Poirotrevertedtotheprevioustopic.
“IreceivedaveryamiableletterfromMr.TimothyAbernethie,”hesaid.“HeexpressedhimselfashighlysatisfiedwiththeservicesIhadrenderedthefamily.”
“IdothinkUncleTimothyisquiteawful,”saidRosamund.
“Iamgoingtostaywiththemnextweek,”saidHelen.“Theyseemtobegettingthegardensintoorder,butdomestichelpisstilldifficult.”
“TheymisstheawfulGilchrist,Isuppose,”saidRosamund.“ButIdaresayintheend,she’dhavekilledUncleTimothytoo.Whatfunifshehad!”
“Murderhasalwaysseemedfuntoyou,Madame.”
“Oh!notreally,”saidRosamundvaguely.“ButIdidthinkitwasGeorge.”Shebrightenedup.“Perhapshewilldoonesomeday.”
“Andthatwillbefun,”saidPoirotsarcastically.
“Yes,won’tit?”Rosamundagreed.
Sheateanotheréclairfromtheplateinfrontofher.
PoirotturnedtoHelen.
“Andyou,Madame,areofftoCyprus?”
“Yes,inafortnight’stime.”
“Thenletmewishyouahappyjourney.”
Hebowedoverherhand.Shecamewithhimtothedoor,leavingRosamunddreamilystuffingherselfwithcreampastries
Helensaidabruptly:
“Ishouldlikeyoutoknow,M.Poirot,thatthelegacyRichardleftmemeantmoretomethantheirsdidtoanyoftheothers.”
“Asmuchasthat,Madame?”
“Yes.Yousee—thereisachildinCyprus…MyhusbandandIwereverydevoted—itwasagreatsorrowtoustohavenochildren.Afterhediedmylonelinesswasunbelievable.WhenIwasnursinginLondonattheendofthewar,Imetsomeone…HewasyoungerthanIwasandmarried,thoughnotveryhappily.Wecametogetherforalittlewhile.Thatwasall.HewentbacktoCanada—tohiswifeandhischildren.Heneverknewabout—ourchild.Hewouldnothavewantedit.Idid.Itseemedlikeamiracletome—amiddle-agedwomanwitheverythingbehindher.WithRichard’smoneyIcaneducatemyso-callednephew,andgivehimastartinlife.”Shepaused,thenadded,“InevertoldRichard.HewasfondofmeandIofhim—buthewouldnothaveunderstood.YouknowsomuchaboutusallthatIthoughtIwouldlikeyoutoknowthisaboutme.”
OnceagainPoirotbowedoverherhand.
Hegothometofindthearmchairontheleftofthefireplaceoccupied.
“Hallo,Poirot,”saidMr.Entwhistle.“I’vejustcomebackfromtheAssizes.TheybroughtinaverdictofGuilty,ofcourse.ButIshouldn’tbesurprisedifsheendsupinBroadmoor.She’sgonedefinitelyovertheedgesinceshe’sbeeninprison.Quitehappy,youknow,andmostgracious.Shespendsmosthertimemakingthemostelaborateplanstorunachainofteashops.HernewestestablishmentistobetheLilacBush.She’sopeningitinCromer.”
“Onewondersifshewasalwaysalittlemad?Butme,Ithinknot.”
“GoodLord,no!SaneasyouandIwhensheplannedthatmurder.Carrieditoutincoldblood.She’sgotagoodheadonher,youknow,underneaththefluffymanner.”
Poirotgavealittleshiver.
“Iamthinking,”hesaid,“ofsomewordsthatSusanBankssaid—thatshehadneverimaginedaladylikemurderer.”
“Whynot?”saidMr.Entwhistle.“Ittakesallsorts.”
Theyweresilent—andPoirotthoughtofmurderershehadknown….
TheAgathaChristieCollection
THEHERCULEPOIROTMYSTERIES
MatchyourwitswiththefamousBelgiandetective.
TheMysteriousAffairatStylesTheMurderontheLinksPoirotInvestigatesTheMurderofRogerAckroydTheBigFourTheMysteryoftheBlueTrainPerilatEndHouseLordEdgwareDiesMurderontheOrientExpressThreeActTragedyDeathintheCloudsTheA.B.C.MurdersMurderinMesopotamiaCardsontheTableMurderintheMewsDumbWitnessDeathontheNileAppointmentwithDeathHerculePoirot’sChristmasSadCypressOne,Two,BuckleMyShoeEvilUndertheSunFiveLittlePigsTheHollowTheLaborsofHerculesTakenattheFloodTheUnderdogandOtherStoriesMrs.McGinty’sDeadAftertheFuneralHickoryDickoryDockDeadMan’sFollyCatAmongthePigeonsTheClocksThirdGirlHallowe’enPartyElephantsCanRememberCurtain:Poirot’sLastCase
Exploremoreatwww.AgathaChristie.com
TheAgathaChristieCollection
THEMISSMARPLEMYSTERIES
JointhelegendaryspinstersleuthfromSt.MaryMeadinsolvingmurdersfarandwide.
TheMurderattheVicarageTheBodyintheLibraryTheMovingFingerAMurderIsAnnouncedTheyDoItwithMirrorsAPocketFullofRye4:50FromPaddingtonTheMirrorCrack’dfromSidetoSideACaribbeanMysteryAtBertram’sHotelNemesisSleepingMurderMissMarple:TheCompleteShortStories
THETOMMYANDTUPPENCEMYSTERIES
Jumponboardwiththeentertainingcrime-solvingcouplefromYoungAdventurersLtd.
TheSecretAdversaryPartnersinCrimeNorM?BythePrickingofMyThumbsPosternofFate
Exploremoreatwww.AgathaChristie.com
TheAgathaChristieCollection
Don’tmissasingleoneofAgathaChristie’sstand-alonenovelsandshort-storycollections.
TheManintheBrownSuitTheSecretofChimneysTheSevenDialsMysteryTheMysteriousMr.QuinTheSittafordMysteryParkerPyneInvestigatesWhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?MurderIsEasyTheRegattaMysteryandOtherStoriesAndThenThereWereNoneTowardsZeroDeathComesastheEndSparklingCyanideTheWitnessfortheProsecutionandOtherStoriesCrookedHouseThreeBlindMiceandOtherStoriesTheyCametoBaghdadDestinationUnknownOrdealbyInnocenceDoubleSinandOtherStoriesThePaleHorseStaroverBethlehem:PoemsandHolidayStoriesEndlessNightPassengertoFrankfurtTheGoldenBallandOtherStoriesTheMousetrapandOtherPlaysTheHarlequinTeaSet
Exploremoreatwww.AgathaChristie.com
AbouttheAuthor
AgathaChristieisthemostwidelypublishedauthorofalltimeandinanylanguage,outsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.HerbookshavesoldmorethanabillioncopiesinEnglishandanotherbillioninahundredforeignlanguages.Sheistheauthorofeightycrimenovelsandshort-storycollections,nineteenplays,twomemoirs,andsixnovelswrittenunderthenameMaryWestmacott.
ShefirsttriedherhandatdetectivefictionwhileworkinginahospitaldispensaryduringWorldWarI,creatingthenowlegendaryHerculePoirotwithherdebutnovelTheMysteriousAffairatStyles.WithTheMurderintheVicarage,publishedin1930,sheintroducedanotherbelovedsleuth,MissJaneMarple.Additionalseriescharactersincludethehusband-and-wifecrime-fightingteamofTommyandTuppenceBeresford,privateinvestigatorParkerPyne,andScotlandYarddetectivesSuperintendentBattleandInspectorJapp.
ManyofChristie’snovelsandshortstorieswereadaptedintoplays,films,andtelevisionseries.TheMousetrap,hermostfamousplayofall,openedin1952andisthelongest-runningplayinhistory.Amongherbest-knownfilmadaptationsareMurderontheOrientExpress(1974)andDeathontheNile(1978),withAlbertFinneyandPeterUstinovplayingHerculePoirot,respectively.OnthesmallscreenPoirothasbeenmostmemorablyportrayedbyDavidSuchet,andMissMarplebyJoanHicksonandsubsequentlyGeraldineMcEwanandJuliaMcKenzie.
ChristiewasfirstmarriedtoArchibaldChristieandthentoarchaeologistSirMaxMallowan,whomsheaccompaniedonexpeditionstocountriesthatwouldalsoserveasthesettingsformanyofhernovels.In1971sheachievedoneofBritain’shighesthonorswhenshewasmadeaDameoftheBritishEmpire.Shediedin1976attheageofeighty-five.Heronehundredandtwentiethanniversarywascelebratedaroundtheworldin2010.
www.AgathaChristie.com
Visitwww.AuthorTracker.comforexclusiveinformationonyourfavoriteHarperCollinsauthors.
THEAGATHACHRISTIECOLLECTION
TheManintheBrownSuit
TheSecretofChimneys
TheSevenDialsMystery
TheMysteriousMr.Quin
TheSittafordMystery
ParkerPyneInvestigates
WhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?
MurderIsEasy
TheRegattaMysteryandOtherStories
AndThenThereWereNone
TowardsZero
DeathComesastheEnd
SparklingCyanide
TheWitnessfortheProsecutionandOtherStories
CrookedHouse
ThreeBlindMiceandOtherStories
TheyCametoBaghdad
DestinationUnknown
OrdealbyInnocence
DoubleSinandOtherStories
ThePaleHorse
StaroverBethlehem:PoemsandHolidayStories
EndlessNight
PassengertoFrankfurt
TheGoldenBallandOtherStories
TheMousetrapandOtherPlays
TheHarlequinTeaSet
TheHerculePoirotMysteries
TheMysteriousAffairatStyles
TheMurderontheLinks
PoirotInvestigates
TheMurderofRogerAckroyd
TheBigFour
TheMysteryoftheBlueTrain
PerilatEndHouse
LordEdgwareDies
MurderontheOrientExpress
ThreeActTragedy
DeathintheClouds
TheA.B.C.Murders
MurderinMesopotamia
CardsontheTable
MurderintheMews
DumbWitness
DeathontheNile
AppointmentwithDeath
HerculePoirot’sChristmas
SadCypress
One,Two,BuckleMyShoe
EvilUndertheSun
FiveLittlePigs
TheHollow
TheLaborsofHercules
TakenattheFlood
TheUnderdogandOtherStories
Mrs.McGinty’sDead
AftertheFuneral
HickoryDickoryDock
DeadMan’sFolly
CatAmongthePigeons
TheClocks
ThirdGirl
Hallowe’enParty
ElephantsCanRemember
Curtain:Poirot’sLastCase
TheMissMarpleMysteries
TheMurderattheVicarage
TheBodyintheLibrary
TheMovingFinger
AMurderIsAnnounced
TheyDoItwithMirrors
APocketFullofRye
4:50fromPaddington
TheMirrorCrack’dfromSidetoSide
ACaribbeanMystery
AtBertram’sHotel
Nemesis
SleepingMurder
MissMarple:TheCompleteShortStories
TheTommyandTuppenceMysteries
TheSecretAdversary
PartnersinCrime
NorM?
BythePrickingofMyThumbs
PosternofFate
Memoirs
AnAutobiography
Come,TellMeHowYouLive
Credits
CoverdesignandillustrationbyFaithLaurel
Copyright
© Copyright Notice
The copyright of the article belongs to the author. Please do not reprint without permission.
THE END
No comments yet