AgathaChristie
DumbWitness
AHerculePoirotMystery
TodearPeter,mostfaithfuloffriendsanddearestofcompanions,adoginathousand
Contents
Cover
TitlePage
Dedication
1.TheMistressofLittlegreenHouse
2.TheRelations
3.TheAccident
4.MissArundellWritesaLetter
5.HerculePoirotReceivesaLetter
6.WeGotoLittlegreenHouse
7.LunchattheGeorge
8.InteriorofLittlegreenHouse
9.ReconstructionoftheDog’sBallIncident
10.VisittoMissPeabody
11.VisittotheMissesTripp
12.PoirotDiscussestheCase
13.TheresaArundell
14.CharlesArundell
15.MissLawson
16.Mrs.Tanios
17.Dr.Tanios
18.“ANiggerintheWoodpile”
19.VisittoMr.Purvis
20.SecondVisittoLittlegreenHouse
21.TheChemist;TheNurse;TheDoctor
22.TheWomanontheStairs
23.Dr.TaniosCallsonUs
24.Theresa’sDenial
25.ILieBackandReflect
26.Mrs.TaniosRefusestoSpeak
27.VisitofDr.Donaldson
28.AnotherVictim
29.InquestatLittlegreenHouse
30.TheLastWord
AbouttheAuthor
OtherBooksbyAgathaChristie
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
One
THEMISTRESSOFLITTLEGREENHOUSE
MissArundelldiedonMay1st.ThoughherillnesswasshortherdeathdidnotoccasionmuchsurpriseinthelittlecountrytownofMarketBasingwhereshehadlivedsinceshewasagirlofsixteen.ForEmilyArundellwaswelloverseventy,thelastofafamilyoffive,andshehadbeenknowntobeindelicatehealthformanyyearsandhadindeednearlydiedofasimilarattacktotheonethatkilledhersomeeighteenmonthsbefore.
ButthoughMissArundell’sdeathsurprisednoone,somethingelsedid.Theprovisionsofherwillgaverisetovaryingemotions,astonishment,pleasurableexcitement,deepcondemnation,fury,despair,angerandgeneralgossip.ForweeksandevenmonthsMarketBasingwastotalkofnothingelse!EveryonehadtheirowncontributiontomaketothesubjectfromMr.Jonesthegrocer,whoheldthat“bloodwasthickerthanwater,”toMrs.Lamphreyatthepostoffice,whorepeatedadnauseamthat“there’ssomethingbehindit,dependuponit!Youmarkmywords.”
WhataddedzesttothespeculationsonthesubjectwasthefactthatthewillhadbeenmadeaslatelyasApril21st.AddtothisthefurtherfactthatEmilyArundell’snearrelationshadbeenstayingwithherjustbeforethatdateoverEasterBankHolidayanditwillberealizedthatthemostscandaloustheoriescouldbepropounded,pleasurablyrelievingthemonotonyofeverydaylifeinMarketBasing.
Therewasonepersonwhowasshrewdlysuspectedofknowingmoreaboutthematterthanshewaswillingtoadmit.ThatwasMissWilhelminaLawson,MissArundell’scompanion.MissLawson,however,professedherselfjustasmuchinthedarkaseveryoneelse.She,too,shedeclared,hadbeendumbfoundedwhenthewillwasreadout.
Alotofpeople,ofcourse,didnotbelievethis.Nevertheless,whetherMissLawsonwasorwasnotasignorantasshedeclaredherselftobe,onlyonepersonreallyknewthetruefacts.Thatpersonwasthedeadwomanherself.EmilyArundellhadkeptherowncounselasshewasinthehabitofdoing.Eventoherlawyershehadsaidnothingofthemotivesunderlyingheraction.Shewascontentwithmakingherwishesclear.
InthatreticencecouldbefoundthekeynoteofEmilyArundell’scharacter.Shewas,ineveryrespect,atypicalproductofhergeneration.Shehadbothitsvirtuesanditsvices.Shewasautocraticandoftenoverbearing,butshewasalsointenselywarmhearted.Hertonguewassharpbutheractionswerekind.Shewasoutwardlysentimentalbutinwardlyshrewd.Shehadasuccessionofcompanionswhomshebulliedunmercifully,buttreatedwithgreatgenerosity.Shehadagreatsenseoffamilyobligation.OntheFridaybeforeEasterEmilyArundellwasstandinginthehallofLittlegreenHousegivingvariousdirectionstoMissLawson.
EmilyArundellhadbeenahandsomegirlandshewasnowawell-preservedhandsomeoldladywithastraightbackandabriskmanner.Afaintyellownessinherskinwasawarningthatshecouldnoteatrichfoodwithimpunity.
MissArundellwassaying:
“Nowthen,Minnie,wherehaveyouputthemall?”
“Well,Ithought—IhopeI’vedoneright—Dr.andMrs.TaniosintheOakroomandTheresaintheBlueroomandMr.CharlesintheOldNursery—”
MissArundellinterrupted:
“TheresacanhavetheOldNurseryandCharleswillhavetheBlueroom.”
“Oh,yes—I’msorry—IthoughttheOldNurserybeingrathermoreinconvenient—”
“ItwilldoverynicelyforTheresa.”
InMissArundell’sday,womentooksecondplace.Menweretheimportantmembersofsociety.
“I’msosorrythedearlittlechildrenaren’tcoming,”murmuredMissLawson,sentimentally.
Shelovedchildrenandwasquiteincapableofmanagingthem.
“Fourvisitorswillbequiteenough,”saidMissArundell.“InanycaseBellaspoilsherchildrenabominably.Theyneverdreamofdoingwhattheyaretold.”
MinnieLawsonmurmured:
“Mrs.Taniosisaverydevotedmother.”
MissArundellsaidwithgraveapproval:
“Bellaisagoodwoman.”
MissLawsonsighedandsaid:
“Itmustbeveryhardforhersometimes—livinginanoutlandishplacelikeSmyrna.”
EmilyArundellreplied:
“Shehasmadeherbedandshemustlieonit.”
AndhavingutteredthisfinalVictorianpronouncementshewenton:
“Iamgoingtothevillagenowtospeakabouttheordersfortheweekend.”
“Oh,MissArundell,doletme.Imean—”
“Nonsense.Iprefertogomyself.Rogersneedsasharpword.Thetroublewithyouis,Minnie,thatyou’renotemphaticenough.Bob!Bob!Whereisthedog?”
Awirehairedterriercametearingdownthestairs.Hecircledroundandroundhismistressutteringshortstaccatobarksofdelightandexpectation.
Togethermistressanddogpassedoutofthefrontdooranddowntheshortpathtothegate.
MissLawsonstoodinthedoorwaysmilingratherfoolishlyafterthem,hermouthalittleopen.Behindheravoicesaidtartly:
“Thempillowcasesyougaveme,miss,isn’tapair.”
“What?Howstupidofme….”
MinnieLawsonplungedoncemoreintohouseholdroutine.
EmilyArundell,attendedbyBob,madearoyalprogressdownthemainstreetofMarketBasing.
Itwasverymuchofaroyalprogress.Ineachshopsheenteredtheproprietoralwayshurriedforwardtoattendtoher
ShewasMissArundellofLittlegreenHouse.Shewas“oneofouroldestcustomers.”Shewas“oneoftheoldschool.Notmanyaboutlikehernowadays.”
“Goodmorning,miss.WhatcanIhavethepleasureofdoingforyou—Nottender?Well,I’msorrytohearthat.Ithoughtmyselfitwasasnicealittlesaddle—Yes,ofcourse,MissArundell.Ifyousayso,itisso—No,indeedIwouldn’tthinkofsendingCanterburytoyou,MissArundell—Yes,I’llseetoitmyself,MissArundell.”
BobandSpot,thebutcher’sdog,circledslowlyroundeachother,hacklesraised,growlinggently.Spotwasastoutdogofnondescriptbreed.Heknewthathemustnotfightwithcustomers’dogs,buthepermittedhimselftotellthem,bysubtleindication,justexactlywhatmincemeathewouldmakeofthemwerehefreetodoso.
Bob,adogofspirit,repliedinkind.
EmilyArundellsaid“Bob!”sharplyandpassedon.
Inthegreengrocer’stherewasameetingofheavenlybodies.Anotheroldlady,sphericalinoutline,butequallydistinguishedbythatairofroyalty,said:
“Mornin’,Emily.”
“Goodmorning,Caroline.”
CarolinePeabodysaid:
“Expectinganyofyouryoungpeopledown?”
“Yes,allofthem.Theresa,CharlesandBella.”
“SoBella’shome,isshe?Husbandtoo?”
“Yes.”
Itwasasimplemonosyllable,butunderlyingitwasknowledgecommontobothladies.
ForBellaBiggs,EmilyArundell’sniece,hadmarriedaGreek.AndEmilyArundell’speople,whowerewhatisknownas“allservicepeople,”simplydidnotmarryGreeks.
Bywayofbeingobscurelycomforting(forofcoursesuchamattercouldnotbereferredtoopenly)MissPeabodysaid:
“Bella’shusband’sgotbrains.Andcharmingmanners!”
“Hismannersaredelightful,”agreedMissArundell.
MovingoutintothestreetMissPeabodyasked:
“What’sthisaboutTheresabeingengagedtoyoungDonaldson?”
MissArundellshruggedhershoulders.
“Youngpeoplearesocasualnowadays.I’mafraiditwillhavetobearatherlongengagement—thatis,ifanythingcomesofit.Hehasnomoney.”
“OfcourseTheresahasherownmoney,”saidMissPeabody.
MissArundellsaidstiffly:
“Amancouldnotpossiblywishtoliveonhiswife’smoney.”
MissPeabodygavearich,throatychuckle.
“Theydon’tseemtominddoingit,nowadays.YouandIareoutofdate,Emily.WhatIcan’tunderstandiswhatthechildseesinhim.Ofallthenamby-pambyyoungmen!”
“He’sacleverdoctor,Ibelieve.”
“Thosepince-nez—andthatstiffwayoftalking!Inmyyoungdayswe’dhavecalledhimapoorstick!”
TherewasapausewhileMissPeabody’smemory,divingintothepast,conjuredupvisionsofdashing,bewhiskeredyoungmen….
Shesaidwithasigh:
“SendthatyoungdogCharlesalongtoseeme—ifhe’llcome.”
“Ofcourse.I’lltellhim.”
Thetwoladiesparted.
Theyhadknowneachotherforconsiderablyoverfiftyyears.MissPeabodyknewofcertainregrettablelapsesinthelifeofGeneralArundell,Emily’sfather.SheknewjustpreciselywhatashockThomasArundell’smarriagehadbeentohissisters.Shehadaveryshrewdideaofcertaintroublesconnectedwiththeyoungergeneration.
Butnowordhadeverpassedbetweenthetwoladiesonanyofthesesubjects.Theywerebothupholdersoffamilydignity,familysolidarity,andcompletereticenceonfamilymatters.
MissArundellwalkedhome,Bobtrottingsedatelyatherheels.Toherself,EmilyArundelladmittedwhatshewouldneverhaveadmittedtoanotherhumanbeing,herdissatisfactionwiththeyoungergenerationofherfamily.
Theresa,forinstance.ShehadnocontroloverTheresasincethelatterhadcomeintoherownmoneyattheageoftwenty-one.Sincethenthegirlhadachievedacertainnotoriety.Herpicturewasofteninthepapers.Shebelongedtoayoung,bright,go-aheadsetinLondon—asetthathadfreakpartiesandoccasionallyendedupinthepolicecourts.
WithasighherthoughtspassedontoBella.TherewasnofaulttofindwithBella.Shewasagoodwoman—adevotedwifeandmother,quiteexemplaryinbehaviour—andextremelydull!ButevenBellacouldnotberegardedwithcompleteapproval.ForBellahadmarriedaforeigner—andnotonlyaforeigner—butaGreek.InMissArundell’sprejudicedmindaGreekwasalmostasbadasanArgentineoraTurk.ThefactthatDr.Tanioshadacharmingmannerandwassaidtobeextremelyabletohisprofessiononlyprejudicedtheoldladyslightlymoreagainsthim.Shedistrustedcharmandeasycompliments.Forthisreason,too,shefounditdifficulttobefondofthetwochildren.Theyhadbothtakenaftertheirfatherinlooks—therewasreallynothingEnglishaboutthem.
AndthenCharles….
Yes,Charles….
Itwasnouseblindingone’seyestofacts.Charles,charmingthoughhewas,wasnottobetrusted….
EmilyArundellsighed.Shefeltsuddenlytired,old,depressed….
Shesupposedthatshecouldn’tlastmuchlonger….
Hermindrevertedtothewillshehadmadesomeyearsago.
Legaciestotheservants—tocharities—andthemainbulkofherconsiderablefortunetobedividedequallybetweenthese,herthreesurvivingrelations….
Itstillseemedtoherthatshehaddonetherightandequitablething.ItjustcrossedhermindtowonderwhethertheremightnotbesomewayofsecuringBella’sshareofthemoneysothatherhusbandcouldnottouchit….ShemustaskMr.Purvis.
SheturnedinatthegateofLittlegreenHouse.
CharlesandTheresaArundellarrivedbycar—theTanioses,bytrain.
Thebrotherandsisterarrivedfirst.Charles,tallandgood-looking,withhisslightlymockingmanner,said:
“Hullo,AuntEmily,how’sthegirl?Youlookfine.”
Andhekissedher.
Theresaputanindifferentyoungcheekagainstherwitheredone.
“Howareyou,AuntEmily?”
Theresa,herauntthought,waslookingfarfromwell.Herface,beneathitsplentifulmakeup,wasslightlyhaggardandtherewerelinesroundhereyes.
Theyhadteainthedrawingroom.BellaTanios,herhairinclinedtostraggleinwispsfrombelowthefashionablehatthatsheworeatthewrongangle,staredathercousinTheresawithapatheticeagernesstoassimilateandmemorizeherclothes.ItwaspoorBella’sfateinlifetobepassionatelyfondofclotheswithouthavinganyclothessense.Theresa’sclotheswereexpensive,slightlybizarre,andsheherselfhadanexquisitefigure.
Bella,whenshearrivedinEnglandfromSmyrna,hadtriedearnestlytocopyTheresa’seleganceataninferiorpriceandcut.
Dr.Tanios,whowasabig-beardedjolly-lookingman,wastalkingtoMissArundell.Hisvoicewaswarmandfull—anattractivevoicethatcharmedalisteneralmostagainsthisorherwill.Almostinspiteofherself,itcharmedMissArundell.
MissLawsonwasfidgetingagooddeal.Shejumpedupanddown,handingplates,fussingovertheteatable.Charles,whosemannerswereexcellent,rosemorethanoncetohelpher,butsheexpressednogratitude.
When,aftertea,thepartywentouttomakeatourofthegardenCharlesmurmuredtohissister:
“Lawsondoesn’tlikeme.Odd,isn’tit?”
Theresasaid,mockingly:
“Veryodd.Sothereisonepersonwhocanwithstandyourfatalfascination?”
Charlesgrinned—anengaginggrin—andsaid:
“Luckyit’sonlyLawson….”
InthegardenMissLawsonwalkedwithMrs.Taniosandaskedherquestionsaboutthechildren.BellaTanios’ratherdrabfacelightedup.SheforgottowatchTheresa.Shetalkedeagerlyandanimatedly.Maryhadsaidsuchaquaintthingontheboat….
ShefoundMinnieLawsonamostsympatheticlistener.
Presentlyafair-hairedyoungmanwithasolemnfaceandpince-nezwasshownintothegardenfromthehouse.Helookedratherembarrassed.MissArundellgreetedhimpolitely.
Theresasaid:
“Hullo,Rex!”
Sheslippedanarmthroughhis.Theywanderedaway.
Charlesmadeaface.Heslippedawaytohaveawordwiththegardener,anallyofhisfromolddays.
WhenMissArundellreenteredthehouseCharleswasplayingwithBob.Thedogstoodatthetopofthestairs,hisballinhismouth,histailgentlywagging.
“Comeon,oldman,”saidCharles.
Bobsankdownonhishaunches,nosedhisballslowlyandslowlynearertheedge.Ashefinallybunteditoverhesprangtohisfeetingreatexcitement.Theballbumpedslowlydownthestairs.Charlescaughtitandtossedituptohim.Bobcaughtitneatlyinhismouth.Theperformancewasrepeated.
“Regulargameofhis,”saidCharles.
EmilyArundellsmiled.
“He’llgoonforhours,”shesaid.
SheturnedintothedrawingroomandCharlesfollowedher.Bobgaveadisappointedbark.
GlancingthroughthewindowCharlessaid:
“LookatTheresaandheryoungman.Theyareanoddcouple!”
“YouthinkTheresaisreallyseriousoverthis?”
“Oh,she’scrazyabouthim!”saidCharleswithconfidence.“Oddtaste,butthereitis.Ithinkitmustbethewayhelooksatherasthoughshewereascientificspecimenandnotalivewoman.That’sratheranoveltyforTheresa.Pitythefellow’ssopoor.Theresa’sgotexpensivetastes.”
MissArundellsaiddrily:
“I’venodoubtshecanchangeherwayofliving—ifshewantsto!Andafterallshehasherownincome.”
“Eh?Ohyes,yes,ofcourse.”Charlesshotanalmostguiltylookather.
Thatevening,astheotherswereassembledinthedrawingroomwaitingtogointodinner,therewasascurryandaburstofprofanityonthestairs.Charlesenteredwithhisfaceratherred.
“Sorry,AuntEmily,amIlate?Thatdogofyoursnearlymademetakethemostfrightfultoss.He’dleftthatballofhisonthetopofthestairs.”
“Carelesslittledoggie,”criedMissLawson,bendingdowntoBob.
Boblookedathercontemptuouslyandturnedhisheadaway.
“Iknow,”saidMissArundell.“It’smostdangerous.Minnie,fetchtheballandputitaway.”
MissLawsonhurriedout.
Dr.Taniosmonopolizedtheconversationatthedinnertablemostofthetime.HetoldamusingstoriesofhislifeinSmyrna.
Thepartywenttobedearly.MissLawsoncarryingwool,spectacles,alargevelvetbagandabookaccompaniedheremployertoherbedroomchatteringhappily
“Reallymostamusing,Dr.Tanios.Heissuchgoodcompany!NotthatIshouldcareforthatkindoflifemyself….Onewouldhavetoboilthewater,Iexpect….Andgoat’smilk,perhaps—suchadisagreeabletaste—”
MissArundellsnapped:
“Don’tbeafool,Minnie.YoutoldEllentocallmeathalfpastsix?”
“Oh,yes,MissArundell.Isaidnotea,butdon’tyouthinkitmightbewiser—Youknow,thevicaratSouthbridge—amostconscientiousman,toldmedistinctlythattherewasnoobligationtocomefasting—”
OncemoreMissArundellcuthershort.
“I’veneveryettakenanythingbeforeEarlyServiceandI’mnotgoingtobeginnow.Youcandoasyoulike.”
“Oh,no—Ididn’tmean—I’msure—”
MissLawsonwasflusteredandupset.
“TakeBob’scollaroff,”saidMissArundell.
Theslavehastenedtoobey.
Stilltryingtopleaseshesaid:
“Suchapleasantevening.Theyallseemsopleasedtobehere.”
“Hmph,”saidEmilyArundell.“Allhereforwhattheycanget.”
“Oh,dearMissArundell—”
“MygoodMinnie,I’mnotafoolwhateverelseIam!Ijustwonderwhichofthemwillopenthesubjectfirst.”
Shewasnotlongleftindoubtonthatpoint.SheandMissLawsonreturnedfromattendingEarlyServicejustafternine.Dr.andMrs.Tanioswereinthediningroom,buttherewerenosignsofthetwoArundells.Afterbreakfast,whentheothershadleft,MissArundellsaton,enteringupsomeaccountsinalittlebook.
Charlesenteredtheroomaboutten.
“SorryI’mlate,AuntEmily.ButTheresa’sworse.She’snotunclosedaneyelidyet.”
“Athalfpasttenbreakfastwillbeclearedaway,”saidMissArundell.“Iknowitisthefashionnottoconsiderservantsnowadays,butthatisnotthecaseinmyhouse.”
“Good.That’sthetruedie-hardspirit!”
Charleshelpedhimselftokidneysandsatdownbesideher.
Hisgrin,asalways,wasveryattractive.EmilyArundellsoonfoundherselfsmilingindulgentlyathim.Emboldenedbythissignoffavour,Charlesplunged.
“Lookhere,AuntEmily,sorrytobotheryou,butI’minthedevilofahole.Canyoupossiblyhelpmeout?Ahundredwoulddoit.”
Hisaunt’sfacewasnotencouraging.Acertaingrimnessshoweditselfinherexpression.
EmilyArundellwasnotafraidofspeakinghermind.Shespokeit.
MissLawsonhustlingacrossthehallalmostcollidedwithCharlesasheleftthediningroom.Sheglancedathimcuriously.SheenteredthediningroomtofindMissArundellsittingveryuprightwithaflushedface.
Two
THERELATIONS
Charlesranlightlyupthestairsandtappedonhissister’sdoor.Heranswering“Comein”camepromptlyandheentered.
Theresawassittingupinbedyawning.
Charlestookaseatonthebed.
“Whatadecorativefemaleyouare,Theresa,”heremarkedappreciatively.
Theresasaidsharply:
“What’sthematter?”Charlesgrinned
“Sharp,aren’tyou?Well,Istoleamarchonyou,mygirl!ThoughtI’dmakemytouchbeforeyougottowork.”
“Well?”
Charlesspreadhishandsdownwardsinnegation.
“Nothingdoing!AuntEmilytickedmeoffgoodandproper.Sheintimatedthatshewasundernoillusionsastowhyheraffectionatefamilyhadgatheredroundher!Andshealsointimatedthatthesaidaffectionatefamilywouldbedisappointed.Nothingbeinghandedoutbutaffection—andnotsomuchofthat.”
“Youmighthavewaitedabit,”saidTheresadrily.
Charlesgrinnedagain.
“IwasafraidyouorTaniosmightgetinaheadofme.I’msadlyafraid,Theresamysweet,thatthere’llbenothingdoingthistime.OldEmilyisbynomeansafool.”
“Ineverthoughtshewas.”
“Ieventriedtoputthewindupher.”
“Whatd’youmean?”askedhissistersharply.
“Toldhershewasgoingaboutittherightwaytogetbumpedoff.Afterallshecan’ttakethedibstoheavenwithher.Whynotloosenupabit?”
“Charles,youareafool!”
“No,I’mnot.I’mabitofapsychologistinmyway.It’sneverabitofgoodsuckinguptotheoldgirl.Shemuchprefersyoutostanduptoher.Andafterall,Iwasonlytalkingsense.Wegetthemoneywhenshedies—shemightjustaswellpartwithalittlebeforehand!Otherwisethetemptationtohelpheroutofthewaymightbecomeoverwhelming.”
“Didsheseeyourpoint?”askedTheresa,herdelicatemouthcurlingupscornfully.
“I’mnotsure.Shedidn’tadmitit.Justthankedmerathernastilyformyadviceandsaidshewasperfectlycapableoftakingcareofherself.‘Well,’Isaid,‘I’vewarnedyou.’‘I’llrememberit,’shesaid.”
Theresasaidangrily:
“Really,Charles,youareanutterfool.”
“Damnitall,Theresa,Iwasabitrattymyself!Theoldgirl’srolling—simplyrolling.Ibetshedoesn’tspendatenthpartofherincome—whathasshegottospenditon,anyway?Andhereweare—young,abletoenjoylife—andtospiteusshe’scapableoflivingtoahundred….Iwantmyfunnow….Sodoyou….”
Theresanodded.
Shesaidinalow,breathlessvoice:
“Theydon’tunderstand—oldpeopledon’t….theycan’t….Theydon’tknowwhatitistolive!”
Brotherandsisterweresilentforsomeminutes.
Charlesgotup.
“Well,mylove,IwishyoubettersuccessthanI’vehad.ButIratherdoubtit.”
Theresasaid:
“I’mrathercountingonRextodothetrick.IfIcanmakeoldEmilyrealizehowbrilliantheis,andhowitmattersterrificallythatheshouldhavehischanceandnothavetosinkintoarutasageneralpractitioner…Oh,Charles,afewthousandofcapitaljustatthisminutewouldmakeallthedifferenceintheworldtoourlives!”
“Hopeyougetit,butIdon’tthinkyouwill.You’vegotthroughabittoomuchcapitalinriotouslivinginyourtime.Isay,Theresa,youdon’tthinkthedrearyBellaorthedubiousTanioswillgetanything,doyou?”
“Idon’tseethatmoneywouldbeanygoodtoBella.Shegoesaboutlookinglikearagbagandhertastesarepurelydomestic.”
“Oh,well,”saidCharles,vaguely.“Iexpectshewantsthingsforthoseunprepossessingchildrenofhers,schools,andplatesfortheirfrontteethandmusiclessons.Andanywayitisn’tBella—it’sTanios.Ibethe’sgotanoseformoneyallright!TrustaGreekforthat.Youknowhe’sgotthroughmostofBella’s?Speculatedwithitandlostitall.”
“Doyouthinkhe’llgetsomethingoutofoldEmily?”
“Hewon’tifIcanpreventhim,”saidCharles,grimly.
Helefttheroomandwandereddownstairs.Bobwasinthehall.HefusseduptoCharlesagreeably.DogslikedCharles.
HerantowardsthedrawingroomdoorandlookedbackatCharles.
“What’sthematter?”saidCharles,strollingafterhim.
Bobhurriedintothedrawingroomandsatdownexpectantlybyasmallbureau.
Charlesstrolledovertohim.
“What’sitallabout?”
Bobwaggedhistail,lookedhardatthedrawersofthebureauandutteredanappealingsqueak.
“Wantsomethingthat’sinhere?”
Charlespulledopenthetopdrawer.Hiseyebrowsrose.
“Dear,dear,”hesaid.
Atonesideofthedrawerwasalittlepileoftreasurynotes.
Charlespickedupthebundleandcountedthem.Withagrinheremovedthreeonepoundnotesandtwotenshillingonesandputtheminhispocket.Hereplacedtherestofthenotescarefullyinthedrawerwherehehadfoundthem.
“Thatwasagoodidea,Bob,”hesaid.“YourUncleCharleswillbeableatanyratetocoverexpenses.Alittlereadycashalwayscomesinhandy.”
BobutteredafaintreproachfulbarkasCharlesshutthedrawer.
“Sorryoldman,”Charlesapologized.Heopenedthenextdrawer.Bob’sballwasinthecornerofit.Hetookitout
“Hereyouare.Enjoyyourselfwithit.”Bobcaughttheball,trottedoutoftheroomandpresentlybump,bump,bump,washearddownthestairs.
Charlesstrolledoutintothegarden.Itwasafinesunnymorningwithascentoflilac.
MissArundellhadDr.Taniosbyherside.HewasspeakingoftheadvantageofanEnglisheducation—agoodeducation—forchildrenandhowdeeplyheregrettedthathecouldnotaffordsuchaluxuryforhisownchildren.
Charlessmiledwithsatisfiedmalice.Hejoinedintheconversationinalightheartedmanner,turningitadroitlyintoentirelydifferentchannels.
EmilyArundellsmiledathimquiteamiably.Heevenfanciedthatshewasamusedbyhistacticsandwassubtlyencouragingthem.
Charles’spiritsrose.Perhaps,afterall,beforeheleft—
Charleswasanincurableoptimist.
Dr.DonaldsoncalledforTheresainhiscarthatafternoonanddrovehertoWorthemAbbey,oneofthelocalbeautyspots.TheywanderedawayfromtheAbbeyitselfintothewoods.
ThereRexDonaldsontoldTheresaatlengthabouthistheoriesandsomeofhisrecentexperiments.Sheunderstoodverylittlebutlistenedinaspellboundmanner,thinkingtoherself:
“HowcleverRexis—andhowabsolutelyadorable!”
Herfiancépausedonceandsaidratherdoubtfully:
“I’mafraidthisisdullstuffforyou,Theresa.”
“Darling,it’stoothrilling,”saidTheresa,firmly.“Goon.Youtakesomeofthebloodoftheinfectedrabbit—?”
PresentlyTheresasaidwithasigh:
“Yourworkmeansaterriblelottoyou,mysweet.”
“Naturally,”saidDr.Donaldson.
ItdidnotseematallnaturaltoTheresa.Veryfewofherfriendsdidanyworkatall,andiftheydidtheymadeextremelyheavyweatheraboutit.
Shethoughtasshehadthoughtonceortwicebefore,howsingularlyunsuitableitwasthatsheshouldhavefalleninlovewithRexDonaldson.Whydidthesethings,theseludicrousandamazingmadnesses,happentoone?Aprofitlessquestion.Thishadhappenedtoher.
Shefrowned,wonderedatherself.Hercrowdhadbeensogay—socynical.Loveaffairswerenecessarytolife,ofcourse,butwhytakethemseriously?Onelovedandpassedon.
ButthisfeelingofhersforRexDonaldsonwasdifferent,itwentdeeper.Shefeltinstinctivelythatheretherewouldbenopassingon…Herneedofhimwassimpleandprofound.Everythingabouthimfascinatedher.Hiscalmnessanddetachment,sodifferentfromherownhectic,graspinglife,theclear,logicalcoldnessofhisscientificmind,andsomethingelse,imperfectlyunderstood,asecretforceinthemanmaskedbyhisunassumingslightlypedanticmanner,butwhichsheneverthelessfeltandsensedinstinctively.
InRexDonaldsontherewasgenius—andthefactthathisprofessionwasthemainpreoccupationofhislifeandthatshewasonlyapart—thoughanecessarypart—ofexistencetohimonlyheightenedhisattractionforher.Shefoundherselfforthefirsttimeinherselfishpleasure-lovinglifecontenttotakesecondplace.Theprospectfascinatedher.ForRexshewoulddoanything—anything!
“Whatadamnednuisancemoneyis,”shesaid,petulantly.“IfonlyAuntEmilyweretodiewecouldgetmarriedatonce,andyoucouldcometoLondonandhavealaboratoryfulloftesttubesandguineapigs,andneverbotheranymoreaboutchildrenwithmumpsandoldladieswithlivers.”
Donaldsonsaid:
“There’snoreasonwhyyourauntshouldn’tliveformanyyearstocome—ifshe’scareful.”
Theresasaiddespondently:
“Iknowthat….”
Inthebigdouble-beddedroomwiththeold-fashionedoakfurniture,Dr.Taniossaidtohiswife:
“IthinkthatIhavepreparedthegroundsufficiently.Itisnowyourturn,mydear.”
Hewaspouringwaterfromtheold-fashionedcoppercanintotherose-patternedchinabasin.
BellaTaniossatinfrontofthedressingtablewonderingwhy,whenshecombedherhairasTheresadid,itshouldnotlooklikeTheresa’s!
Therewasamomentbeforeshereplied.Thenshesaid:
“Idon’tthinkIwant—toaskAuntEmilyformoney.”
“It’snotforyourself,Bella,it’sforthesakeofthechildren.Ourinvestmentshavebeensounlucky.”
Hisbackwasturned,hedidnotseetheswiftglanceshegavehim—afurtive,shrinkingglance.
Shesaidwithmildobstinacy:
“Allthesame,IthinkI’drathernot…AuntEmilyisratherdifficult.Shecanbegenerousbutshedoesn’tlikebeingasked.”Dryinghishands,Tanioscameacrossfromthewashstand.
“Really,Bella,itisn’tlikeyoutobesoobstinate.Afterall,whathavewecomedownherefor?”
Shemurmured:
“Ididn’t—Inevermeant—itwasn’ttoaskformoney….”
“Yetyouagreedthattheonlyhopeifwearetoeducatethechildrenproperlyisforyouraunttocometotherescue.”
BellaTaniosdidnotanswer.Shemoveduneasily.
Butherfaceborethemildmulishlookthatmanycleverhusbandsofstupidwivesknowtotheircost.
Shesaid:
“PerhapsAuntEmilyherselfmaysuggest—”
“Itispossible,butI’veseennosignsofitsofar.”
Bellasaid:
“Ifwecouldhavebroughtthechildrenwithus.AuntEmilycouldn’thavehelpedlovingMary.AndEdwardissointelligent.”
Taniossaid,drily:
“Idon’tthinkyourauntisagreatchildlover.Itisprobablyjustaswellthechildrenaren’there.”
“Oh,Jacob,but—”
“Yes,yes,mydear.Iknowyourfeelings.ButthesedesiccatedEnglishspinsters—bah,theyarenothuman.Wewanttodothebestwecan,dowenot,forourMaryandourEdward?TohelpusalittlewouldinvolvenohardshiptoMissArundell.”
Mrs.Taniosturned,therewasaflushinhercheeks.
“Oh,please,please,Jacob,notthistime.I’msureitwouldbeunwise.Iwouldsoveryverymuchrathernot.”
Taniosstoodclosebehindher,hisarmencircledhershoulders.Shetrembledalittleandthenwasstill—almostrigid.
Hesaidandhisvoicewasstillpleasant:
“Allthesame,Bella,Ithink—IthinkyouwilldowhatIask…Youusuallydo,youknow—intheend…Yes,IthinkyouwilldowhatIsay….”
Three
THEACCIDENT
ItwasTuesdayafternoon.Thesidedoortothegardenwasopen.MissArundellstoodonthethresholdandthrewBob’sballthelengthofthegardenpath.Theterrierrushedafterit.
“Justoncemore,Bob,”saidEmilyArundell.“Agoodone.”
OnceagaintheballspedalongthegroundwithBobracingatfullspeedinpursuit.
MissArundellstoopeddown,pickeduptheballfromwhereBoblaiditatherfeetandwentintothehouse,Bobfollowedherclosely.Sheshutthesidedoor,wentintothedrawingroom,Bobstillatherheels,andputtheballawayinthedrawer.
Sheglancedattheclockonthemantelpiece.Itwashalfpastsix.
“Alittlerestbeforedinner,Ithink,Bob.”
Sheascendedthestairstoherbedroom.Bobaccompaniedher.Lyingonthebigchintz-coveredcouchwithBobatherfeet,MissArundellsighed.ShewasgladthatitwasTuesdayandthatherguestswouldbegoingtomorrow.Itwasnotthatthisweekendhaddisclosedanythingtoherthatshehadnotknownbefore.Itwasmorethefactthatithadnotpermittedhertoforgetherownknowledge.
Shesaidtoherself:
“I’mgettingold,Isuppose…”Andthen,withalittleshockofsurprise:“Iamold….”
Shelaywithhereyesclosedforhalfanhour,thentheelderlyhouse-parlourmaid,Ellen,broughthotwaterandsheroseandpreparedfordinner.
Dr.Donaldsonwastodinewiththemthatnight.EmilyArundellwishedtohaveanopportunityofstudyinghimatclosequarters.ItstillseemedtoheralittleincrediblethattheexoticTheresashouldwanttomarrythisratherstiffandpedanticyoungman.ItalsoseemedalittleoddthatthisstiffandpedanticyoungmanshouldwanttomarryTheresa.
ShedidnotfeelastheeveningprogressedthatshewasgettingtoknowDr.Donaldsonanybetter.Hewasverypolite,veryformaland,tohermind,intenselyboring.InherownmindsheagreedwithMissPeabody’sjudgement.Thethoughtflashedacrossherbrain,“Betterstuffinouryoungdays.”
Dr.Donaldsondidnotstaylate.Herosetogoatteno’clock.AfterhehadtakenhisdepartureEmilyArundellherselfannouncedthatshewasgoingtobed.Shewentupstairsandheryoungrelationswentupalso.Theyallseemedsomewhatsubduedtonight.MissLawsonremaineddownstairsperformingherfinalduties,lettingBoboutforhisrun,pokingdownthefire,puttingtheguardupandrollingbackthehearthrugincaseoffire.
Shearrivedratherbreathlessinheremployer’sroomaboutfiveminuteslater
“IthinkI’vegoteverything,”shesaid,puttingdownwool,workbag,andalibrarybook.“Idohopethebookwillbeallright.Shehadn’tgotanyoftheonesonyourlistbutshesaidshewassureyou’dlikethisone.”
“Thatgirl’safool,”saidEmilyArundell.“HertasteinbooksistheworstI’veevercomeacross.”
“Oh,dear.I’msosorry—PerhapsIought—”
“Nonsense,it’snotyourfault.”EmilyArundelladdedkindly.“Ihopeyouenjoyedyourselfthisafternoon.”
MissLawson’sfacelightedup.Shelookedeagerandalmostyouthful.
“Oh,yes,thankyouverymuch.Sokindofyoutospareme.Ihadthemostinterestingtime.WehadthePlanchetteandreally—itwrotethemostinterestingthings.Therewereseveralmessages…Ofcourseitsnotquitethesamethingasthesittings…JuliaTripphasbeenhavingalotofsuccesswiththeautomaticwriting.SeveralmessagesfromThosewhohavePassedOver.It—itreallymakesonefeelsograteful—thatsuchthingsshouldbepermitted….”
MissArundellsaidwithaslightsmile:
“Betternotletthevicarhearyou.”
“Oh,butindeed,dearMissArundell,Iamconvinced—quiteconvinced—therecanbenothingwrongaboutit.IonlywishdearMr.Lonsdalewouldexaminethesubject.Itseemstomesonarrow-mindedtocondemnathingthatyouhavenoteveninvestigated.BothJuliaandIsabelTripparesuchtrulyspiritualwomen.”
“Almosttoospiritualtobealive,”saidMissArundell.
ShedidnotcaremuchforJuliaandIsabelTripp.Shethoughttheirclothesridiculous,theirvegetariananduncookedfruitmealsabsurd,andtheirmanneraffected.Theywerewomenofnotraditions,noroots—infact—nobreeding!ButshegotacertainamountofamusementoutoftheirearnestnessandshewasatbottomkindheartedenoughnottogrudgethepleasurethattheirfriendshipobviouslygavetopoorMinnie.
PoorMinnie!EmilyArundelllookedathercompanionwithmingledaffectionandcontempt.Shehadhadsomanyofthesefoolish,middle-agedwomentoministertoher—allmuchthesame,kind,fussy,subservientandalmostentirelymindless.
ReallypoorMinniewaslookingquiteexcitedtonight.Hereyeswereshining.Shefussedabouttheroomvaguelytouchingthingshereandtherewithouttheleastideaofwhatshewasdoing,hereyesallbrightandshining.
Shestammeredoutrathernervously:
“I—Idowishyou’dbeenthere…Ifeel,youknow,thatyou’renotquiteabelieveryet.Buttonighttherewasamessage—forE.A.,theinitialscamequitedefinitely.Itwasfromamanwhohadpassedovermanyyearsago—averygood-lookingmilitaryman—Isabelsawhimquitedistinctly.ItmusthavebeendearGeneralArundell.Suchabeautifulmessage,sofullofloveandcomfort,andhowthroughpatienceallcouldbeattained.”
“Thosesentimentssoundveryunlikepapa,”saidMissArundell.
“Oh,butourDearOneschangeso—ontheotherside.Everythingisloveandunderstanding.AndthenthePlanchettespeltoutsomethingaboutakey—IthinkitwasthekeyoftheBoulecabinet—couldthatbeit?”
“ThekeyoftheBoulecabinet?”EmilyArundell’svoicesoundedsharpandinterested.
“Ithinkthatwasit.Ithoughtperhapsitmightbeimportantpapers—somethingofthekind.Therewasawell-authenticatedcasewhereamessagecametolookinacertainpieceoffurnitureandactuallyawillwasdiscoveredthere.”
“Therewasn’tawillintheBoulecabinet,”saidMissArundell.Sheaddedabruptly:“Gotobed,Minnie.You’retired.SoamI.We’llasktheTrippsinforaneveningsoon.”
“Oh,thatwillbenice!Goodnight,dear.Sureyou’vegoteverything?Ihopeyouhaven’tbeentiredwithsomanypeoplehere.ImusttellEllentoairthedrawingroomverywelltomorrow,andshakeoutthecurtains—allthissmokingleavessuchasmell.ImustsayIthinkit’sverygoodofyoutoletthemallsmokeinthedrawingroom!”
“Imustmakesomeconcessionstomodernity,”saidEmilyArundell.“Goodnight,Minnie.”
Astheotherwomanlefttheroom,EmilyArundellwonderedifthisspiritualisticbusinesswasreallygoodforMinnie.Hereyeshadbeenpoppingoutofherhead,andshehadlookedsorestlessandexcited.
OddabouttheBoulecabinet,thoughtEmilyArundellasshegotintobed.Shesmiledgrimlyassherememberedthesceneoflongago.Thekeythathadcometolightafterpapa’sdeath,andthecascadeofemptybrandybottlesthathadtumbledoutwhenthecabinethadbeenunlocked!Itwaslittlethingslikethat,thingsthatsurelyneitherMinnieLawsonnorIsabelandJuliaTrippcouldpossiblyknow,whichmadeonewonderwhether,afterall,therewasn’tsomethinginthisspiritualisticbusiness….
Shefeltwakefullyingonherbigfour-posterbed.Nowadaysshefounditincreasinglydifficulttosleep.ButshescornedDr.Grainger’stentativesuggestionofasleepingdraught.Sleepingdraughtswereforweaklings,forpeoplewhocouldn’tbearafingerache,oralittletoothache,orthetediumofasleeplessnight.
Oftenshewouldgetupandwandernoiselesslyroundthehouse,pickingupabook,fingeringanornament,rearrangingavaseofflowers,writingaletterortwo.Inthosemidnighthoursshehadafeelingoftheequallivelinessofthehousethroughwhichshewandered.Theywerenotdisagreeable,thosenocturnalwanderings.Itwasasthoughghostswalkedbesideher,theghostsofhersisters,Arabella,MatildaandAgnes,theghostofherbrotherThomas,thedearfellowashewasbeforeThatWomangotholdofhim!EventheghostofGeneralCharlesLavertonArundell,thatdomestictyrantwiththecharmingmannerswhoshoutedandbulliedhisdaughtersbutwhoneverthelesswasanobjectofpridetothemwithhisexperiencesintheIndianMutinyandhisknowledgeoftheworld.Whatifthereweredayswhenhewas“notquitesowell”ashisdaughtersputitevasively?
Hermindrevertingtoherniece’sfiancé,MissArundellthought,“Idon’tsupposehe’llevertaketodrink!Callshimselfamananddrankbarleywaterthisevening!Barleywater!AndIopenedpapa’sspecialport.”
Charleshaddonejusticetotheportallright.Oh!ifonlyCharlesweretobetrusted.Ifonlyonedidn’tknowthatwithhim—
Herthoughtsbrokeoff…Hermindrangedovertheeventsoftheweekend….
Everythingseemedvaguelydisquieting…
Shetriedtoputworryingthoughtsoutofhermind.
Itwasnogood.
Sheraisedherselfonherelbowandbythelightofthenightlightthatalwaysburnedinalittlesaucershelookedatthetime.
Oneo’clockandshehadneverfeltlesslikesleep.
Shegotoutofbedandputonherslippersandherwarmdressinggown.Shewouldgodownstairsandjustcheckovertheweeklybooksreadyforthepayingofthemthefollowingmorning.
Likeashadowsheslippedfromherroomandalongthecorridorwhereonesmallelectricbulbwasallowedtoburnallnight.
Shecametotheheadofthestairs,stretchedoutonehandtothebalusterrailandthen,unaccountably,shestumbled,triedtorecoverherbalance,failedandwentheadlongdownthestairs.
Thesoundofherfall,thecryshegave,stirredthesleepinghousetowakefulness.Doorsopened,lightsflashedon.
MissLawsonpoppedoutofherroomattheheadofthestaircase.
Utteringlittlecriesofdistressshepattereddownthestairs.Onebyonetheothersarrived—Charles,yawning,inaresplendentdressinggown.Theresa,wrappedindarksilk.Bellainanavy-bluekimono,herhairbristlingwithcombsto“setthewave.”
DazedandconfusedEmilyArundelllayinacrushedheap.Hershoulderhurtherandherankle—herwholebodywasaconfusedmassofpain.Shewasconsciousofpeoplestandingoverher,ofthatfoolMinnieLawsoncryingandmakingineffectualgestureswithherhands,ofTheresawithastartledlookinherdarkeyes,ofBellastandingwithhermouthopenlookingexpectant,ofthevoiceofCharlessayingfromsomewhere—veryfarawaysoitseemed—
“It’sthatdamneddog’sball!Hemusthaveleftithereandshetrippedoverit.See?Hereitis!”
Andthenshewasconsciousofauthority,puttingtheothersaside,kneelingbesideher,touchingherwithhandsthatdidnotfumblebutknew.
Afeelingofreliefsweptoverher.Itwouldbeallrightnow.
Dr.Tanioswassayinginfirm,reassuringtones:
“No,it’sallright.Nobonesbroken…Justbadlyshakenandbruised—andofcourseshe’shadabadshock.Butshe’sbeenveryluckythatit’snoworse.”
Thenheclearedtheothersoffalittleandpickedherupquiteeasilyandcarriedheruptoherbedroom,wherehehadheldherwristforaminute,counting,thennoddedhishead,sentMinnie(whowasstillcryingandbeinggenerallyanuisance)outoftheroomtofetchbrandyandtoheatwaterforahotbottle
Confused,shaken,andrackedwithpain,shefeltacutelygratefultoJacobTaniosinthatmoment.Thereliefoffeelingoneselfincapablehands.Hegaveyoujustthatfeelingofassurance—ofconfidence—thatadoctoroughttogive.
Therewassomething—somethingshecouldn’tquitegetholdof—somethingvaguelydisquieting—butshewouldn’tthinkofitnow.Shewoulddrinkthisandgotosleepastheytoldher.
Butsurelytherewassomethingmissing—someone.
Ohwell,shewouldn’tthink…Hershoulderhurther—Shedrankdownwhatshewasgiven.
SheheardDr.Taniossay—andinwhatacomfortableassuredvoice—“She’llbeallright,now.”
Sheclosedhereyes.
Sheawoketoasoundthatsheknew—asoft,muffledbark.
Shewaswideawakeinaminute.
Bob—naughtyBob!Hewasbarkingoutsidethefrontdoor—hisownparticular“outallnightveryashamedofhimself”bark,pitchedinasubduedkeybutrepeatedhopefully.
MissArundellstrainedherears.Ah,yes,thatwasallright.ShecouldhearMinniegoingdowntolethimin.Sheheardthecreakoftheopeningfrontdoor,aconfusedlowmurmur—Minnie’sfutilereproaches—“Oh,younaughtylittledoggie—averynaughtylittleBobsie—”Sheheardthepantrydooropen.Bob’sbedwasunderthepantrytable.
AndatthatmomentEmilyrealizedwhatitwasshehadsubconsciouslymissedatthemomentofheraccident.ItwasBob.Allthatcommotion—herfall,peoplerunning—normallyBobwouldhaverespondedbyacrescendoofbarkingfrominsidethepantry.
Sothatwaswhathadbeenworryingheratthebackofhermind.Butitwasexplainednow—Bob,whenhehadbeenletoutlastnight,hadshamelesslyanddeliberatelygoneoffonpleasurebent.Fromtimetotimehehadtheselapsesfromvirtue—thoughhisapologiesafterwardswerealwaysallthatcouldbedesired.
Sothatwasallright.Butwasit?Whatelsewasthereworryingher,naggingatthebackofherhead.Heraccident—somethingtodowithheraccident.
Ah,yes,somebodyhadsaid—Charles—thatshehadslippedonBob’sballwhichhehadleftonthetopofthestairs…
Theballhadbeenthere—hehadhelditupinhishand….
EmilyArundell’sheadached.Hershoulderthrobbed.Herbruisedbodysuffered….
Butinthemidstofhersufferinghermindwasclearandlucid.Shewasnolongerconfusedbyshock.Hermemorywasperfectlyclear.
Shewentoverinhermindalltheeventsfromsixo’clockyesterdayevening…Sheretracedeverystep…tillshecametothemomentwhenshearrivedatthestairheadandstartedtodescendthestairs….
Athrillofincreduloushorrorshotthroughher….
Surely—surely,shemustbemistaken…Oneoftenhadqueerfanciesafteraneventhadhappened.Shetried—earnestlyshetried—torecalltheslipperyroundnessofBob’sballunderherfoot….
Butshecouldrecallnothingofthekind.
Instead—
“Sheernerves,”saidEmilyArundell.“Ridiculousfancies.”
Buthersensible,shrewd,Victorianmindwouldnotadmitthatforamoment.TherewasnofoolishoptimismabouttheVictorians.Theycouldbelievetheworstwiththeutmostease.
EmilyArundellbelievedtheworst.
Four
MISSARUNDELLWRITESALETTER
ItwasFriday.
Therelationshadleft.
TheyleftontheWednesdayasoriginallyplanned.Oneandall,theyhadofferedtostayon.Oneandalltheyhadbeensteadfastlyrefused.MissArundellexplainedthatshepreferredtobe“quitequiet.”
Duringthetwodaysthathadelapsedsincetheirdeparture,EmilyArundellhadbeenalarminglymeditative.OftenshedidnothearwhatMinnieLawsonsaidtoher.Shewouldstareatherandcurtlyorderhertobeginalloveragain.
“It’stheshock,poordear,”saidMissLawson.
Andsheaddedwiththekindofgloomyrelishindisasterwhichbrightenssomanyotherwisedrablives:
“Idaresayshe’llneverbequiteherselfagain.”
Dr.Grainger,ontheotherhand,ralliedherheartily.
Hetoldherthatshe’dbedownstairsagainbytheendoftheweek,thatitwasapositivedisgraceshehadnobonesbroken,andwhatkindofpatientwassheforastrugglingmedicalman?Ifallhispatientswerelikeher,hemightaswelltakedownhisplatestraightaway.
EmilyArundellrepliedwithspirit—sheandoldDr.Graingerwerealliesoflong-standing.Hebulliedandshedefied—theyalwaysgotagooddealofpleasureoutofeachother’scompany!
Butnow,afterthedoctorhadstumpedaway,theoldladylaywithafrownonherface,thinking—thinking—respondingabsentmindedlytoMinnieLawson’swell-meantfussing—andthensuddenlycomingbacktoconsciousnessandrendingherwithavitriolictongue.
“PoorlittleBobsie,”twitteredMissLawson,bendingoverBobwhohadarugspreadonthecornerofhismistress’sbed.“Wouldn’tlittleBobsiebeunhappyifheknewwhathe’ddonetohispoor,poorMissus?”
MissArundellsnapped:
“Don’tbeidiotic,Minnie.Andwhere’syourEnglishsenseofjustice?Don’tyouknowthateveryoneinthiscountryisaccountedinnocentuntilheorsheisprovedguilty?”
“Oh,butwedoknow—”
Emilysnapped:
“Wedon’tknowanythingatall.Dostopfidgeting,Minnie.Pullingthisandpullingthat.Haven’tyouanyideahowtobehaveinasickroom?GoawayandsendEllentome.”
MeeklyMissLawsoncreptaway.
EmilyArundelllookedafterherwithaslightfeelingofself-reproach.MaddeningasMinniewas,shedidherbest.
Thenthefrownsettleddownagainonherface.
Shewasdesperatelyunhappy.Shehadallavigorousstrong-mindedoldlady’sdislikeofinactioninanygivensituation.Butinthisparticularsituationshecouldnotdecideuponherlineofaction.
Thereweremomentswhenshedistrustedherownfaculties,herownmemoryofevents.Andtherewasnoone,absolutelynooneinwhomshecouldconfide.
Halfanhourlater,whenMissLawsontiptoedcreakinglyintotheroom,carryingacupofbeeftea,andthenpausedirresoluteattheviewofheremployerlyingwithclosedeyes,EmilyArundellsuddenlyspoketwowordswithsuchforceanddecisionthatMissLawsonnearlydroppedthecup.
“MaryFox,”saidMissArundell.
“Abox,dear?”saidMissLawson.“Didyousayyouwantedabox?”
“You’regettingdeaf,Minnie.Ididn’tsayanythingaboutabox.IsaidMaryFox.ThewomanImetatCheltenhamlastyear.ShewasthesisterofoneoftheCanonsofExeterCathedral.Givemethatcup.You’vespiltitintothesaucer.Anddon’ttiptoewhenyoucomeintoaroom.Youdon’tknowhowirritatingitis.NowgodownstairsandgetmetheLondontelephonebook.”
“CanIfindthenumberforyou,dear?Ortheaddress?”
“IfI’dwantedyoutodothatI’dhavetoldyouso.DowhatItellyou.Bringithere,andputmywritingthingsbythebed.”
MissLawsonobeyedorders.
Asshewasgoingoutoftheroomafterhavingdoneeverythingrequiredofher,EmilyArundellsaidunexpectedly:
“You’reagood,faithfulcreature,Minnie.Don’tmindmybark.It’sagooddealworsethanmybite.You’reverypatientandgoodtome.”
MissLawsonwentoutoftheroomwithherfacepinkandincoherentwordsburblingfromherlips.
Sittingupinbed,MissArundellwrotealetter.Shewroteitslowlyandcarefully,withnumerouspausesforthoughtandcopiousunderlining.Shecrossedandrecrossedthepage—forshehadbeenbroughtupinaschoolthatwastaughtnevertowastenotepaper.Finally,withasighofsatisfaction,shesignedhernameandputitintoanenvelope.Shewroteanameupontheenvelope.Thenshetookafreshsheetofpaper.Thistimeshemadearoughdraftandafterhavingrereaditandmadecertainalterationsanderasures,shewroteoutafaircopy.Shereadthewholethingthroughverycarefully,thensatisfiedthatshehadexpressedhermeaningsheencloseditinanenvelopeandaddressedittoWilliamPurvis,Esq.,MessrsPurvis,Purvis,CharlesworthandPurvis,Solicitors,Harchester.
Shetookupthefirstenvelopeagain,whichwasaddressedtoM.HerculePoirot,andopenedthetelephonedirectory.Havingfoundtheaddresssheaddedit.
Atapsoundedatthedoor.
MissArundellhastilythrustthelettershehadjustfinishedaddressing—thelettertoHerculePoirot—insidetheflapofherwritingcase.
ShehadnointentionofrousingMinnie’scuriosity.Minniewasagreatdealtooinquisitive.
Shecalled“Comein”andlaybackonherpillowswithasighofrelief.
Shehadtakenstepstodealwiththesituation.
Five
HERCULEPOIROTRECEIVESALETTER
TheeventswhichIhavejustnarratedwerenot,ofcourse,knowntomeuntilalongtimeafterwards.Butbyquestioningvariousmembersofthefamilyindetail,Ihave,Ithink,setthemdownaccuratelyenough.
PoirotandIwereonlydrawnintotheaffairwhenwereceivedMissArundell’sletter.
Irememberthedaywell.Itwasahot,airlessmorningtowardstheendofJune
Poirothadaparticularroutinewhenopeninghismorningcorrespondence.Hepickedupeachletter,scrutinizeditcarefullyandneatlyslittheenvelopeopenwithhispapercutter.Itscontentswereperusedandthenplacedinoneoffourpilesbeyondthechocolatepot.(Poirotalwaysdrankchocolateforbreakfast—arevoltinghabit.)Allthiswithamachinelikeregularity!
Somuchwasthisthecasethattheleastinterruptionoftherhythmattractedone’sattention.
Iwassittingbythewindow,lookingoutatthepassingtraffic.IhadrecentlyreturnedfromArgentinaandtherewassomethingparticularlyexcitingtomeinbeingoncemoreintheroarofLondon.
Turningmyhead,Isaidwithasmile:
“Poirot,I—thehumbleWatson—amgoingtohazardadeduction.”
“Enchanted,myfriend.Whatisit?”
Istruckanattitudeandsaidpompously:
“Youhavereceivedthismorningoneletterofparticularinterest!”
“YouareindeedtheSherlockHolmes!Yes,youareperfectlyright.”
Ilaughed.
“Yousee,Iknowyourmethods,Poirot.Ifyoureadaletterthroughtwiceitmustmeanthatitisofspecialinterest.”
“Youshalljudgeforyourself,Hastings.”
Withasmilemyfriendtenderedmetheletterinquestion.
Itookitwithnolittleinterest,butimmediatelymadeaslightgrimace.Itwaswritteninoneofthoseold-fashionedspideryhandwritings,anditwas,moreover,crossedontwopages.
“MustIreadthis,Poirot?”Icomplained.
“Ah,no,thereisnocompulsion.Assuredlynot.”
“Can’tyoutellmewhatitsays?”
“Iwouldpreferyoutoformyourownjudgement.Butdonottroubleifitboresyou.”
“No,no,Iwanttoknowwhatit’sallabout,”Iprotested.
Myfriendremarkeddrily:
“Youcanhardlydothat.Ineffect,thelettersaysnothingatall.”
TakingthisasanexaggerationIplungedwithoutmoreadointotheletter.
M.HerculePoirot.DearSir,Aftermuchdoubtandindecision,Iamwriting(thelastwordwascrossedoutandtheletterwenton)Iamemboldenedtowritetoyouinthehopethatyoumaybeabletoassistmeinamatterofastrictlyprivatenature.(Thewordsstrictlyprivatewereunderlinedthreetimes.)Imaysaythatyournameisnotunknowntome.ItwasmentionedtomebyaMissFoxofExeter,andalthoughMissFoxwasnotherselfacquaintedwithyou,shementionedthatherbrother-in-law’ssister(whosenameIcannot,Iamsorrytosay,recall)hadspokenofyourkindnessanddiscretioninthehighestterms(highesttermsunderlinedonce).Ididnotinquire,ofcourse,astothenature(natureunderlined)oftheinquiryyouhadconductedonherbehalf,butIunderstoodfromMissFoxthatitwasofapainfulandconfidentialnature(lastfourwordsunderlinedheavily).
Ibrokeoffmydifficulttaskofspellingoutthespiderywords.
“Poirot,”Isaid.“MustIgoon?Doessheevergettothepoint?”
“Continue,myfriend.Patience.”
“Patience!”Igrumbled.“It’sexactlyasthoughaspiderhadgotintoaninkpotandwaswalkingoverasheetofnotepaper!IremembermyGreat-AuntMary’swritingusedtobemuchthesame!”
OncemoreIplungedintotheepistle.
Inmypresentdilemma,itoccurstomethatyoumightundertakethenecessaryinvestigationsonmybehalf.Thematterissuch,asyouwillreadilyunderstand,ascallsfortheutmostdiscretionandImay,infact—andIneedhardlysayhowsincerelyIhopeandpray(prayunderlinedtwice)thatthismaybethecase—Imay,infact,becompletelymistaken.Oneisaptsometimestoattributetoomuchsignificancetofactscapableofanaturalexplanation.
“Ihaven’tleftoutasheet?”Imurmuredinsomeperplexity.
Poirotchuckled.
“No,no.”
“Becausethisdoesn’tseemtomakesense.Whatisitsheistalkingabout?”
“Continueztoujours.”
“Thematterissuch,asyouwillreadilyunderstand—No,I’dgotpastthat.Oh!hereweare.InthecircumstancesasIamsureyouwillbethefirsttoappreciate,itisquiteimpossibleformetoconsultanyoneinMarketBasing(Iglancedbackattheheadingoftheletter.LittlegreenHouse,MarketBasing,Berks),butatthesametimeyouwillnaturallyunderstandthatIfeeluneasy(uneasyunderlined).DuringthelastfewdaysIhavereproachedmyselfwithbeingundulyfanciful(fancifulunderlinedthreetimes)buthaveonlyfeltincreasinglyperturbed.Imaybeattachingundueimportancetowhatis,afterall,atrifle(trifleunderlinedtwice)butmyuneasinessremains.Ifeeldefinitelythatmymindmustbesetatrestonthematter.Itisactuallypreyingonmymindandaffectingmyhealth,andnaturallyIaminadifficultpositionasIcansaynothingtoanyone(nothingtoanyoneunderlinedwithheavylines).Inyourwisdomyoumaysay,ofcourse,thatthewholethingisnothingbutamare’snest.Thefactsmaybecapableofaperfectlyinnocentexplanation(innocentunderlined).Nevertheless,howevertrivialitmayseem,eversincetheincidentofthedog’sball,Ihavefeltincreasinglydoubtfulandalarmed.Ishouldthereforewelcomeyourviewsandcounselonthematter.Itwould,Ifeelsure,takeagreatweightoffmymind.Perhapsyouwouldkindlyletmeknowwhatyourfeesareandwhatyouadvisemetodointhematter?Imustimpressonyouagainthatnobodyhereknowsanythingatall.Thefactsare,Iknow,verytrivialandunimportant,butmyhealthisnottoogoodandmynerves(nervesunderlinedthreetimes)arenotwhattheyusedtobe.Worryofthiskind,Iamconvinced,isverybadforme,andthemoreIthinkoverthematter,themoreIamconvincedthatIwasquiterightandnomistakewaspossible.Ofcourse,Ishallnotdreamofsayinganything(underlined)toanyone(underlined).Hopingtohaveyouradviceinthematteratanearlydate.Iremain,Yoursfaithfully,EmilyArundell.”
Iturnedtheletteroverandscannedeachpageclosely.“But,Poirot,”Iexpostulated,“whatisitallabout?”
Myfriendshruggedhisshoulders.
“Whatindeed?”
Itappedthesheetswithsomeimpatience.
“Whatawoman!Whycan’tMrs.—orMissArundell—”
“Miss,Ithink.Itistypicallytheletterofaspinster.”
“Yes,”Isaid.“Areal,fussyoldmaid.Whycan’tshesaywhatshe’stalkingabout?”
Poirotsighed.
“Asyousay—aregrettablefailuretoemployorderandmethodinthementalprocesses,andwithoutorderandmethod,Hastings—”
“Quiteso,”Iinterruptedhastily.“Littlegreycellspracticallynonexistent.”
“Iwouldnotsaythat,myfriend.”
“Iwould.What’sthesenseofwritingaletterlikethat?”
“Verylittle—thatistrue,”Poirotadmitted.
“Alongrigmaroleallaboutnothing,”Iwenton.“Probablysomeupsettoherfatlapdog—anasthmaticpugorayappingPekinese!”Ilookedatmyfriendcuriously.“Andyetyoureadthatletterthroughtwice.Idonotunderstandyou,Poirot.”
Poirotsmiled.
“You,Hastings,youwouldhaveputitstraightinthewastepaperbasket?”
“I’mafraidIshould.”Ifrowneddownontheletter.“IsupposeI’mbeingdense,asusual,butIcan’tseeanythingofinterestinthisletter!”
“Yetthereisonepointinitofgreatinterest—apointthatstruckmeatonce.”
“Wait,”Icried.“Don’ttellme.LetmeseeifIcan’tdiscoveritformyself.”
Itwaschildishofme,perhaps.Iexaminedtheletterverythoroughly.ThenIshookmyhead.
“No,Idon’tseeit.Theoldlady’sgotthewindup,Irealizethat—butthen,oldladiesoftendo!Itmaybeaboutnothing—itmayconceivablybeaboutsomething,butIdon’tseethatyoucantellthatthatisso.Unlessyourinstinct—”
Poirotraisedanoffendedhand.
“Instinct!YouknowhowIdislikethatword.‘Somethingseemstotellme’—thatiswhatyouinfer.Jamaisdelavie!Me,Ireason.Iemploythelittlegreycells.Thereisoneinterestingpointaboutthatletterwhichyouhaveoverlookedutterly,Hastings.”
“Oh,well,”Isaidwearily.“I’llbuyit.”
“Buyit?Buywhat?”
“Anexpression.MeaningthatIwillpermityoutoenjoyyourselfbytellingmejustwhereIhavebeenafool.”
“Notafool,Hastings,merelyunobservant.”
“Well,outwithit.What’stheinterestingpoint?Isuppose,likethe‘incidentofthedog’sball,’thepointisthatthereisnointerestingpoint!”
Poirotdisregardedthissallyonmypart.Hesaidquietlyandcalmly:
“Theinterestingpointisthedate.”
“Thedate?”
Ipickeduptheletter.Onthetopleft-handcornerwaswrittenApril17th.
“Yes,”Isaidslowly.“Thatisodd.April17th.”
“AndwearetodayJune28th.C’estcurieux,n’estcepas?Overtwomonthsago.”
Ishookmyheaddoubtfully.
“Itprobablydoesn’tmeananything.Aslip.ShemeanttoputJuneandwroteAprilinstead.”
“Eventhenitwouldbetenorelevendaysold—anoddfact.Butactuallyyouareinerror.Lookatthecolouroftheink.Thatletterwaswrittenmorethantenorelevendaysago.No,April17thisthedateassuredly.Butwhywastheletternotsent?”
Ishruggedmyshoulders.
“That’seasy.Theoldpussychangedhermind.”
“Thenwhydidshenotdestroytheletter?Whykeepitovertwomonthsandpostitnow?”
Ihadtoadmitthatthatwashardertoanswer.InfactIcouldn’tthinkofareallysatisfactoryanswer.Imerelyshookmyheadandsaidnothing.
Poirotnodded.
“Yousee—itisapoint!Yes,decidedlyacuriouspoint.”
“Youareansweringtheletter?”Iasked.
“Oui,monami.”
TheroomwassilentexceptforthescratchingofPoirot’spen.Itwasahot,airlessmorning.Asmellofdustandtarcameinthroughthewindow.
Poirotrosefromhisdesk,thecompletedletterinhishand.Heopenedadraweranddrewoutalittlesquarebox.Fromthishetookoutastamp.Moisteningthiswithalittlespongehepreparedtoaffixittotheletter.
Thensuddenlyhepaused,stampinhand,shakinghisheadwithvigour.
“Non!”heexclaimed.“ThatisthewrongthingIdo.”Hetoretheletteracrossandthrewitintothewastepaperbasket.
“Notsomustwetacklethismatter!Wewillgo,myfriend.”
“YoumeantogodowntoMarketBasing?”
“Precisely.Whynot?DoesnotonestifleinLondontoday?Wouldnotthecountryairbeagreeable?”
“Well,ifyouputitlikethat,”Isaid.“Shallwegointhecar?”
IhadacquiredasecondhandAustin.
“Excellent.Averypleasantdayformotoring.Onewillhardlyneedthemuffler.Alightovercoat,asilkscarf—”
“Mydearfellow,you’renotgoingtotheNorthPole!”Iprotested.
“Onemustbecarefulofcatchingthechill,”saidPoirotsententiously.
“Onadaylikethis?”
Disregardingmyprotests,Poirotproceededtodonafawn-colouredovercoatandwraphisneckupwithawhitesilkhandkerchief.Havingcarefullyplacedthewettedstampfacedownwardsontheblottingpapertodry,welefttheroomtogether.
Six
WEGOTOLITTLEGREENHOUSE
Idon’tknowwhatPoirotfeltlikeinhiscoatandmufflerbutImyselffeltroastedbeforewegotoutofLondon.Anopencarintrafficisfarfrombeingarefreshingplaceonahotsummer’sday
OncewewereoutsideLondon,however,andgettingabitofpaceontheGreatWestRoadmyspiritsrose.
Ourdrivetookusaboutanhourandahalf,anditwascloseupontwelveo’clockwhenwecameintothelittletownofMarketBasing.Originallyonthemainroad,amodernbypassnowleftitsomethreemilestothenorthofthemainstreamoftrafficandinconsequenceithadkeptanairofold-fashioneddignityandquietudeaboutit.Itsonewidestreetandamplemarketsquareseemedtosay,“IwasaplaceofimportanceonceandtoanypersonofsenseandbreedingIamstillthesame.Letthismodernspeedingworlddashalongtheirnewfangledroad;Iwasbuilttoendureinadaywhensolidarityandbeautywenthandinhand.”
Therewasaparkingareainthemiddleofthebigsquare,thoughtherewereonlyafewcarsoccupyingit.IdulyparkedtheAustin,Poirotdivestedhimselfofhissuperfluousgarments,assuredhimselfthathismoustacheswereintheirproperconditionofsymmetricalflamboyanceandwewerethenreadytoproceed.
Foronceinawayourfirsttentativeinquirydidnotmeetwiththeusualresponse,“Sorry,butI’mastrangerintheseparts.”ItwouldseemindeedprobablethattherewerenostrangersinMarketBasing!Ithadthateffect!Already,Ifelt,Poirotandmyself(andespeciallyPoirot)weresomewhatnoticeable.WetendedtostickoutfromthemellowbackgroundofanEnglishmarkettownsecureinitstraditions.
“LittlegreenHouse?”Theman,aburly,ox-eyedfellow,lookedusoverthoughtfully.“YougostraightuptheHighStreetandyoucan’tmissit.Onyourleft.There’snonameonthegate,butit’sthefirstbighouseafterthebank.”Herepeatedagain,“Youcan’tmissit.”
Hiseyesfollowedusaswestartedonourcourse.
“Dearme,”Icomplained.“Thereissomethingaboutthisplacethatmakesmefeelextremelyconspicuous.Asforyou,Poirot,youlookpositivelyexotic.”
“YouthinkitisnoticedthatIamaforeigner—yes?”
“Thefactcriesaloudtoheaven,”Iassuredhim.
“AndyetmyclothesaremadebyanEnglishtailor,”musedPoirot.
“Clothesarenoteverything,”Isaid.“Itcannotbedenied,Poirot,thatyouhaveanoticeablepersonality.Ihaveoftenwonderedthatithasnothinderedyouinyourcareer.”
Poirotsighed.
“Thatisbecauseyouhavethemistakenideaimplantedinyourheadthatadetectiveisnecessarilyamanwhoputsonafalsebeardandhidesbehindapillar!Thefalsebeard,itisvieuxjeu,andshadowingisonlydonebythelowestbranchofmyprofession.TheHerculePoirots,myfriend,needonlytositbackinachairandthink.”
“Whichexplainswhywearewalkingalongthisexceedinglyhotstreetonanexceedinglyhotmorning.”
“Thatisveryneatlyreplied,Hastings.Foronce,Iadmit,youhavemadethescoreoffme.”
WefoundLittlegreenHouseeasilyenough,butashockawaitedus—ahouseagent’sboard.
Aswewerestaringatit,adog’sbarkattractedmyattention.
Thebusheswerethinatthatpointandthedogcouldbeeasilyseen.Hewasawirehairedterrier,somewhatshaggyastocoat.Hisfeetwereplantedwideapart,slightlytooneside,andhebarkedwithanobviousenjoymentofhisownperformancethatshowedhimtobeactuatedbythemostamiablemotives.
“Goodwatchdog,aren’tI?”heseemedtobesaying.“Don’tmindme!Thisisjustmyfun!Mydutytoo,ofcourse.Justhavetolet’emknowthere’sadogabouttheplace!Deadlydullmorning.Quiteablessingtohavesomethingtodo.Comingintoourplace?Hopeso.It’sdarneddull.Icoulddowithalittleconversation.”
“Hallo,oldman,”Isaidandshovedforwardafist.
Craninghisneckthroughtherailingshesniffedsuspiciously,thengentlywaggedhistail,utteringafewshortstaccatobarks.
“Notbeenproperlyintroduced,ofcourse,havetokeepthisup!ButIseeyouknowtheproperadvancestomake.”
“Goodoldboy,”Isaid.
“Wuff,”saidtheterrieramiably.
“Well,Poirot?”Isaid,desistingfromthisconversationandturningtomyfriend.
Therewasanoddexpressiononhisface—onethatIcouldnotquitefathom.Akindofdeliberatelysuppressedexcitementseemstodescribeitbest.
“TheIncidentoftheDog’sBall,”hemurmured.“Well,atleast,wehavehereadog.”
“Wuff,”observedournewfriend.Thenhesatdown,yawnedwidelyandlookedatushopefully.
“Whatnext?”Iasked.
Thedogseemedtobeaskingthesamequestion.
“Parbleu,toMessrs—whatisit—MessrsGablerandStretcher.”
“Thatdoesseemindicated,”Iagreed.
Weturnedandretracedoursteps,ourcanineacquaintancesendingafewdisgustedbarksafterus.
ThepremisesofMessrsGablerandStretcherweresituatedintheMarketSquare.Weenteredadimouterofficewherewewerereceivedbyayoungwomanwithadenoidsandalacklustreeye.
“Goodmorning,”saidPoirotpolitely.
TheyoungwomanwasatthemomentspeakingintoatelephonebutsheindicatedachairandPoirotsatdown.Ifoundanotherandbroughtitforward.
“Icouldn’tsay,I’msure,”saidtheyoungwomanintothetelephonevacantly.“No,Idon’tknowwhattherateswouldbe…Pardon?Oh,mainwater,Ithink,but,ofcourse,Icouldn’tbecertain…I’mverysorry,I’msure…No,he’sout…No,Icouldn’tsay…Yes,ofcourseI’llaskhim…Yes…8135?I’mafraidIhaven’tquitegotit.Oh…8935…39…Oh,5135…Yes,I’llaskhimtoringyou…aftersix…Oh,pardon,beforesix…Thankyousomuch.”
Shereplacedthereceiver,scribbled5319ontheblottingpadandturnedamildlyinquiringbutuninterestedgazeonPoirot.
Poirotbeganbriskly.
“Iobservethatthereisahousetobesoldjustontheoutskirtsofthistown.LittlegreenHouse,Ithinkisthename.”
“Pardon?”
“Ahousetobeletorsold,”saidPoirotslowlyanddistinctly.“LittlegreenHouse.”
“Oh,LittlegreenHouse,”saidtheyoungwomanvaguely.“LittlegreenHouse,didyousay?”
“ThatiswhatIsaid.”
“LittlegreenHouse,”saidtheyoungwoman,makingatremendousmentaleffort.“Oh,well,IexpectMr.Gablerwouldknowaboutthat.”
“CanIseeMr.Gabler?”
“He’sout,”saidtheyoungwomanwithakindoffaint,anaemicsatisfactionasofonewhosays,“Apointtome.”
“Doyouknowwhenhewillbein?”
“Icouldn’tsay,I’msure,”saidtheyoungwoman.
“Youcomprehend,Iamlookingforahouseinthisneighbourhood,”saidPoirot.
“Oh,yes,”saidtheyoungwoman,uninterested.
“AndLittlegreenHouseseemstomejustwhatIamlookingfor.Canyougivemeparticulars?”
“Particulars?”Theyoungwomanseemedstartled.
“ParticularsofLittlegreenHouse.”
Unwillinglysheopenedadrawerandtookoutanuntidyfileofpapers.
Thenshecalled,“John.”
Alankyyouthsittinginacornerlookedup.
“Yes,miss.”
“Havewegotanyparticularsof—whatdidyousay?”
“LittlegreenHouse,”saidPoirotdistinctly.
“You’vegotalargebillofithere,”Iremarked,pointingtothewall.
Shelookedatmecoldly.Twotoone,sheseemedtothink,wasanunfairwayofplayingthegame.Shecalledupherownreinforcements.
“Youdon’tknowanythingaboutLittlegreenHouse,doyou,John?”
“No,miss.Shouldbeinthefile.”
“I’msorry,”saidtheyoungwomanwithoutlookingsointheleast.“Iratherfancywemusthavesentalltheparticularsout.”
“C’estdommage.”
“Pardon?”
“Apity.”
“We’veanicebungalowatHemelEnd,twobed.,onesitt.”
Shespokewithoutenthusiasm,butwiththeairofonewillingtodoherdutybyheremployer.
“Ithankyou,no.”
“Andasemidetachedwithsmallconservatory.Icouldgiveyouparticularsofthat.”
“No,thankyou.IdesiredtoknowwhatrentyouwereaskingforLittlegreenHouse.”
“It’snottoberented,”saidtheyoungwoman,abandoningherpositionofcompleteignoranceofanythingtodowithLittlegreenHouseinthepleasureofscoringapoint.“Onlytobesoldoutright.”
“Theboardsays,‘TobeLetorSold.’”
“Icouldn’tsayastothat,butit’sforsaleonly.”
Atthisstageinthebattlethedooropenedandagrey-haired,middle-agedmanenteredwitharush.Hiseye,amilitantone,sweptoveruswithagleam.Hiseyebrowsaskedaquestionofhisemployee.
“ThisisMr.Gabler,”saidtheyoungwoman.
Mr.Gableropenedthedoorofaninnersanctumwithaflourish.
“Stepinhere,gentlemen.”Heusheredusin,anamplegesturesweptusintochairsandhehimselfwasfacingusacrossaflat-toppeddesk.
“AndnowwhatcanIdoforyou?”
Poirotbeganagainperseveringly.
“IdesiredafewparticularsofLittlegreenHouse—”
Hegotnofurther.Mr.Gablertookcommand.
“Ah!LittlegreenHouse—there’saproperty!Anabsolutebargain.Onlyjustcomeintothemarket.Icantellyougentlemen,wedon’toftengetahouseofthatclassgoingattheprice.Taste’sswinginground.Peoplearefedupwithjerry-building.Theywantsoundstuff.Good,honestbuilding.Abeautifulproperty—character—feeling—Georgianthroughout.That’swhatpeoplewantnowadays—there’safeelingforperiodhousesifyouunderstandwhatImean.Ah,yes,LittlegreenHousewon’tbelonginthemarket.It’llbesnappedup.Snappedup!AmemberofparliamentcametolookatitonlylastSaturday.Likeditsomuchhe’scomingdownagainthisweekend.Andthere’sastockexchangegentlemanafterittoo.Peoplewantquietnowadayswhentheycometothecountry,wanttobewellawayfrommainroads.That’sallverywellforsomepeople,butweattractclasshere.Andthat’swhatthathousehasgot.Class!You’vegottoadmit,theyknewhowtobuildforgentlemeninthosedays.Yes,weshan’thaveLittlegreenlongonourbooks.”
Mr.Gabler,who,itoccurredtome,liveduptohisnameveryhappily,pausedforbreath.
“Hasitchangedhandsofteninthelastfewyears?”inquiredPoirot.
“Onthecontrary.Beeninonefamilyoverfiftyyears.NameofArundell.Verymuchrespectedinthetown.Ladiesoftheoldschool.”
Heshotup,openedthedoorandcalled:
“ParticularsofLittlegreenHouse,MissJenkins.Quicklynow.”
Hereturnedtothedesk.
“IrequireahouseaboutthisdistancefromLondon,”saidPoirot.“Inthecountry,butnotinthedeadcountry,ifyouunderstandme—”
“Perfectly—perfectly.Toomuchinthecountrydoesn’tdo.Servantsdon’tlikeitforonething.Here,youhavetheadvantagesofthecountrybutnotthedisadvantages.”MissJenkinsflittedinwithatypewrittensheetofpaperwhichsheplacedinfrontofheremployerwhodismissedherwithanod.
“Hereweare,”saidMr.Gabler,readingwithpractisedrapidity.“PeriodHouseofcharacter:fourrecep.,eightbedanddressing,usualoffices,commodiouskitchenpremises,ampleoutbuildings,stables,etc.Mainwater,old-worldgardens,inexpensiveupkeep,amountinginalltothreeacres,twosummerhouses,etc.,etc.Price￡2,850ornearoffer.”
“Youcangivemeanordertoview?”
“Certainly,mydearsir.”Mr.Gablerbeganwritinginaflourishingfashion.“Yournameandaddress?”
Slightlytomysurprise,PoirotgavehisnameasMr.Parotti.
“Wehaveoneortwootherpropertiesonourbookswhichmightinterestyou,”Mr.Gablerwenton.
Poirotallowedhimtoaddtwofurtheradditions.
“LittlegreenHousecanbeviewedanytime?”heinquired.
“Certainly,mydearsir.Thereareservantsinresidence.Imightperhapsringuptomakecertain.Youwillbegoingthereimmediately?Orafterlunch?”
“Perhapsafterlunchwouldbebetter.”
“Certainly—certainly.I’llringupandtellthemtoexpectyouabouttwoo’clock—eh?Isthatright?”
“Thankyou.Didyousaytheownerofthehouse—aMissArundell,Ithinkyousaid?”
“Lawson.MissLawson.Thatisthenameofthepresentowner.MissArundell,Iamsorrytosay,diedashorttimeago.Thatishowtheplacehascomeintothemarket.AndIcanassureyouitwillbesnappedup.Notadoubtofit.Betweenyouandme,justinconfidence,ifyoudothinkofmakinganofferIshouldmakeitquickly.AsI’vetoldyou,therearetwogentlemenafteritalready,andIshouldn’tbesurprisedtogetanofferforitanydayfromoneorotherofthem.Eachofthemknowstheother’safterit,yousee.Andthere’snodoubtthatcompetitionspursamanon.Ha,ha!Ishouldn’tlikeyoutobedisappointed.”
“MissLawsonisanxioustosell,Igather.”
Mr.Gablerloweredhisvoiceconfidentially.
“That’sjustit.Theplaceislargerthanshewants—onemiddle-agedladylivingbyherself.ShewantstogetridofthisandtakeahouseinLondon.Quiteunderstandable.That’swhytheplaceisgoingsoridiculouslycheap.”
“Shewouldbeopen,perhaps,toanoffer?”
“That’stheidea,sir.Makeanofferandsettheballrolling.Butyoucantakeitfrommethattherewillbenodifficultyingettingapriceverynearthefigurenamed.Why,it’sridiculous!Tobuildahouselikethatnowadayswouldcosteverypennyofsixthousand,letalonethelandvalueandthevaluablefrontages.”
“MissArundelldiedverysuddenly,didn’tshe?”
“Oh,Iwouldn’tsaythat.Annodomini—annodomini.Shehadpassedherthreescoreandtensometimeago.Andshe’dbeenailingforalongtime.Thelastofherfamily—youknowsomethingaboutthefamily,perhaps?”
“Iknowsomepeopleofthesamenamewhohaverelationsinthispartoftheworld.Ifancyitmustbethesamefamily.”
“Verylikely.Foursisterstherewere.Onemarriedfairlylateinlifeandtheotherthreelivedonhere.Ladiesoftheoldschool.MissEmilywasthelastofthem.Veryhighlythoughtofinthetown.”
HeleantforwardandhandedPoirottheorders.
“You’lldropinagainandletmeknowwhatyouthinkofit,eh?Ofcourse,itmayneedalittlemodernizinghereandthere.That’sonlytobeexpected.ButIalwayssay,‘What’sabathroomortwo?That’seasilydone.’”
WetookourleaveandthelastthingweheardwasthevacantvoiceofMissJenkinssaying:
“Mrs.Samuelsrangup,sir.She’dlikeyoutoringher—Holland5391.”
AsfarasIcouldrememberthatwasneitherthenumberMissJenkinshadscribbledonherpadnorthenumberfinallyarrivedatthroughthetelephone.
IfeltconvincedthatMissJenkinswashavingherrevengeforhavingbeenforcedtofindtheparticularsofLittlegreenHouse.
Seven
LUNCHATTHEGEORGE
Asweemergedintothemarketsquare,IremarkedthatMr.Gablerliveduptohisname!Poirotassentedwithasmile.
“He’llberatherdisappointedwhenyoudon’treturn,”Isaid.“Ithinkhefeelshehasasgoodassoldyouthathousealready.”
“Indeed,yes,Ifearthereisadeceptioninstoreforhim.”
“IsupposewemightaswellhavelunchherebeforereturningtoLondon,orshallwelunchatsomemorelikelyspotonourwayback?”
“MydearHastings,IamnotproposingtoleaveMarketBasingsoquickly.Wehavenotyetaccomplishedthatwhichwecametodo.”
Istared.
“Doyoumean—but,mydearfellow,that’sallawashout.Theoldladyisdead.”
“Exactly.”
Thetoneofthatonewordmademestareathimharderthanever.Itwasevidentthathehadsomebeeinhisbonnetoverthisincoherentletter.
“Butifshe’sdead,Poirot,”Isaidgently,“what’stheuse?Shecan’ttellyouanythingnow.Whateverthetroublewas,it’soverandfinishedwith.”
“Howlightlyandeasilyyouputthematteraside!LetmetellyouthatnomatterisfinishedwithuntilHerculePoirotceasestoconcernhimselfwithit!”
IshouldhaveknownfromexperiencethattoarguewithPoirotisquiteuseless.UnwarilyIproceeded.
“Butsincesheisdead—”
“Exactly,Hastings.Exactly—exactly—exactly…Youkeeprepeatingthesignificantpointwithamagnificentlyobtusedisregardofitssignificance.Doyounotseetheimportanceofthepoint?MissArundellisdead.”
“ButmydearPoirot,herdeathwasperfectlynaturalandordinary!Therewasn’tanythingoddorunexplainedaboutit.WehaveoldGabler’swordforthat.”
“WehavehiswordthatLittlegreenHouseisabargainat￡2,850.Doyouacceptthatasgospelalso?”
“No,indeed.ItstruckmethatGablerwasallouttogettheplacesold—itprobablyneedsmodernizingfromtoptotoe.I’dswearhe—orratherhisclient—willbewillingtoacceptaverymuchlowerfigurethanthat.TheselargeGeorgianhousesfrontingrightonthestreetmustbethedeviltogetridof.”
“Ehbien,then,”saidPoirot.“Donotsay,‘ButGablersaysso!’asthoughhewereaninspiredprophetwhocouldnotlie.”
Iwasabouttoprotestfurther,butatthisminutewepassedthethresholdoftheGeorgeandwithanemphatic“Chut!”Poirotputadamperonfurtherconversation.
Weweredirectedtothecoffeeroom,aroomoffineproportions,tightlyshutwindowsandanodourofstalefood.Anelderlywaiterattendedtous,aslow,heavy-breathingman.Weappearedtobetheonlylunchers.Wehadsomeexcellentmutton,largeslabsofwaterycabbageandsomedispiritedpotatoes.Somerathertastelessstewedfruitandcustardfollowed.Aftergorgonzolaandbiscuitsthewaiterbroughtustwocupsofadoubtfulfluidcalledcoffee.
AtthispointPoirotproducedhisorderstoviewandinvitedthewaiter’said
“Yes,sir.Iknowwheremostoftheseare.HemelDownisthreemilesaway—ontheMuchBenhamroad—quitealittleplace.Naylor’sFarmisaboutamileaway.There’sakindoflanegoesofftoitnotlongaftertheKing’sHead.BissetGrange?No,I’veneverheardofthat.LittlegreenHouseisjustcloseby,notmorethanafewminutes’walk.”
“Ah,IthinkIhavealreadyseenitfromtheoutside.Thatisthemostpossibleone,Ithink.Itisingoodrepair—yes?”
“Oh,yes,sir.It’singoodcondition—roofanddrainsandallthat.Old-fashioned,ofcourse.It’sneverbeenmodernizedinanyway.Thegardensareapicture.VeryfondofhergardenMissArundellwas.”
“Itbelongs,Isee,toaMissLawson.”
“That’sright,sir.MissLawson,shewasMissArundell’scompanionandwhentheoldladydiedeverythingwaslefttoher—houseandall.”
“Indeed?Isupposeshehadnorelationstowhomtoleaveit?”
“Well,itwasnotquitelikethat,sir.Shehadniecesandnephewsliving.But,ofcourse,MissLawsonwaswithherallthetime.And,ofcourse,shewasanoldladyand—well—that’showitwas.”
“InanycaseIsupposetherewasjustthehouseandnotmuchmoney?”
Ihaveoftenhadoccasiontonoticehow,whereadirectquestionwouldfailtoelicitaresponse,afalseassumptionbringsinstantinformationintheformofacontradiction.
“Veryfarfromthat,sir.Veryfarindeed.Everyonewassurprisedattheamounttheoldladyleft.Thewillwasinthepaperandtheamountandeverything.Itseemsshehadn’tliveduptoherincomeformanyalongyear.Somethinglikethreeorfourhundredthousandpoundssheleft.”
“Youastonishme,”criedPoirot.“Itislikeafairytale—eh?Thepoorcompanionsuddenlybecomesunbelievablywealthy.Isshestillyoung,thisMissLawson?Cansheenjoyhernewfoundwealth?”
“Oh,no,sir,she’samiddle-agedperson,sir.”
Hisenunciationofthewordpersonwasquiteanartisticperformance.ItwasclearthatMissLawson,ex-companion,hadcutnokindofafigureinMarketBasing.
“Itmusthavebeendisappointingforthenephewsandnieces,”musedPoirot.
“Yes,sir,Ibelieveitcameassomewhatofashocktothem.Veryunexpected.There’sbeenfeelingoverithereinMarketBasing.Therearethosewhoholditisn’trighttoleavethingsawayfromyourownfleshandblood.But,ofcourse,there’sothersasholdthateveryone’sgotarighttodoastheylikewiththeirown.There’ssomethingtobesaidforbothpointsofview,ofcourse.”
“MissArundellhadlivedformanyyearshere,hadshenot?”
“Yes,sir.SheandhersistersandoldGeneralArundell,theirfather,beforethem.NotthatIrememberhim,naturally,butIbelievehewasquiteacharacter.WasintheIndianMutiny.”
“Therewereseveraldaughters?”
“ThreeofthemthatIremember,andIbelievetherewasonethatmarried.Yes,MissMatilda,MissAgnes,andMissEmily.MissMatilda,shediedfirst,andthenMissAgnes,andfinallyMissEmily.”
“Thatwasquiterecently?”
“BeginningofMay—oritmayhavebeentheendofApril.”
“Hadshebeenillsometime?”
“Onandoff—onandoff.Shewasonthesicklyside.Nearlywentoffayearagowiththattherejaundice.Yellowasanorangeshewasforsometimeafter.Yes,she’dhadpoorhealthforthelastfiveyearsofherlife.”
“Isupposeyouhavesomegooddoctorsdownhere?”
“Well,there’sDr.Grainger.Beenherecloseonfortyyears,hehas,andfolksmostlygotohim.He’sabitcrotchetyandhehashisfanciesbuthe’sagooddoctor,nonebetter.He’sgotayoungpartner,Dr.Donaldson.He’smorethenewfangledkind.Somefolkpreferhim.Then,ofcourse,there’sDr.Harding,buthedoesn’tdomuch.”
“Dr.GraingerwasMissArundell’sdoctor,Isuppose?”
“Oh,yes.He’spulledherthroughmanyabadturn.He’sthekindthatfairbulliesyouintolivingwhetheryouwanttoornot.”
Poirotnodded.
“Oneshouldlearnalittleaboutaplacebeforeonecomestosettleinit,”heremarked.“Agooddoctorisoneofthemostimportantpeople.”
“That’sverytrue,sir.”
Poirotthenaskedforhisbilltowhichheaddedasubstantialtip.
“Thankyou,sir.Thankyouverymuch,sir.I’msureIhopeyou’llsettlehere,sir.”
“Ihopeso,too,”saidPoirotmendaciously.
WesetforthfromtheGeorge.
“Satisfiedyet,Poirot?”Iaskedasweemergedintothestreet.
“Notintheleast,myfriend.”
Heturnedinanunexpecteddirection.
“Whereareyouofftonow,Poirot?”
“Thechurch,myfriend.Itmaybeinteresting.Somebrasses—anoldmonument.”Ishookmyheaddoubtfully.
Poirot’sscrutinyoftheinteriorofthechurchwasbrief.ThoughanattractivespecimenofwhattheguidebookcallsEarlyPerp.,ithadbeensoconscientiouslyrestoredinVictorianvandaldaysthatlittleofinterestremained.
Poirotnextwanderedseeminglyaimlesslyaboutthechurchyardreadingsomeoftheepitaphs,commentingonthenumberofdeathsincertainfamilies,occasionallyexclaimingoverthequaintnessofaname.
Iwasnotsurprised,however,whenhefinallyhaltedbeforewhatIwasprettysurehadbeenhisobjectivefromthebeginning:
Animposingmarbleslabboreapartlyeffacedinscription:
SACRED
TOTHEMEMORYOF
JOHNLAVERTONARUNDELL
GENERAL24THSIKHS
WHOFELLASLEEPINCHRISTMAY19TH1888
AGED69
“FIGHTTHEGOODFIGHTWITHALLTHYMIGHT”
ALSOOF
MATILDAANNARUNDELL
DIEDMARCH10TH1912
“IWILLARISEANDGOTOMYFATHER”
ALSOOF
AGNESGEORGINAMARYARUNDELL
DIEDNOVEMBER20TH1921
“ASKANDYESHALLRECEIVE”
Thencameabrandnewpieceoflettering,evidentlyjustdone:
ALSOOF
EMILYHARRIETLAVERTONARUNDELLDIEDMAY1ST1936
“THYWILLBEDONE”
Poirotstoodlookingforsometime.
Hemurmuredsoftly:
“May1st…May1st…Andtoday,June28th,Ireceiveherletter.Yousee,doyounot,Hastings,thatthatfacthasgottobeexplained?”
Isawthatithad.
Thatistosay,IsawthatPoirotwasdeterminedthatitshouldbeexplained.
Eight
INTERIOROFLITTLEGREENHOUSE
Onleavingthechurchyard,PoirotledthewaybrisklyinthedirectionofLittlegreenHouse.Igatheredthathisrolewasstillthatoftheprospectivepurchaser.Carefullyholdingthevariousorderstoviewinhishand,withtheLittlegreenHouseoneuppermost,hepushedopenthegateandwalkedupthepathtothefrontdoor.
Onthisoccasionourfriendtheterrierwasnottobeseen,butthesoundofbarkingcouldbeheardinsidethehouse,thoughatsomedistance—Iguessedinthekitchenquarters.
Presentlyweheardfootstepscrossingthehallandthedoorwasopenedbyapleasant-facedwomanofbetweenfiftyandsixty,clearlytheold-fashionedtypeofservantseldomseennowadays.
Poirotpresentedhiscredentials.
“Yes,sir,thehouseagenttelephoned.Willyoustepthisway,sir?”
TheshutterswhichIhadnoticedwereclosedonourfirstvisittospyouttheland,werenowallthrownopeninpreparationforourvisit.Everything,Iobserved,wasspotlesslycleanandwellkept.Clearlyourguidewasathoroughlyconscientiouswoman.
“Thisisthemorningroom,sir.”
Iglancedroundapprovingly.Apleasantroomwithitslongwindowsgivingonthestreet.Itwasfurnishedwithgood,solid,old-fashionedfurniture,mostlyVictorian,buttherewasaChippendalebookcaseandasetofattractiveHepplewhitechairs.
PoirotandIbehavedinthecustomaryfashionofpeoplebeingshownoverhouses.Westoodstock-still,lookingalittleillatease,murmuringremarkssuchas“verynice.”“Averypleasantroom.”“Themorningroom,yousay?”
Themaidconductedusacrossthehallandintothecorrespondingroomontheotherside.Thiswasmuchlarger.
“Thediningroom,sir.”
ThisroomwasdefinitelyVictorian.Aheavymahoganydiningtable,amassivesideboardofalmostpurplishmahoganywithgreatclustersofcarvedfruit,solidleather-covereddiningroomchairs.Onthewallhungwhatwereobviouslyfamilyportraits.
Theterrierhadcontinuedtobarkinsomesequesteredspot.Nowthesoundsuddenlyincreasedinvolume.Withacrescendoofbarkinghecouldbeheardgallopingacrossthehall.
“Who’scomeintothehouse?I’lltearhimlimbfromlimb,”wasclearlythe“burdenofhissong.”
Hearrivedinthedoorway,sniffingviolently.
“Oh,Bob,younaughtydog,”exclaimedourconductress.“Don’tmindhim,sir.Hewon’tdoyounoharm.”
Bob,indeed,havingdiscoveredtheintruders,completelychangedhismanner.Hefussedinandintroducedhimselftousinanagreeablemanner.
“Pleasedtomeetyou,I’msure,”heobservedashesniffedroundourankles.“Excusethenoise,won’tyou,butIhavemyjobtodo.Gottobecarefulwhoweletin,youknow.Butit’sadulllifeandI’mreallyquitepleasedtoseeavisitor.Dogsofyourown,Ifancy?”
ThislastwasaddressedtomeasIstoopedandpattedhim.
“Nicelittlefellow,”Isaidtothewoman.“Needspluckingabit,though.”
“Yes,sir,he’susuallypluckedthreetimesayear.”
“Isheanolddog?”
“Oh,no,sir.Bob’snotmorethansix.Andsometimeshebehavesjustlikeapuppy.Getsholdofcook’sslippersandprancesaboutwiththem.Andhe’sverygentlethoughyouwouldn’tbelieveittohearthenoisehemakessometimes.Theonlypersonhegoesforisthepostman.Downrightscaredofhimthepostmanis.”
BobwasnowinvestigatingthelegsofPoirot’strousers.Havinglearnedallhecouldhegaveventtoaprolongedsniff(“H’m,nottoobad,butnotreallyadoggyperson”)andreturnedtomecockinghisheadononesideandlookingatmeexpectantly.
“Idon’tknowwhydogsalwaysgoforpostmen,I’msure,”continuedourguide.
“It’samatterofreasoning,”saidPoirot.“Thedog,hearguesfromreason.Heisintelligent,hemakeshisdeductionsaccordingtohispointofview.Therearepeoplewhomayenterahouseandtherearepeoplewhomaynot—thatadogsoonlearns.Ehbien,whoisthepersonwhomostpersistentlytriestogainadmission,rattlingonthedoortwiceorthreetimesaday—andwhoisneverbyanychanceadmitted?Thepostman.Clearly,then,anundesirableguestfromthepointofviewofthemasterofthehouse.Heisalwayssentabouthisbusiness,buthepersistentlyreturnsandtriesagain.Thenadog’sdutyisclear,toaidindrivingthisundesirablemanaway,andtobitehimifpossible.Amostreasonableproceeding.”
HebeamedonBob.
“Andamostintelligentperson,Ifancy.”
“Oh,heis,sir.He’salmosthuman,Bobis.”
Sheflungopenanotherdoor.
“Thedrawingroom,sir.”
Thedrawingroomconjuredupmemoriesofthepast.Afaintfragranceofpotpourrihungaboutit.Thechintzeswereworn,theirpatternfadedgarlandsofroses.Onthewallswereprintsandwater-colourdrawings.Therewasagooddealofchina—fragileshepherdsandshepherdesses.Therewerecushionsworkedincrewelstitch.Therewerefadedphotographsinhandsomesilverframes.Thereweremanyinlaidworkboxesandteacaddies.Mostfascinatingofalltomeweretwoexquisitelycuttissuepaperladiesunderglassstands.Onewithaspinningwheel,onewithacatonherknee.
Theatmosphereofabygoneday,adayofleisure,ofrefinement,of“ladiesandgentlemen”closedroundme.Thiswasindeeda“withdrawingroom.”Hereladiessatanddidtheirfancywork,andifacigarettewaseversmokedbyafavouredmemberofthemalesex,whatashakingoutofcurtainsandgeneralairingoftheroomtherewouldbeafterwards!
MyattentionwasdrawnbyBob.Hewassittinginanattitudeofraptattentionclosebesideanelegantlittletablewithtwodrawersinit.
AshesawthatIwasnoticinghim,hegaveashort,plaintiveyelp,lookingfrommetothetable.
“Whatdoeshewant?”Iasked.
OurinterestinBobwasclearlypleasingtothemaid,whoobviouslywasveryfondofhim.
“It’shisball,sir.Itwasalwayskeptinthatdrawer.That’swhyhesitsthereandasks.”
Hervoicechanged.SheaddressedBobinahighfalsetto.
“Itisn’tthereanylonger,beautiful.Bob’sballisinthekitchen.Inthekitchen,Bobsie.”
BobshiftedhisgazeimpatientlytoPoirot.
“Thiswoman’safool,”heseemedtobesaying.“Youlookabrainysortofchap.Ballsarekeptincertainplaces—thisdrawerisoneofthoseplaces.Therealwayshasbeenaballhere.Thereforethereshouldbeaballtherenow.That’sobviousdoglogic,isn’tit?”
“It’snottherenow,boy,”Isaid.
Helookedatmedoubtfully.Then,aswewentoutoftheroomhefollowedslowlyinanunconvincedmanner.
Wewereshownvariouscupboards,adownstairscloakroom,andasmallpantryplace,“wherethemistressusedtodotheflowers,sir.”
“Youwerewithyourmistressalongtime?”askedPoirot.
“Twenty-twoyears,sir.”
“Youarealoneherecaretaking?”
“Meandcook,sir.”
“ShewasalsoalongtimewithMissArundell?”
“Fouryears,sir.Theoldcookdied.”
“SupposingIweretobuythehouse,wouldyoubepreparedtostayon?”
Sheblushedalittle.
“It’sverykindofyou,sir,I’msure,butI’mgoingtoretirefromservice.Themistressleftmeanicelittlesum,yousee,andI’mgoingtomybrother.I’monlyremaininghereasaconveniencetoMissLawsonuntiltheplaceissold—tolookaftereverything.”
Poirotnodded.
Inthemomentarysilenceanewsoundwasheard.
“Bump,bump,BUMP.”
Amonotonoussoundincreasinginvolumeandseemingtodescendfromabove.
“It’sBob,sir.”Shewassmiling.“He’sgotholdofhisballandhe’sbumpingitdownthestairs.It’salittlegameofhis.”
Aswereachedthebottomofthestairsablackrubberballarrivedwithathudonthelaststep.Icaughtitandlookedup.Bobwaslyingonthetopstep,hispawssplayedout,histailgentlywagging.Ithrewituptohim.Hecaughtitneatly,cheweditforaminuteortwowithevidentrelish,thenlaiditbetweenhispawsandgentlyedgeditforwardwithhisnosetillhefinallybunteditoveranditbumpedoncemoredownthestairs,Bobwagginghistailfuriouslyashewatcheditsprogress.
“He’llstaylikethatforhours,sir.Regulargameofhis.He’dgoonalldayatit.That’lldonow,Bob.Thegentlemenhavegotsomethingelsetodothanplaywithyou.”
Adogisagreatpromoteroffriendlyintercourse.OurinterestandlikingforBobhadquitebrokendownthenaturalstiffnessofthegoodservant.Aswewentuptothebedroomfloors,ourguidewastalkingquitegarrulouslyasshegaveusaccountsofBob’swonderfulsagacity.Theballhadbeenleftatthefootofthestairs.Aswepassedhim,Bobgaveusalookofdeepdisgustandstalkeddowninadignifiedfashiontoretrieveit.AsweturnedtotherightIsawhimslowlycomingupagainwithitinhismouth,hisgaitthatofanextremelyoldmanforcedbyunthinkingpersonstoexerthimselfunduly.
Aswewentroundthebedrooms,Poirotbegangraduallytodrawourconductressout.
“TherewerefourMissArundellslivedhere,didtheynot?”heasked.
“Originally,yes,sir,butthatwasbeforemytime.TherewasonlyMissAgnesandMissEmilywhenIcameandMissAgnesdiedsoonafterwards.Shewastheyoungestofthefamily.Itseemedoddsheshouldgobeforehersister.”
“Isupposeshewasnotsostrongashersister?”
“No,sir,it’soddthat.MyMissArundell,MissEmily,shewasalwaysthedelicateone.She’dhadalottodowithdoctorsallherlife.MissAgneswasalwaysstrongandrobustandyetshewentfirstandMissEmilywho’dbeendelicatefromachildoutlivedallthefamily.Veryoddthewaythingshappen.”
“Astonishinghowoftenthatisthecase.”
Poirotplungedinto(Ifeelsure)awhollymendaciousstoryofaninvalidunclewhichIwillnottroubletorepeathere.Itsufficestosaythatithaditseffect.Discussionsofdeathandsuchmattersdomoretounlockthehumantonguethananyothersubject.Poirotwasinapositiontoaskquestionsthatwouldhavebeenregardedwithsuspicioushostilitytwentyminutesearlier.
“WasMissArundell’sillnessalongandpainfulone?”
“No,Iwouldn’tsaythat,sir.She’dbeenailing,ifyouknowwhatImean,foralongtime—eversincetwowintersbefore.Verybadshewasthen—thisherejaundice.Yellowinthefacetheygoandthewhitesoftheireyes—”
“Ah,yes,indeed—”(AnecdoteofPoirot’scousinwhoappearedtohavebeentheYellowPerilinperson.)
“That’sright—justasyousay,sir.Terriblyillshewas,poordear.Couldn’tkeepanythingdown.Ifyouaskme,Dr.Graingerhardlythoughtshe’dpullthrough.Buthe’dawonderfulwaywithher—bullying,youknow.‘Madeupyourmindtoliebackandorderyourtombstone?’he’dsay.Andshe’dsay,‘I’veabitoffightinmestill,doctor,’andhe’dsay,‘That’sright—that’swhatIliketohear.’Ahospitalnursewehad,andshemadeuphermindthatitwasallover—evensaidtothedoctoroncethatshesupposedshe’dbetternotworrytheoldladytoomuchbyforcinghertotakefood—butthedoctorroundedonher.‘Nonsense,’hesaid,‘Worryher?You’vegottobullyherintotakingnourishment.’Valentine’sbeefjuiceatsuchandsuchatime,Brand’sessence—teaspoonfulsofbrandy.AndattheendhesaidsomethingthatI’veneverforgotten.‘You’reyoung,mygirl,’hesaidtoher,‘youdon’trealizewhatfinefightingmaterialthereisinage.It’syoungpeoplewhoturnuptheirtoesanddiebecausethey’renotinterestedenoughtolive.Youshowmeanyonewho’slivedtooverseventyandyoushowmeafighter—someonewho’sgotthewilltolive.’Andit’strue,sir—we’realwayssayinghowwonderfuloldpeopleare—theirvitalityandthewaythey’vekepttheirfaculties—butasthedoctorputitthat’sjustwhythey’velivedsolongandgottobesoold.”
“Butitisprofoundwhatyousaythere—veryprofound!AndMissArundellwaslikethat?Veryalive.Veryinterestedinlife?”
“Oh,yes,indeed,sir.Herhealthwaspoor,butherbrainwasaskeenasanything.AndasIwassaying,shegotoverthatillnessofhers—surprisedthenurse,itdid.Astuck-upyoungthingshewas,allstarchedcollarsandcuffsandthewaitingonshehadtohaveandteaatallhours.”
“Afinerecovery.”
“Yes,indeed,sir.Ofcourse,themistresshadtobeverycarefulastodietatfirst,everythingboiledandsteamed,nogreaseinthecooking,andshewasn’tallowedtoeateggseither.Verymonotonousitwasforher.”
“Stillthemainthingisshegotwell.”
“Yes,sir.Ofcourse,shehadherlittleturns.WhatI’dcallbiliousattacks.Shewasn’talwaysverycarefulaboutherfoodafteratime—butstilltheyweren’tveryseriousuntilthelastattack.”
“Wasitlikeherillnessoftwoyearsbefore?”
“Yes,justthesamesortofthing,sir.Thatnastyjaundice—anawfulyellowcolouragain—andtheterriblesicknessandalltherestofit.BroughtitonherselfI’mafraidshedid,poordear.Atealotofthingssheshouldn’thavedone.Thatveryeveningshewastookbadshe’dhadcurryforsupperandasyouknow,sir,curry’srichandabitoily.”
“Herillnesscameonsuddenly,didit?”
“Well,itseemedso,sir,butDr.Graingerhesaidithadbeenworkingupforsometime.Achill—theweatherhadbeenverychangeable—andtoorichfeeding.”
“Surelyhercompanion—MissLawsonwashercompanionwasshenot—couldhavedissuadedherfromrichdishes?”
“Oh,Idon’tthinkMissLawsonwouldhavemuchsay.MissArundellwasn’tonetotakeordersfromanyone.”
“HadMissLawsonbeenwithherduringherpreviousillness?”
“No,shecameafterthat.She’dbeenwithheraboutayear.”
“Isupposeshe’dhadcompanionsbeforethat?”
“Oh,quiteanumber,sir.”
“Hercompanionsdidn’tstayaslongasherservants,”saidPoirot,smiling.
Thewomanflushed.
“Well,yousee,sir,itwasdifferent.MissArundelldidn’tgetoutmuchandwhatwithonethingandanother—”shepaused.
Poiroteyedherforaminutethenhesaid:
“Iunderstandalittlethementalityofelderlyladies.Theycrave,dotheynot,fornovelty.Theyget,perhaps,totheendofaperson.”
“Well,now,that’sverycleverofyou,sir.You’vehititexactly.WhenanewladycameMissArundellwasalwaysinterestedtostartwith—aboutherlifeandherchildhoodandwhereshe’dbeenandwhatshethoughtaboutthings,andthen,whensheknewallabouther,well,she’dget—well,Isupposeboredistherealword.”
“Exactly.Andbetweenyouandme,theseladieswhogoascompanions,theyarenotusuallyveryinteresting—veryamusing,eh?”
“No,indeed,sir.They’repoor-spiritedcreatures,mostofthem.Downrightfoolish,nowandthen.MissArundellsoongotthroughwiththem,sotospeak.Andthenshe’dmakeachangeandhavesomeoneelse.”
“ShemusthavebeenunusuallyattachedtoMissLawson,though.”
“Oh,Idon’tthinkso,sir.”
“MissLawsonwasnotinanywayaremarkablewoman?”
“Ishouldn’thavesaidso,sir.Quiteanordinaryperson.”
“Youlikedher,yes?”
Thewomanshruggedhershouldersslightly.
“Therewasn’tanythingtolikeordislike.Fussyshewas—aregularoldmaidandfullofthisnonsenseaboutspirits.”
“Spirits?”Poirotlookedalert.
“Yes,sir,spirits.Sittinginthedarkroundatableanddeadpeoplecamebackandspoketoyou.DownrightirreligiousIcallit—asifwedidn’tknowdepartedsoulshadtheirrightfulplaceandaren’tlikelytoleaveit.”
“SoMissLawsonwasaspiritualist!WasMissArundellabelievertoo?”
“MissLawsonwouldhavelikedhertobe!”snappedtheother.Therewasaspiceofsatisfiedmaliceinhertone.
“Butshewasn’t?”Poirotpersisted.
“Themistresshadtoomuchsense.”Shesnorted.“Mindyou,Idon’tsayitdidn’tamuseher.‘I’mwillingtobeconvinced,’she’dsay.Butshe’doftenlookatMissLawsonasmuchastosay,‘Mypoordear,whatafoolyouaretobesotakenin!’”
“Icomprehend.Shedidnotbelieveinit,butitwasasourceofamusementtoher.”
“That’sright,sir.Isometimeswonderedifshedidn’t—wellhaveabitofquietfun,sotospeak,pushingthetableandthatsortofthing.Andtheothersallasseriousasdeath.”
“Theothers?”
“MissLawsonandthetwoMissTripps.”
“MissLawsonwasaveryconvincedspiritualist?”
“Tookitallforgospel,sir.”
“AndMissArundellwasveryattachedtoMissLawson,ofcourse.”
ItwasthesecondtimePoirothadmadethiscertainremarkandhegotthesameresponse.
“Well,hardlythat,sir.”
“Butsurely,”saidPoirot.“Ifshelefthereverything.Shedid,didshenot?”
Thechangewasimmediate.Thehumanbeingvanished.Thecorrectmaidservantreturned.Thewomandrewherselfupandsaidinacolourlessvoicethatheldreproofforfamiliarityinit:
“Thewaythemistresslefthermoneyishardlymybusiness,sir.”
IfeltthatPoirothadbungledthejob.Havinggotthewomaninafriendlymood,hewasnowproceedingtothrowawayhisadvantage.Hewaswiseenoughtomakenoimmediateattempttorecoverlostground.Afteracommonplaceremarkaboutthesizeandnumberofthebedroomshewenttowardstheheadofthestairs.
Bobhaddisappeared,butasIcametothestairhead,Istumbledandnearlyfell.CatchingatthebalustertosteadymyselfIlookeddownandsawthatIhadinadvertentlyplacedmyfootonBob’sballwhichhehadleftlyingonthetopofthestairs.
Thewomanapologizedquickly.
“I’msorry,sir.It’sBob’sfault.Heleaveshisballthere.Andyoucan’tseeitagainstthedarkcarpet.Deathofsomeonesomedayit’llbe.Thepoormistresshadanastyfallthroughit.Mighteasilyhavebeenthedeathofher.”
Poirotstoppedsuddenlyonthestairs.
“Shehadanaccidentyousay?”
“Yes,sir.Boblefthisballthere,asheoftendid,andthemistresscameoutofherroomandfelloveritandwentrightdownthestairs.Mighthavebeenkilled.”
“Wasshemuchhurt?”
“Notasmuchasyou’dthink.Veryluckyshewas,Dr.Graingersaid.Cutherheadalittle,andstrainedherback,andofcoursetherewerebruisesanditwasanastyshock.Shewasinbedforaboutaweek,butitwasn’tserious.”
“Wasthislongago?”
“Justaweekortwobeforeshedied.”
Poirotstoopedtorecoversomethinghehaddropped.
“Pardon—myfountainpen—ah,yes,thereitis.”
Hestoodupagain.
“Heiscareless,thisMasterBob,”heobserved.
“Ahwell,hedon’tknownobetter,sir,”saidthewomaninanindulgentvoice.“Nearlyhumanhemaybe,butyoucan’thaveeverything.Themistress,yousee,usedn’ttosleepwellatnightandoftenshe’dgetupandwanderdownstairsandroundandaboutthehouse.”
“Shedidthatoften?”
“Mostnights.Butshewouldn’thaveMissLawsonoranyonefussingafterher.”
Poirothadturnedintothedrawingroomagain.
“Abeautifulroomthis,”heobserved.“Iwonder,wouldtherebespaceinthisrecessformybookcase?Whatdoyouthink,Hastings?”
QuitefoggedIremarkedcautiouslythatitwouldbedifficulttosay.
“Yes,sizesaresodeceptive.Take,Iprayyou,mylittleruleandmeasurethewidthofitandIwillwriteitdown.”
ObedientlyItookthefoldingrulethatPoirothandedmeandtookvariousmeasurementsunderhisdirectionwhilsthewroteonthebackofanenvelope.
Iwasjustwonderingwhyheadoptedsuchanuntidyanduncharacteristicmethodinsteadofmakinganeatentryinhislittlepocketbookwhenhehandedtheenvelopetome,saying:
“Thatisright,isitnot?Perhapsyouhadbetterverifyit.”
Therewerenofiguresontheenvelope.Insteadwaswritten:“Whenwegoupstairsagain,pretendtorememberanappointmentandaskifyoucantelephone.Letthewomancomewithyouanddelayheraslongasyoucan.”
“That’sallright,”Isaid,pocketingtheenvelope.“Ishouldsaybothbookcaseswouldgoinperfectly.”
“Itisaswelltobesurethough.Ithink,ifitisnottoomuchtrouble,Iwouldliketolookattheprincipalbedroomagain.Iamnotquitesureofthewallspacethere.”
“Certainly,sir.It’snotrouble.”
Wewentupagain.Poirotmeasuredaportionofwall,andwasjustcommentingaloudontherespectivepossiblepositionsofbed,wardrobeandwritingtable,whenIlookedatmywatch,gaveasomewhatexaggeratedstartandexclaimed:
“ByJove,doyouknowit’sthreeo’clockalready?WhatwillAndersonthink?Ioughttotelephonetohim.”Iturnedtothewoman.“IwonderifImightuseyourtelephoneifyouhaveone.”
“Why,certainly,sir.It’sinthelittleroomoffthehall.I’llshowyou.”
Shebustleddownwithme,indicatingtheinstrument,andthenIgothertohelpmeinfindinganumberinthetelephonedirectory.IntheendImadeacall—toaMr.AndersonintheneighbouringtownofHarchester.FortunatelyhewasoutandIwasabletoleaveamessagesayingitwasunimportantandthatIwouldringuplater!
WhenIemergedPoirothaddescendedthestaircaseandwasstandinginthehall.Hiseyeshadaslightlygreentinge.IhadnocluetohisexcitementbutIrealizedthathewasexcited.
Poirotsaid:
“Thatfallfromthetopofthestairsmusthavegivenyourmistressagreatshock.DidsheseemperturbedaboutBobandhisballafterit?”
“It’sfunnyyoursayingthat,sir.Itworriedheralot.Why,justasshewasdying,shewasdeliriousandsherambledonalotaboutBobandhisballandsomethingaboutapicturethatwasajar.”
“Apicturethatwasajar,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.
“Ofcourse,itdidn’tmakesense,sir,butshewasrambling,yousee.”
“Onemoment—Imustjustgointothedrawingroomoncemore.”
Hewanderedroundtheroomexaminingtheornaments.Inespecial,onebigjarwithalidonitseemedtoattracthim.Itwasnot,Ifancy,aparticularlygoodbitofchina.ApieceofVictorianhumour—ithadonitarathercrudepictureofabulldogsittingoutsideafrontdoorwithamournfulexpressiononitsface.Belowwaswritten:Outallnightandnokey.
Poirot,whosetasteIhavealwaysbeenconvinced,ishopelesslyBourgeois,seemedlostinadmiration.
“Outallnightandnokey,”hemurmured.“Itisamusing,that!IsthattrueofourMasterBob?Doeshesometimesstayoutallnight?”
“Veryoccasional,sir.Oh,veryoccasional.He’saverygooddog,Bobis.”
“Iamsureheis.Buteventhebestofdogs—”
“Oh,it’squitetrue,sir.Onceortwicehe’sgoneoffandcomehomeperhapsatfourinthemorning.Thenhesitsdownonthestepandbarkstillhe’sletin.”
“Wholetshimin—MissLawson?”
“Well,anyonewhohearshim,sir.ItwasMissLawson,sir,lasttime.Itwasthenightofthemistress’saccident.AndBobcamehomeaboutfive.MissLawsonhurrieddowntolethiminbeforehecouldmakeanoise.Shewasafraidofwakingupthemistressandhadn’ttoldherBobwasmissingforfearofworryingher.”
“Isee.ShethoughtitwasbetterMissArundellshouldn’tbetold?”
“That’swhatshesaid,sir.Shesaid,‘He’ssuretocomeback.Healwaysdoes,butshemightworryandthatwouldneverdo.’Sowedidn’tsayanything.”
“WasBobfondofMissLawson?”
“Well,hewasrathercontemptuousofherifyouknowwhatImean,sir.Dogscanbe.Shewaskindtohim.Calledhimagooddoggieandanicedoggie,butheusedtolookatherkindofscornfullikeandhedidn’tpayanyattentionatalltowhatshetoldhimtodo.”
Poirotnodded.“Isee,”hesaid.
Suddenlyhedidsomethingwhichstartledme.
Hepulledaletterfromhispocket—theletterhehadreceivedthismorning.
“Ellen,”hesaid,“doyouknowanythingaboutthis?”
ThechangethatcameoverEllen’sfacewasremarkable.
HerjawdroppedandshestaredatPoirotwithanalmostcomicalexpressionofbewilderment.
“Well,”sheejaculated.“Ineverdid!”
Theobservationlackedcoherency,perhaps,butitleftnodoubtofEllen’smeaning.
Gatheringherwitsabouthershesaidslowly:
“Areyouthegentlemanthatletterwaswrittentothen?”
“Iam.IamHerculePoirot.”
Likemostpeople,EllenhadnotglancedatthenameontheorderPoirothadheldouttoheronhisarrival.Shenoddedherheadslowly.
“Thatwasit,”shesaid.“HerculesPoirot.”SheaddedanStotheChristiannameandsoundedtheTofthesurname
“Myword!”sheexclaimed.“Cookwillbesurprised.”
Poirotsaid,quickly:
“Woulditnotbeadvisable,perhaps,forustogotothekitchenandthereincompanywithyourfriend,wecouldtalkthismatterover?”
“Well—ifyoudon’tmind,sir.”
Ellensoundedjustalittledoubtful.Thisparticularsocialdilemmawasclearlynewtoher.ButPoirot’smatter-of-factmannerreassuredherandwedepartedforthwithtothekitchen,Ellenelucidatingthesituationtoalarge,pleasant-facedwomanwhowasjustliftingakettlefromagasring.
“You’llneverbelieveit,Annie.Thisisactuallythegentlemanthatletterwasto.Youknow,theoneIfoundintheblotter.”
“YoumustrememberIaminthedark,”saidPoirot.“Perhapsyouwilltellmehowthelettercametobepostedsolateintheday?”
“Well,sir,totellthetruthIdidn’tknowwhattodo.Neitherofusdid,didwe?”
“Indeed,wedidn’t,”thecookconfirmed.
“Yousee,sir,whenMissLawsonwasturningoutthingsafterthemistress’sdeathagoodlotofthingsweregivenawayorthrownaway.Amongthemwasalittlepapier-maché,Ithinktheycallit,blotter.Veryprettyitwas,withalilyofthevalleyonit.Themistressalwaysuseditwhenshewroteinbed.Well,MissLawsondidn’twantitsoshegaveittomealongwithalotofotherlittleoddsandendsthathadbelongedtothemistress.Iputitawayinadrawer,anditwasn’ttillyesterdaythatItookitout.Iwasgoingtoputsomenewblottingpaperinitsothatitwasreadyformetouse.TherewasasortofpocketinsideandIjustslippedmyhandinitwhenwhatshouldIfindbutaletterinthemistress’shandwriting,tuckedaway.
“Well,asIsayIdidn’tknowrightlywhattodoaboutit.Itwasthemistress’shandallright,andIsawasshe’dwrittenitandslippeditintherewaitingtopostitthenextdayandthenshe’dforgot,whichisthekindofthingshedidmanyatime,poordear.Onceitwasadividendwarranttoherbankandnoonecouldthinkwhereithadgotto,andatlastitwasfoundpushedrightbackinthepigeonholesofthedesk.”
“Wassheuntidy?”
“Oh,no,sir,justtheopposite.Shewasalwaysputtingthingsawayandclearingthemup.Thatwashalfthetrouble.Ifshe’dleftthingsaboutitwouldreallyhavebeenbetter.Itwastheirbeingtidiedawayandthenforgottenthatwasalwayshappening.”
“ThingslikeBob’sball,forinstance?”askedPoirotwithasmile.
Thesagaciousterrierhadjusttrottedinfromoutdoorsandgreetedusanewinaveryfriendlymanner.
“Yes,indeed,sir.AssoonasBobfinishedplayingwithhisballshe’dputitaway.Butthatwasallrightbecauseithaditsownplace—inthedrawerIshowedyou.”
“Isee.ButIinterruptedyou.Praygoon.Youdiscoveredtheletterintheblotter?”
“Yes,sir,thatwasthewayofit,andIaskedAnniewhatshethoughtI’dbetterdo.Ididn’tliketoputitinthefire—andofcourse,Icouldn’ttakeuponmyselftoopenit,andneitherAnnienorIcouldseethatitwasanybusinessofMissLawson’ssoafterwe’dtalkeditoverabit,Ijustputastamponitandranouttothepostboxandpostedit.”
Poirotturnedslightlytome.
“Voilà,”hemurmured.
Icouldnothelpsaying,maliciously:
“Amazinghowsimpleanexplanationcanbe!”
Ithoughthelookedalittlecrestfallen,andratherwishedIhadn’tbeensoquicktotryandrubitin.
HeturnedagaintoEllen.
“Asmyfriendsays:Howsimpleanexplanationcanbe!Youunderstand,whenIreceivedaletterdatedovertwomonthsago,Iwassomewhatsurprised.”
“Yes,Isupposeyoumusthavebeen,sir.Wedidn’tthinkofthat.”
“Also—”Poirotcoughed.“Iaminalittledilemma.Thatletter,yousee—itwasacommissionwithwhichMissArundellwishedtoentrustme.Amatterofasomewhatprivatecharacter.”Heclearedhisthroatimportantly.“NowthatMissArundellisdeadIaminsomedoubthowtoact.WouldMissArundellhavewishedmetoundertakethecommissioninthesecircumstancesornot?Itisdifficult—verydifficult.”
Bothwomenwerelookingathimrespectfully.
“Ishallhave,Ithink,toconsultMissArundell’slawyer.Shehadalawyer,didshenot?”
Ellenanswered,quickly.
“Oh,yes,sir.Mr.PurvisfromHarchester.”
“Heknewallheraffairs?”
“Ithinkso,sir.He’sdoneeverythingforhereversinceIcanremember.Itwashimshesentforafterthefallshehad.”
“Thefalldownthestairs?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Nowletmeseewhenwasthatexactly?”
Thecookbrokein.
“DayafterBankHolidayitwas.Irememberthatwell.IstayedintoobligeonBankHolidayseeingshehadallthosepeoplestayingandIhadthedayonWednesdayinstead.”
Poirotwhippedouthispocketalmanac.
“Precisely—precisely.EasterBankHoliday,Isee,fellonthethirteenththisyear.ThenMissArundellhadheraccidentonthefourteenth.Thislettertomewaswrittenthreedayslater.Apityitwasneversent.However,itmaystillnotbetoolate—”hepaused.“Iratherfancythatthe—er—commissionshewishedmetoperformwasconnectedwithoneofthe—er—guestsyoumentionedjustnow.”
Thisremark,whichcouldonlyhavebeenapureshotinthedark,metwithimmediateresponse.AquicklookofintelligencepassedacrossEllen’sface.Sheturnedtothecookwhogaveherbackanansweringglance.
“That’llbeMr.Charles,”shesaid.
“Ifyouwouldtellmejustwhowasthere—”Poirotsuggested.
“Dr.Taniosandhiswife,MissBellathatwas,andMissTheresaandMr.Charles.”
“Theywereallnephewsandnieces?”
“That’sright,sir.Dr.Tanios,ofcourse,isnorelation.Infacthe’saforeigner,aGreekorsomethingofthesort,Ibelieve.HemarriedMissBella,MissArundell’sniece,hersister’schild.Mr.CharlesandMissTheresaarebrotherandsister.”
“Ah,yes,Isee.Afamilyparty.Andwhendidtheyleave?”
“OntheWednesdaymorning,sir.AndDr.TaniosandMissBellacamedownagainthenextweekendbecausetheywereworriedaboutMissArundell.”
“AndMr.CharlesandMissTheresa?”
“Theycametheweekendafter.Theweekendbeforeshedied.”
Poirot’scuriosity,Ifelt,wasquiteinsatiable.Icouldseenopointinthesecontinuedquestions.Hegottheexplanationofhismystery,andinmyopinionthesoonerheretiredwithdignitythebetter.
Thethoughtseemedtogofrommybraintohis.
“Ehbien,”hesaid.“Thisinformationyouhavegivenmeisveryhelpful.ImustconsultthisMr.Purvis,Ithinkyousaid?Thankyouverymuchforallyourhelp.”
HestoopedandpattedBob.
“Bravechien,va!Youlovedyourmistress.”
Bobrespondedamiablytotheseoverturesand,hopefulofalittleplay,wentandfetchedalargepieceofcoal.Forthishewasreprovedandthecoalremovedfromhim.Hesentmeaglanceinsearchofsympathy.
“Thesewomen,”heseemedtosay.“Generouswiththefood,butnotreallysportsmen!”
Nine
RECONSTRUCTIONOFTHEDOG’SBALLINCIDENT
“Well,Poirot,”Isaid,asthegateofLittlegreenHouseclosedbehindus.“Youaresatisfiednow,Ihope!”
“Yes,myfriend.Iamsatisfied.”
“Thankheavensforthat!Allthemysteriesexplained!TheWickedCompanionandtheRichOldLadymythexploded.Thedelayedletterandeventhefamousincidentofthedog’sballshownintheirtruecolours.EverythingsettledsatisfactorilyandaccordingtoCocker!”
Poirotgaveadrylittlecoughandsaid:
“Iwouldnotusethewordsatisfactorily,Hastings.”
“Youdidaminuteago.”
“No,no.Ididnotsaythematterwassatisfactory.Isaidthat,personally,mycuriositywassatisfied.IknowthetruthoftheDog’sBallincident.”
“Andverysimpleitwastoo!”
“Notquitesosimpleasyouthink.”Henoddedhisheadseveraltimes.Thenhewenton:“Yousee,Iknowonelittlethingwhichyoudonot.”
“Andwhatisthat?”Iaskedsomewhatsceptically.
“Iknowthatthereisanaildrivenintotheskirtingboardatthetopofthestairs.”
Istaredathim.Hisfacewasquitegrave.
“Well,”Isaidafteraminuteortwo.“Whyshouldn’ttherebe?”
“Thequestionis,Hastings,whyshouldtherebe.”
“HowdoIknow.Somehouseholdreason,perhaps.Doesitmatter?”
“Certainlyitmatters.AndIthinkofnohouseholdreasonforanailtobedriveninatthetopoftheskirtingboardinthatparticularplace.Itwascarefullyvarnished,too,soasnottoshow.”
“Whatareyoudrivingat,Poirot?Doyouknowthereason?”
“Icanimagineitquiteeasily.Ifyouwantedtostretchapieceofstrongthreadorwireacrossthetopofthestairsaboutafootfromtheground,youcouldtieitononesidetothebalusters,butontheinnerwallsideyouwouldneedsomethinglikeanailtoattachthethreadto.”
“Poirot!”Icried.“Whatonearthareyoudrivingat?”
“Moncherami,IamreconstructingtheincidentoftheDog’sBall!Wouldyouliketohearmyreconstruction?”
“Goahead.”
“Ehbien,hereitis.SomeonehadnoticedthehabitBobhadofleavinghisballatthetopofthestairs.Adangerousthingtodo—itmightleadtoanaccident.”Poirotpausedaminute,thensaidinaslightlydifferenttone.“Ifyouwishedtokillsomeone,Hastings,howwouldyousetaboutit?”
“I—wellreally—Idon’tknow.Fakeupsomealibiorsomething,Isuppose.”
“Aproceeding,Iassureyou,bothdifficultanddangerous.Butthenyouarenotthetypeofacold-bloodedcautiousmurderer.Doesitnotstrikeyouthattheeasiestwayofremovingsomeoneyouwanttoremovefromyourpathistotakeadvantageofaccident?Accidentsarehappeningallthetime.Andsometimes—Hastings—theycanbehelpedtohappen!”
Hepausedaminutethenwenton:
“Ithinkthedog’sballleftsofortuitouslyatthetopofthestairsgaveourmurdereranidea.MissArundellwasinthehabitofcomingoutofherroominthenightandwanderingabout—hereyesightwasnotgood,itwasquitewithintheboundsofprobabilitythatshemightstumbleoveritandfallheadlongdownthosestairs.Butacarefulmurdererdoesnotleavethingstochance.Athreadstretchedacrossthetopofthestairswouldbeamuchbetterway.Itwouldsendherpitchingheadforemost.Then,whenthehouseholdcomerushingout—there,plaintosee,isthecauseoftheaccident—Bob’sball!”
“Howhorrible!”Icried.
Poirotsaid,gravely:
“Yes,itwashorrible…Itwasalsounsuccessful…MissArundellwasverylittlehurtthoughshemighteasilyhavebrokenherneck.Verydisappointingforourunknownfriend!ButMissArundellwasasharp-wittedoldlady.Everyonetoldhershehadslippedontheball,andtheretheballwasinevidence,butsheherselfrecallingthehappeningfeltthattheaccidenthadarisendifferently.Shehadnotslippedontheball.Andinadditionsherememberedsomethingelse.SherememberedhearingBobbarkingforadmissionatfiveo’clockthenextmorning.
“This,Iadmit,issomethinginthewayofguessworkbutIbelieveIamrightMissArundellhadputawayBob’sballherselftheeveningbeforeinitsdrawer.Afterthathewentoutanddidnotreturn.InthatcaseitwasnotBobwhoputthatballonthetopofthestairs.”
“Thatispureguesswork,Poirot,”Iobjected.
Hedemurred.
“Notquite,myfriend.TherearethesignificantwordsutteredbyMissArundellwhenshewasdelirious—somethingaboutBob’sballanda‘pictureajar.’Youseethepoint,doyounot?”
“Notintheleast.”
“Curious.Iknowyourlanguagewellenoughtorealizethatonedoesnottalkofapicturebeingajar.Adoorisajar.Apictureisawry.”
“Orsimplycrooked.”
“Orsimplycrooked,asyousay.SoIrealizedatoncethatEllenhasmistakenthemeaningofthewordssheheard.Itisnotajar—butaorthejarthatwasmeant.Nowinthedrawingroomthereisarathernoticeablechinajar.There,Ihavealreadyobservedapictureofadogonit.WiththeremembranceofthesedeliriousravingsinmymindIgoupdogwhohasbeenoutallnight.Youseethetrendofthefeverishwoman’sthoughts?Bobwaslikethedoginthepictureonthejar—outallnight—soitwasnothewholefttheballonthestairs.”
Icriedout,feelingsomeadmirationinspiteofmyself.
“You’reaningeniousdevil,Poirot!Howyouthinkofthesethingsbeatsme!”
“Idonot‘thinkofthem.’Theyarethere—plain—foranyonetosee.Ehbien,yourealizetheposition?MissArundell,lyinginbedafterherfall,becomessuspicious.Thatsuspicionshefeelsisperhapsfancifulandabsurdbutthereitis.‘Sincetheincidentofthedog’sballIhavebeenincreasinglyuneasy.’Andso—andsoshewritestome,andbyapieceofbadluckherletterdoesnotreachmeuntilovertwomonthshavegoneby.Tellme,doesherletternotfitinperfectlywiththesefacts?”
“Yes,”Iadmitted.“Itdoes.”
Poirotwenton:
“Thereisanotherpointworthyofconsideration.MissLawsonwasexceedinglyanxiousthatthefactofBob’sbeingoutallnightshouldnotgettoMissArundell’sears.”
“Youthinkthatshe—”
“Ithinkthatthefactshouldbenotedverycarefully.”
Iturnedthethingoverinmymindforaminuteortwo.
“Well,”Isaidatlastwithasigh.“It’sallveryinteresting—asamentalexercisethatis.AndItakeoffmyhattoyou.It’sbeenamasterfulpieceofreconstruction.It’salmostapityreallythattheoldladyhasdied.”
“Apity—yes.Shewrotetomethatsomeonehadattemptedtomurderher(thatiswhatitamountsto,afterall)andaveryshorttimeafter,shewasdead.”
“Yes,”Isaid.“Andit’sagranddisappointmenttoyouthatshediedanaturaldeath,isn’tit?Come,admitit.”
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
“Orperhapsyouthinkshewaspoisoned,”Isaidmaliciously.Poirotshookhisheadsomewhatdespondently.
“Itcertainlyseems,”headmitted,“asthoughMissArundelldiedfromnaturalcauses.”
“Andtherefore,”Isaid,“wereturntoLondonwithourtailbetweenourlegs.”
“Pardon,myfriend,butwedonotreturntoLondon.”
“Whatdoyoumean,Poirot,”Icried.
“Ifyoushowthedogtherabbit,myfriend,doeshereturntoLondon?No,hegoesintotherabbithole.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Thedoghuntsrabbits.HerculePoirothuntsmurderers.Wehavehereamurderer—amurdererwhosecrimefailed,yes,perhaps,butneverthelessamurderer.AndI,myfriend,amgoingintotheburrowafterhim—orherasthecasemaybe.”
Heturnedsharplyinatthegate.
“Whereareyouoffto,Poirot?”
“Intotheburrow,myfriend.ThisisthehouseofDr.GraingerwhoattendedMissArundellinherlastillness.”
Dr.Graingerwasamanofsixtyodd.Hisfacewasthinandbonywithanaggressivechin,bushyeyebrows,andapairofveryshrewdeyes.HelookedkeenlyfrommetoPoirot.
“Well,whatcanIdoforyou?”heaskedabruptly.
Poirotsweptintospeechinthemostflamboyantmanner.
“Imustapologize,Dr.Grainger,forthisintrusion.ImustconfessstraightawaythatIdonotcometoconsultyouprofessionally.”
Dr.Graingersaiddrily:
“Gladtohearit.Youlookhealthyenough!”
“Imustexplainthepurposeofmyvisit,”wentonPoirot.“ThetruthofthematteristhatIamwritingabook—thelifeofthelateGeneralArundellwhoIunderstandlivedinMarketBasingforsomeyearsbeforehisdeath.”
Thedoctorlookedrathersurprised.
“Yes,GeneralArundelllivedheretillhisdeath.AtLittlegreenHouse—justuptheroadpasttheBank—you’vebeenthere,perhaps?”Poirotnoddedassent.“Butyouunderstandthatwasagoodbitbeforemytime.Icameherein1919.”
“Youknewhisdaughter,however,thelateMissArundell?”
“IknewEmilyArundellwell.”
“Youcomprehend,ithasbeenasevereblowtometofindthatMissArundellhasrecentlydied.”
“EndofApril.”
“SoIdiscovered.Icounted,yousee,onhergivingmevariouspersonaldetailsandreminiscencesofherfather.”
“Quite—quite.ButIdon’tseewhatIcandoaboutit.”
Poirotasked:
“GeneralArundellhasnoothersonsordaughtersliving?”
“No.Alldead,thelotofthem.”
“Howmanywerethere?”
“Five.Fourdaughters,oneson.”
“Andinthenextgeneration?”
“CharlesArundellandhissisterTheresa.Youcouldgetontothem.Idoubt,though,ifitwouldbemuchusetoyou.Theyoungergenerationdoesn’ttakemuchinterestinitsgrandfathers.Andthere’saMrs.Tanios,butIdoubtifyou’dgetmuchthereeither.”
“Theymighthavefamilypapers—documents?”
“Theymighthave.Doubtit,though.AlotofstuffwasclearedoutandburntafterMissEmily’sdeath,Iknow.”
Poirotutteredagroanofanguish.
Graingerlookedathimcuriously.
“What’stheinterestinoldArundell?Ineverheardhewasabigpotinanyway?”
“Mydearsir.”Poirot’seyesgleamedwiththeexcitementofthefanatic.“IstherenotasayingthatHistoryknowsnothingofitsgreatestmen?RecentlycertainpapershavecometolightwhichthrowanentirelydifferentlightonthewholesubjectoftheIndianMutiny.Thereissecrethistorythere.AndinthatsecrethistoryJohnArundellplayedabigpart.Thewholethingisfascinating—fascinating!Andletmetellyou,mydearsir,itisofespecialinterestatthepresenttime.India—theEnglishpolicyinregardtoit—istheburningquestionofthehour.”
“H’m,”saidthedoctor.“IhaveheardthatoldGeneralArundellusedtoholdforthagooddealonthesubjectoftheMutiny.Asamatteroffact,hewasconsideredaprizeboreonthesubject.”
“Whotoldyouthat?”
“AMissPeabody.Youmightcallonher,bytheway.She’souroldestinhabitant—knewtheArundellsintimately.Andgossipisherchiefrecreation.She’sworthseeingforherownsake—acharacter.”
“Thankyou.Thatisanexcellentidea.Perhaps,too,youwouldgivemetheaddressofyoungMr.Arundell,thegrandsonofthelateGeneralArundell.”
“Charles?Yes,Icanputyouontohim.Buthe’sanirreverentyoungdevil.Familyhistorymeansnothingtohim.”
“Heisquiteyoung?”
“He’swhatanoldfogylikemecallsyoung,”saidthedoctorwithatwinkle.“Earlythirties.Thekindofyoungmanthat’sborntobeatroubleandresponsibilitytotheirfamilies.Charmofpersonalityandnothingelse.He’sbeenshippedaboutallovertheworldanddonenogoodanywhere.”
“Hisauntwasdoubtlessfondofhim?”venturedPoirot.“Itisoftenthatway.”
“H’m—Idon’tknow.EmilyArundellwasnofool.AsfarasIknowheneversucceededingettinganymoneyoutofher.Bitofatartarthatoldlady.Ilikedher.Respectedhertoo.Anoldsoldiereveryinchofher.”
“Washerdeathsudden?”
“Yes,inaway.Mindyou,she’dbeeninpoorhealthforsomeyears.Butshe’dpulledthroughsomenarrowsqueaks.”
“Therewassomestory—Iapologizeforrepeatinggossip—”Poirotspreadouthishandsdeprecatingly—“thatshehadquarrelledwithherfamily?”
“Shedidn’texactlyquarrelwiththem,”saidDr.Graingerslowly.“No,therewasnoopenquarrelasfarasIknow.”
“Ibegyourpardon.Iam,perhaps,beingindiscreet.”
“No,no.Afterall,theinformation’spublicproperty.”
“Shelefthermoneyawayfromherfamily,Iunderstand?”
“Yes,leftitalltoafrightened,flutteringhenofacompanion.Oddthingtodo.Can’tunderstanditmyself.Notlikeher.”
“Ah,well,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.“Onecanimaginesuchathinghappening.Anoldlady,frailandinillhealth.Verydependentonthepersonwhoattendsandcaresforher.Acleverwomanwithacertainamountofpersonalitycouldgainagreatascendencythatway.”
Thewordascendencyseemedtoactlikearedragtoabull.
Dr.Graingersnortedout:
“Ascendency?Ascendency?Nothingofthekind!EmilyArundelltreatedMinnieLawsonworsethanadog.Characteristicofthatgeneration!Anyway,womenwhoearntheirlivingascompanionsareusuallyfools.Ifthey’vegotbrainsthey’reearningabetterlivingsomeotherway.EmilyArundelldidn’tsufferfoolsgladly.Sheusuallyworeoutonepoordevilayear.Ascendency?Nothingofthesort!”
Poirothastenedoffthetreacherousground.
“Itispossible,perhaps,”hesuggested,“thatthereareoldfamilylettersanddocumentsinthisMiss—er—Lawson’spossession?”
“Mightbe,”agreedGrainger.“Usuallyarealotofthingstuckedawayinanoldmaid’shouse.Idon’tsupposeMissLawson’sbeenthroughhalfofityet.”
Poirotrose.
“Thankyouverymuch,Dr.Grainger.Youhavebeenmostkind.”
“Don’tthankme,”saidthedoctor.“SorryIcan’tdoanythinghelpful.MissPeabody’syourbestchance.LivesatMortonManor—aboutamileout.”
Poirotwassniffingatalargebouquetofrosesonthedoctor’stable.
“Delicious,”hemurmured.
“Yes,Isupposeso.Can’tsmell’emmyself.LostmysenseofsmellwhenIhadflufouryearsago.Niceadmissionforadoctor,eh?‘Physician,healthyself.’Damnednuisance.Can’tenjoyasmokeasIusedto.”
“Unfortunate,yes.Bytheway,youwillgivemeyoungArundell’saddress?”
“Icangetitforyou,yes.”Heusheredusoutintothehallandcalled:“Donaldson.”
“Mypartner,”heexplained.“Heshouldhaveitallright.He’sbywayofbeingengagedtoCharles’ssister,Theresa.”
Hecalledagain:“Donaldson.”
Ayoungmancameoutfromaroomatthebackofthehouse.Hewasofmediumheightandofrathercolourlessappearance.Hismannerwasprecise.AgreatercontrasttoDr.Graingercouldnotbeimagined.
Thelatterexplainedwhathewanted.
Dr.Donaldson’seyes,verypaleblueeyesslightlyprominent,sweptoverusappraisingly.Whenhespokeitwasinadry,precisemanner.
“Idon’tknowexactlywhereCharlesistobefound,”hesaid.“IcangiveyouMissTheresaArundell’saddress.Doubtlessshewillbeabletoputyouintouchwithherbrother.”
Poirotassuredhimthatthatwoulddoperfectly.
Thedoctorwrotedownanaddressonapageofhisnotebook,toreitoutandhandedittoPoirot.Poirotthankedhimandsaidgood-byetobothdoctors.AswewentoutofthedoorIwasconsciousofDr.Donaldsonstandinginthehallpeeringafteruswithaslightlystartledlookonhisface.
Ten
VISITTOMISSPEABODY
“Isitreallynecessarytotellsuchelaboratelies,Poirot?”Iaskedaswewalkedaway.
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
“Ifoneisgoingtotellalieatall—andInotice,bytheway,thatyournatureisverymuchaversetolying—now,me,itdoesnottroubleatall—”
“SoI’venoticed,”Iinterjected.
“—AsIwasremarking,ifoneisgoingtotellalieatall,itmightaswellbeanartisticlie,aromanticlie,aconvincinglie!”
“Doyouconsiderthisaconvincinglie?DoyouthinkDr.Donaldsonwasconvinced?”
“Thatyoungmanisofascepticalnature,”admittedPoirot,thoughtfully.
“Helookeddefinitelysuspicioustome.”
“Idonotseewhyheshouldbeso.Imbecilesarewritingthelivesofotherimbecileseveryday.Itisasyousay,done.”
“FirsttimeI’veheardyoucallyourselfanimbecile,”Isaid,grinning.
“Icanadoptar?le,Ihope,aswellasanyone,”saidPoirotcoldly.“Iamsorryyoudonotthinkmylittlefictionwellimagined.Iwasratherpleasedwithitmyself.”
Ichangedthesubject.
“Whatdowedonext?”
“Thatiseasy.WegetintoyourcarandpayavisittoMortonManor.”
MortonManorprovedtobeanuglysubstantialhouseoftheVictorianperiod.Adecrepitbutlerreceivedussomewhatdoubtfullyandpresentlyreturnedtoaskif“wehadanappointment.”
“PleasetellMissPeabodythatwecomefromDr.Grainger,”saidPoirot.
Afterawaitofafewminutesthedooropenedandashortfatwomanwaddledintotheroom.Hersparse,whitehairwasneatlypartedinthemiddle.Sheworeablackvelvetdress,thenapofwhichwascompletelyrubbedoffinvariousplaces,andsomereallybeautifulfinepointlacewasfastenedatherneckwithalargecameobrooch.
Shecameacrosstheroompeeringatusshortsightedly.Herfirstwordsweresomewhatofasurprise.
“Gotanythingtosell?”
“Nothing,madame,”saidPoirot.
“Sure?”
“Butabsolutely.”
“Novacuumcleaners?”
“No.”
“Nostockings?”
“No.”
“Norugs?”
“No.”
“Oh,well,”saidMissPeabody,settlingherselfinachair.“Isupposeit’sallright.You’dbettersitdownthen.”
Wesatobediently.
“You’llexcusemyasking,”saidMissPeabodywithatraceofapologyinhermanner.“Gottobecareful.Youwouldn’tbelievethepeoplewhocomealong.Servantsarenogood.Theycan’ttell.Can’tblame’emeither.Rightvoices,rightclothes,rightnames.Howaretheytotell?CommanderRidgeway,Mr.ScotEdgerton,Captaind’ArcyFitzherbert.Nice-lookingfellows,someof’em.Butbeforeyouknowwhereyouarethey’veshovedacream-makingmachineunderyournose.”
Poirotsaidearnestly:
“Iassureyou,madame,thatwehavenothingwhateverofthatkind.”
“Well,youshouldknow,”saidMissPeabody.
Poirotplungedintohisstory.MissPeabodyheardhimoutwithoutcomment,blinkingonceortwiceoutofhersmalleyes.Attheendshesaid:
“Goin’towriteabook,eh?”
“Yes.”
“InEnglish?”
“Certainly—inEnglish.”
“Butyou’reaforeigner.Eh?Comenow,you’reaforeigner,aren’tyou?”
“Thatistrue.”
Shetransferredhergazetome.
“Youarehissecretary,Isuppose?”
“Er—yes,”Isaiddoubtfully.
“CanyouwritedecentEnglish?”
“Ihopeso.”
“H’m—wheredidyougotoschool?”
“Eton.”
“Thenyoucan’t.”
IwasforcedtoletthissweepingchargeagainstanoldandvenerablecentreofeducationpassunchallengedasMissPeabodyturnedherattentiononcemoretoPoirot.
“Goin’towritealifeofGeneralArundell,eh?”
“Yes.Youknewhim,Ithink.”
“Yes,IknewJohnArundell.Hedrank.”
Therewasamomentarypause.ThenMissPeabodywentonmusingly:
“IndianMutiny,eh?Seemsabitlikefloggingadeadhorsetome.Butthat’syourbusiness.”
“Youknow,madame,thereisafashioninthesethings.AtthemomentIndiaisthemode.”
“Somethinginthat.Thingsdocomeround.Lookatsleeves.”
Wemaintainedarespectfulsilence.
“Lego’muttonswerealwaysugly,”saidMissPeabody.“ButIalwayslookedwellinBishops.”ShefixedabrighteyeonPoirot.“Nowthen,whatdoyouwanttoknow?”
Poirotspreadouthishands.
“Anything!Familyhistory.Gossip.Homelife.”
“Can’ttellyouanythingaboutIndia,”saidMissPeabody.“Truthis,Ididn’tlisten.Ratherboringtheseoldmenandtheiranecdotes.Hewasaverystupidman—butIdaresaynonetheworseGeneralforthat.I’vealwaysheardthatintelligencedidn’tgetyoufarinthearmy.PayattentiontoyourColonel’swifeandlistenrespectfullytoyoursuperiorofficersandyou’llgeton—that’swhatmyfatherusedtosay.”
Treatingthisdictumrespectfully,Poirotallowedamomentortwotoelapsebeforehesaid:
“YouknewtheArundellfamilyintimately,didyounot?”
“Knew’emall,”saidMissPeabody.“Matilda,shewastheeldest.Aspottygirl.UsedtoteachinSundaySchool.Wassweetononeofthecurates.ThentherewasEmily.Goodseatonahorse,shehad.Shewastheonlyonewhocoulddoanythingwithherfatherwhenhehadoneofhisboutson.Cartloadsofbottlesusedtobetakenoutofthathouse.Buriedthematnight,theydid.Then,letmesee,whocamenext,ArabellaorThomas?Thomas,Ithink.AlwaysfeltsorryforThomas.Onemanandfourwomen.Makesamanlookafool.Hewasabitofanoldwomanhimself,Thomaswas.Nobodythoughthe’devermarry.Bitofashockwhenhedid.”
Shechuckled—arichVictorianfruitychuckle.
ItwasclearthatMissPeabodywasenjoyingherself.Asanaudiencewewerealmostforgotten.MissPeabodywaswellawayinthepast.
“ThencameArabella.Plaingirl.Facelikeascone.Shemarriedallrightthough,evenifsheweretheplainestofthefamily.ProfessoratCambridge.Quiteanoldman.Musthavebeensixtyifhewasaday.Hegaveaseriesoflectureshere—onthewondersofModernChemistryIthinkitwas.Iwentto’em.Hemumbled,Iremember.Hadabeard.Couldn’thearmuchofwhathesaid.Arabellausedtostaybehindandaskquestions.Shewasn’tachickenherself.Musthavebeengettingonforforty.Ahwell,they’rebothdeadnow.Quiteahappymarriageitwas.There’ssomethingtobesaidformarryingaplainwoman—youknowtheworstatonceandshe’snotsolikelytobeflighty.ThentherewasAgnes.Shewastheyoungest—theprettyone.Rathergayweusedtothinkher.Almostfast!Odd,you’dthinkifanyofthemhadmarrieditwouldhavebeenAgnes,butshedidn’t.Shediednotlongafterthewar.”
Poirotmurmured:
“YousaidthatMr.Thomas’smarriagewasratherunexpected.”
AgainMissPeabodyproducedthatrich,throatychuckle.
“Unexpected?Ishouldsayitwas!Madeaninedays’scandal.You’dneverhavethoughtitofhim—suchaquiet,timid,retiringmananddevotedtohissisters.”
Shepausedaminute.
“Rememberacasethatmaderatherastirinthelatenineties?Mrs.Varley?Supposedtohavepoisonedherhusbandwitharsenic.Good-lookingwoman.Madeabigdo,thatcase.Shewasacquitted.Well,ThomasArundellquitelosthishead.UsedtogetallthepapersandreadaboutthecaseandcutoutthephotographsofMrs.Varley.Andwouldyoubelieveit,whenthetrialwasover,offhewenttoLondonandaskedhertomarryhim?Thomas!Quiet,stayathomeThomas!Nevercantellwithmen,canyou?They’realwaysliabletobreakout.”
“Andwhathappened?”
“Oh,shemarriedhimallright.”
“Itwasagreatshocktohissisters?”
“Ishouldthinkso!Theywouldn’treceiveher.Idon’tknowthatIblamethem,allthingsconsidered.Thomaswasmortallyoffended.HewentofftoliveintheChannelIslandsandnobodyheardanymoreofhim.Don’tknowwhetherhiswifepoisonedherfirsthusband.Shedidn’tpoisonThomas.Hesurvivedherbythreeyears.Thereweretwochildren,boyandgirl.Good-lookingpair—tookaftertheirmother.”
“Isupposetheycameheretotheirauntagooddeal?”
“Nottillaftertheirparentsdied.Theywereatschoolandalmostgrownupbythen.Theyusedtocomeforholidays.EmilywasaloneintheworldthenandtheyandBellaBiggsweretheonlykithandkinshehad.”
“Biggs?”
“Arabella’sdaughter.Dullgirl—someyearsolderthanTheresa.Madeafoolofherselfthough.MarriedsomeDagowhowasoverattheUniversity.AGreekdoctor.Dreadful-lookingman—gotratheracharmingmanner,though,Imustadmit.Well,Idon’tsupposepoorBellahadmanychances.Spenthertimehelpingherfatherorholdingwoolforhermother.Thisfellowwasexotic.Itappealedtoher.”
“Hasitbeenahappymarriage?”
MissPeabodysnappedout:
“Iwouldn’tliketosayforcertainaboutanymarriage!Theyseemquitehappy.Tworatheryellow-lookingchildren.TheyliveinSmyrna.”
“ButtheyarenowinEngland,aretheynot?”
“Yes,theycameoverinMarch.Iratherfancythey’llbegoingbacksoon.”
“WasMissEmilyArundellfondofherniece?”
“FondofBella?Oh,quite.She’sadullwoman—wrappedupinherchildrenandthatsortofthing.”
“Didsheapproveofthehusband?”
MissPeabodychuckled.
“Shedidn’tapproveofhim,butIthinksheratherlikedtherascal.He’sgotbrains,youknow.Ifyouaskme,hewasjockeyingheralongverynicely.Gotanoseformoneythatman.”
Poirotcoughed.
“IunderstandMissArundelldiedarichwoman?”hemurmured.
MissPeabodysettledherselfmorecomfortablyinherchair.
“Yes,that’swhatmadeallthepother!Nobodydreamedshewasquiteaswelloffasshewas.Howitcameaboutwasthisway.OldGeneralArundellleftquiteanicelittleincome—dividedequallyamonghissonanddaughters.Someofitwasreinvested,andIthinkeveryinvestmenthasdonewell.ThereweresomeoriginalsharesofMortauld.Now,ofcourse,ThomasandArabellatooktheirshareswiththemwhentheymarried.Theotherthreesisterslivedhere,andtheydidn’tspendatenthpartoftheirjointincome,itallwentbackandwasreinvested.WhenMatildadied,shelefthermoneytobedividedbetweenEmilyandAgnes,andwhenAgnesdiedsheleftherstoEmily.AndEmilystillwentonspendingverylittle.Result,shediedarichwoman—andtheLawsonwomangetsitall!”
MissPeabodybroughtoutthelastsentenceasakindoftriumphalclimax.
“Didthatcomeasasurprisetoyou,MissPeabody?”
“Totellyouthetruth,itdid!Emilyhadalwaysgivenoutquiteopenlythatatherdeathhermoneywastobedividedbetweenherniecesandhernephew.Andasamatteroffactthatwasthewayitwasintheoriginalwill.LegaciestotheservantsandsoonandthentobedividedbetweenTheresa,CharlesandBella.Mygoodness,therewasato-dowhen,afterherdeath,itwasfoundshe’dmadeanewwillleavingitalltopoorMissLawson!”
“Wasthewillmadejustbeforeherdeath?”
MissPeabodydirectedasharpglanceathim.
“Thinkingofundueinfluence.No,I’mafraidthat’snouse.AndIshouldn’tthinkpoorLawsonhadthebrainsorthenervetoattemptanythingofthesort.Totellyouthetruth,sheseemedasmuchsurprisedasanybody—orsaidshewas!”
Poirotsmiledattheaddition.
“Thewillwasmadeabouttendaysbeforeherdeath,”wentonMissPeabody.“Lawyersaysit’sallright.Well—itmaybe.”
“Youmean—”Poirotleanedforward.
“Hanky-panky,that’swhatIsay,”saidMissPeabody.“Somethingfishysomewhere.”
“Justwhatexactlyisyouridea?”
“Haven’tgotone!HowshouldIknowwherethehanky-pankycomesin?I’mnotalawyer.Butthere’ssomethingqueeraboutit,markmywords.”
Poirotsaid,slowly:
“Hastherebeenanyquestionofcontestingthewill?”
“Theresa’stakencounsel’sopinion,Ibelieve.Alotofgoodthat’lldoher!What’salawyer’sopinionninetimesoutoften?‘Don’t!’Fivelawyersadvisedmeonceagainstbringinganaction.WhatdidIdo?Paidnoattention.Wonmycasetoo.TheyhadmeinthewitnessboxandacleveryoungwhippersnapperfromLondontriedtomakemecontradictmyself.Buthedidn’tmanageit.‘Youcanhardlyidentifythesefurspositively,MissPeabody,’hesaid.‘Thereisnofurrier’smarkonthem.’
“‘Thatmaybe,’Isaid.‘Butthere’sadarnontheliningandifanyonecandoadarnlikethatnowadaysI’lleatmyumbrella.’Collapsedutterly,hedid.”
MissPeabodychuckledheartily.
“Isuppose,”saidPoirotcautiously,“that—er—feeling—runsratherhighbetweenMissLawsonandmembersofMissArundell’sfamily?”
“Whatdoyouexpect?Youknowwhathumannatureis.Alwaystroubleafteradeath,anyway.Amanorwomanishardlycoldintheircoffinbeforemostofthemournersarescratchingeachother’seyesout.”
Poirotsighed.
“Tootrue.”
“That’shumannature,”saidMissPeabodytolerantly.
Poirotchangedtoanothersubject.
“IsittruethatMissArundelldabbledinspiritualism?”
MissPeabody’spenetratingeyeobservedhimveryacutely.
“Ifyouthink,”shesaid,“thatthespiritofJohnArundellcamebackandorderedEmilytoleavehermoneytoMinnieLawsonandthatEmilyobeyed,Icantellyouthatyou’reverymuchmistaken.Emilywouldn’tbethatkindoffool.Ifyouaskme,shefoundspiritualismonedegreebetterthanplayingpatienceorcribbage.SeentheTripps?”
“No.”
“Ifyouhad,you’drealizejustthesortofsillinessitwas.Irritatingwomen.Alwaysgivingyoumessagesfromoneorotherofyourrelations—andalwaystotallyincongruousones.Theybelieveitall.SodidMinnieLawson.Oh,well,onewayofpassingyoureveningsisasgoodasanother,Isuppose.”
Poirottriedyetanothertack.
“YouknowyoungCharlesArundell,Ipresume?Whatkindofpersonishe?”
“He’snogood.Charmin’fellow.Alwayshardup—alwaysindebt—alwaysreturninglikeabadpennyfromallovertheworld.Knowshowtogetroundwomenallright.”Shechuckled.“I’veseentoomanylikehimtobetakenin!FunnysonforThomastohavehad,Imustsay.Hewasastaidoldfogyifyoulike.Modelofrectitude.Ah,well,badbloodsomewhere.Mindyou,Iliketherascal—buthe’sthekindwhowouldmurderhisgrandmotherforashillingortwoquitecheerfully.Nomoralsense.Oddthewaysomepeopleseemtobebornwithoutit.”
“Andhissister?”
“Theresa?”MissPeabodyshookherheadandsaidslowly:“Idon’tknow.She’sanexoticcreature.Notusual.She’sengagedtothatnamby-pambydoctordownhere.You’veseenhim,perhaps?”
“Dr.Donaldson.”
“Yes.Cleverinhisprofession,theysay.Buthe’sapoorstickinotherways.NotthesortofyoungmanI’dfancyifIwereayounggirl.Well,Theresashouldknowhermind.She’shadherexperiences,I’llbebound.”
“Dr.DonaldsondidnotattendMissArundell?”
“HeusedtowhenGraingerwasawayonholiday.”
“Butnotinherlastillness.”
“Don’tthinkso.”
Poirotsaid,smiling:
“Igather,MissPeabody,thatyoudon’tthinkmuchofhimasadoctor?”
“Neversaidso.Asamatteroffactyou’rewrong.He’ssharpenough,andcleverenoughinhisway—butit’snotmyway.Takeaninstance.Intheolddayswhenachildatetoomanygreenapplesithadabiliousattackandthedoctorcalleditabiliousattackandwenthomeandsentyoualongafewpillsfromthesurgery.Nowadays,you’retoldthechildsuffersfrompronouncedacidosis,thatitsdietmustbesupervisedandyougetthesamemedicine,onlyit’sinnicelittlewhitetabletsputupbymanufacturingchemistsandcostsyouaboutthreetimesasmuch!Donaldsonbelongstothatschool,andmindyou,mostsoundsbetter.Notthatthatyoungmanwillbeinthisplacelongministeringtomeaslesandbiliousattacks.He’sgothiseyeonLondon.He’sambitious.Hemeanstospecialize.”
“Inanyparticularline?”
“Serumtherapeutics.IthinkI’vegotitright.Theideabeingthatyougetoneofthesenastyhypodermicneedlesstuckintoyounomatterhowwellyoufeel,justincaseyoushouldcatchsomething.Idon’tholdwithallthesemessyinjectionsmyself.”
“IsDr.Donaldsonexperimentingwithanyparticulardisease?”
“Don’taskme.AllIknowisaG.P.’spracticeisn’tgoodenoughforhim.HewantstosetupinLondon.Buttodothathe’sgottohavemoneyandhe’saspoorasachurchmouse,whateverachurchmousemaybe.”
Poirotmurmured:
“Sadthatrealabilityissooftenbaulkedbylackofmoney.Andyettherearepeoplewhodonotspendaquarteroftheirincomes.”
“EmilyArundelldidn’t,”saidMissPeabody.“Itwasquiteasurprisetosomepeoplewhenthatwillwasread.Theamount,Imean,notthewayitwasleft.”
“Wasitasurprise,doyouthink,tothemembersofherownfamily?”
“That’stelling,”saidMissPeabodyscrewinguphereyeswithagooddealofenjoyment.“Iwouldn’tsayyes,andIwouldn’tsayno.Oneof’emhadaprettyshrewdidea.”
“Whichone?”
“MasterCharles.He’ddoneabitofcalculationonhisownaccount.He’snofool,Charles.”
“Butalittlebitofarogue,eh?”
“Atanyrate,heisn’tanamby-pambystick,”saidMissPeabodyviciously.
Shepausedaminuteandthenasked:
“Goingtogetintouchwithhim?”
“Thatwasmyintention.”Poirotwentonsolemnly,“Itseemstomepossiblethathemighthavecertainfamilypapersrelatingtohisgrandfather?”
“Morelikelytohavemadeabonfireofthem.Norespectforhiselders,thatyoungman.”
“Onemusttryallavenues,”saidPoirotsententiously.
“Soitseems,”saidMissPeabodydrily.
TherewasamomentaryglintinherblueeyethatseemedtoaffectPoirotdisagreeably.Herose.
“Imustnottrespassanylongeronyourtime,madame.Iammostgratefulforwhatyouhavebeenabletotellme.”
“I’vedonemybest,”saidMissPeabody.“SeemtohavegotratheralongwayfromtheIndianMutiny,don’twe?”
Sheshookhandswithusboth.
“Letmeknowwhenthebookcomesout,”washerpartingremark.“Ishallbesointerested.”
Andthelastthingweheardaswelefttheroomwasarich,throatychuckle.
Eleven
VISITTOTHEMISSESTRIPP
“Andnow,”saidPoirotaswereenteredthecar.“Whatdowedonext?”
WarnedbyexperienceIdidnotthistimesuggestareturntotown.Afterall,ifPoirotwasenjoyinghimselfinhisownfashionwhyshouldIobject?
Isuggestedsometea.
“Tea,Hastings?Whatanidea!Regardthetime.”
“Ihaveregardedit—lookedatit,Imean.It’shalfpastfive.Teaisclearlyindicated.”
Poirotsighed.
“AlwaystheafternoonteawithyouEnglish!No,monami,noteaforus.InabookofetiquetteIreadtheotherdaythatonemustnotmaketheafternooncallaftersixo’clock.Todosoistocommitthesolecism.Wehave,therefore,buthalfanhourinwhichtoaccomplishourpurpose.”
“Howsocialyouaretoday,Poirot!Onwhomarewecallingnow?”
“LesdemoisellesTripp.”
“Areyouwritingabookonspiritualismnow?OrisitstillthelifeofGeneralArundell?”
“Itwillbesimplerthanthat,myfriend.Butwemustinquirewheretheseladieslive.”
Directionswereforthcomingreadilyenough,butofasomewhatconfusednatureinvolvingastheydidaseriesoflanes.TheabodeoftheMissesTrippturnedouttobeapicturesquecottage—soextremelyold-worldandpicturesquethatitlookedasthoughitmightcollapseanyminute.
Achildoffourteenorthereaboutsopenedthedoorandwithdifficultysqueezedherselfagainstthewallsufficientlytoallowustopassinside.
Theinteriorwasveryrichinoldoakbeams—therewasabigopenfireplaceandsuchverysmallwindowsthatitwasdifficulttoseeclearly.Allthefurniturewasofpseudosimplicity—yeoldeoakeforyecottagedweller—therewasagooddealoffruitinwoodenbowlsandlargenumbersofphotographs—mostofthem,Inoticed,ofthesametwopeoplerepresentedindifferentposes—usuallywithbunchesofflowersclaspedtotheirbreastsorclutchinglargeleghornpicturehats.
Thechildwhohadadmittedushadmurmuredsomethinganddisappeared,buthervoicewasclearlyaudibleinanupperstory.
“Twogentlementoseeyou,Miss.”
Asortoftwitteroffemalevoicesaroseandpresentlywithagooddealofcreakingandrustlingaladydescendedthestaircaseandcamegraciouslytowardsus.
Shewasnearerfiftythanforty,herhairwaspartedinthemiddleinMadonnafashion,hereyeswerebrownandslightlyprominent.Sheworeaspriggedmuslindressthatconveyedanoddsuggestionoffancydress.
Poirotsteppedforwardandstartedtheconversationinhismostflourishingmanner.
“Imustapologizeforintrudinguponyou,mademoiselle,butIaminsomewhatofapredicament.Icameheretofindacertainlady,butshehasleftMarketBasingandIwastoldthatyouwouldcertainlyhaveheraddress.”
“Really?Whowasthat?”
“MissLawson.”
“Oh,MinnieLawson.Ofcourse!Wearethegreatestfriends.Dositdown,Mr.—er—?”
“Parotti—myfriend,CaptainHastings.”
MissTrippacknowledgedtheintroductionsandbegantofussalittle.
“Sithere,won’tyou—no,please—really,Ialwayspreferanuprightchairmyself.Now,areyousureyouarecomfortablethere?DearMinnieLawson—oh,hereismysister.”
Morecreakingandrustlingandwewerejoinedbyasecondlady,dressedingreenginghamthatwouldhavebeensuitableforagirlofsixteen.
“MysisterIsabel—Mr.—er—Parrot—and—er—CaptainHawkins.Isabeldear,thesegentlemenarefriendsofMinnieLawson’s.”
MissIsabelTrippwaslessbuxomthanhersister.Shemightindeedhavebeendescribedasscraggy.Shehadveryfairhairdoneupintoalargequantityofrathermessycurls.Shecultivatedagirlishmannerandwaseasilyrecognizableasthesubjectofmostoftheflowerposesinthephotography.Sheclaspedherhandsnowingirlishexcitement.
“Howdelightful!DearMinnie!Youhaveseenherlately?”
“Notforsomeyears,”explainedPoirot.“Wehavequitelosttouchwitheachother.Ihavebeentravelling.ThatiswhyIwassoastonishedanddelightedtohearofthegoodfortunethathadbefallenmyoldfriend.”
“Yes,indeed.Andsowelldeserved!Minnieissuchararesoul.Sosimple—soearnest.”
“Julia,”criedIsabel.
“Yes,Isabel?”
“Howremarkable.P.YouremembertheplanchettedistinctlyinsistedonP.lastnight.AvisitorfromoverthewaterandtheinitialP.”
“Soitdid,”agreedJulia.
BothladieslookedatPoirotinraptanddelightedsurprise.
“Itneverlies,”saidMissJuliasoftly.
“Areyouinterestedatallintheoccult,Mr.Parrot?”
“Ihavelittleexperience,mademoiselle,but—likeanyonewhohastravelledmuchintheEast,Iamboundtoadmitthatthereismuchonedoesnotunderstandandthatcannotbeexplainedbynaturalmeans.”
“Sotrue,”saidJulia.“Profoundlytrue.”
“TheEast,”murmuredIsabel.“Thehomeofmysticismandtheoccult.”
Poirot’stravellingsintheEast,asfarasIknew,consistedofonejourneytoSyriaextendedtoIraq,andwhichoccupiedperhapsafewweeks.Tojudgebyhispresentconversationonewouldswearthathehadspentmostofhislifeinjunglesandbazaarsandinintimateconversewithfakirs,dervishes,andmahatmas.
AsfarasIcouldmakeouttheMissesTrippwerevegetarians,theosophists,BritishIsraelites,ChristianScientists,spiritualistsandenthusiasticamateurphotographers.
“Onesometimesfeels,”saidJuliawithasigh,“thatMarketBasingisanimpossibleplacetolive.Thereisnobeautyhere—nosoul.Onemusthavesoul,don’tyouthinkso,CaptainHawkins?”
“Quite,”Isaidslightlyembarrassed.“Oh,quite.”
“Wherethereisnovisionthepeopleperish,”quotedIsabelwithasigh.“Ihaveoftentriedtodiscussthingswiththevicar,butfindhimpainfullynarrow.Don’tyouthink,Mr.Parrot,thatanydefinitecreedisboundtobenarrowing?”
“Andeverythingissosimple,really,”putinhersister.“Asweknowsowell,everythingisjoyandlove!”
“Asyousay,asyousay,”saidPoirot.“Whatapityitseemsthatmisunderstandingsandquarrelsshouldarise—especiallyovermoney.”
“Moneyistoosordid,”sighedJulia.
“IgatherthatthelateMissArundellwasoneofyourconverts?”saidPoirot
Thetwosisterslookedateachother.
“Iwonder,”saidIsabel.
“Wewereneverquitesure,”breathedJulia.“Oneminutesheseemedtobeconvincedandthenshewouldsaysomething—so—soribald.”
“Ah,butyourememberthatlastmanifestation,”saidJulia.“Thatwasreallymostremarkable.”SheturnedtoPoirot.“ItwasthenightdearMissArundellwastakenill.MysisterandIwentroundafterdinnerandwehadasitting—justthefourofus.Andyouknowwesaw—weallthreesaw—mostdistinctly,akindofhaloroundMissArundell’shead.”
“Comment?”
“Yes.Itwasakindofluminoushaze.”Sheturnedtohersister.“Isn’tthathowyouwoulddescribeit,Isabel?”
“Yes.Yes,justthat.AluminoushazegraduallysurroundingMissArundell’shead—anaureoleoffaintlight.Itwasasign—weknowthatnow—asignthatshewasabouttopassovertotheotherside.”
“Remarkable,”saidPoirotinasuitablyimpressedvoice.“Itwasdarkintheroom,yes?”
“Oh,yes,wealwaysgetbetterresultsinthedark,anditwasquiteawarmeveningsowedidn’tevenhavethefireon.”
“Amostinterestingspiritspoketous,”saidIsabel.“Fatima,hernamewas.ShetoldusshehadpassedoverinthetimeoftheCrusades.Shegaveusamostbeautifulmessage.”
“Sheactuallyspoketoyou?”
“No,notdirectvoice.Sherappeditout.Love.Hope.Life.Beautifulwords.”
“AndMissArundellwasactuallytakenillattheseance?”
“Itwasjustafter.Somesandwichesandportwinewerebroughtin,anddearMissArundellsaidshewouldn’thaveanyasshewasn’tfeelingverywell.Thatwasthebeginningofherillness.Mercifully,shedidnothavetoenduremuchsuffering.”
“Shepassedoverfourdayslater,”saidIsabel.“Andwehavealreadyhadmessagesfromher,”saidJuliaeagerly.“Sayingthatsheisveryhappyandthateverythingisbeautifulandthatshehopesthatthereisloveandpeaceamongallherdearones.”
Poirotcoughed.
“That—er—ishardlythecase,Ifear?”
“TherelationshavebehaveddisgracefullytopoorMinnie,”saidIsabel.Herfaceflushedwithindignation.
“Minnieisthemostunworldlysoul,”chimedinJulia.
“Peoplehavegoneaboutsayingtheunkindestthings—thatsheschemedforthismoneytobelefther!”
“Whenreallyitwasthegreatestsurprisetoher—”
“Shecouldhardlybelieveherearswhenthelawyerreadthewill—”
“Shetoldussoherself.‘Julia,’shesaidtome.‘Mydear,youcouldhaveknockedmeoverwithafeather.JustafewbequeststotheservantsandthenLittlegreenHouseandtheresidueofmyestatetoWilhelminaLawson.’Shewassoflabbergastedshecouldhardlyspeak.Andwhenshecouldsheaskedhowmuchitwouldbe—thinkingperhapsitwouldbeafewthousandpounds—andMr.Purvis,afterhummingandhawingandtalkingaboutconfusingthingslikegrossandnetpersonalities,saiditwouldbeintheneighbourhoodofthreehundredandseventy-fivethousandpounds.PoorMinnienearlyfainted,shetoldus.”
“Shehadnoidea,”theothersisterreiterated.“Sheneverthoughtofsuchathinghappening!”
“Thatiswhatshetoldyou,yes?”
“Oh,yes,sherepeateditseveraltimes.Andthat’swhatmakesitsowickedoftheArundellfamilytogoonastheyhavedone—cold-shoulderingherandtreatingherwithsuspicion.Afterall,thisisafreecountry—”
“Englishpeopleseemtolabourunderthatmisapprehension,”murmuredPoirot.
“AndIshouldhopeanyonecanleavetheirmoneyexactlyastheychoose!IthinkMissArundellactedverywisely.ObviouslyshemistrustedherownrelativesandIdaresayshehadherreasons.”
“Ah?”Poirotleantforwardwithinterest.“Indeed?”
ThisflatteringattentionencouragedIsabeltoproceed.
“Yes,indeed.Mr.CharlesArundell,hernephew,isathoroughlybadlot.That’swellknown!Ibelievehe’sevenwantedbythepoliceinsomeforeigncountry.Notatalladesirablecharacter.Asforhissister,well,I’venotactuallyspokentoher,butshe’saveryqueer-lookinggirl.Ultramodern,ofcourse,andterriblymade-up.Really,thesightofhermouthmademequiteill.Itlookedlikeblood.AndIrathersuspectshetakesdrugs—hermannerwassooddsometimes.She’sbywayofbeingengagedtothatniceyoungDr.Donaldson,butIfancyevenhelookeddisgustedsometimes.Ofcourse,sheisattractiveinherway,butIhopethathewillcometohissensesintimeandmarrysomeniceEnglishgirlwhoisfondofcountrylifeandoutdoorpursuits.”
“Andtheotherrelations?”
“Well,thereyouareagain.Veryundesirable.NotthatI’veanythingtosayagainstMrs.Tanios—she’squiteanicewoman—butabsolutelystupidandcompletelyunderherhusband’sthumb.Ofcourse,he’sreallyaTurk,Ibelieve—ratherdreadfulforanEnglishgirltomarryaTurk,Ithink,don’tyou?Itshowsacertainlackoffastidiousness.Ofcourse,Mrs.Taniosisaverygoodmother,thoughthechildrenaresingularlyunattractive,poorlittlethings.”
“SoaltogetheryouthinkMissLawsonwasamoreworthyrecipientofMissArundell’sfortune?”
Juliasaidserenely:
“MinnieLawsonisathoroughlygoodwoman.Andsounworldly.Itisn’tasthoughshehadeverthoughtaboutmoney.Shewasnevergrasping.”
“Still,shehasneverthoughtofrefusingtoacceptthelegacy?”
Isabeldrewbackalittle.
“Oh,well—onewouldhardlydothat.”
Poirotsmiled.
“No,perhapsnot….”
“Yousee,Mr.Parrot,”putinJulia.“Sheregardsitasatrust—asacredtrust.”
“AndsheisquitewillingtodosomethingforMrs.TaniosorfortheTanioschildren,”wentonIsabel.“Onlyshedoesn’twanthimtogetholdofit.”
“SheevensaidshewouldconsidermakingTheresaanallowance.”
“Andthat,Ithink,wasverygenerousofher—consideringtheoffhandwaythatgirlhasalwaystreatedher.”
“Indeed,Mr.Parrot,Minnieisthemostgenerousofcreatures.Buttherenow,youknowher,ofcourse!”
“Yes,”saidPoirot.“Iknowher.ButIstilldonotknow—heraddress.”
“Ofcourse!Howstupidofme!ShallIwriteitdownforyou?”
“Icanwriteitdown.”
Poirotproducedtheinvariablenotebook
“17,ClanroydenMansions,W.2.NotveryfarfromWhiteleys.You’llgiveherourlove,won’tyou?Wehaven’theardfromherjustlately.”
PoirotroseandIfollowedsuit.
“Ihavetothankyoubothverymuch,”hedeclared,“foramostcharmingtalkaswellasforyourkindnessinsupplyingmewithmyfriend’saddress.”
“Iwondertheydidn’tgiveittoyouatthehouse,”exclaimedIsabel.“ItmustbethatEllen!Servantsaresojealousandsosmall-minded.TheyusedtobequiterudetoMinniesometimes.”
Juliashookhandsinagrandedamemanner.
“Wehaveenjoyedyourvisit,”shedeclaredgraciously.“Iwonder—”
Sheflashedaglanceofinquiryathersister.
“Youwould,perhaps—”Isabelflushedalittle.“Wouldyou,thatistosay,stayandshareoureveningmeal?Averysimpleone—someshreddedrawvegetables,brownbreadandbutter,fruit.”
“Itsoundsdelicious,”Poirotsaidhastily.“Butalas!myfriendandIhavetoreturntoLondon.”
WithrenewedhandshakingandmessagestobedeliveredtoMissLawson,weatlastmadeourexit.
Twelve
POIROTDISCUSSESTHECASE
“Thankgoodness,Poirot,”Isaidwithfervour,“yougotusoutofthoserawcarrots!Whatawfulwomen!”
“Pournous,unbonbifteck—withthefriedpotatoes—andagoodbottleofwine.Whatshouldwehavehadtodrinkthere,Iwonder?”
“Well,water,Ishouldthink,”Irepliedwithashudder.“Ornonalcoholiccider.Itwasthatkindofplace!Ibetthere’snobathandnosanitationexceptanE.C.inthegarden!”
“Strangehowwomenenjoylivinganuncomfortablelife,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.“Itisnotalwayspoverty,thoughtheyaregoodatmakingthebestofstraitenedcircumstances.”
“Whatordersforthechauffeurnow?”Iasked,asInegotiatedthelastbendofthewindinglanes,andweemergedontheroadtoMarketBasing.“Onwhatlocallightdowecallnext?OrdowereturntotheGeorgeandinterrogatetheasthmaticwaiteroncemore?”
“Youwillbegladtohear,Hastings,thatwehavefinishedwithMarketBasing—”
“Splendid.”
“Forthemomentonly.Ishallreturn!”
“Stillonthetrackofyourunsuccessfulmurderer?”
“Exactly.”
“Didyoulearnanythingfromthefandangoofnonsensewe’vejustbeenlisteningto?”
Poirotsaidprecisely:
“Therewerecertainpointsdeservingofattention.Thevariouscharactersinourdramabegintoemergemoreclearly.Insomewaysitresembles,doesitnot,anoveletteofolderdays?Thehumblecompanion,oncedespised,israisedtoaffluenceandnowplaysthepartofladybountiful.”
“Ishouldimaginethatsuchapatronagemustbeverygallingtopeoplewhoregardthemselvesastherightfulheirs!”
“Asyousay,Hastings.Yes,thatisverytrue.”
Wedroveoninsilenceforsomeminutes.WehadpassedthroughMarketBasingandwerenowoncemoreonthemainroad.Ihummedtomyselfsoftlythetuneof“LittleMan,You’vehadaBusyDay.”
“Enjoyedyourself,Poirot?”Iaskedatlast.
Poirotsaidcoldly:
“Idonotknowquitewhatyoumeanby‘enjoyedmyself,’Hastings.”
“Well,”Isaid,“itseemedtomeyou’vebeentreatingyourselftoabusman’sholiday!”
“YoudonotthinkthatIamserious?”
“Oh,you’reseriousenough.Butthisbusinessseemstobeoftheacademickind.You’retacklingitforyourownmentalsatisfaction.WhatImeanis—it’snotreal.”
“Aucontraire,itisintenselyreal.”
“Iexpressmyselfbadly.WhatImeanis,iftherewereaquestionofhelpingouroldlady,orprotectingheragainstfurtherattack—well,therewouldbesomeexcitementthen.Butasitis,Ican’thelpfeelingthatassheisdead,whyworry?”
“Inthatcase,monami,onewouldnotinvestigateamurdercaseatall!”
“No,no,no.That’squitedifferent.Imean,thenyouhaveabody…Oh,dashitall!”
“Donotenrageyourself.Icomprehendperfectly.Youmakeadistinctionbetweenabodyandameredecease.Supposing,forinstance,thatMissArundellhaddiedwithsuddenandalarmingviolenceinsteadofrespectablyofalong-standingillness—thenyouwouldnotremainindifferenttomyeffortstodiscoverthetruth?”
“OfcourseIwouldn’t.”
“Butallthesame,someonedidattempttomurderher?”
“Yes,buttheydidn’tsucceed.Thatmakesallthedifference.”
“Itdoesnotintrigueyouatalltoknowwhoattemptedtokillher?”
“Well,yes,itdoesinaway.”
“Wehaveaveryrestrictedcircle,”saidPoirotmusingly.“Thatthread—”
“Thethreadwhichyoumerelydeducefromanailintheskirtingboard!”Iinterrupted.“Why,thatnailmayhavebeenthereforyears!”
“No.Thevarnishwasquitefresh.”
“Well,Istillthinktheremightbeallsortsofexplanationsofit.”
“Givemeone.”
AtthemomentIcouldnotthinkofanythingsufficientlyplausible.Poirottookadvantageofmysilencetosweeponwithhisdiscourse.
“Yes,arestrictedcircle.Thatthreadcouldonlyhavebeenstretchedacrossthetopofthestairsaftereveryonehadgonetobed.Thereforewehaveonlytheoccupantsofthehousetoconsider.Thatistosay,theguiltliesbetweensevenpeople.Dr.Tanios.Mrs.Tanios.TheresaArundell.CharlesArundell.MissLawson.Ellen.Cook.”
“Surelyyoucanleavetheservantsoutofit.”
“Theyreceivedlegacies,moncher.Andtheremighthavebeenotherreasons—spite—aquarrel—dishonesty—onecannotbecertain.”
“Itseemstomeveryunlikely.”
“Unlikely,Iagree.Butonemusttakeallpossibilitiesintoconsideration.”
“Inthatcase,youmustallowforeightpeople,notseven.”
“Howso?”
IfeltIwasabouttoscoreapoint.
“YoumustincludeMissArundellherself.Howdoyouknowshemaynothavestretchedthatthreadacrossthestairsinordertotripupsomeothermembersofthehouseparty?”
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
“Itisabêtiseyousaythere,myfriend.IfMissArundelllaidatrap,shewouldbecarefulnottofallintoitherself.Itwasshewhofelldownthestairs,remember.”
Iretiredcrestfallen.
Poirotwentoninathoughtfulvoice:
“Thesequenceofeventsisquiteclear—thefall—thelettertome—thevisitofthelawyer—butthereisonedoubtfulpoint.DidMissArundelldeliberatelyholdbackthelettertome,hesitatingtopostit?Ordidshe,oncehavingwrittenit,assumeitwasposted?”
“Thatwecan’tpossiblytell,”Isaid.“No.Wecanonlyguess.Personally,Ifancythatsheassumedithadbeenposted.Shemusthavebeensurprisedatgettingnoreply….”
Mythoughtshadbeenbusyinanotherdirection.
“Doyouthinkthisspiritualisticnonsensecountedatall?”Iasked.“Imean,doyouthink,inspiteofMissPeabody’sridiculingofthesuggestion,thatacommandwasgivenatoneoftheseséancesthatsheshouldalterherwillandleavehermoneytotheLawsonwoman?”
Poirotshookhisheaddoubtfully.
“ThatdoesnotseemtofitinwiththegeneralimpressionIhaveformedofMissArundell’scharacter.”
“TheTrippwomensaythatMissLawsonwascompletelytakenabackwhenthewillwasread,”Isaidthoughtfully.
“Thatiswhatshetoldthem,yes,”agreedPoirot.
“Butyoudon’tbelieveit?”
“Monami—youknowmysuspiciousnature!Ibelievenothingthatanyonesaysunlessitcanbeconfirmedorcorroborated.”
“That’sright,oldboy,”Isaidaffectionately.“Athoroughlynice,trustfulnature.”
“‘Hesays,’‘shesays,’‘theysay’—Bah!whatdoesthatmean?Nothingatall.Itmaybeabsolutetruth.Itmaybeusefulfalsehood.Me,Idealonlywithfacts.”
“Andthefactsare?”
“MissArundellhadafall.That,nobodydisputes.Thefallwasnotanaturalone—itwascontrived.”
“TheevidenceforthatbeingthatHerculePoirotsaysso!”
“Notatall.Thereistheevidenceofthenail.TheevidenceofMissArundell’slettertome.Theevidenceofthedoghavingbeenoutthatnight.TheevidenceofMissArundell’swordsaboutthejarandthepictureandBob’sball.Allthesethingsarefacts.”
“Andthenextfact,please?”
“Thenextfactistheanswertoourusualquestion.WhobenefitsbyMissArundell’sdeath?Answer—MissLawson.”
“Thewickedcompanion!Ontheotherhand,theothersthoughttheyweregoingtobenefit.Andatthetimeoftheaccidenttheywouldhavebenefited.”
“Exactly,Hastings.Thatiswhytheyalllieequallyundersuspicion.ThereisalsothelittlefactthatMissLawsontookpainstopreventMissArundelllearningthatBobhadbeenoutallnight.”
“Youcallthatsuspicious?”
“Notatall.Imerelynoteit.Itmayhavebeennaturalconcernfortheoldlady’speaceofmind.Thatisbyfarthemostlikelyexplanation.”
IlookedatPoirotsideways.Heissoconfoundedlyslippery.
“MissPeabodyexpressedtheopinionthattherewas‘hanky-panky’aboutthewill,”Isaid.“Whatdoyousupposeshemeantbythat?”
“Itwas,Ithink,herwayofexpressingvariousnebulousandunformulatedsuspicions.”
“Undueinfluence,itseems,canbewashedout,”Isaidthoughtfully.“AnditcertainlylooksasthoughEmilyArundellwasmuchtoosensibletobelieveinanytomfoolerylikespiritualism.”
“Whatmakesyousaythatspiritualismistomfoolery,Hastings?”
Istaredathiminastonishment.
“MydearPoirot—thoseappallingwomen—”
Hesmiled.
“IquiteagreewithyourestimateoftheMissesTripp.ButthemerefactthattheMissesTripphaveadoptedwithenthusiasmChristianScience,vegetarianism,theosophyandspiritualismdoesnotreallyconstituteadamningindictmentofthosesubjects!Becauseafoolishwomanwilltellyoualotofnonsenseaboutafakescarabwhichshehasboughtfromarascaldealer,thatdoesnotnecessarilybringdiscreditonthegeneralsubjectofEgyptology!”
“Doyoumeanyoubelieveinspiritualism,Poirot?”
“Ihaveanopenmindonthesubject.Ihaveneverstudiedanyofitsmanifestationsmyself,butitmustbeacceptedthatmanymenofscienceandlearninghavepronouncedthemselvessatisfiedthattherearephenomenawhichcannotbeaccountedforby—shallwesaythecredulityofaMissTripp?”
“ThenyoubelieveinthisrigmaroleofanaureoleoflightsurroundingMissArundell’shead?”
Poirotwavedahand.
“Iwasspeakinggenerally—rebukingyourattitudeofquiteunreasoningscepticism.Imaysaythat,havingformedacertainopinionofMissTrippandhersister,Ishouldexamineverycarefullyanyfacttheypresentedformynotice.Foolishwomen,monami,arefoolishwomen,whethertheyaretalkingaboutspiritualismorpoliticsortherelationofthesexesorthetenetsoftheBuddhistfaith.”
“Yetyoulistenedtowhattheyhadtosayverycarefully.”
“Thathasbeenmytasktoday—tolisten.Tohearwhateveryonehasgottotellmeaboutthesesevenpeople—andmainly,ofcourse,thefivepeopleprimarilyconcerned.Alreadyweknowcertainaspectsofthesepeople.TakeMissLawson.FromtheMissesTrippwelearnshewasdevoted,unselfish,unworldlyandaltogetherabeautifulcharacter.FromMissPeabodywelearnthatshewascredulous,stupid,withoutthenerveorthebrainstoattemptanythingcriminal.FromDr.Graingerwelearnthatshewasdowntrodden,thatherpositionwasprecarious,andthatshewasapoor‘frightened,flutteringhen,’were,Ithink,thewordsheused.FromourwaiterwelearnedthatMissLawsonwas‘aperson,’andfromEllenthatBob,thedog,despisedher!Everyone,yousee,sawherfromaslightlydifferentangle.Thatisthesamewiththeothers.Nobody’sopinionofCharlesArundell’smoralsseemstohavebeenhigh,butneverthelesstheyvaryintheirmannerofspeakingofhim.Dr.Graingercallshimindulgently‘anirreverentyoungdevil.’MissPeabodysayshewouldmurderhisgrandmotherfortwopencebutclearlyprefersarascaltoa‘stick.’MissTripphintsnotonlythathewoulddoacriminalactionbutthathehasdoneone—ormore.Thesesidelightsareallveryusefulandinteresting.Theyleadtothenextthing.”
“Whichis?”
“Toseeforourselves,myfriend.”
Thirteen
THERESAARUNDELL
OnthefollowingmorningwemadeourwaytotheaddressgivenusbyDr.Donaldson.
IsuggestedtoPoirotthatavisittothelawyer,Mr.Purvis,mightbeagoodthing,butPoirotnegativedtheideastrongly.
“No,indeed,myfriend.Whatcouldwesay—whatreasoncouldweadvanceforseekinginformation?”
“You’reusuallyprettyreadywithreasons,Poirot!Anyoldliewoulddo,wouldn’tit?”
“Onthecontrary,myfriend,‘anyoldlie,’asyouputit,wouldnotdo.Notwithalawyer.Weshouldbe—howdoyousayit—thrownoutwiththefleaupontheear.”
“Oh,well,”Isaid.“Don’tletusriskthat!”
So,asIhavesaid,wesetoutfortheflatoccupiedbyTheresaArundell.
TheflatinquestionwassituatedinablockatChelseaoverlookingtheriver.Itwasfurnishedexpensivelyinthemodernstyle,withgleamingchromiumandthickrugswithgeometricdesignsuponthem.
Wewerekeptwaitingafewminutesandthenagirlenteredtheroomandlookedatusinquiringly.
TheresaArundelllookedabouttwenty-eightornine.Shewastallandveryslender,andshelookedratherlikeanexaggerateddrawinginblackandwhite.Herhairwasjetblack—herfaceheavilymade-up,deadpale.Hereyebrows,freakishlyplucked,gaveheranairofmockingirony.Herlipsweretheonlyspotofcolour,abrilliantgashofscarletinawhiteface.Shealsoconveyedtheimpression—howIdonotquiteknow,forhermannerwasalmostwearilyindifferent—ofbeingatleasttwiceasmuchaliveasmostpeople.Therehungabouthertherestrainedenergyofawhiplash.
WithanairofcoolinquiryshelookedfrommetoPoirot.
Wearied(Ihoped)ofdeceit,Poirothadonthisoccasionsentinhisowncard.Shewasholdingitnowinherfingers,twirlingittoandfor.
“Isuppose,”shesaid,“you’reM.Poirot?”
Poirotbowedinhisbestmanner.
“Atyourservice,mademoiselle.Youpermitmetotrespassforafewmomentsofyourvaluabletime?”
WithafaintimitationofPoirot’smannershereplied:
“Enchanted,M.Poirot.Praysitdown.”
Poirotsat,rathergingerly,onalowsquareeasychair.Itookanuprightoneofwebbingandchromium.Theresasatnegligentlyonalowstoolinfrontofthefireplace.Sheofferedusbothcigarettes.Werefusedandshelightedoneherself.
“Youknowmynameperhaps,mademoiselle?”
Shenodded.
“LittlefriendofScotlandYard.That’sright,isn’tit?”
Poirot,Ithink,didnotmuchrelishthisdescription.Hesaidwithsomeimportance:
“Iconcernmyselfwithproblemsofcrime,mademoiselle.”
“Howfrightfullythrilling,”saidTheresaArundellinaboredvoice.“AndtothinkI’velostmyautographbook!”
“ThematterwithwhichIconcernmyselfisthis,”continuedPoirot.“YesterdayIreceivedaletterfromyouraunt.”
Hereyes—verylong,almond-shapedeyes—openedalittle.Shepuffedsmokeinacloud.
“Frommyaunt,M.Poirot?”
“ThatiswhatIsaid,mademoiselle.”
Shemurmured:
“I’msorryifI’mspoilingsportinanyway,butreally,youknow,thereisn’tanysuchperson!Allmyauntsaremercifullydead.Thelastdiedtwomonthsago.”
“MissEmilyArundell?”
“Yes,MissEmilyArundell.Youdon’treceivelettersfromcorpses,doyou,M.Poirot?”
“SometimesIdo,mademoiselle.”
“Howmacabre!”
Buttherewasanewnoteinhervoice—anotesuddenlyalertandwatchful.
“Andwhatdidmyauntsay,M.Poirot?”
“That,mademoiselle,Icanhardlytellyoujustatpresent.Itwas,yousee,asomewhat”—hecoughed—“delicatematter.”
Therewassilenceforaminuteortwo.TheresaArundellsmoked.Thenshesaid:
“Itallsoundsdelightfullyhush-hush.ButwhereexactlydoIcomein?”
“Ihoped,mademoiselle,thatyoumightconsenttoanswerafewquestions.”
“Questions?Whatabout?”
“Questionsofafamilynature.”
AgainIsawhereyeswiden.
“Thatsoundsratherpompous!Supposingyougivemeaspecimen.”
“Certainly.CanyoutellmethepresentaddressofyourbrotherCharles?”
Theeyesnarrowedagain.Herlatentenergywaslessapparent.Itwasasthoughshewithdrewintoashell.
“I’mafraidIcan’t.Wedon’tcorrespondmuch.IratherthinkhehasleftEngland.”
“Isee.”
Poirotwassilentforaminuteortwo.
“Wasthatallyouwantedtoknow?”
“Oh,Ihaveotherquestions.Forone—areyousatisfiedwiththewayinwhichyourauntdisposedofherfortune?Foranother—howlonghaveyoubeenengagedtoDr.Donaldson?”
“Youdojumpabout,don’tyou?”
“Ehbien?”
“Ehbien—sincewearesoforeign!—myanswertoboththosequestionsistheyarenoneofyourbusiness!Canevousregardepas,M.HerculePoirot.”
Poirotstudiedherforamomentortwoattentively.Then,withnotraceofdisappointment,hegotup.
“Soitislikethat!Ah,well,perhapsitisnotsurprising.Allowme,mademoiselle,tocongratulateyouuponyourFrenchaccent.Andtowishyouaverygoodmorning.Come,Hastings.”
Wehadreachedthedoorwhenthegirlspoke.Thesimileofawhiplashcameagainintomymind.Shedidnotmovefromherpositionbutthetwowordswereliketheflickofawhip.
“Comeback!”shesaid.
Poirotobeyedslowly.Hesatdownagainandlookedatherinquiringly.
“Let’sstopplayingthefool,”shesaid.“It’sjustpossiblethatyoumightbeusefultome,M.HerculePoirot.”
“Delighted,mademoiselle—andhow?”
Betweentwopuffsofcigarettesmokeshesaidveryquietlyandevenly:
“Tellmehowtobreakthatwill.”
“Surelyalawyer—”
“Yes,alawyer,perhaps—ifIknewtherightlawyer.ButtheonlylawyersIknowarerespectablemen!Theiradviceisthatthewillholdsgoodinlawandthatanyattemptstocontestitwillbeuselessexpense.”
“Butyoudonotbelievethem.”
“Ibelievethereisalwaysawaytodothings—ifyoudon’tmindbeingunscrupulousandarepreparedtopay.Well,Iampreparedtopay.”
“AndyoutakeitforgrantedthatIampreparedtobeunscrupulousifIampaid?”
“I’vefoundthattobetrueofmostpeople!Idon’tseewhyyoushouldbeanexception.Peoplealwaysprotestabouttheirhonestyandtheirrectitudetobeginwith,ofcourse.”
“Justso,thatispartofthegame,eh?Butwhat,giventhatIwaspreparedtobe—unscrupulous—doyouthinkIcoulddo?”
“Idon’tknow.Butyou’reacleverman.Everyoneknowsthat.Youcouldthinkoutsomescheme.”
“Suchas?”
TheresaArundellshruggedhershoulders
“That’syourbusiness.Stealthewillandsubstituteaforgery…KidnaptheLawsonandfrightenherintosayingshebulliedAuntEmilyintomakingit.ProducealaterwillmadeonoldEmily’sdeathbed.”
“Yourfertileimaginationtakesmybreathaway,mademoiselle!”
“Well,whatisyouranswer?I’vebeenfrankenough.Ifit’srighteousrefusal,there’sthedoor.”
“Itisnotrighteousrefusal—yet—”saidPoirot.
TheresaArundelllaughed.Shelookedatme.
“Yourfriend,”sheobserved,“looksshocked.Shallwesendhimouttochasehimselfroundtheblock?”
Poirotaddressedhimselftomewithsomeslightirritation.
“Control,Iprayofyou,yourbeautifulanduprightnature,Hastings.Idemandpardonformyfriend,mademoiselle.Heis,asyouhaveperceived,honest.Butheisalsofaithful.Hisloyaltytomyselfisabsolute.Inanycase,letmeemphasizethispoint”—helookedatherveryhard—“whateverweareabouttodowillbestrictlywithinthelaw.”
Sheraisedhereyebrowsslightly.
“Thelaw,”saidPoirotthoughtfully,“hasalotoflatitude.”
“Isee,”shesmiledfaintly.“Allright,we’llletthatbeunderstood.Doyouwanttodiscussyourshareofthebooty—ifthereturnsouttobeanybooty?”
“That,also,canbeunderstood.Somenicelittlepickings—thatisallIask?”
“Done,”saidTheresa.
Poirotleantforward.
“Nowlisten,mademoiselle,usually—inninety-ninecasesoutofahundredcases,shallwesay,Iamonthesideofthelaw.Thehundredth—well,thehundredthisdifferent.Foronething,itisusuallymuchmorelucrative…Butithastobedoneveryquietly,youunderstand—very,veryquietly.Myreputation,itmustnotsuffer.Ihavetobecareful.”
TheresaArundellnodded.
“AndImusthaveallthefactsofthecase!Imusthavethetruth!Youcomprehendthatonceoneknowsthetruthitisaneasiermattertoknowjustwhatliestotell!”
“Thatseemseminentlyreasonable.”
“Verywellthen.Now,onwhatdatewasthiswillmade?”
“OnApril21st.”
“Andthepreviouswill?”
“AuntEmilymadeawillfiveyearsago.”
“Itsprovisionsbeing—?”
“AfteralegacytoEllenandonetoaformercook,allherpropertywastobedividedbetweenthechildrenofherbrotherThomasandthechildrenofhersisterArabella.”
“Wasthismoneyleftintrust?”
“No,itwaslefttousabsolutely.”
“Now,becareful.Didyouallknowtheprovisionsofthiswill?”
“Oh,yes.CharlesandIknew—andBellaknewtoo.AuntEmilymadenosecretofit.Infact,ifanyofusaskedforaloanshewouldusuallysay,‘You’llhaveallmymoneywhenI’mdeadandgone.Becontentwiththatfact.’”
“Wouldshehaverefusedaloaniftherehadbeenacaseofillnessoranydirenecessity?”
“No,Idon’tthinkshewould,”saidTheresaslowly.
“Butsheconsideredyouallhadenoughtoliveon?”
“Sheconsideredso—yes.”
Therewasbitternessinthatvoice.
“Butyou—didnot?”
Theresawaitedaminuteortwobeforespeaking.Thenshesaid:
“Myfatherleftusthirtythousandpoundseach.Theinterestonthat,safelyinvested,amountstoabouttwelvehundredayear.Incometaxtakesanotherwedgeoffit.Anicelittleincomeonwhichonecanmanageveryprettily.ButI—”hervoicechanged,herslimbodystraightened,herheadwentback—allthatwonderfulalivenessIhadsensedinhercametothefore—“butIwantsomethingbetterthanthatoutoflife!Iwantthebest!Thebestfood,thebestclothes—somethingwithlinetoit—beauty—notjustsuitablecoveringintheprevailingfashion.Iwanttoliveandenjoy—togototheMediterraneanandlieinthewarmsummersea—tositroundatableandplaywithexcitingwadsofmoney—togiveparties—wild,absurd,extravagantparties—Iwanteverythingthat’sgoinginthisrottenworld—andIdon’twantitsomeday—Iwantitnow!”
Hervoicewaswonderfullyexciting,warm,exhilarating,intoxicating.
Poirotwasstudyingherintently.
“Andyouhave,Ifancy,haditnow?”
“Yes,Hercule—I’vehadit!”
“Andhowmuchofthethirtythousandisleft?”
Shelaughedsuddenly.
“Twohundredandtwenty-onepounds,fourteenandseven-pence.That’stheexactbalance.Soyousee,littleman,you’vegottobepaidbyresults.Noresults—nofees.”
“Inthatcase,”saidPoirotinamatter-of-factmanner,“therewillcertainlyberesults.”
“You’reagreatlittleman,Hercule.I’mgladwegottogether.”
Poirotwentoninabusinesslikeway:
“ThereareafewthingsthatareactuallynecessarythatIshouldknow.Doyoudrug?”
“No,never.”
“Drink?”
“Quiteheavily—butnotfortheloveofit.MycrowddrinksandIdrinkwiththem,butIcouldgiveituptomorrow.”
“Thatisverysatisfactory.”
Shelaughed.
“Ishan’tgivetheshowawayinmycups,Hercule.”
Poirotproceeded:
“Loveaffairs?”
“Plentyinthepast.”
“Andthepresent?”
“OnlyRex.”
“ThatisDr.Donaldson?”
“Yes.”
“Heseems,somehow,veryalienfromthelifeyoumention.”
“Oh,heis.”
“Andyetyoucareforhim.Why,Iwonder?”
“Oh,whatarereasons?WhydidJulietfallforRomeo?”
“Wellforonething,withallduedeferencetoShakespeare,hehappenedtobethefirstmanshehadseen.”
Theresasaidslowly:
“Rexwasn’tthefirstmanIsaw—notbyalongway.”Sheaddedinalowervoice,“ButIthink—Ifeel—he’llbethelastmanI’lleversee.”
“Andheisapoorman,mademoiselle.”
Shenodded.
“Andhe,too,needsmoney?”
“Desperately.Oh,notforthereasonsIdid.Hedoesn’twantluxury—orbeauty—orexcitement—oranyofthesethings.He’dwearthesamesuituntilitwentintoholes—andeatacongealedchopeverydayforlunchquitehappily,andwashinacrackedtinbath.Ifhehadmoneyitwouldallgoontesttubesandalaboratoryandalltherestofit.He’sambitious.Hisprofessionmeanseverythingtohim.Itmeansmoretohimthan—Ido.”
“HeknewthatyouwouldcomeintomoneywhenMissArundelldied?”
“Itoldhimso.Oh!afterwewereengaged.Heisn’treallymarryingmeformymoneyifthatiswhatyouaregettingat.”
“Youarestillengaged?”
“Ofcourseweare.”
Poirotdidnotreply.Hissilenceseemedtodisquiether.
“Ofcourseweare,”sherepeatedsharply.Andthensheadded,“You—haveyouseenhim?”
“Isawhimyesterday—atMarketBasing.”
“Why?Whatdidyousaytohim?”
“Isaidnothing.Ionlyaskedhimforyourbrother’saddress.”
“Charles?”Hervoicewassharpagain.“WhatdidyouwantwithCharles?”
“Charles?WhowantsCharles?”
Itwasanewvoice—adelightful,man’svoice.
Abronze-facedyoungmanwithanagreeablegrinstrolledintotheroom.
“Whoistalkingaboutme?”heasked.“Iheardmynameinthehall,butIdidn’teavesdrop.TheywereveryparticularabouteavesdroppingatBorstal.Nowthen,Theresamygirl,what’sallthis?Spillthebeans.”
Fourteen
CHARLESARUNDELL
ImustconfessthatfromthemomentIseteyesonhimIentertainedasneakinglikingforCharlesArundell.Therewassomethingsodebonairandcarefreeabouthim.HiseyeshadanagreeableandhumoroustwinkleandhisgrinwasoneofthemostdisarmingIhaveeverencountered.
Hecameacrosstheroomandsatdownonthearmofoneofthemassive,upholsteredchairs.
“What’sitallabout,oldgirl?”heasked.
“ThisisM.HerculePoirot,Charles.Heispreparedto—er—dosomedirtyworkforusinreturnforasmallconsideration.”
“Iprotest,”criedPoirot.“Notdirtywork—shallwesayalittleharmlessdeceptionofsomekind—sothattheoriginalintentionofthetestatoriscarriedout?Letusputitthatway.”
“Putitanywayyoulike,”saidCharlesagreeably.“WhatmadeTheresathinkofyou,Iwonder?”
“Shedidnot,”saidPoirotquickly.“Icamehereofmyownaccord.”
“Offeringyourservices?”
“Notquitethat.Iwasaskingforyou.Yoursistertoldmeyouhadgoneabroad.”
“Theresa,”saidCharles,“isaverycarefulsister.Shehardlyevermakesamistake.Infact,she’ssuspiciousasthedevil.”
Hesmiledatheraffectionatelybutshedidnotsmileback.Shelookedworriedandthoughtful.
“Surely,”saidCharles.“We’vegotthingsthewrongwayround?Isn’tM.Poirotfamousfortrackingdowncriminals?Surelynotforaidingandabettingthem?”
“We’renotcriminals,”saidTheresasharply.
“Butwe’rewillingtobe,”saidCharlesaffably.“I’dthoughtofaspotofforgerymyself—that’srathermyline.IgotsentdownfromOxfordbecauseofalittlemisunderstandingaboutacheque.Thatwaschildishlysimple,though—merelyaquestionofaddinganought.ThentherewasanotherlittlefracaswithAuntEmilyandthelocalbank.Foolishonmypart,ofcourse.Ioughttohaverealizedtheoldladywassharpasneedles.However,alltheseincidentshavebeenverysmallfry—fiversandtenners—thatclass.Adeathbedwillwouldbeadmittedlyrisky.OnewouldhavetogetholdofthestiffandstarchedEllenand—issuborntheword?—anyway,inducehertosayshehadwitnessedit.Itwouldtakesomedoing,Ifear.Imightevenmarryherandthenshewouldn’tbeabletogiveevidenceagainstmeafterwards.”
HegrinnedamiablyatPoirot.
“Ifeelsureyou’veinstalledasecretdictaphoneandScotlandYardislisteningin,”hesaid.
“Yourprobleminterestsme,”saidPoirotwithatouchofreproofinhismanner.“NaturallyIcouldnotconniveatanythingagainstthelaw.Buttherearemorewaysthanone—”hestoppedsignificantly
CharlesArundellshruggedhisgracefulshoulders.
“I’venodoubtthere’sanequalchoiceofdeviouswaysinsidethelaw,”hesaidagreeably.“Youshouldknow.”
“Bywhomwasthewillwitnessed?ImeantheonemadeonApril21st?”
“Purvisbroughtdownhisclerkandthesecondwitnesswasthegardener.”
“ItwassignedtheninMr.Purvis’spresence?”
“Itwas.”
“AndMr.Purvis,Ifancy,isamanofthehighestrespectability?”
“Purvis,Purvis,CharlesworthandoncemorePurvisarejustaboutasrespectableandimpeccableastheBankofEngland,”saidCharles.
“Hedidn’tlikemakingthewill,”saidTheresa.“InanultracorrectfashionIbelieveheeventriedtodissuadeAuntEmilyfrommakingit.”
Charlessaidsharply:
“Didhetellyouthat,Theresa?”
“Yes.Iwenttoseehimagainyesterday.”
“It’snogood,mysweet—yououghttorealizethat.Onlypilesupthesixandeightpences.”
Theresashruggedhershoulders.
Poirotsaid:
“IwillaskyoutogivemeasmuchinformationasyoucanaboutthelastweeksofMissArundell’slife.Now,tobeginwith,IunderstandthatyouandyourbrotherandalsoDr.TaniosandhiswifestayedthereforEaster?”
“Yes,wedid.”
“Didanythinghappenofsignificanceduringthatweekend?”
“Idon’tthinkso.”
“Nothing?ButIthought—”
Charlesbrokein.
“Whataself-centredcreatureyouare,Theresa.Nothingofsignificancehappenedtoyou!Wrappedinlove’syoungdream!Letmetellyou,M.Poirot,thatTheresahasablue-eyedboyinMarketBasing.Oneofthelocalsawbones.She’sgotratherafaultysenseofproportioninconsequence.Asamatteroffact,myreveredaunttookaheaderdownthestairsandnearlypassedout.Wishshehad.Itwouldhavesavedallthisfuss.”
“Shefelldownthestairs?”
“Yes,trippedoverthedog’sball.Intelligentlittlebruteleftitatthetopofthestairsandshetookaheaderoveritinthenight.”
“Thiswas—when?”
“Letmesee—Tuesday—theeveningbeforeweleft.”
“Yourauntwasseriouslyinjured?”
“Unfortunatelyshedidn’tfallonherhead.Ifshehadwemighthavepleadedsofteningofthebrain—orwhateverit’scalledscientifically.No,shewashardlyhurtatall.”
Poirotsaiddrily:
“Verydisappointingforyou!”
“Eh?Oh,Iseewhatyoumean.Yes,asyousay,verydisappointing.Toughnuts,theseoldladies.”
“AndyouallleftontheWednesdaymorning?”
“That’sright.”
“ThatwasWednesday,thefifteenth.Whendidyounextseeyouraunt?”
“Well,itwasn’tthenextweekend.Itwastheweekendafterthat.”
Thatwouldbe—letmesee—thetwenty-fifth,woulditnot?”
“Yes,Ithinkthatwasthedate.”
“Andyourauntdied—when?”
“ThefollowingFriday.”
“HavingbeentakenillontheMondaynight?”
“Yes.”
“ThatwastheMondaythatyouleft?”
“Yes.”
“Youdidnotreturnduringherillness?”
“NotuntiltheFriday.Wedidn’trealizeshewasreallybad.”
“Yougotthereintimetoseeheralive?”
“No,shediedbeforewearrived.”
PoirotshiftedhisglancetoTheresaArundell.
“Youaccompaniedyourbrotheronboththeseoccasions?”
“Yes.”
“Andnothingwassaidduringthesecondweekendaboutanewwillhavingbeenmade?”
“Nothing,”saidTheresa.
Charles,however,hadansweredatthesamemoment.
“Oh,yes,”hesaid.“Itwas.”
Hespokeairilyasever,buttherewassomethingalittleconstrainedasthoughtheairinessweremoreartificialthanusual.
“Itwas?”saidPoirot.
“Charles!”criedTheresa.
Charlesseemedanxiousnottomeethissister’seye.
Hespoketoherwithoutlookingather.
“Surelyyouremember,oldgirl?Itoldyou.AuntEmilymadeakindofultimatumofit.Sattherelikeajudgeincourt.Madeakindofspeech.Saidshethoroughlydisapprovedofallherrelations—thatistosay,ofmeandTheresa.Bella,sheallowed,shehadnothingagainst,butontheotherhandshedislikedanddistrustedherhusband.BuyBritishwaseverAuntEmily’smotto.IfBellaweretoinheritanyconsiderablesumofmoneyshesaidshewasconvincedthatTanioswouldsomehoworothergetpossessionofit.TrustaGreektodothat!‘She’ssaferassheis,’shewentontosay.ThenshesaidthatneitherInorTheresawerefitpeopletobetrustedwithmoney.Wewouldonlygambleandsquanderitaway.Therefore,shefinishedup,shehadmadeanewwillandhadlefttheentireestatetoMissLawson.‘Sheisafool,’saidAuntEmily,‘butsheisafaithfulsoul.AndIreallybelievesheisdevotedtome.Shecannothelpherlackofbrains.Ihavethoughtitfairertotellyouthis,Charles,asyoumayaswellrealizethatitwillnotbepossibleforyoutoraisemoneyonyourexpectationsfromme.’Ratheranastyone,that.JustwhatI’dbeentryingtodo.”
“Whydidn’tyoutellme,Charles?”demandedTheresafiercely.
Poirotasked:
“Andwhatdidyousay,Mr.Arundell?”
“I?”saidCharlesairily.“Oh,Ijustlaughed.Nogoodcuttinguprough.That’snottheway.‘Justasyouplease,AuntEmily,’Isaid.‘Bitofablow,perhaps,butafterall,it’syourownmoneyandyoucandowhatyoulikewithit.’”
“Andyouraunt’sreactiontothat?”
“Oh,itwentdownwell—verywellindeed.Shesaid,‘Well,Iwillsayyou’reasportsman,Charles.’AndIsaid,‘Gottotaketheroughwiththesmooth.Asamatteroffact,ifI’venoexpectationswhataboutgivingmeatennernow?’AndshesaidIwasanimpudentboyandactuallypartedwithafiver.”
“Youconcealedyourfeelingsverycleverly.”
“Well,asamatteroffact,Ididn’ttakeitveryseriously.”
“Youdidn’t?”
“No.Ithoughtitwaswhatyoumightcallagestureontheoldbean’spart.Shewantedtofrightenusall.I’daprettyshrewdsuspicionthatafterafewweeksorperhapsmonthsshe’dtearthatwillup.Shewasprettyhotonfamily,AuntEmily.And,asamatteroffact,Ibelievethat’swhatshewouldhavedoneifshehadn’tdiedsoconfoundedlysuddenly.”
“Ah!”saidPoirot.“Itisaninterestingideathat.”
Heremainedsilentforaminuteortwothenwenton:
“Couldanyone,MissLawson,forinstance,haveoverheardyourconversation?”
“Rather.Weweren’tspeakinganytoolow.Asamatteroffact,theLawsonbirdwashoveringaboutoutsidethedoorwhenIwentout.Beendoingabitofsnoopinginmyopinion.”
PoirotturnedathoughtfulglanceonTheresa.
“Andyouknewnothingofthis?”
Beforeshecouldanswer,Charlesbrokein.
“Theresa,oldgirl,I’msureItoldyou—orhintedtoyou?”
Therewasaqueersortofpause.CharleswaslookingfixedlyatTheresa,andtherewasananxiety,afixity,abouthisgazethatseemedoutofallproportiontothesubjectmatter.
Theresasaidslowly:
“Ifyouhadtoldme—Idon’tthink—Icouldhaveforgotten,doyou,M.Poirot?”
Herlongdarkeyesturnedtohim.
Poirotsaidslowly:
“No,Idon’tthinkyoucouldhaveforgotten,MissArundell.”
ThenheturnedsharplytoCharles.
“Letmebequiteclearononepoint.DidMissArundelltellyoushewasabouttoalterherwill,ordidshetellyouspecificallythatshehadalteredit?”
Charlessaidquickly:
“Oh,shewasquitedefinite.Asamatteroffactsheshowedmethewill.”
Poirotleanedforward.Hiseyesopenedwide.
“Thisisveryimportant.YousaythatMissArundellactuallyshowedyouthewill?”
Charlesgaveasuddenschoolboywriggle—aratherdisarmingaction.Poirot’sgravitymadehimquiteuncomfortable.
“Yes,”hesaid.“Sheshowedittome.”
“Youcansweardefinitelytothat?”
“OfcourseIcan.”CharleslookednervouslyatPoirot.“Idon’tseewhatissosignificantaboutthat.”
TherewasasuddenbrusquemovementfromTheresa.Shehadrisenandwasstandingbythemantelpiece.Shequicklylitanothercigarette.
“Andyou,mademoiselle?”Poirotwhirledsuddenlyroundonher.“Didyourauntsaynothingofimportancetoyouduringthatweekend?”
“Idon’tthinkso.Shewas—quiteamiable.Thatis,asamiableassheusuallywas.Lecturedmeabitaboutmywayoflifeandallthat.Butthen,shealwaysdid.Sheseemedperhapsabitmorejumpythanusual.”
Poirotsaid,smiling:
“Isuppose,mademoiselle,thatyouweremoretakenupwithyourfiancé?”
Theresasaidsharply:
“Hewasn’tthere.Hewasaway,he’dgonetosomemedicalcongress.”
“YouhadnotseenhimthensincetheEasterweekend?Wasthatthelasttimeyouhadseenhim?”
“Yes—ontheeveningbeforewelefthecametodinner.”
“Youhadnot—excuseme—hadanyquarrelwithhimthen?”
“Certainlynot.”
“Ionlythoughtseeingthathewasawayonyoursecondvisit—”
Charlesbrokein:
“Ah,butyousee,thatsecondweekendwasratherunpremeditated.Wewentdownonthespurofthemoment.”
“Really?”
“Oh,let’shavethetruth,”saidTheresawearily.“Yousee,Bellaandherhusbandweredowntheweekendbefore—fussingoverAuntEmilybecauseofheraccident.Wethoughttheymightstealamarchonus—”
“Wethought,”saidCharleswithagrin,“thatwe’dbettershowalittleconcernforAuntEmily’shealthtoo.Really,though,theoldladywasmuchtoosharptobetakeninbythedutifulattentionstunt.Sheknewverywellhowmuchitwasworth.Nofool,AuntEmily.”
Theresalaughedsuddenly.
“It’saprettystory,isn’tit?Allofuswithourtongueshangingoutformoney.”
“Wasthatthecasewithyourcousinandherhusband?”
“Oh,yes,Bella’salwayshardup.Ratherpatheticthewayshetriestocopyallmyclothesataboutaneighthoftheprice.Taniosspeculatedwithhermoney,Ibelieve.They’rehardputtoittomakebothendsmeet.They’vegottwochildrenandwanttoeducatetheminEngland.”
“Canyouperhapsgivemetheiraddress?”saidPoirot.
“They’restayingattheDurhamHotelinBloomsbury.”
“Whatisshelike,yourcousin?”
“Bella?Well,she’sadrearywoman.Eh,Charles?”
“Oh,definitelyadrearywoman.Ratherlikeanearwig.She’sadevotedmother.Soareearwigs,Ibelieve.”
“Andherhusband.”
“Tanios?Well,helooksabitodd,buthe’sreallyathoroughlynicefellow.Clever,amusingandathoroughgoodsport.”
“Youagree,mademoiselle?”
“Well,ImustadmitIpreferhimtoBella.He’sadamnedcleverdoctor,Ibelieve.Allthesame,Iwouldn’ttrusthimveryfar.”
“Theresa,”saidCharles,“doesn’ttrustanybody.”
Heputanarmroundher.
“Shedoesn’ttrustme.”
“Anyonewhotrustedyou,mysweet,wouldbementallydeficient,”saidTheresakindly.
ThebrotherandsistermovedapartandlookedatPoirot.
Poirotbowedandmovedtothedoor.
“Iam—asyousay—onthejob!Itisdifficult,butmademoiselleisright.Thereisalwaysaway.Ah,bytheway,thisMissLawson,isshethekindthatmightconceivablyloseherheadundercross-examinationincourt?”
CharlesandTheresaexchangedglances.
“Ishouldsay,”saidCharles,“thatareallybullyingK.C.couldmakehersayblackwaswhite!”
“That,”saidPoirot,“maybeveryuseful.”
HeskippedoutoftheroomandIfollowedhim.Inthehallhepickeduphishat,movedtothefrontdoor,openeditandshutitagainquicklywithabang.Thenhetiptoedtothedoorofthesittingroomandunblushinglyappliedhiseartothecrack.AtwhateverschoolPoirotwaseducated,therewereclearlynounwrittenrulesabouteavesdropping.Iwashorrifiedbutpowerless.ImadeurgentsignstoPoirotbuthetooknonotice.
Andthen,clearly,inTheresaArundell’sdeep,vibrantvoice,therecametwowords:
“Youfool!”
TherewasthenoiseoffootstepsalongthepassageandPoirotquicklyseizedmebythearm,openedthefrontdoorandpassedthrough,closingitnoiselesslybehindhim.
Fifteen
MISSLAWSON
“Poirot,”Isaid.“Havewegottolistenatdoors?”
“Calmyourself,myfriend.ItwasonlyIwholistened!Itwasnotyouwhoputyoureartothecrack.Onthecontrary,youstoodboltuprightlikeasoldier.”
“ButIheardjustthesame.”
“True.Mademoisellewashardlywhispering.”
“Becauseshethoughtthatwehadlefttheflat.”
“Yes,wepractisedalittledeceptionthere.”
“Idon’tlikethatsortofthing.”
“Yourmoralattitudeisirreproachable!Butletusnotrepeatourselves.Thisconversationhasoccurredonpreviousoccasions.Youareabouttosaythatitisnotplayingthegame.Andmyreplyisthatmurderisnotagame.”
“Butthereisnoquestionofmurderhere.”
“Donotbesureofthat.”
“Theintention,yes,perhaps.Butafterall,murder,andattemptedmurderarenotthesamething.”
“Morallytheyareexactlythesamething.ButwhatImeantwas,areyousosurethatitisonlyattemptedmurderthatoccupiesourattention?”
Istaredathim.
“ButoldMissArundelldiedaperfectlynaturaldeath.”
“Irepeatagain—areyousosure?”
“Everyonesaysso!”
“Everyone?Oh,là,là!”
“Thedoctorsaysso,”Ipointedout.“Dr.Grainger.Heoughttoknow.”
“Yes,heoughttoknow.”Poirot’svoicewasdissatisfied.“Butremember,Hastings,againandagainabodyisexhumed—andineachcaseacertificatehasbeensignedinallgoodfaithbythedoctorattendingthecase.”
“Yes,butinthiscase,MissArundelldiedofalong-standingcomplaint.”
“Itseemsso—yes.”
Poirot’svoicewasstilldissatisfied.Ilookedathimkeenly.
“Poirot,”Isaid,“I’llbeginasentencewithAreyousure!Areyousureyouarenotbeingcarriedawaybyprofessionalzeal?Youwantittobemurderandsoyouthinkitmustbemurder.”
Theshadowonhisbrowdeepened.Henoddedhisheadslowly.
“Itiscleverwhatyousay,there,Hastings.Itisaweakspotonwhichyouputyourfinger.Murderismybusiness.Iamlikeagreatsurgeonwhospecializesin—say—appendicitisorsomerareroperation.Apatientcomestohimandheregardsthatpatientsolelyfromthestandpointofhisownspecializedsubject.Isthereanypossiblereasonforthinkingthismansuffersfromsoandso…?Me,Iamlikethat,too.Isaytomyselfalways,‘Canthispossiblybemurder?’Andyousee,myfriend,thereisnearlyalwaysapossibility.”
“Ishouldn’tsaytherewasmuchpossibilityhere,”Iremarked.
“Butshedied,Hastings!Youcannotgetawayfromthatfact.Shedied!”
“Shewasinpoorhealth.Shewaspastseventy.Itallseemsperfectlynaturaltome.”
“AnddoesitalsoseemnaturaltoyouthatTheresaArundellshouldcallherbrotherafoolwiththatdegreeofintensity?”
“Whathasthatgottodowithit?”
“Everything!Tellme,whatdidyouthinkofthatstatementofMr.CharlesArundell’s—thathisaunthadshownhimhernewwill?”
IlookedatPoirot,warily.
“Whatdoyoumakeofit?”Iasked.
WhyshouldPoirotalwaysbetheonetoaskthequestions?
“Icallitveryinteresting—veryinterestingindeed.SowasMissTheresaArundell’sreactiontoit.Theirpassageofarmswassuggestive—verysuggestive.”
“H’m,”Isaid,inoracularfashion.
“Itopensuptwodistinctlinesofinquiry.”
“Theyseemanicepairofcrooks,”Iremarked.“Readyforanything.Thegirl’samazinglygood-looking.AsforyoungCharles,he’scertainlyanattractivescoundrel.”
Poirotwasjusthailingataxi.ItdrewintothekerbandPoirotgaveanaddresstothedriver.
“17ClanroydenMansions,Bayswater.”
“Soit’sLawsonnext,”Icommented.“Andafterthat—theTanioses?”
“Quiteright,Hastings.”
“Whatr?leareyouadoptinghere?”IinquiredasthetaxidrewupatClanroydenMansions.“ThebiographerofGeneralArundell,aprospectivetenantofLittlegreenHouse,orsomethingmoresubtlestill?”
“IshallpresentmyselfsimplyasHerculePoirot.”
“Howverydisappointing,”Igibed.
Poirotmerelythrewmeaglanceandpaidoffthetaxi.
No.17wasonthesecondfloor.Apert-lookingmaidopenedthedoorandshowedusintoaroomthatreallystruckaludicrousnoteaftertheonewehadjustleft.
TheresaArundell’sflathadbeenbaretothepointofemptiness.MissLawson’sontheotherhandwassocrammedwithfurnitureandoddsandendsthatonecouldhardlymoveaboutwithoutthefearofknockingsomethingover.
Thedooropenedandaratherstout,middle-agedladycamein.MissLawsonwasverymuchasIhadpicturedher.Shehadaneager,ratherfoolishface,untidygreyishhairandpince-nezperchedalittleaskewonhernose.Herstyleofconversationwasspasmodicandconsistedofgasps.
“Goodmorning—er—Idon’tthink—”
“MissWilhelminaLawson?”
“Yes—yes—thatismyname….”
“MynameisPoirot—HerculePoirot.YesterdayIwaslookingoverLittlegreenHouse.”
“Oh,yes?”
MissLawson’smouthfellalittlewideropenandshemadesomeinefficientdabsatheruntidyhair.
“Won’tyousitdown?”shewenton.“Sithere,won’tyou?Oh,dear,I’mafraidthattableisinyourway.I’mjustaleetlebitcrowdedhere.Sodifficult!Theseflats!Justateenybitonthesmallside.Butsocentral!AndIdolikebeingcentral.Don’tyou?”
Withagaspshesatdownonanuncomfortable-lookingVictorianchairand,herpince-nezstillawry,leanedforwardbreathlesslyandlookedatPoirothopefully.
“IwenttoLittlegreenHouseintheguiseofapurchaser,”wentonPoirot.“ButIshouldliketosayatonce—thisisinthestrictestconfidence—”
“Oh,yes,”breathedMissLawson,apparentlypleasurablyexcited.
“Theverystrictestconfidence,”continuedPoirot,“thatIwenttherewithanotherobject…YoumayormaynotbeawarethatshortlybeforeshediedMissArundellwrotetome—”
Hepausedandthenwenton:
“Iamawell-knownprivatedetective.”
AvarietyofexpressionschasedthemselvesoverMissLawson’sslightlyflushedcountenance.IwonderedwhichonePoirotwouldsingleoutasrelevanttohisinquiry.Alarm,excitement,surprise,puzzlement….
“Oh,”shesaid.Thenafterapause,“Oh,”again.
Andthen,quiteunexpectedly,sheasked:
“Wasitaboutthemoney?”
Poirot,even,wasslightlytakenaback.Hesaidtentatively:
“Youmeanthemoneythatwas—”
“Yes,yes.Themoneythatwastakenfromthedrawer?”
Poirotsaid,quietly:
“MissArundelldidn’ttellyoushehadwrittentomeonthesubjectofthatmoney?”
“No,indeed.Ihadnoidea—Well,really,ImustsayI’mverysurprised—”
“Youthoughtshewouldnothavementionedittoanyone?”
“Icertainlydidn’tthinkso.Yousee,shehadaverygoodidea—”
Shestoppedagain.Poirotsaid,quickly:
“Shehadaverygoodideawhotookit.Thatiswhatyouwouldsay,isitnot?”
MissLawsonnoddedandcontinuedbreathlessly:
“AndIshouldn’thavethoughtshewouldhavewanted—well,Imeanshesaid—thatis,sheseemedtofeel—”
AgainPoirotcutinneatlyintothemidstoftheseincoherencies.
“Itwasafamilymatter?”
“Exactly.”
“Butme,”saidPoirot,“Ispecializeinfamilymatters.Iam,yousee,veryverydiscreet.”
MissLawsonnoddedvigorously.
“Oh!ofcourse—thatmakesadifference.It’snotlikethepolice.”
“No,no.Iamnotatalllikethepolice.Thatwouldnothavedoneatall.”
“Oh,no.DearMissArundellwassuchaproudwoman.Ofcourse,therehadbeentroublebeforewithCharles,butitwasalwayshushedup.Once,Ibelieve,hehadtogotoAustralia!”
“Justso,”saidPoirot.“Nowthefactsofthecasewereasfollows,weretheynot?MissArundellhadasumofmoneyinadrawer—”
Hepaused.MissLawsonhastenedtoconfirmhisstatement.
“Yes—fromtheBank.Forthewages,youknow,andthebooks.”
“Andhowmuchwasmissingexactly?”
“Fourpoundnotes.No,no,Iamwrong,threepoundnotesandtwoten-shillingnotes.Onemustbeexact,Iknow,veryexact,insuchmatters.”MissLawsonlookedathimearnestlyandabsentmindedlyknockedherpince-nezalittlefartherawry.Herratherprominenteyesseemedtogoggleathim.
“Thankyou,MissLawson.Iseeyouhaveanexcellentbusinesssense.”
MissLawsonbridledalittleandutteredadeprecatorylaugh.
“MissArundellsuspected,nodoubtwithreason,thathernephewCharleswasresponsibleforthistheft,”wentonPoirot.
“Yes.”
“Althoughtherewasnoparticularevidencetoshowwhoactuallytookthemoney?”
“Oh,butitmusthavebeenCharles!Mrs.Tanioswouldn’tdosuchathing,andherhusbandwasquiteastrangerandwouldn’thaveknownwherethemoneywaskept—neitherofthemwould.AndIdon’tthinkTheresaArundellwoulddreamofsuchathing.She’sgotplentyofmoneyandalwayssobeautifullydressed.”
“Itmighthavebeenoneoftheservants,”Poirotsuggested.
MissLawsonseemedhorrifiedbytheidea.
“Oh,no,indeed,neitherEllennorAnniewouldhavedreamedofsuchathing.TheyarebothmostsuperiorwomenandabsolutelyhonestIamsure.”
Poirotwaitedaminuteortwo.Thenhesaid:
“Iwonderifyoucangivemeanyidea—Iamsureyoucan,forifanyonepossessedMissArundell’sconfidenceyoudid—”
MissLawsonmurmuredconfusedly:
“Oh,Idon’tknowaboutthat,I’msure—”butshewasclearlyflattered.
“Ifeelthatyouwillbeabletohelpme.”
“Oh,I’msure,ifIcan—anythingIcando—”
Poirotwenton:
“Thisisinconfidence—”
AsortofowlishexpressionappearedonMissLawson’sface.Themagicalwords“inconfidence”seemedtobeakindofOpenSesame.
“HaveyouanyideaofthereasonwhichcausedMissArundelltoalterherwill?”
“Herwill?Oh—herwill?”
MissLawsonseemedslightlytakenaback
Poirotsaid,watchingherclosely:
“Itistrue,isitnot,thatshemadeanewwillshortlybeforeherdeath,leavingallherfortunetoyou?”
“Yes,butIknewnothingaboutit.Nothingatall!”MissLawsonwasshrillinprotest.“Itwasthegreatestsurprisetome!Awonderfulsurprise,ofcourse!SogoodofdearMissArundell.Andsheneverevengavemeahint.Notthesmallesthint!IwassotakenabackwhenMr.Purvisreaditout,Ididn’tknowwheretolook,orwhethertolaughorcry!Iassureyou,M.Poirot,theshockofit—theshock,youknow.Thekindness—thewonderfulkindnessofdearMissArundell.Ofcourse,I’dhopedperhaps,forjustalittlesomething—perhapsjustateeny,teenylegacy—thoughofcourse,therewasnoreasonsheshouldhaveleftmeeventhat.I’dnotbeenwithhersoverylong.Butthis—itwaslike—itwaslikeafairystory!EvennowIcan’tquitebelieveinit,ifyouknowwhatImean.Andsometimes—wellsometimes—Idon’tfeelaltogethercomfortableaboutit.Imean—well,Imean—”
Sheknockedoffherpince-nez,pickedthemup,fumbledwiththemandwentonevenmoreincoherently.
“SometimesIfeelthat—well,fleshandbloodisfleshandbloodafterall,andIdon’tfeelquitecomfortableatMissArundell’sleavingallhermoneyawayfromherfamily.Imean,itdoesn’tseemright,doesit?Notallofit.Suchalargefortune,too!Nobodyhadanyidea!But—well—itdoesmakeonefeeluncomfortable—andeveryonesayingthings,youknow—andI’msureI’veneverbeenanill-naturedwoman!ImeanIwouldn’thavedreamedofinfluencingMissArundellinanyway!Andit’snotasthoughIcould,either.Truthtotell,Iwasalwaysjustateenyweenybitafraidofher!Shewassosharp,youknow,soinclinedtojumponyou.Andquiterudesometimes!‘Don’tbeadownrightfool,’she’dsnap.Andreally,afterall,IhadmyfeelingsandsometimesI’dfeelquiteupset…Andthentofindoutthatallthetimeshe’dreallybeenfondofme—well,itwasverywonderful,wasn’tit?Onlyofcourse,asIsay,there’sbeenalotofunkindness,andreallyinsomewaysonefeels—Imean,well,itdoesseemalittlehard,doesn’tit,onsomepeople?”
“Youmeanthatyouwouldprefertorelinquishthemoney?”askedPoirot.
JustforamomentIfanciedaflickerofsomequitedifferentexpressionshoweditselfinMissLawson’sdull,paleblueeyes.Iimaginedthat,justforamoment,ashrewd,intelligentwomansatthereinsteadofanamiable,foolishone.
Shesaidwithalittlelaugh.
“Well—ofcourse,thereistheothersideofittoo…Imeantherearetwosidestoeveryquestion.WhatIsayis,MissArundellmeantmetohavethemoney.ImeanifIdidn’ttakeitIshouldbegoingagainstherwishes.Andthatwouldn’tberight,either,wouldit?”
“Itisadifficultquestion,”saidPoirot,shakinghishead.“Yes,indeed,Ihaveworriedoveritagreatdeal.Mrs.Tanios—Bella—sheissuchanicewoman—andthosedearchildren!Imean,IfeelsureMissArundellwouldn’thavewantedherto—Ifeel,yousee,thatdearMissArundellintendedmetousemydiscretion.Shedidn’twanttoleaveanymoneyoutrighttoBellabecauseshewasafraidthatmanwouldgetholdofit.”
“Whatman?”
“Herhusband.Youknow,Mr.Poirot,thepoorgirlisquiteunderhisthumb.Shedoesanythinghetellsher.Idaresayshe’dmurdersomeoneifhetoldherto!Andshe’safraidofhim.I’mquitesureshe’safraidofhim.I’veseenherlooksimplyterrifiedonceortwice.Nowthatisn’tright,Mr.Poirot—youcan’tsaythat’sright.”
Poirotdidnotsayso.Insteadheinquired:
“WhatsortofmanisDr.Tanios?”
“Well,”saidMissLawson,hesitating,“he’saverypleasantman.”
Shestopped,doubtfully.
“Butyoudon’ttrusthim?”
“Well—no,Idon’t.Idon’tknow,”wentonMissLawsondoubtfully,“thatI’dtrustanymanverymuch!Suchdreadfulthingsonehears!Andalltheirpoorwivesgothrough!It’sreallyterrible!Ofcourse,Dr.Taniospretendstobeveryfondofhiswifeandhe’squitecharmingtoher.Hismannersarereallydelightful.ButIdon’ttrustforeigners.They’resoartful!AndI’mquitesuredearMissArundelldidn’twanthermoneytogetintohishands!”
“ItishardonMissTheresaArundellandMr.CharlesArundellalsotobedeprivedoftheirinheritance,”Poirotsuggested.
AspotofcolourcameintoMissLawson’sface.
“IthinkTheresahasquiteasmuchmoneyasisgoodforher!”shesaidsharply.“Shespendshundredsofpoundsonherclothes,alone.Andherunderclothing—it’swicked!Whenonethinksofsomanynice,well-bredgirlswhohavetoearntheirownliving—”
Poirotgentlycompletedthesentence.
“Youthinkitwoulddonoharmforhertoearnhersforabit?”
MissLawsonlookedathimsolemnly.
“Itmightdoheralotofgood,”shesaid.“Itmightbringhertohersenses.Adversityteachesusmanythings.”
Poirotnoddedslowly.Hewaswatchingherintently.
“AndCharles?”
“Charlesdoesn’tdeserveapenny,”saidMissLawson,sharply.“IfMissArundellcuthimoutofherwill,itwasforaverygoodcause—afterhiswickedthreats.”
“Threats?”Poirot’seyebrowsrose.
“Yes,threats.”
“Whatthreats?Whendidhethreatenher?”
“Letmesee,itwas—yes,ofcourse,itwasatEaster.ActuallyonEasterSunday—whichmadeitevenworse!”
“Whatdidhesay?”
“Heaskedherformoneyandsherefusedtogiveithim!Andthenhetoldherthatitwasn’twiseofher.Hesaidifshekeptupthatattitudehewould—nowwhatwasthephrase—averyvulgarAmericanone—oh,yes,hesaidhewouldbumpheroff!”
“Hethreatenedtobumpheroff?”
“Yes.”
“AndwhatdidMissArundellsay?”
“Shesaid:‘Ithinkyou’llfind,Charles,thatIcanlookaftermyself.’”
“Youwereintheroomatthetime?”
“Notexactlyintheroom,”saidMissLawsonafteramomentarypause.
“Quite,quite,”saidPoirot,hastily.“AndCharles,whatdidhesaytothat?”
“Hesaid:‘Don’tbetoosure.’”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“DidMissArundelltakethisthreatseriously?”
“Well,Idon’tknow…Shedidn’tsayanythingtomeaboutit…Butthenshewouldn’tdothat,anyway.”
Poirotsaidquietly:
“Youknew,ofcourse,thatMissArundellwasmakinganewwill?”
“No,no.I’vetoldyou,itwasacompletesurprise.Ineverdreamt—”
Poirotinterrupted.
“Youdidnotknowthecontents.Butyouknewthefact—thattherewasawillbeingmade?”
“Well—Isuspected—Imeanhersendingforthelawyerwhenshewaslaidup—”
“Exactly.Thatwasaftershehadafall,wasitnot?”
“Yes,Bob—Bobwasthedog—hehadlefthisballatthetopofthestairs—andshetrippedoveritandfell.”
“Anastyaccident.”
“Oh,yes,why,shemighteasilyhavebrokenherlegorherarm.Thedoctorsaidso.”
“Shemightquiteeasilyhavebeenkilled.”
“Yes,indeed.”
Heranswerseemedquitenaturalandfrank.
Poirotsaid,smiling:
“IthinkIsawMasterBobatLittlegreenHouse.”
“Oh,yes,Iexpectyoudid.He’sadearlittledoggie.”Nothingannoysmemorethantohearasportingterriercalledadearlittledoggie.Nowonder,Ithought,thatBobdespisedMissLawsonandrefusedtodoanythingshetoldhim
“Andheisveryintelligent?”wentonPoirot.
“Oh,yes,very.”
“Howupsethe’dbeifheknewhehadnearlykilledhismistress?”
MissLawsondidnotanswer.Shemerelyshookherheadandsighed.
Poirotasked:
“DoyouthinkitpossiblethatthatfallinfluencedMissArundelltoremakeherwill?”
Weweregettingperilouslynearthebonehere,Ithought,butMissLawsonseemedtofindthequestionquitenatural.
“Youknow,”shesaid,“Ishouldn’twonderifyouweren’tright.Itgaveherashock—I’msureofthat.Oldpeopleneverliketothinkthere’sanychanceoftheirdying.Butanaccidentlikethatmakesonethink.Orperhapsshemighthavehadapremonitionthatherdeathwasn’tfaroff.”
Poirotsaidcasually:
“Shewasinfairlygoodhealth,wasshenot?”
“Oh,yes.Verywell,indeed.”
“Herillnessmusthavecomeonverysuddenly?”
“Oh,itdid.Itwasquiteashock.Wehadhadsomefriendsthatevening—”MissLawsonpaused.
“Yourfriends,theMissesTripp.Ihavemetthoseladies.Theyarequitecharming.”
MissLawson’sfaceflushedwithpleasure.
“Yes,aren’tthey?Suchculturedwomen!Suchwideinterests!Andsoveryspiritual!Theytoldyou,perhaps—aboutoursittings?Iexpectyouareasceptic—butindeed,IwishIcouldtellyoutheinexpressiblejoyofgettingintotouchwiththosewho’vepassedover!”
“Iamsureofit.Iamsureofit.”
“Doyouknow,Mr.Poirot,mymotherhasspokentome—morethanonce.Itissuchajoytoknowthatone’sdearonesarestillthinkingofoneandwatchingoverone.”
“Yes,yes,Icanwellunderstandthat,”saidPoirot,gently.“AndwasMissArundellalsoabeliever?”
MissLawson’sfacecloudedoveralittle.
“Shewaswillingtobeconvinced,”shesaid,doubtfully.“ButIdonotthinkshealwaysapproachedthematterintherightframeofmind.Shewasscepticalandunbelieving—andonceortwiceherattitudeattractedamostundesirabletypeofspirit!Thereweresomeveryribaldmessages—alldue,Iamconvinced,toMissArundell’sattitude.”
“IshouldthinkverylikelyduetoMissArundell,”agreedPoirot.
“Butonthatlastevening—”continuedMissLawson,“perhapsIsabelandJuliatoldyou?—thereweredistinctphenomena.Actuallythebeginningofamaterialization.Ectoplasm—youknowwhatectoplasmisperhaps?”
“Yes,yes,Iamacquaintedwithitsnature.”
“Itproceeds,youknow,fromthemedium’smouthintheformofaribbonandbuildsitselfupintoaform.NowIamconvinced,Mr.Poirot,thatunknowntoherselfMissArundellwasamedium.OnthateveningIdistinctlysawaluminousribbonissuingfromdearMissArundell’smouth!Thenherheadbecameenvelopedinaluminousmist.”
“Mostinteresting!”
“Andthen,unfortunately,MissArundellwassuddenlytakenillandwehadtobreakuptheséance.”
“Yousentforthedoctor—when?”
“Firstthingthefollowingmorning.”
“Didhethinkthemattergrave?”
“Well,hesentinahospitalnursethefollowingevening,butIthinkhehopedshewouldpullthrough.”
“The—excuseme—therelativeswerenotsentfor?”
MissLawsonflushed.
“Theywerenotifiedassoonaspossible—thatistosay,whenDr.Graingerpronouncedhertobeindanger.”
“Whatwasthecauseoftheattack?Somethingshehadeaten?”
“No,Idon’tthinktherewasanythinginparticular.Dr.Graingersaidshehadn’tbeenquiteascarefulindietassheshouldhavebeen.Ithinkhethoughttheattackwasprobablybroughtonbyachill.Theweatherhadbeenverytreacherous.”
“TheresaandCharlesArundellhadbeendownthatweekend,hadtheynot?”
MissLawsonpursedherlipstogether.
“Theyhad.”
“Thevisitwasnotasuccess,”Poirotsuggested,watchingher.
“Itwasnot.”Sheaddedquitespitefully.“MissArundellknewwhatthey’dcomefor!”
“Whichwas?”askedPoirot,watchingher.
“Money!”snappedMissLawson.“Andtheydidn’tgetit.”
“No?”saidPoirot.
“AndIbelievethat’swhatDr.Tanioswasaftertoo,”shewenton.
“Dr.Tanios.Hewasnotdownthatsameweekend,washe?”
“Yes,hecamedownontheSunday.Heonlystayedaboutanhour.”
“EveryoneseemstohavebeenafterpoorMissArundell’smoney,”hazardedPoirot.
“Iknow,itisnotverynicetothinkof,isit?”
“No,indeed,”saidPoirot.“ItmusthavebeenashocktoCharlesandTheresaArundellthatweekendwhentheylearnedthatMissArundellhaddefinitelydisinheritedthem!”
MissLawsonstaredathim.
Poirotsaid:
“Isthatnotso?Didshenotspecificallyinformthemofthefact?”
“Astothat,Icouldn’tsay.Ididn’thearanythingaboutit!Therewasn’tanyfuss,oranything,asfarasIknow.BothCharlesandhissisterseemedtogoawayquitecheerful.”
“Ah!possiblyIhavebeenmisinformed.MissArundellactuallykeptherwillinthehouse,didshenot?”
MissLawsondroppedherpince-nezandstoopedtopickthemup.
“Ireallycouldn’tsay.No,IthinkitwaswithMr.Purvis.”
“Whowastheexecutor?”
“Mr.Purviswas.”
“Afterthedeathdidhecomeoverandlookthroughherpapers?”
“Yes,hedid.”
Poirotlookedatherkeenlyandaskedheranunexpectedquestion.
“DoyoulikeMr.Purvis?”
MissLawsonwasflustered.
“LikeMr.Purvis?Well,really,that’sdifficulttosay,isn’tit?Imean,I’msurehe’saverycleverman—thatisacleverlawyer,Imean.Butratherabrusquemanner!Imean,it’snotverypleasantalways,tohavesomeonespeakingtoyouasthough—well,reallyIcan’texplainwhatImean—hewasquitecivilandyetatthesametime,almostrudeifyouknowwhatImean.”
“Adifficultsituationforyou,”saidPoirot,sympathetically.
“Yes,indeeditwas.”
MissLawsonsighedandshookherhead.
Poirotrosetohisfeet.
“Thankyouverymuch,mademoiselle,forallyourkindnessandhelp.”
MissLawsonrosetoo.Shesoundedslightlyflustered.
“I’msurethere’snothingtothankmefor—nothingatall!SogladifI’vebeenabletodoanything—ifthere’sanythingmoreIcando—”
Poirotcamebackfromthedoor.Heloweredhisvoice.
“Ithink,MissLawson,thatthereissomethingyououghttobetold.CharlesandTheresaArundellarehopingtoupsetthiswill.”
AsharpflushofcolourcameintoMissLawson’scheeks.
“Theycan’tdothat,”shesaid,sharply.“Mylawyersaysso.”
“Ah,”saidPoirot.“Youhaveconsultedalawyer,then?”
“Certainly.Whyshouldn’tI?”
“Noreasonatall.Averywiseproceeding.Gooddaytoyou,mademoiselle.”
WhenweemergedfromClanroydenMansionsintothestreetPoirotdrewadeepbreath.
“Hastings,monami,thatwomaniseitherexactlywhatsheseemsorelsesheisaverygoodactress.”
“Shedoesn’tbelieveMissArundell’sdeathwasanythingbutnatural.Youcanseethat,”Isaid.
Poirotdidnotanswer.Therearemomentswhenheisconvenientlydeaf.Hehailedataxi.
“DurhamHotel,Bloomsbury,”hetoldthedriver.
Sixteen
MRS.TANIOS
“Gentlemantoseeyou,madame.”
ThewomanwhowassittingwritingatoneofthetablesinthewritingroomoftheDurhamHotelturnedherheadandthenrose,comingtowardsusuncertainly.
Mrs.Taniosmighthavebeenanyageoverthirty.Shewasatall,thinwomanwithdarkhair,ratherprominentlight“boiledgooseberry”eyesandaworriedface.Afashionablehatwasperchedonherheadatanunfashionableangleandsheworearatherdepressed-lookingcottonfrock.
“Idon’tthink—”shebeganvaguely.
Poirotbowed.
“Ihavejustcomefromyourcousin,MissTheresaArundell.”
“Oh!fromTheresa?Yes?”
“PerhapsIcouldhaveafewminutes’privateconversation?”
Mrs.Tanioslookedaboutherrathervacantly.Poirotsuggestedaleathersofaatthefarendoftheroom.
Aswemadeourwaythereahighvoicesqueakedout:
“Mother,whereareyougoing?”
“Ishallbejustoverthere.Goonwithyourletter,darling.”
Thechild,athin,peaky-lookinggirlofaboutseven,settleddownagaintowhatwasevidentlyalaborioustask.Hertongueshowedthroughherpartedlipsintheeffortofcomposition.
Thefarendoftheroomwasquitedeserted.Mrs.Taniossatdown,wedidthesame.ShelookedinquiringlyatPoirot.
Hebegan:
“Itisinreferencetothedeathofyouraunt,thelateMissEmilyArundell.”
WasIbeginningtofancythings,ordidalookofalarmspringupsuddenlyinthosepale,prominenteyes.
“Yes?”
“MissArundell,”saidPoirot,“alteredherwillaveryshorttimebeforeshedied.BythenewwilleverythingwaslefttoMissWilhelminaLawson.WhatIwanttoknow,Mrs.Tanios,iswhetheryouwilljoinwithyourcousins,MissTheresaandMr.CharlesArundell,intryingtocontestthatwill?”
“Oh!”Mrs.Taniosdrewadeepbreath.“ButIdon’tthinkthat’spossible,isit?Imean,myhusbandconsultedalawyerandheseemedtothinkthatitwasbetternottoattemptit.”
“Lawyers,madame,arecautiouspeople.Theiradviceisusuallytoavoidlitigationatallcosts—andnodoubttheyareusuallyright.Buttherearetimeswhenitpaystotakearisk.IamnotalawyermyselfandthereforeIlookatthematterdifferently.MissArundell—MissTheresaArundell,Imean—ispreparedtofight.Whataboutyou?”
“I—Oh!Ireallydon’tknow.”Shetwistedherfingersnervouslytogether:“Ishouldhavetoconsultmyhusband.”
“Certainly,youmustconsultyourhusbandbeforeanythingdefiniteisundertaken.Butwhatisyourownfeelinginthematter?”
“Well,really,Idon’tknow.”Mrs.Tanioslookedmoreworriedthanever.“Itdependssomuchonmyhusband.”
“Butyouyourself,whatdoyouthink,madame?”
Mrs.Taniosfrowned,thenshesaidslowly:
“Idon’tthinkIliketheideaverymuch.Itseems—itseemsratherindecent,doesn’tit?”
“Doesit,madame?”
“Yes—afterallifAuntEmilychosetoleavehermoneyawayfromherfamily,Isupposewemustputupwithit.”
“Youdonotfeelaggrievedinthematter,then?”
“Oh,yes,Ido.”Aquickflushshowedinhercheeks.“Ithinkitwasmostunfair!Mostunfair!Andsounexpected.ItwassounlikeAuntEmily.Andsoveryunfaironthechildren.”
“YouthinkitisveryunlikeMissEmilyArundell?”
“Ithinkitwasextraordinaryofher!”
“Thenisn’titpossiblethatshewasnotactingofherownfreewill?Don’tyouthinkthatperhapsshewasbeingundulyinfluenced?”
Mrs.Taniosfrownedagain.Thenshesaidalmostunwillingly:
“ThedifficultthingisthatIcan’tseeAuntEmilybeinginfluencedbyanybody!Shewassuchadecidedoldlady.”
Poirotnoddedapprovingly.
“Yes,whatyousayistrue.AndMissLawsonishardlywhatonewoulddescribeasastrongcharacter.”
“No,she’sanicecreaturereally—ratherfoolish,perhaps—butvery,verykind.That’spartlywhyIfeel—”
“Yes,madame?”saidPoirotasshepaused.
Mrs.Taniostwistedherfingersnervouslyagainassheanswered:
“Well,thatitwouldbemeantotryandupsetthewill.Ifeelcertainthatitwasn’tinanywayMissLawson’sdoing—I’msureshe’dbequiteincapableofschemingandintriguing—”
“Again,Iagreewithyou,madame.”
“Andthat’swhyIfeelthattogotolawwouldbe—well,wouldbeundignifiedandspiteful,andbesidesitwouldbeveryexpensive,wouldn’tit?”
“Itwouldbeexpensive,yes.”
“Andprobablyuseless,too.Butyoumustspeaktomyhusbandaboutit.He’sgotamuchbetterheadforbusinessthanIhave.”
Poirotwaitedaminuteortwo,thenhesaid:
“Whatreasondoyouthinklaybehindthemakingofthatwill?”
AquickcolourroseinMrs.Tanios’cheeksasshemurmured:
“Ihaven’ttheleastidea.”
“Madame,IhavetoldyouIamnotalawyer.Butyouhavenotaskedmewhatmyprofessionis.”
Shelookedathiminquiringly.
“Iamadetective.And,ashorttimebeforeshedied,MissEmilyArundellwrotemealetter.”
Mrs.Taniosleanedforward,herhandspressedthemselvestogether.
“Aletter?”sheasked,abruptly.“Aboutmyhusband?”
Poirotwatchedherforaminuteortwo,thenhesaid,slowly:
“IamafraidIamnotatlibertytoanswerthatquestion.”
“Thenitwasaboutmyhusband.”Hervoiceroseslightly.“Whatdidshesay?Icanassureyou,Mr.—er—Idon’tknowyourname.”
“Poirotismyname.HerculePoirot.”
“Icanassureyou,Mr.Poirot,thatifanythingwassaidinthatletteragainstmyhusband,itwasentirelyuntrue!Iknow,too,whowillhaveinspiredthatletter!AndthatisanotherreasonwhyIwouldratherhavenothingtodowithanyactionundertakenbyTheresaandCharles!Theresahasneverlikedmyhusband.Shehassaidthings!Iknowshehassaidthings!AuntEmilywasprejudicedagainstmyhusbandbecausehewasnotanEnglishman,andshemaythereforehavebelievedthingsthatTheresasaidabouthim.Buttheyarenottrue,Mr.Poirot,youcantakemywordforthat!”
“Mother—I’vefinishedmyletter.”
Mrs.Taniosturnedquickly.Withanaffectionatesmileshetooktheletterthelittlegirlheldouttoher.
“That’sverynice,darling,verynice,indeed.Andthat’sabeautifuldrawingofMickeyMouse.”
“WhatshallIdonow,Mother?”
“Wouldyouliketogetanicepostcardwithapictureonit?Here’sthemoney.YougotothegentlemaninthehallandchooseoneandthenyoucansendittoSelim.”
Thechildmovedaway.IrememberedwhatCharlesArundellhadsaid.Mrs.Tanioswasevidentlyadevotedwifeandmother.Shewasalso,ashehadsaid,alittlelikeanearwig.
“Thatisyouronlychild,madame?”
“No,Ihavealittleboyalso.Heisoutwithhisfatheratthemoment.”
“TheydidnotaccompanyyoutoLittlegreenHouseonyourvisits?”
“Ohyes,sometimes,butyousee,myauntwasratheroldandchildrenwereinclinedtoworryher.ButshewasverykindandalwayssentthemoutnicepresentsatChristmas.”
“Letmesee,whendidyoulastseeMissEmilyArundell?”
“Ithinkitwasabouttendaysbeforeshedied.”
“Youandyourhusbandandyourtwocousinswerealldowntheretogether,wereyounot?”
“Oh,no,thatwastheweekendbefore—atEaster.”
“AndyouandyourhusbandweredowntheretheweekendafterEasteraswell?”
“Yes.”
“AndMissArundellwasingoodhealthandspiritsthen?”
“Yes,sheseemedmuchasusual.”
“Shewasnotillinbed?”
“Shewaslaidupwithafallshehadhad,butshecamedownstairsagainwhilewewerethere.”
“Didshesayanythingtoyouabouthavingmadeanewwill?”
“No,nothingatall.”
“Andhermannertoyouwasquiteunchanged?”
AslightlylongerpausethistimebeforeMrs.Taniossaid:
“Yes.”
IfeelsurethatatthatmomentPoirotandIhadthesameconviction.
Mrs.Tanioswaslying!
Poirotpausedaminuteandthensaid:
“PerhapsIshouldexplainthatwhenIaskedifMissArundell’smannertoyouwasunchanged,Iwasnotusingthe‘you’plural.Ireferredtoyoupersonally.”
Mrs.Taniosrepliedquickly.
“Oh!Isee.AuntEmilywasverynicetome.Shegavemealittlepearlanddiamondbroochandshesenttenshillingstoeachofthechildren.”
Therewasnoconstraintinhermannernow.Thewordscamefreelywitharush.
“Andasregardsyourhusband—wastherenochangeinhermannertohim?”
Theconstrainthadreturned.Mrs.TaniosdidnotmeetPoirot’seyeasshereplied:
“No,ofcoursenot—whyshouldtherebe?”
“ButsinceyousuggestthatyourcousinTheresaArundellmighthavetriedtopoisonyouraunt’smind—”
“Shedid!I’msureshedid!”Mrs.Taniosleantforwardeagerly.“Youarequiteright.Therewasachange!AuntEmilywassuddenlyfarmoredistanttohim.Andshebehavedveryoddly.Therewasaspecialdigestivemixtureherecommended—evenwenttothetroubleofgettinghersome—goingtothechemistandhavingitmadeup.Shethankedhimandallthat—butratherstiffly,andlaterIactuallysawherpouringthebottledownthesink!”
Herindignationwasquitefierce.
Poirot’seyesflickered.
“Averyoddprocedure,”hesaid.Hisvoicewascarefullyunexcited.
“Ithoughtitmostungrateful,”saidDr.Tanios’wifehotly.
“Asyousay,elderlyladiesdistrustforeignerssometimes,”saidPoirot.“IamsuretheythinkthatEnglishdoctorsaretheonlydoctorsintheworld.Insularityaccountsforalot.”
“Yes,Isupposeitdoes.”Mrs.Tanioslookedslightlymollified.
“WhendoyoureturntoSmyrna,madame?”
“Inafewweeks’time.Myhusband—ah!hereismyhusbandandEdwardwithhim.”
Seventeen
DR.TANIOS
ImustsaythatmyfirstsightofDr.Tanioswasratherashock.Ihadbeenimbuinghiminmymindwithallsortsofsinisterattributes.Ihadbeenpicturingtomyselfadark-beardedforeignerwithaswarthyaspectandasinistercastofcountenance.
Instead,Isawarotund,jolly,brown-haired,brown-eyedman.Andthoughitistruehehadabeard,itwasamodestbrownaffairthatmadehimlookmorelikeanartist.
HespokeEnglishperfectly.Hisvoicehadapleasanttimbreandmatchedthecheerfulgoodhumourofhisface.
“Hereweare,”hesaid,smilingtohiswife.“Edwardhasbeenpassionatelythrilledbyhisfirstrideinthetube.Hehasalwaysbeeninbusesuntiltoday.”
Edwardwasnotunlikehisfatherinappearance,butbothheandhislittlesisterhadadefinitelyforeign-lookingappearanceandIunderstoodwhatMissPeabodyhadmeantwhenshedescribedthemasratheryellow-lookingchildren.
ThepresenceofherhusbandseemedtomakeMrs.Taniosnervous.StammeringalittlesheintroducedPoirottohim.Me,sheignored.
Dr.Taniostookupthenamesharply.
“Poirot?MonsieurHerculePoirot?ButIknowthatnamewell!Andwhatbringsyoutous,M.Poirot?”
“Itistheaffairofaladylatelydeceased.MissEmilyArundell,”repliedPoirot.
“Mywife’saunt?Yes—whatofher?”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“Certainmattershaveariseninconnectionwithherdeath—”
Mrs.Taniosbrokeinsuddenly.
“It’saboutthewill,Jacob.M.PoirothasbeenconferringwithTheresaandCharles.”
SomeofthetensitywentoutofDr.Tanios’attitude.Hedroppedintoachair
“Ah,thewill!Aniniquitouswill—butthere,itisnotmybusiness,Isuppose.”
PoirotsketchedanaccountofhisinterviewwiththetwoArundells(hardlyatruthfulone,Imaysay)andcautiouslyhintedatafightingchanceofupsettingthewill.
“Youinterestme,M.Poirot,verymuch.ImaysayIamofyouropinion.Somethingcouldbedone.Iactuallywentasfarastoconsultalawyeronthesubject,buthisadvicewasnotencouraging.Therefore—”heshruggedhisshoulders.
“Lawyers,asIhavetoldyourwife,arecautiouspeople.Theydonotliketakingchances.Butme,Iamdifferent!Andyou?”
Dr.Tanioslaughed—arichrollickinglaugh.
“Oh,I’dtakeachanceallright!Oftenhave,haven’tI,Bella,oldgirl?”Hesmiledacrossather,andshesmiledbackathim—butinarathermechanicalmanner,Ithought.
HeturnedhisattentionbacktoPoirot.
“Iamnotalawyer,”hesaid.“Butinmyopinionitisperfectlyclearthatthatwillwasmadewhentheoldladywasnotresponsibleforwhatshewasdoing.ThatLawsonwomanisbothcleverandcunning.”
Mrs.Taniosmoveduneasily.Poirotlookedatherquickly.
“Youdonotagree,madame?”
Shesaidratherweakly:
“Shehasalwaysbeenverykind.Ishouldn’tcallherclever.”
“She’sbeenkindtoyou,”saidDr.Tanios,“becauseshehadnothingtofearfromyou,mydearBella.You’reeasilytakenin!”
Hespokegood-humouredly,buthiswifeflushed.
“Withmeitwasdifferent,”hewenton.“Shedidn’tlikeme.Andshemadenobonesaboutshowingit!I’llgiveyouaninstance.Theoldladyhadafalldownthestairswhenwewerestayingthere.Iinsistedoncomingbackthefollowingweekendtoseehowshewas.MissLawsondidherutmosttopreventus.Shedidn’tsucceed,butshewasannoyedaboutit,Icouldsee.Thereasonwasclear.Shewantedtheoldladytoherself.”
AgainPoirotturnedtothewife.
“Youagree,madame?”
Herhusbanddidnotgivehertimetoanswer.
“Bella’stookindhearted,”hesaid.“Youwon’tgethertoimputebadmotivestoanybody.ButI’mquitesureIwasright.I’lltellyouanotherthing,M.Poirot.ThesecretofherascendencyoveroldMissArundellwasspiritualism!That’showitwasdone,dependuponit!”
“Youthinkso?”
“Sureofit,mydearfellow.I’veseenalotofthatsortofthing.Itgetsholdofpeople.You’dbeamazed!EspeciallyanyoneofMissArundell’sage.I’dbepreparedtobetthatthat’showthesuggestioncame.Somespirit—possiblyherdeadfather—orderedhertoalterherwillandleavehermoneytotheLawsonwoman.Shewasinbadhealth—credulous—”
TherewasaveryfaintmovementfromMrs.Tanios.Poirotturnedtoher.
“Youthinkitpossible—yes?”
“Speakup,Bella,”saidDr.Tanios.“Tellusyourviews?”
Helookedatherencouragingly.Herquicklookbackathimwasanoddone.Shehesitated,thensaid:
“Iknowsolittleaboutthesethings.Idaresayyou’reright,Jacob.”
“DependuponitI’mright,eh,M.Poirot?”
Poirotnoddedhishead.
“Itmaybe—yes.”Thenhesaid,“YouweredownatMarketBasing,Ithink,theweekendbeforeMissArundell’sdeath?”
“WeweredownatEasterandagaintheweekendafter—thatisright.”
“No,no,Imeanttheweekendafterthat—onthe26th.YouwerethereontheSunday,Ithink?”
“Oh,Jacob,wereyou?”Mrs.Tanioslookedathimwide-eyed.
Heturnedquickly.
“Yes,youremember?Ijustrandownintheafternoon.Itoldyouaboutit.”
BothPoirotandIwerelookingather.Nervouslyshepushedherhatalittlefartherbackonherhead.
“Surelyyouremember,Bella,”herhusbandcontinued.“Whataterriblememoryyou’vegot.”
“Ofcourse!”sheapologized,athinsmileonherface.“It’squitetrue,Ihaveashockingmemory.Andit’snearlytwomonthsagonow.”
“MissTheresaArundellandMr.CharlesArundellweretherethen,Ibelieve?”saidPoirot.
“Theymayhavebeen,”saidTanioseasily.“Ididn’tseethem.”
“Youwerenotthereverylongthen?”
“Oh,no—justhalfanhourorso.”
Poirot’sinquiringgazeseemedtomakehimalittleuneasy.
“Mightaswellconfess,”hesaidwithatwinkle.“Ihopedtogetaloan—butIdidn’tgetit.I’mafraidmywife’sauntdidn’ttaketomeasmuchasshemight.Pity,becauseIlikedher.Shewasasportingoldlady.”
“MayIaskyouafrankquestion,Dr.Tanios?”
WasthereorwastherenotamomentaryapprehensioninTanios’eye?
“Certainly,M.Poirot.”
“WhatisyouropinionofCharlesandTheresaArundell?”
Thedoctorlookedslightlyrelieved.
“CharlesandTheresa?”helookedathiswifewithanaffectionatesmile.“Bella,mydear,Idon’tsupposeyoumindmybeingfrankaboutyourfamily?”
Sheshookherhead,smilingfaintly.
“Thenit’smyopinionthey’rerottentothecore,bothofthem!FunnilyenoughIlikeCharlesthebest.He’saroguebuthe’salikeablerogue.He’snomoralsensebuthecan’thelpthat.Peoplearebornthatway.”
“AndTheresa?”
Hehesitated.
“Idon’tknow.She’sanamazinglyattractiveyoungwoman.Butshe’squiteruthless,Ishouldsay.She’dmurderanyoneincoldbloodifitsuitedherbook.Atleastthat’smyfancy.Youmayhaveheard,perhaps,thathermotherwastriedformurder?”
“Andacquitted,”saidPoirot.
“Asyousay,andacquitted,”saidTaniosquickly.“Butallthesame,itmakesone—wondersometimes.”
“Youmettheyoungmantowhomsheisengaged?”
“Donaldson?Yes,hecametosupperonenight.”
“Whatdoyouthinkofhim?”
“Acleverfellow.Ifancyhe’llgofar—ifhegetsthechance.Ittakesmoneytospecialize.”
“Youmeanthatheiscleverinhisprofession.”
“ThatiswhatImean,yes.Afirst-classbrain.”Hesmiled.“Notquiteashininglightinsocietyyet.Alittlepreciseandpriminmanner.HeandTheresamakeacomicpair.Theattractionofopposites.She’sasocialbutterflyandhe’sarecluse.”
Thetwochildrenwerebombardingtheirmother.
“Mother,can’twegointolunch?I’mhungry.We’llbelate.”
Poirotlookedathiswatchandgaveanexclamation.
“Athousandpardons!Idelayyourlunchhour.”
GlancingatherhusbandMrs.Taniossaid,uncertainly:
“Perhapswecanofferyou—”
Poirotsaidquickly:
“Youaremostamiable,madame,butIhavealuncheonengagementforwhichIamalreadylate.”
HeshookhandswithboththeTaniosesandwiththechildren.Ididthesame.
Wedelayedforaminuteortwointhehall.Poirotwantedtoputthroughatelephonecall.Iwaitedforhimbythehallporter’sdesk.IwasstandingtherewhenIsawMrs.Tanioscomeoutintothehallandlooksearchinglyaround.Shehadahunted,harriedlook.Shesawmeandcameswiftlyacrosstome.
“Yourfriend—M.Poirot—Isupposehehasgone?”
“No,heisinthetelephonebox.”
“Oh.”
“Youwantedtospeaktohim?”
Shenodded.Herairofnervousnessincreased.
Poirotcameoutoftheboxatthatmomentandsawusstandingtogether.Hecamequicklyacrosstous.
“M.Poirot,”shebeganquicklyinalow,hurriedvoice.“ThereissomethingthatIwouldliketosay—thatImusttellyou—”
“Yes,madame.”
“Itisimportant—veryimportant.Yousee—”
Shestopped.Dr.Taniosandthetwochildrenhadjustemergedfromthewritingroom.Hecameacrossandjoinedus.
“HavingafewlastwordswithM.Poirot,Bella?”
Histonewasgood-humoured,thesmileonhisfacepleasantnessitself.
“Yes—”Shehesitated,thensaid,‘Well,thatisreallyall,M.Poirot.IjustwantedyoutotellTheresathatwewillbackherupinanythingshedecidestodo.Iquiteseethatthefamilymuststandtogether.”
Shenoddedbrightlytous,thentakingherhusband’sarmshemovedoffinthedirectionofthediningroom.
IcaughtPoirotbytheshoulder.“Thatwasn’twhatshestartedtosay,Poirot!”
Heshookhisheadslowly,watchingtheretreatingcouple.“Shechangedhermind,”Iwenton.“Yes,monami,shechangedhermind.”“Why?”“IwishIknew,”hemurmured.“Shewilltellussomeothertime,”Isaidhopefully.“Iwonder.Iratherfear—shemaynot….”
Eighteen
“ANIGGERINTHEWOODPILE”
Wehadlunchatasmallrestaurantnotfaraway.IwaseagertolearnwhathemadeofthevariousmembersoftheArundellfamily.
“Well,Poirot?”Iaskedimpatiently.
WithalookofreproofPoirotturnedhiswholeattentiontothemenu.Whenhehadorderedheleanedbackinhischair,brokehisrollofbreadinhalfandsaidwithaslightlymockingintonation:
“Well,Hastings?”
“Whatdoyouthinkofthemnowyou’veseenthemall?”
Poirotrepliedslowly.
“Mafoi,Ithinktheyareaninterestinglot!Really,thiscaseisanenchantingstudy!Itis,howdoyousay,theboxofsurprises?LookhoweachtimeIsay,‘IgotaletterfromMissArundellbeforeshedied,’somethingcropsup.FromMissLawsonIlearnaboutthemissingmoney.Mrs.Taniossaysatonce,‘Aboutmyhusband?’Whyaboutherhusband?WhyshouldMissArundellwritetome,HerculePoirot,aboutDr.Tanios?”
“Thatwomanhassomethingonhermind,”Isaid.
“Yes,sheknowssomething.Butwhat?MissPeabodytellsusthatCharlesArundellwouldmurderhisgrandmotherfortwopence,MissLawsonsaysthatMrs.Tanioswouldmurderanyoneifherhusbandtoldhertodoso.Dr.TaniossaysthatCharlesandTheresaarerottentothecore,andhehintsthattheirmotherwasamurderessandsaysapparentlycarelesslythatTheresaiscapableofmurderinganyoneincoldblood.
“Theyhaveaprettyopinionofeachother,allthesepeople!Dr.Taniosthinks,orsayshethinks,thattherewasundueinfluence.Hiswife,beforehecamein,evidentlydidnotthinkso.Shedoesnotwanttocontestthewillatfirst.Latersheveersround.Seeyou,Hastings—itisapotthatboilsandseethesandeverynowandthenasignificantfactcomestothesurfaceandcanbeseen.Thereissomethinginthedepthsthere—yes,thereissomething!Iswearit,bymyfaithasHerculePoirot,Iswearit!”
Iwasimpressedinspiteofmyselfbyhisearnestness.
AfteraminuteortwoIsaid:
“Perhapsyouareright,butitseemstoovague—sonebulous.”
“Butyouagreewithmethatthereissomething?”
“Yes,”Isaidhesitatingly.“IbelieveIdo.”
Poirotleanedacrossthetable.Hiseyesboredintomine.
“Yes—youhavechanged.Youarenolongeramused,superior—indulgingmeinmyacademicpleasures.Butwhatisitthathasconvincedyou?Itisnotmyexcellentreasoning—non,cen’estpas?a!Butsomething—somethingquiteindependent—hasproducedaneffectonyou.Tellme,myfriend,whatisitthathassuddenlyinducedyoutotakethismatterseriously?”
“Ithink,”Isaidslowly,“itwasMrs.Tanios.Shelooked—shelooked—afraid.…”
“Afraidofme?”
“No—no,notofyou.Itwassomethingelse.Shespokesoquietlyandsensiblytobeginwith—anaturalresentmentatthetermsofthewill,perhaps,butotherwisesheseemedsoresignedandwillingtoleavethingsastheyare.Itseemedthenaturalattitudeofawell-bredbutratherapatheticwoman.Andthenthatsuddenchange—theeagernesswithwhichshecameovertoDr.Tanios’pointofview.Thewayshecameoutintothehallafterus—the—almostfurtiveway—”
Poirotnoddedencouragingly.
“Andanotherlittlethingwhichyoumaynothavenoticed—”
“Inoticeeverything!”
“Imeanthepointaboutherhusband’svisittoLittlegreenHouseonthatlastSunday.Icouldswearsheknewnothingofit—thatitwasthemostcompletesurprisetoher—andyetshetookhercuesoquickly—agreedthathehadtoldheraboutitandthatshehadforgotten.I—Ididn’tlikeit,Poirot.”
“Youarequiteright,Hastings—itwassignificantthat.”
“Itleftanuglyimpressionof—offearonme.”
Poirotnoddedhisheadslowly.
“Youfeltthesame?”Iasked.
“Yes—thatimpressionwasdefinitelyintheair.”Hepausedandthenwenton.“AndyetyoulikedTanios,didyounot?Youfoundhimanagreeableman,openhearted,good-natured,genial.AttractiveinspiteofyourinsularprejudiceagainsttheArgentines,thePortugueseandtheGreeks—athoroughlycongenialpersonality?”
“Yes,”Iadmitted.“Idid.”
Inthesilencethatensued,IwatchedPoirot.PresentlyIsaid:
“Whatareyouthinkingof,Poirot?”
“Iamreflectingonvariouspeople,handsomeyoungNormanGale,bluff,heartyEvelynHoward,thepleasantDr.Sheppard,thequiet,reliableKnighton.”
ForamomentIdidnotunderstandthesereferencestopeoplewhohadfiguredinpastcases.
“Whatofthem?”Iasked.
“Theywerealldelightfulpersonalities….”
“Mygoodness,Poirot,doyoureallythinkthatTanios—”
“No,no.Donotjumptoconclusions,Hastings.Iamonlypointingoutthatone’sownpersonalreactionstopeoplearesingularlyunsafeguides.Onemustgonotbyone’sfeelingsbutbyfacts.”
“H’m,”Isaid.“Factsarenotourstrongsuit.No,no,Poirot,don’tgooveritallagain!”
“Iwillbebrief,myfriend,donotfear.Tobeginwith,wehavequitecertainlyacaseofattemptedmurder.Youadmitthat,doyounot?”
“Yes,”Isaidslowly.“Ido.”
Ihad,uptonow,beenalittlescepticaloverPoirot’s(asIthought)somewhatfancifulreconstructionoftheeventsonthenightofEasterTuesday.Iwasforcedtoadmit,however,thathisdeductionswereperfectlylogical.
“Trèsbien.Nowonecannothaveattemptedmurderwithoutamurderer.Oneofthepeoplepresentonthateveningwasamurderer—inintentionifnotinfact.”
“Granted.”
“Thenthatisourstartingpoint—amurderer.Wemakeafewinquiries—we,asyouwouldsay—stirthemud—andwhatdoweget—severalveryinterestingaccusationsutteredapparentlycasuallyinthecourseofconversations.”
“Youthinktheywerenotcasual?”
“Impossibletotellatthemoment!MissLawson’sinnocentseemingwayofbringingoutthefactthatCharlesthreatenedhisauntmayhavebeenquiteinnocentoritmaynot.Dr.Tanios’remarksaboutTheresaArundellmayhaveabsolutelynomalicebehindthem,butbemerelyaphysician’sgenuineopinion.MissPeabody,ontheotherhand,isprobablyquitegenuineinheropinionofCharlesArundell’sproclivities—butitis,afterall,merelyanopinion.Soitgoeson.Thereisasaying,istherenot,aniggerinthewoodpile.Ehbien,thatisjustwhatIfindhere.Thereis—notanigger—butamurdererinourwoodpile.”
“WhatI’dliketoknowis,whatyouyourselfreallythink,Poirot?”
“Hastings—Hastings—Idonotpermitmyselfto‘think’—not,thatis,inthesensethatyouareusingtheword.AtthemomentIonlymakecertainreflections.”
“Suchas?”
“Iconsiderthequestionofmotive.WhatarethelikelymotivesforMissArundell’sdeath?Clearlythemostobviousoneisgain.WhowouldhavegainedbyMissArundell’sdeath—ifshehaddiedonEasterTuesday?”
“Everyone—withtheexceptionofMissLawson.”
“Precisely.”
“Well,atanyrate,onepersonisautomaticallycleared.”
“Yes,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.“Itwouldseemso.ButtheinterestingthingisthatthepersonwhowouldhavegainednothingifdeathhadoccurredonEasterTuesday,gainseverythingwhendeathoccurstwoweekslater.”
“Whatareyougettingat,Poirot?”Isaid,slightlypuzzled.
“Causeandeffect,myfriend,causeandeffect.”
Ilookedathimdoubtfully.
Hewenton:
“Proceedlogically!Whatexactlyhappened—aftertheaccident?”
IhatePoirotinthismood.Whateveronesaysisboundtobewrong!Iproceededwithintensecaution.
“MissArundellwaslaidupinbed.”
“Exactly.Withplentlyoftimetothink.Whatnext?”
“Shewrotetoyou.”Poirotnodded.
“Yes,shewrotetome.Andtheletterwasnotposted.Athousandpities,that.”
“Doyoususpectthattherewassomethingfishyaboutthatletternotbeingposted?”
Poirotfrowned.
“There,Hastings,IhavetoconfessthatIdonotknow.Ithink—inviewofeverythingIamalmostsure—thattheletterwasgenuinelymislaid.Ibelieve—butIcannotbesure—thatthefactthatsuchaletterwaswrittenwasunsuspectedbyanybody.Continue—whathappenednext?”
Ireflected.
“Thelawyer’svisit,”Isuggested.
“Yes—shesentforherlawyerandinduecoursehearrived.”
“Andshemadeanewwill,”Icontinued.
“Precisely.Shemadeanewandveryunexpectedwill.Now,inviewofthatwillwehavetoconsiderverycarefullyastatementmadetousbyEllen.Ellensaid,ifyouremember,thatMissLawsonwasparticularlyanxiousthatthenewsthatBobhadbeenoutallnightshouldnotgettoMissArundell’sears.”
“But—oh,Isee—no,Idon’t.OrdoIbegintoseewhatyouarehintingat…?”
“Idoubtit!”saidPoirot.“Butifyoudo,yourealize,Ihope,thesupremeimportanceofthatstatement.”
Hefixedmewithafierceeye.
“Ofcourse.Ofcourse,”Isaidhurriedly.
“Andthen,”continuedPoirot,“variousotherthingshappen.CharlesandTheresacomefortheweekend,andMissArundellshowsthenewwilltoCharles—orsohesays.”
“Don’tyoubelievehim?”
“Ionlybelievestatementsthatarechecked.MissArundelldoesnotshowittoTheresa.”
“BecauseshethoughtCharleswouldtellher.”
“Buthedoesn’t.Whydoesn’the?”
“AccordingtoCharleshimselfhedidtellher.”
“Theresasaidquitepositivelythathedidn’t—averyinterestingandsuggestivelittleclash.Andwhenwedepartshecallshimafool.”
“I’mgettingfogged,Poirot,”Isaidplaintively.
“Letusreturntothesequenceofevents.Dr.TanioscomesdownonSunday—possiblywithouttheknowledgeofhiswife.”
“Ishouldsaycertainlywithoutherknowledge.”
“Letussayprobably.Toproceed!CharlesandTheresaleaveontheMonday.MissArundellisingoodhealthandspirits.SheeatsagooddinnerandsitsinthedarkwiththeTrippsandtheLawson.Towardstheendoftheséancesheistakenill.SheretirestobedanddiesfourdayslaterandMissLawsoninheritsallhermoney,andCaptainHastingssaysshediedanaturaldeath!”
“WhereasHerculePoirotsaysshewasgivenpoisoninherdinneronnoevidenceatall!”
“Ihavesomeevidence,Hastings.ThinkoverourconversationwiththeMissesTripp.AndalsoonestatementthatstoodoutfromMissLawson’ssomewhatramblingconversation.”
“Doyoumeanthefactthatshehadcurryfordinner?Currywouldmaskthetasteofadrug.Isthatwhatyoumeant?”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“Yes,thecurryhasacertainsignificance,perhaps.”
“But,”Isaid,“ifwhatyouadvance(indefianceofallthemedicalevidence)istrue,onlyMissLawsonoroneofthemaidscouldhavekilledher.”
“Iwonder.”
“OrtheTrippwomen?Nonsense.Ican’tbelievethat!Allthesepeoplearepalpablyinnocent.”
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
“Rememberthis,Hastings,stupidity—orevensilliness,forthatmatter—cangohandinhandwithintensecunning.Anddonotforgettheoriginalattemptatmurder.Thatwasnotthehandiworkofaparticularlycleverorcomplexbrain.Itwasaverysimplelittlemurder,suggestedbyBobandhishabitofleavingtheballatthetopofthestairs.Thethoughtofputtingathreadacrossthestairswasquitesimpleandeasy—achildcouldhavethoughtofit!”
Ifrowned.
“Youmean—”
“Imeanthatwhatweareseekingtofindhereisjustonething—thewishtokill.Nothingmorethanthat.”
“Butthepoisonmusthavebeenaveryskilfulonetoleavenotrace,”Iargued.“Somethingthattheordinarypersonwouldhavedifficultyingettingholdof.Oh,damnitall,Poirot.Isimplycan’tbelieveitnow.Youcan’tknow!It’sallpurehypothesis.”
“Youarewrong,myfriend.Astheresultofourvariousconversationsthismorning.Ihavenowsomethingdefinitetogoupon.Certainfaintbutunmistakableindications.Theonlythingis—Iamafraid.”
“Afraid?Ofwhat?”
Hesaidgravely:
“Ofdisturbingthedogsthatsleep.Thatisoneofyourproverbs,isitnot?Toletthesleepingdogslie!Thatiswhatourmurdererdoesatpresent—sleepshappilyinthesun…Dowenotknow,youandI,Hastings,howoftenamurderer,hisconfidencedisturbed,turnsandkillsasecond—orevenathirdtime!”
“Youareafraidofthathappening?”
Henodded.
“Yes.Ifthereisamurdererinthewoodpile—andIthinkthereis,Hastings.Yes,Ithinkthereis….”
Nineteen
VISITTOMR.PURVIS
Poirotcalledforhisbillandpaidit.
“Whatdowedonext?”Iasked.
“Wearegoingtodowhatyousuggestedearlierinthemorning.WearegoingtoHarchestertointerviewMr.Purvis.ThatiswhyItelephonedfromtheDurhamHotel.”
“YoutelephonedtoPurvis?”
“No,toTheresaArundell.Iaskedhertowritemealetterofintroductiontohim.Toapproachhimwithanychanceofsuccesswemustbeaccreditedbythefamily.Shepromisedtosenditroundtomyflatbyhand.Itshouldbeawaitingustherenow.”
WefoundnotonlytheletterbutCharlesArundellwhohadbroughtitroundinperson.
“Niceplaceyouhavehere,M.Poirot,”heremarked,glancingroundthesittingroomoftheflat.
Atthatmomentmyeyewascaughtbyanimperfectlyshutdrawerinthedesk.Asmallslipofpaperwaspreventingitfromshutting.
NowiftherewasonethingabsolutelyincredibleitwasthatPoirotshouldshutadrawerinsuchafashion!IlookedthoughtfullyatCharles.Hehadbeenaloneinthisroomawaitingourarrival.IhadnodoubtthathehadbeenpassingthetimebysnoopingamongPoirot’spapers.Whatayoungcrookthefellowwas!Ifeltmyselfburningwithindignation.
Charleshimselfwasinamostcheerfulmood.
“Hereweare,”heremarked,presentingaletter.“Allpresentandcorrect—andIhopeyou’llhavemoreluckwitholdPurvisthanwedid.”
“Heheldoutverylittlehope,Isuppose?”
“Definitelydiscouraging…InhisopiniontheLawsonbirdhadclearlygotawaywiththedoings.”
“Youandyoursisterhaveneverconsideredanappealtothelady’sfeelings?”
Charlesgrinned.
“Iconsideredit—yes.Butthereseemedtobenothingdoing.Myeloquencewasinvain.Thepatheticpictureofthedisinheritedblacksheep—andasheepnotsoblackashewaspainted—(orsoIendeavouredtosuggest)—failedtomovethewoman!Youknow,shedefinitelyseemstodislikeme!Idon’tknowwhy.”Helaughed.“Mostoldwomenfallformequiteeasily.TheythinkI’veneverbeenproperlyunderstoodandthatI’veneverhadafairchance!”
“Ausefulpointofview.”
“Oh,it’sbeenextremelyusefulbeforenow.But,asIsay,withtheLawson,nothingdoing.Ithinkshe’sratheranti-man.Probablyusedtochainherselftorailingsandwaveasuffragetteflagingoodoldprewardays.”
“Ah,well,”saidPoirot,shakinghishead.“Ifsimplermethodsfail—”
“Wemusttaketocrime,”saidCharlescheerfully.
“Aha,”saidPoirot.“Now,speakingofcrime,youngman,isittruethatyouthreatenedyouraunt—thatyousaidthatyouwould‘bumpheroff,’orwordstothateffect?”
Charlessatdowninachair,stretchedhislegsoutinfrontofhimandstaredhardatPoirot.
“Nowwhotoldyouthat?”hesaid.
“Nomatter.Isittrue?”
“Well,thereareelementsoftruthaboutit.”
“Come,come,letmehearthestory—thetruestory,mind.”
“Oh,youcanhaveit,sir.Therewasnothingmelodramaticaboutit.I’dbeenattemptingatouch—ifyougatherwhatImean.”
“Icomprehend.”
“Well,thatdidn’tgoaccordingtoplan.AuntEmilyintimatedthatanyeffortstoseparateherandhermoneywouldbequiteunavailing!Well,Ididn’tlosemytemper,butIputittoherplainly.‘Nowlookhere,AuntEmily,’Isaid,‘youknow,you’regoingaboutthingsinsuchawaythatyou’llendbygettingbumpedoff!’Shesaid,rathersniffily,whatdidImean.‘Justthat,’Isaid.‘Hereareyourfriendsandrelationsallhangingaroundwiththeirmouthsopen,allaspooraschurchmice—whateverchurchmicemaybe—allhoping.Andwhatdoyoudo?Sitdownonthedibsandrefusetopart.That’sthewaypeoplegetthemselvesmurdered.Takeitfromme,ifyou’rebumpedoff,you’llonlyhaveyourselftoblame.’
“Shelookedatmethen,overthetopofherspectaclesinawayshehad.Lookedatmerathernastily.‘Oh,’shesaiddrilyenough,‘sothat’syouropinion,isit?’‘Itis,’Isaid.‘Youloosenupabit,that’smyadvicetoyou.’‘Thankyou,Charles,’shesaid,‘foryourwell-meantadvice.ButIthinkyou’llfindI’mwellabletotakecareofmyself.’‘Pleaseyourself,AuntEmily,’Isaid.Iwasgrinningallovermyface—andIfancyshewasn’tasgrimasshetriedtolook.‘Don’tsayIdidn’twarnyou.’‘I’llrememberit,’shesaid.”
Hepaused.
“That’salltherewastoit.”
“Andso,”saidPoirot,“youcontentedyourselfwithafewpoundnotesyoufoundinadrawer.”
Charlesstaredathim,thenburstoutlaughing.
“Itakeoffmyhattoyou,”hesaid.“You’resomesleuth!Howdidyougetholdofthat?”
“Itistrue,then?”
“Oh,it’strueenough!Iwasdamnedhardup.Hadtogetmoneysomewhere.Foundanicelittlewadofnotesinadrawerandhelpedmyselftoafew.Iwasverymodest—didn’tthinkmylittlesubtractionwouldbenoticed.Eventhen,they’dprobablythinkitwastheservants.”
Poirotsaiddrily:
“Itwouldbeveryseriousfortheservantsifsuchanideahadbeenentertained.”
Charlesshruggedhisshoulders.
“Everyoneforhimself,”hemurmured.
“Andlediabletakesthehindermost,”saidPoirot.“Thatisyourcreed,isit?”
Charleswaslookingathimcuriously.
“Ididn’tknowtheoldladyhadeverspottedit.Howdidyoucometoknowaboutit—andaboutthebumpingoffconversation?”
“MissLawsontoldme.”
“Theslyoldpussycat!”Helooked,Ithought,justashadedisturbed.“Shedoesn’tlikemeandshedoesn’tlikeTheresa,”hesaidpresently.“Youdon’tthink—she’sgotanythingmoreuphersleeve?”
“Whatcouldshehave?”
“Oh,Idon’tknow.It’sjustthatshestrikesmeasamaliciousolddevil.”Hepaused.“ShehatesTheresa…”headded.
“Didyouknow,Mr.Arundell,thatDr.TanioscamedowntoseeyourauntontheSundaybeforeshedied?”
“What—ontheSundaythatwewerethere?”
“Yes.Youdidnotseehim?”
“No.Wewereoutforawalkintheafternoon.Isupposehemusthavecomethen.FunnythatAuntEmilydidn’tmentionhisvisit.Whotoldyou?”
“MissLawson.”
“Lawsonagain?Sheseemstobeamineofinformation.”
Hepausedandthensaid:
“Youknow,Taniosisanicefellow.Ilikehim.Suchajolly,smilingchap.”
“Hehasanattractivepersonality,yes,”saidPoirot.
Charlesrosetohisfeet.
“IfI’dbeenhimI’dhavemurderedthedrearyBellayearsago!Doesn’tshestrikeyouasthetypeofwomanwhoismarkedoutbyfatetobeavictim?Youknow,IshouldneverbesurprisedifbitsofherturnedupinatrunkatMargateorsomewhere!”
“Itisnotaprettyactionthatyouattributetheretoherhusbandthegooddoctor,”saidPoirotseverely.
“No,”saidCharlesmeditatively.“AndIdon’tthinkreallythatTanioswouldhurtafly.He’smuchtookindhearted.”
“Andwhataboutyou?Wouldyoudomurderifitweremadeworthwhile?”
Charleslaughed—aringing,genuinelaugh.
“Thinkingaboutaspotofblackmail,M.Poirot?Nothingdoing.IcanassureyouthatIdidn’tput—”hestoppedsuddenlyandthenwenton—“strychnineinAuntEmily’ssoup.”
Withacarelesswaveofhishandhedeparted.
“Wereyoutryingtofrightenhim,Poirot?”Iasked.“Ifso,Idon’tthinkyousucceeded.Heshowednoguiltyreactionswhatsoever.”
“No?”
“No.Heseemedquiteunruffled.”
“Curiousthatpausehemade,”saidPoirot.
“Apause?”
“Yes.Apausebeforethewordstrychnine.Almostasthoughhehadbeenabouttosaysomethingelseandthoughtbetterofit.”
Ishruggedmyshoulders.
“Hewasprobablythinkingofagood,venomous-soundingpoison.”
“Itispossible.Itispossible.Butletussetoff.Wewill,Ithink,staythenightattheGeorgeinMarketBasing.”
TenminuteslatersawusspeedingthroughLondon,boundoncemoreforthecountry.
WearrivedinHarchesteraboutfouro’clockandmadeourwaystraighttotheofficesofPurvis,Purvis,CharlesworthandPurvis.
Mr.Purviswasabigsolidly-builtmanwithwhitehairandarosycomplexion.Hehadalittlethelookofacountrysquire.Hismannerwascourteousbutreserved.
Hereadtheletterwehadbroughtandthenlookedatusacrossthetopofhisdesk.Itwasashrewdlookandasomewhatsearchingone.
“Iknowyoubyname,ofcourse,M.Poirot,”hesaidpolitely.“MissArundellandherbrotherhave,Igather,engagedyourservicesinthismatter,butexactlyinwhatcapacityyouproposetobeofusetothemIamatalosstoimagine.”
“Shallwesay,Mr.Purvis,afullerinvestigationofallthecircumstances?”
Thelawyersaiddrily:
“MissArundellandherbrotherhavealreadyhadmyopinionastothelegalposition.Thecircumstanceswereperfectlyclearandadmitofnomisrepresentation.”
“Perfectly,perfectly,”saidPoirotquickly.“Butyouwillnot,Iamsure,objecttojustrepeatingthemsothatIcanenvisagethesituationclearly.”
Thelawyerbowedhishead.
“Iamatyourservice.”
Poirotbegan:
“MissArundellwrotetoyougivingyouinstructionsontheseventeenthofApril,Ibelieve?”
Mr.Purvisconsultedsomepapersonthetablebeforehim.
“Yes,thatiscorrect.”
“Canyoutellmewhatshesaid?”
“Sheaskedmetodrawupawill.Thereweretobelegaciestotwoservantsandtothreeorfourcharities.TherestofherestatewastopasstoWilhelminaLawsonabsolutely.”
“Youwillpardonme,Mr.Purvis,butyouweresurprised?”
“Iwilladmitthat—yes,Iwassurprised.”
“MissArundellhadmadeawillpreviously?”
“Yes,shehadmadeawillfiveyearsago.”
“Thatwill,aftercertainsmalllegacies,leftherpropertytohernephewandnieces?”
“ThebulkofherestatewastobedividedequallybetweenthechildrenofherbrotherThomasandthedaughterofArabellaBiggs,hersister.
“Whathashappenedtothatwill?”
“AtMissArundell’srequestIbroughtitwithmewhenIvisitedheratLittlegreenHouseonApril21st.”
“Ishouldbemuchobligedtoyou,Mr.Purvis,ifyouwouldgivemeafulldescriptionofeverythingthatoccurredonthatoccasion.”
Thelawyerpausedforaminuteortwo.Thenhesaid,veryprecisely:
“IarrivedatLittlegreenHouseatthreeo’clockintheafternoon.Oneofmyclerksaccompaniedme.MissArundellreceivedmeinthedrawingroom.”
“Howdidshelooktoyou?”
“Sheseemedtomeingoodhealthinspiteofthefactthatshewaswalkingwithastick.That,Iunderstand,wasonaccountofafallshehadhadrecently.Hergeneralhealth,asIsay,seemedgood.Shestruckmeasslightlynervousandoverexcitedinmanner.”
“WasMissLawsonwithher?”
“ShewaswithherwhenIarrived.Butsheleftusimmediately.”
“Andthen?”
“MissArundellaskedmeifIhaddonewhatshehadaskedmetodo,andifIhadbroughtthenewwillwithmeforhertosign.
“IsaidIhaddoneso.I—er—”hehesitatedforaminuteortwo,thenwentonstiffly.“Imayaswellsaythat,asfarasitwasproperformetodoso,IremonstratedwithMissArundell.Ipointedouttoherthatthisnewwillmightberegardedasgrosslyunfairtoherfamilywhowere,afterall,herownfleshandblood.”
“Andheranswer?”
“Sheaskedmeifthemoneywasorwasnotherowntodowithassheliked.Irepliedthatcertainlythatwasthecase.‘Verywellthen,’shesaid.IremindedherthatshehadknownthisMissLawsonaveryshorttime,andIaskedherifshewasquitesurethattheinjusticeshewasdoingherownfamilywaslegitimate.Herreplywas,‘Mydearfriend,IknowperfectlywhatIamdoing.’”
“Hermannerwasexcited,yousay.”
“IthinkIcandefinitelysaythatitwas,butunderstandme,M.Poirot,shewasinfullpossessionofherfaculties.Shewasineverysenseofthewordfullycompetenttomanageherownaffairs.ThoughmysympathiesareentirelywithMissArundell’sfamily,Ishouldbeobligedtomaintainthatinanycourtoflaw.”
“Thatisquiteunderstood.Proceed,Iprayyou.”
“MissArundellreadthroughherexistingwill.ThenshestretchedoutherhandfortheoneIhadhaddrawnup.ImaysaythatIwouldhavepreferredtosubmitadraftfirstbutshehadimpresseduponmethatthewillmustbebroughtherreadytosign.Thatpresentednodifficultiesasitsprovisionsweresosimple.Shereaditthrough,noddedherheadandsaidshewouldsignitstraightaway.Ifeltitmydutytoenteronelastprotest.Sheheardmeoutpatiently,butsaidthathermindwasquitemadeup.Icalledinmyclerkandheandthegardeneractedaswitnessestohersignature.Theservants,ofcourse,wereineligibleowingtothefactthattheywerebeneficiariesunderthewill.”
“Andafterwards,didsheentrustthewilltoyouforsafekeeping?”
“No,sheplaceditinadrawerofherdesk,whichdrawershelocked.”
“Whatwasdonewiththeoriginalwill?Didshedestroyit?”
“No,shelockeditawaywiththeother.”
“Afterherdeath,wherewasthewillfound?”
“Inthatsamedrawer.AsexecutorIhadherkeysandwentthroughherpapersandbusinessdocuments.”
“Werebothwillsinthedrawer?”
“Yes,exactlyasshehadplacedthemthere.”
“Didyouquestionheratallastothemotiveforthisrathersurprisingaction?”
“Idid.ButIgotnosatisfactoryanswer.Shemerelyassuredmethat‘sheknewwhatshewasdoing.’”
“Neverthelessyouweresurprisedattheproceeding?”
“Verysurprised.MissArundell,Ishouldsay,hadalwaysshownherselftohaveastrongsenseoffamilyfeeling.”
Poirotwassilentaminute,thenheasked:
“Youdidnot,Isuppose,haveanyconversationwithMissLawsononthesubject?”
“Certainlynot.Suchaproceedingwouldhavebeenhighlyimproper.”
Mr.Purvislookedscandalizedatthemeresuggestion.
“DidMissArundellsayanythingtoindicatethatMissLawsonknewthatawillwasbeingdrawninherfavour?”
“Onthecontrary.IaskedherifMissLawsonwasawareofwhatwasbeingdone,andMissArundellsnappedoutthatsheknewnothingaboutit.
“Itwasadvisable,Ithought,thatMissLawsonshouldnotbeawareofwhathadhappened.IendeavouredtohintasmuchandMissArundellseemedquiteofmyopinion.”
“Justwhydidyoustressthatpoint,Mr.Purvis?”
Theoldgentlemanreturnedhisglancewithdignity.
“Suchthings,inmyopinion,arebetterundiscussed.Alsoitmighthaveledtofuturedisappointment.”
“Ah,”Poirotdrewalongbreath.“ItakeitthatyouthoughtitprobablethatMissArundellmightchangehermindinthenearfuture?”
Thelawyerbowedhishead.
“Thatisso.IfanciedthatMissArundellhadhadsomeviolentaltercationwithherfamily.Ithoughtitprobablethatwhenshecooleddown,shewouldrepentofherrashdecision.”
“Inwhichcaseshewouldhavedone—what?”
“Shewouldhavegivenmeinstructionstoprepareanewwill.”
“Shemighthavetakenthesimplercourseofmerelydestroyingthewilllatelymade,inwhichcasetheolderwillwouldhavebeengood?”
“Thatisasomewhatdebatablepoint.Allearlierwills,youunderstand,hadbeendefinitelyrevokedbythetestator.”
“ButMissArundellwouldnothavehadthelegalknowledgetoappreciatethatpoint.Shemayhavethoughtthatbydestroyingthelatterwill,theearlieronewouldstand.”
“Itisquitepossible.”
“Actually,ifshediedintestate,hermoneywouldpasstoherfamily?”
“Yes.OnehalftoMrs.Tanios,onehalfdivisiblebetweenCharlesandTheresaArundell.Butthefactremains,however,thatshedidnotchangehermind!Shediedwithherdecisionunchanged.”
“Butthat,”saidPoirot,“iswhereIcomein.”
Thelawyerlookedathiminquiringly.
Poirotleanedforward.
“Supposing,”hesaid,“thatMissArundell,onherdeathbed,wishedtodestroythatwill.Supposingthatshebelievedthatshehaddestroyedit—butthat,inreality,sheonlydestroyedthefirstwill.”
Mr.Purvisshookhishead.
“No,bothwillswereintact.”
“Thensupposingshedestroyedadummywill—undertheimpressionthatshewasdestroyingthegenuinedocument.Shewasveryill,remember,itwouldbeeasytodeceiveher.”
“Youwouldhavetobringevidencetothateffect,”saidthelawyersharply.
“Oh!undoubtedly—undoubtedly….”
“Isthere—mayIask—isthereanyreasontobelievesomethingofthatkindhappened?”
Poirotdrewbackalittle.
“Ishouldnotliketocommitmyselfatthisstage—”
“Naturally,naturally,”saidMr.Purvis,agreeingwithaphrasethatwasfamiliartohim.
“ButmayIsay,strictlyinconfidence,thattherearesomecuriousfeaturesaboutthisbusiness!”
“Really?Youdon’tsayso?”
Mr.Purvisrubbedhishandstogetherwithakindofpleasurableanticipation.
“WhatIwantedfromyouandwhatIhavegot,”continuedPoirot,“isyouropinionthatMissArundellwould,soonerorlater,havechangedhermindandrelentedtowardsherfamily.”
“Thatisonlymypersonalopinion,ofcourse,”thelawyerpointedout.
“Mydearsir,Iquiteunderstand.Youdonot,Ibelieve,actforMissLawson?”
“IadvisedMissLawsontoconsultanindependentsolicitor,”saidMr.Purvis
Histonewaswooden.
Poirotshookhandswithhim,thankinghimforhiskindnessandtheinformationhehadgivenus.
Twenty
SECONDVISITTOLITTLEGREENHOUSE
OnourwayfromHarchestertoMarketBasing,amatterofsometenmiles,wediscussedthesituation.
“Haveyouanygroundsatall,Poirot,forthatsuggestionyouthrewout?”
“YoumeanthatMissArundellmayhavebelievedthatthatparticularwillwasdestroyed?No,monami—frankly,no.Butitwasincumbentuponme—youmustperceivethat—tomakesomesortofsuggestion!Mr.Purvisisashrewdman.UnlessIthrewoutsomehintofthekindIdid,hewouldaskhimselfwhatIcouldbedoinginthisaffair.”
“Doyouknowwhatyouremindmeof,Poirot?”Isaid.
“No,monami.”
“Ofajugglerjugglingwithalotofdifferentcolouredballs!Theyareallintheairatonce.”
“ThedifferentcolouredballsarethedifferentliesItell—eh?”
“That’saboutthesizeofit.”
“Andsomeday,youthink,therewillcomethegrandcrash?”
“Youcan’tkeepitupforever,”Ipointedout.
“Thatistrue.TherewillcomethegrandmomentwhenIcatchtheballsonebyone,makemybow,andwalkoffthestage.”
“Tothesoundofthunderousapplausefromtheaudience.”
Poirotlookedatmerathersuspiciously
“Thatwellmaybe,yes.”
“Wedidn’tlearnverymuchfromMr.Purvis,”Iremarked,edgingawayfromthedangerpoint.
“No,exceptthatitconfirmedourgeneralideas.”
“AnditconfirmedMissLawson’sstatementthatsheknewnothingaboutthewilluntilaftertheoldlady’sdeath.”
“Me,Idonotseethatitconfirmedanythingofthesort.”
“PurvisadvisedMissArundellnottotellher,andMissArundellrepliedthatshehadnointentionofdoingso.”
“Yes,thatisallveryniceandclear.Buttherearekeyholes,myfriend,andkeysthatunlocklockeddrawers.”
“DoyoureallythinkthatMissLawsonwouldeavesdropandpokeandpryaround?”Iaskedrathershocked.
Poirotsmiled.
“MissLawson—sheisnotanoldschooltie,moncher.Weknowthatsheoverheardoneconversationwhichshewasnotsupposedtohaveheard—IrefertotheoneinwhichCharlesandhisauntdiscussedthequestionofbumpingoffmiserlyrelatives.”
Iadmittedthetruthofthat.
“Soyousee,Hastings,shemayeasilyhaveoverheardsomeoftheconversationbetweenMr.PurvisandMissArundell.Hehasagoodresonantvoice.”
“Asforpokingandprying,”wentonPoirot.“Morepeopledoitthanyouwouldsuppose.TimidandeasilyfrightenedpeoplesuchasMissLawsonoftenacquireanumberofmildlydishonourablehabitswhichareagreatsolaceandrecreationtothem.”
“Really,Poirot!”Iprotested.
Henoddedhisheadagoodmanytimes.
“Butyes,itisso,itisso.”
WearrivedattheGeorgeandtookacoupleofrooms.ThenwestrolledoffinthedirectionofLittlegreenHouse.
Whenwerangthebell,Bobimmediatelyansweredthechallenge.Dashingacrossthehall,barkingfuriously,heflunghimselfagainstthefrontdoor.
“I’llhaveyourliverandyourlights!”hesnarled.“I’lltearyoulimbfromlimb!I’llteachyoutotryandgetintothishouse!JustwaituntilIgetmyteethintoyou.”
Asoothingmurmuraddeditselftotheclamour.
“Nowthen,boy.Nowthen,there’sagooddoggie.Comeinhere.”
Bob,draggedbythecollar,wasimmuredinthemorningroommuchagainsthiswill.
“Alwaysspoilingafellow’ssport,”hegrumbled.“FirstchanceI’vehadofgivinganyoneareallygoodfrightforeversolong.Justachingtogetmyteethintoatrouserleg.Youbecarefulofyourselfwithoutmetoprotectyou.”
Thedoorofthemorningroomwasshutonhim,andEllendrewbackboltsandbarsandopenedthefrontdoor.
“Oh,it’syou,sir,”sheexclaimed.
Shedrewthedoorrightback.Alookofhighlypleasurableexcitementspreadoverherface.
“Comein,sir,ifyouplease,sir.”
Weenteredthehall.Frombeneaththedoorontheleft,loudsnufflingsoundsproceeded,interspersedwithgrowls.Bobwasendeavouringto“place”uscorrectly.
“Youcanlethimout,”Isuggested.
“Iwill,sir.He’squiteallright,really,buthemakessuchanoiseandrushesatpeoplesoitfrightensthem.He’sasplendidwatchdogthough.”
Sheopenedthemorningroomdoor,andBobshotthroughlikeasuddenlyprojectedcannonball.
“Whoisit?Wherearethey?Oh,thereyouare.Dearme,don’tIseemtoremember—”sniff—sniff—sniff—prolongedsnort.“Ofcourse!Wehavemet!”
“Hullo,oldman,”Isaid.“Howgoesit?”
Bobwaggedhistailperfunctorily.
“Nicely,thankyou.Letmejustsee—”heresumedhisresearches.“Beentalkingtoaspaniellately,Ismell.Foolishdogs,Ithink.What’sthis?Acat?Thatisinteresting.Wishwehadherhere.We’dhaveraresport.H’m—notabadbullterrier.”
HavingcorrectlydiagnosedavisitIhadlatelypaidtosomedoggyfriends,hetransferredhisattentiontoPoirot,inhaledanosefulofbenzineandwalkedawayreproachfully.
“Bob,”Icalled.
Hethrewmealookoverhisshoulder.
“It’sallright.IknowwhatI’mdoing.I’llbebackinajiffy.”
“Thehouseisallshutup.Ihopeyou’llexcuse—”Ellenhurriedintothemorningroomandbegantounfastentheshutters.
“Excellent,thisisexcellent,”saidPoirot,followingherinandsittingdown.AsIwasabouttojoinhim,Bobreappearedfromsomemysteriousregion,ballinmouth.Hedashedupthestairsandsprawledhimselfonthetopstep,hisballbetweenhispaws.Histailwaggedslowly.
“Comeon,”hesaid.“Comeon.Let’shaveagame.”
Myinterestindetectionmomentarilyeclipsed,weplayedforsomeminutes,thenwithafeelingofguiltIhurriedintothemorningroom.
PoirotandEllenseemedtobewellawayonthesubjectofillnessandmedicines.
“Somelittlewhitepills,sir,that’sallsheusedtotake.Twoorthreeaftereverymeal.ThatwasDr.Grainger’sorders.Oh,yes,shewasverygoodaboutit.Tinylittlethingstheywere.AndthentherewassomestuffMissLawsonsworeby.Capsules,theywere,Dr.Loughbarrow’sLiverCapsules.Youcanseeadvertisementsofthemonallthehoardings.”
“Shetookthosetoo?”
“Yes.MissLawsongotherthemtobeginwith,andshethoughttheydidhergood.”
“DidDr.Graingerknow?”
“Oh,sir,hedidn’tmind.‘Youtake’emifyouthinktheydoyougood,’he’dsaytoher.Andshesaid,‘Well,youmaylaugh,buttheydodomegood.Alotbetterthananyofyourphysic.’AndDr.Grainger,helaughed,andsaidfaithwasworthallthedrugseverinvented.”
“Shedidn’ttakeanythingelse?”
“No.MissBella’shusband,theforeigndoctor,hewentoutandgotherabottleofsomething,butalthoughshethankedhimverypolitelyshepoureditawayandthatIknowforafact!AndIthinkshewasright.Youdon’tknowwhereyouarewiththeseforeignthings.”
“Mrs.Taniossawherpouringitaway,didn’tshe?”
“Yes,andI’mafraidshewasratherhurtaboutit,poorlady.I’msorry,too,fornodoubtitwaskindlymeantonthedoctor’spart.”
“Nodoubt.Nodoubt.IsupposeanymedicinesthatwereleftinthehousewerethrownawaywhenMissArundelldied?”
Ellenlookedalittlesurprisedatthequestion.
“Oh,yes,sir.ThenursethrewawaysomeandMissLawsongotridofalltheoldlotinthemedicinecupboardinthebathroom.”
“Isthatwherethe—er—Dr.Loughbarrow’sLiverCapsuleswerekept?”
“No,theywerekeptinthecornercupboardinthediningroomsoastobehandyfortakingaftermealsasdirected.”
“WhatnurseattendedMissArundell?Canyougivemehernameandaddress?”
Ellencouldsupplythatatonceanddid
PoirotcontinuedtoaskquestionsaboutMissArundell’slastillness.
Ellengavedetailswithrelish,describingthesickness,thepain,theonsetofjaundice,andthefinaldelirium.Idon’tknowwhetherPoirotgotanysatisfactionoutofthecatalogue.Helistenedpatientlyenoughandoccasionallyinterpolatedsomepertinentlittlequestion,usuallyaboutMissLawsonandtheamountoftimeshespentinthesickroom.Hewasalsoexceedinglyinterestedinthedietadministeredtotheillwoman,comparingitwiththatadministeredtosomedeadrelative(nonexistent)ofhisown.
Seeingthattheywereenjoyingthemselvessomuch,Istoleoutinthehallagain.Bobhadgonetosleeponthelanding,hisballlyingunderhischin.
Iwhistledtohimandhesprangup,alertatonce.Thistime,however,doubtlessoutofoffendeddignity,hemadeaprotractedbusinessofdespatchingtheballdowntome,severaltimescatchingitbackatthelastminute.
“Disappointed,aren’tyou?Well,perhapsIwillletyouhaveitthistime.”
WhenInextwentbacktothemorningroom,PoirotwastalkingaboutDr.Tanios’surprisevisitontheSundaybeforetheoldlady’sdeath.
“Yes,sir,Mr.CharlesandMissTheresawereoutforawalk.Dr.Tanioswasn’texpected,Iknow.ThemistresswaslyingdownandshewasverysurprisedwhenItoldherwhoitwas.‘Dr.Tanios?’shesaid.‘IsMrs.Tanioswithhim?’Itoldherno,thegentlemanhadcomealone.Soshesaidtotellhimshe’dbedowninaminute.”
“Didhestaylong?”
“Notaboveanhour,sir.Hedidn’tlooktoopleasedwhenhewentaway.”
“Haveyouanyideaofthe—er—purposeofhisvisit?”
“Icouldn’tsay,I’msure,sir.”
“Youdidnothappentohearanything?”
Ellen’sfaceflushedsuddenly.
“No,Ididnot,sir!I’veneverbeenonetolistenatdoors,nomatterwhatsomepeoplewilldo—andpeoplewhooughttoknowbetter!”
“Oh,butyoumisunderstandme.”Poirotwaseager,apologetic.“Itjustoccurredtomethatperhapsyoumighthavebroughtinteawhilethegentlemanwasthereandifso,youcouldhardlyhavehelpedhearingwhatheandyourmistressweretalkingabout.”
Ellenwasmollified.
“I’msorry,sir,Imisunderstoodyou.No,Dr.Taniosdidn’tstayfortea.”
Poirotlookedupatherandtwinkledalittle.
“AndifIwanttoknowwhathecamedownfor—well,itispossiblethatMissLawsonmightbeinapositiontoknow?Isthatit?”
“Well,ifshedoesn’tknow,sir,nobodydoes,”saidEllenwithasniff.
“Letmesee,”Poirotfrownedasthoughtryingtoremember.“MissLawson’sbedroom—wasitnexttoMissArundell’s?”
“No,sir.MissLawson’sroomisrightatthetopofthestaircase.Icanshowyou,sir.”
Poirotacceptedtheoffer.Ashewentupthestairshekeptclosetothewallside,andjustashereachedthetoputteredanexclamationandstoopedtohistrouserleg.
“Ah—Ihavejustcaughtathread—ah,yes,thereisanailhereintheskirtingboard.”
“Yes,thereis,sir.Ithinkitmusthaveworkedlooseorsomething.I’vecaughtmydressonitonceortwice.”
“Hasitbeenlikethatlong?”
“Well,sometime,I’mafraid,sir.Inoticeditfirstwhenthemistresswaslaidup—afterheraccident,thatwas,sir—ItriedtopullitoutbutIcouldn’t.”
“Ithadathreadrounditsometime,Ithink.”
“That’sright,sir,therewasalittleloopofthread,Iremember.Ican’tthinkwhatfor,I’msure.”
ButtherewasnosuspicioninEllen’svoice.Toheritwasjustoneofthethingsthatoccurinhousesandwhichonedoesnotbothertoexplain!
Poirothadsteppedintotheroomatthetopofthestairs.Itwasofmoderatesize.Thereweretwowindowsdirectlyfacingus.Therewasadressingtableacrossonecornerandbetweenthewindowswasawardrobewithalongmirror.Thebedwastotherightbehindthedoorfacingthewindows.Ontheleft-handwalloftheroomwasabigmahoganychestofdrawersandamarble-toppedwashstand.
Poirotlookedroundtheroomthoughtfullyandthencameoutagainonthelanding.Hewentalongthepassage,passingtwootherbedroomsandthencametothelargebedchamberwhichhadbelongedtoEmilyArundell.
“Thenursehadthelittleroomnextdoor,”Ellenexplained.
Poirotnoddedthoughtfully.
Aswedescendedthestairs,heaskedifhemightwalkroundthegarden.
“Oh,yes,sir,certainly.Itlookslovelyjustnow.”
“Thegardenerisstillemployed?”
“Angus?Oh,yes,Angusisstillhere.MissLawsonwantseverythingkeptnicebecauseshethinksitwillsellbetterthatway.”
“Ithinksheiswise.Toletaplaceruntoseedisnotthegoodpolicy.”
Thegardenwasverypeacefulandbeautiful.Thewideborderswerefulloflupinsanddelphiniumsandgreatscarletpoppies.Thepeonieswereinbud.Wanderingalongwecamepresentlytoapottingshedwhereabig,ruggedoldmanwasbusy.HesalutedusrespectfullyandPoirotengagedhiminconversation.
AmentionthatwehadseenMr.Charlesthatdaythawedtheoldmanandhebecamequitegarrulous.
“Alwaysaone,hewas!I’veknownhimcomeoutherewithhalfagooseberrypieandthecookhuntinghighandlowforit!Andhe’dgobackwithsuchaninnocentfacethatdurnediftheywouldn’tsayitmusthavebeenthecat,thoughI’veneverknownacateatagooseberrypie!Oh,he’saone,Mr.Charlesis!”
“HewasdownhereinApril,wasn’the?”
“Yes,downheretwoweekends.Justbeforethemissusdied,itwas.”
“Didyouseemuchofhim?”
“Agoodbit,Idid.Therewasn’tmuchforayounggentlemantododownhere,andthat’safact.UsedtostrolluptotheGeorgeandhaveone.Andthenhe’dpotterroundhere,askingmequestionsaboutonethingandanother.”
“Aboutflowers?”
“Yes—flowers—andweedstoo.”Theoldmanchuckled.
“Weeds?”
Poirot’svoiceheldasudden,tentativenote.Heturnedhisheadandlookedsearchinglyalongtheshelves.Hiseyestoppedatatin.
“Perhapshewantedtoknowhowyougotridofthem?”
“Hedidthat!”
“Isupposethisisthestuffyouuse.”
Poirotturnedthetingentlyroundandreadthelabel.
“That’sit,”saidAngus.“Veryhandystuffitis.”
“Dangerousstuff?”
“Notifyouuseitright.It’sarsenic,ofcourse.Hadabitofajokeaboutthat,Mr.CharlesandIdid.Saidashowwhenhehadawifeanddidn’tlikeher,he’dcometomeandgetalittleofthatstufftoputherawaywith!Maybe,Isez,she’llbetheonethatwantstodoawaywithyou!Ah,thatmadehimlaughproper,thatdid!Itwasagoodone,that!”
Welaughedasindutybound.Poirotprisedupthelidofthetin.
“Nearlyempty,”hemurmured.
Theoldmanhadalook.
“Aye,there’smoregonethanIthought.NoideaI’dusedthatmuch.I’llbehavingtoordersomemore.”
“Yes,”saidPoirotsmiling.“I’mafraidthere’shardlyenoughforyoutosparemesomeformywife!”
Weallhadanothergoodlaughoverthiswitticism.
“You’renotmarried,Itakeit,mister?”
“No.”
“Ah!it’salwaysthemasisn’tthatcanaffordtojokeaboutit.Thosethatisn’tdon’tknowwhattroubleis!”
“Igatherthatyourwife—?”Poirotpauseddelicately.
“She’saliveallright—verymuchso.”
Angusseemedalittledepressedaboutit.
Complimentinghimonhisgarden,webadehimfarewell.
Twenty-one
THECHEMIST;THENURSE;THEDOCTOR
Thetinofweedkillerhadstartedanewtrainofthoughtinmymind.ItwasthefirstdefinitesuspiciouscircumstancethatIhadencountered.Charles’interestinit,theoldgardener’sobvioussurpriseatfindingthetinalmostempty—itallseemedtopointintherightdirection.
Poirotwas,asusualwhenIamexcited,verynoncommittal.
“Evenifsomeoftheweedkillerhasbeentaken,thereisasyetnoevidencethatCharleswasthepersontotakeit,Hastings.”
“Buthetalkedsomuchtothegardeneraboutit!”
“Notaverywiseprocedureifhewasgoingtohelphimselftosome.”
Thenhewenton:
“Whatisthefirstandsimplestpoisontocomeintoyourmindifyouwereaskedtonameonequickly?”
“Arsenic,Isuppose.”
“Yes.Youunderstandthen,thatverymarkedpausebeforethewordstrychninewhenCharleswastalkingtoustoday.”
“Youmean—?”
“Thathewasabouttosay‘arsenicinthesoup,’andstoppedhimself.”
“Ah!”Isaid,“andwhydidhestophimself?”
“Exactly.Why?Imaysay,Hastings,thatitwastofindtheanswertothatparticular‘why?’whichmademegooutintothegardeninsearchofanylikelysourceofweedkiller.”
“Andyoufoundit!”
“AndIfoundit.”
Ishookmyhead.
“ItbeginstolookratherbadforyoungCharles.YouhadagoodtalkwithEllenovertheoldlady’sillness.Didhersymptomsresemblethoseofarsenicpoisoning?”
Poirotrubbedhisnose.
“Itisdifficulttosay.Therewasabdominalpain—sickness.”
“Ofcourse—that’sit!”
“H’m,Iamnotsosure.”
“Whatpoisondiditresemble?”
“Ehbien,myfriend,itresemblednotsomuchpoisonasdiseaseoftheliveranddeathfromthatcause!”
“Oh,Poirot,”Icried.“Itcan’tbenaturaldeath!It’sgottobemurder!”
“Oh,là,là,weseemtohavechangedplaces,youandI.”
Heturnedabruptlyintoachemist’sshop.AfteralongdiscussionofPoirot’sparticularinternaltroubles,hepurchasedasmallboxofindigestionlozenges.Then,whenhispurchasewaswrappedupandhewasabouttoleavetheshop,hisattentionwastakenbyanattractively-wrappedpackageofDr.Loughbarrow’sLiverCapsules.
“Yes,sir,averygoodpreparation.”Thechemistwasamiddleagedmanofachattydisposition.“You’llfindthemveryefficacious.”
“MissArundellusedtotakethem,Iremember.MissEmilyArundell.”
“Indeedshedid,sir.MissArundellofLittlegreenHouse.Afineoldlady,oneoftheoldschool.Iusedtoserveher.”
“Didshetakemanypatentmedicines?”
“Notreally,sir.NotsomanyassomeelderlyladiesIcouldname.MissLawson,now,hercompanion,theonethat’scomeintoallthemoney—”
Poirotnodded.
“Shewasaoneforthis,that,andtheother.Pills,lozenges,dyspepsiatablets,digestivemixtures,bloodmixtures.Reallyenjoyedherselfamongthebottles.”Hesmiledruefully.“Iwishthereweremorelikeher.Peoplenowadaysdon’ttaketomedicinesastheyused.Still,wesellalotoftoiletpreparationstomakeupforit.”
“DidMissArundelltaketheseLiverCapsulesregularly?”
“Yes,she’dbeentakingthemforthreemonths,Ithink,beforeshedied.”
“Arelativeofhers,aDr.Tanios,cameintohaveamixturemadeuponeday,didn’the?”
“Yes,ofcourse,theGreekgentlemanthatmarriedMissArundell’sniece.Yes,averyinterestingmixtureitwas.OneI’venotpreviouslybecomeacquaintedwith.”
Themanspokeasofararebotanicaltrophy.
“Itmakesachangesir,whenyougetsomethingnew.Veryinterestingcombinationofdrugs,Iremember.Ofcourse,thegentlemanisadoctor.Verynicehewas—apleasantwaywithhim.”
“Didhiswifedoanyshoppinghere?”
“Didshenow?Idon’trecall.Oh,yes,cameinforasleepingdraught—chloralitwas,Iremember.Adoublequantitytheprescriptionwasfor.It’salwaysalittledifficultforuswithhypnoticdrugs.Yousee,mostdoctorsdon’tprescribemuchatatime.”
“Whoseprescriptionwasit?”
“Herhusband’sIthink.Oh,ofcourse,itwasquiteallright—but,youknow,wehavetobecarefulnowadays.Perhapsyoudon’tknowthefact,butifadoctormakesamistakeinaprescriptionandwemakeitupinallgoodfaithandanythinggoeswrongit’swewhohavetohavetheblame—notthedoctor.”
“Thatseemsveryunfair!”
“It’sworrying,I’lladmit.Ah,well,Ican’tcomplain.Notroublehascomemyway—touchingwood.”
Herappedthecountersharplywithhisknuckles.
PoirotdecidedtobuyapackageofDr.Loughbarrow’sLiverCapsules.
“Thankyou,sir.Whichsize?25,50,100?”
“Isupposethelargeronesarebettervalue—butstill—”
“Havethe50,sir.That’sthesizeMissArundellhad.Eightandsix.”
Poirotagreed,paidovereightandsixandreceivedtheparcel.
Thenwelefttheshop.
“SoMrs.Taniosboughtasleepingdraught,”Iexclaimedaswegotoutintothestreet.“Anoverdoseofthatwouldkillanyone,wouldn’tit?”
“Withthegreatestofease.”
“DoyouthinkoldMissArundell—”
IwasrememberingMissLawson’swords,“Idaresayshe’dmurdersomeoneifhetoldherto!”
Poirotshookhishead.
“Chloralisanarcotic,andahypnotic.Usedtoalleviatepainandasasleepingdraught.Itcanalsobecomeahabit.”
“DoyouthinkMrs.Tanioshadacquiredthehabit?”
Poirotshookhisheadperplexedly.
“No,Ihardlythinkso.Butitiscurious.Icanthinkofoneexplanation.Butthatwouldmean—”
Hebrokeoffandlookedathiswatch.
“Come,letusseeifwecanfindthisnurseCarrutherswhowaswithMissArundellinherlastillness.”
NurseCarruthersprovedtobeasensible-looking,middle-agedwoman.
Poirotnowappearedinyetanotherr?leandwithonemorefictitiousrelative.Thistimehehadanagedmotherforwhomhewasanxioustofindasympathetichospitalnurse.
“Youcomprehend—Iamgoingtospeaktoyouquitefrankly.Mymother,sheisdifficult.Wehavehadsomeexcellentnurses,youngwomen,fullycompetent,buttheveryfactthattheyareyounghasbeenagainstthem.Mymotherdislikesyoungwomen,sheinsultsthem,sheisrudeandfractious,shefightsagainstopenwindowsandmodernhygiene.Itisverydifficult.”
Hesighedmournfully.
“Iknow,”saidNurseCarrutherssympathetically.“It’sverytryingsometimes.Onehastousealotoftact.It’snouseupsettingapatient.Bettertogiveintothemasfarasyoucan.Andoncetheyfeelyou’renottryingtoforcethingsonthem,theyveryoftenrelaxandgiveinlikelambs.”
“Ah,Iseethatyouwouldbeidealinthepart.Youunderstandoldladies.”
“I’vehadtodowithafewinmytime,”saidNurseCarrutherswithalaugh.“Youcandoalotwithpatienceandgoodhumour.”
“Thatissowise.YounursedMissArundell,Ibelieve.Now,shecouldnothavebeenaneasyoldlady.”
“Oh,Idon’tknow.Shewasstrongwilled,butIdidn’tfindherdifficultatall.Ofcourse,Iwasn’tthereanylengthoftime.Shediedonthefourthday.”
“Iwastalkingtoherniece,MissTheresaArundell,onlyyesterday.”
“Really.Fancythatnow!WhatIalwayssayis—theworld’sasmallplace!”
“Youknowher,Iexpect?”
“Well,ofcourse,shecamedownafterheraunt’sdeathandshewashereforthefuneral.And,ofcourse,I’veseenheraboutbeforewhenshe’sbeenstayingdownhere.Averyhandsomegirl.”
“Yes,indeed—buttoothin—definitelytoothin.”
NurseCarruthers,consciousofherowncomfortableplumpness,preenedherselfslightly.
“Ofcourse,”shesaid,“oneshouldn’tbetoothin.”
“Poorgirl,”continuedPoirot.“Iamsorryforher.Entrenous,”heleanedforwardconfidentially,“heraunt’swillwasagreatblow.”
“Isupposeitmusthavebeen,”saidNurseCarruthers.“Iknowitcausedagooddealoftalk.”
“IcannotimaginewhatinducedMissArundelltodisinheritallherfamily.Itseemsanextraordinaryprocedure.”
“Mostextraordinary.Iagreewithyou.And,ofcourse,peoplesaytheremusthavebeensomethingbehinditall.”
“Didyouevergetanyideaofthereason?DidoldMissArundellsayanything?”
“No.Nottome,thatis.”
“Buttosomebodyelse?”
“Well,IratherfancyshementionedsomethingtoMissLawsonbecauseIheardMissLawsonsay,‘Yes,dear,butyouseeit’satthelawyer’s.’AndMissArundellsaid,‘I’msureit’sinthedrawerdownstairs.’AndMissLawsonsaid,‘No,yousentittoMr.Purvis.Don’tyouremember?’AndthenmypatienthadanattackofnauseaagainandMissLawsonwentawaywhileIsawtoher,butI’veoftenwonderedifitwasthewilltheyweretalkingabout.”
“Itcertainlyseemsprobable.”
NurseCarrutherswenton:
“Ifso,IexpectMissArundellwasworriedandperhapswantedtoalterit—butthere,shewassoill,poordear,afterthat—thatshewaspastthinkingofanything.”
“DidMissLawsontakepartinthenursingatall?”askedPoirot.
“Oh,dearno,shewasnomannerofgood!Toofussy,youknow.Sheonlyirritatedmypatient.”
“Didyou,then,doallthenursingyourself?C’estformidable?a.”
“Themaid—whatwashername—Ellen,helpedme.Ellenwasverygood.Shewasusedtoillnessandusedtolookingaftertheoldlady.Wemanagedprettywellbetweenus.Asamatteroffact,Dr.GraingerwassendinginanightnurseontheFriday,butMissArundelldiedbeforethenightnursearrived.”
“PerhapsMissLawsonhelpedtopreparesomeoftheinvalid’sfood?”
“No,shedidn’tdoanythingatall.Therewasn’treallyanythingtoprepare.IhadtheValentineandthebrandy—andtheBrand’sandglucoseandallthat.AllMissLawsondidwastogoaboutthehousecryingandgettingineveryone’sway.”
Thenurse’stonehelddistinctacrimony.
“Icansee,”saidPoirotsmiling,“thatyouhavenotaveryhighopinionofMissLawson’susefulness.”
“Companionsareusuallyapoorlot,inmyopinion.They’renottrained,yousee,inanyway.Justamateurs.Andusuallythey’rewomenwhowouldn’tbeanygoodatanythingelse.”
“DoyouthinkMissLawsonwasveryattachedtoMissArundell?”
“Sheseemedtobe.Veryupsetandtookonterriblywhentheoldladydied.Morethantherelativesdid,inmyopinion,”NurseCarruthersfinishedwithasniff.
“Perhaps,then,”saidPoirotnoddinghisheadsagely,“MissArundellknewwhatshewasdoingwhenshelefthermoneyasshedid.”
“Shewasaveryshrewdoldlady,”saidthenurse.“Therewasn’tmuchshedidn’ttakeinandknowabout,Imustsay!”
“Didshementionthedog,Bob,atall?”
“It’sfunnyyoushouldsaythat!Shetalkedabouthimalot—whenshewasdelirious.Somethingabouthisballandafallshe’dhad.Anicedog,Bobwas—I’mveryfondofdogs.Poorfellow,hewasverymiserablewhenshedied.Wonderful,aren’tthey?Quitehuman.”
Andonthenoteofthehumanityofdogs,weparted.
“Thereisonewhohadclearlynosuspicions,”remarkedPoirotafterwehadleft.
Hesoundedslightlydiscouraged.
WehadabaddinnerattheGeorge—Poirotgroaningagooddeal,especiallyoverthesoup.
“Anditissoeasy,Hastings,tomakegoodsoup.Lepotaufeu—”
Iavoidedadisquisitiononcookerywithsomedifficulty.
Afterdinnerwehadasurprise.
Weweresittinginthe“lounge”whichwehadtoourselves.Therehadbeenoneothermanatdinner—acommercialtravellerbyhisappearance—buthehadgoneout.IwasjustidlyturningoverthepagesofanantiquatedStockBreeder’sGazetteorsomesuchperiodicalwhenIsuddenlyheardPoirot’snamebeingmentioned.
Thevoiceinquestionwassomewhereoutside.
“Whereishe?Inhere?Right—Icanfindhim.”
Thedoorwasflungviolentlyopen,andDr.Grainger,hisfaceratherred,hiseyebrowsworkingirritably,strodeintotheroom.Hepausedtoclosethedoorandthenadvanceduponusinnouncertainfashion.
“Oh,hereyouare!Nowthen,M.HerculePoirot,whatthedevildoyoumeanbycomingroundtoseemeandtellingmeapackoflies?”
“Oneofthejuggler’sballs?”Imurmuredmaliciously.
Poirotsaidinhisoiliestvoice:
“Mydeardoctor,youmustallowmetoexplain—”
“Allowyou?Allowyou?Damnit,I’llforceyoutoexplain!You’readetective,that’swhatyouare!Anosing,pryingdetective!ComingroundtomeandfeedingmeupwithapackofliesaboutwritingoldGeneralArundell’sbiography!Morefoolmetobetakeninbysuchadamn’foolstory.”
“Whotoldyouofmyidentity?”askedPoirot.
“Whotoldme?MissPeabodytoldme.Shesawthroughyouallright!”
“MissPeabody—yes.”Poirotsoundedreflective.“Iratherthought—”
Dr.Graingercutinangrily.
“Nowthen,sir,I’mwaitingforyourexplanation!”
“Certainly.Myexplanationisverysimple.Attemptedmurder.”
“What?What’sthat?”
Poirotsaidquietly:
“MissArundellhadafall,didshenot?Afalldownthestairsshortlybeforeherdeath?”
“Yes,whatofit?Sheslippedonthatdamneddog’sball.”
Poirotshookhishead.
“No,Doctor,shedidnot.Athreadwasfastenedacrossthetopofthestairssoastotripherup.”
Dr.Graingerstared.
“Thenwhydidn’tshetellmeso?”hedemanded.“Neversaidawordtomeaboutit.”
“Thatisperhapsunderstandable—ifitwereamemberofherownfamilywhoplacedthatthreadthere!”
“H’m—Isee.”GraingercastasharpglanceatPoirot,thenthrewhimselfintoachair.“Well?”hesaid.“Howdidyoucometobemixedupinthisaffair?”
“MissArundellwrotetome,stressingtheutmostsecrecy.Unfortunatelytheletterwasdelayed.”
Poirotproceededtogivecertaincarefullyediteddetailsandexplainedthefindingofthenaildrivenintotheskirtingboard.
Thedoctorlistenedwithagraveface.Hisangerhadabated.“Youcancomprehendmypositionwasadifficultone,”Poirotfinished.“Iwasemployed,yousee,byadeadwoman.ButIcountedtheobligationnonethelessstrongforthat.”
Dr.Grainger’sbrowsweredrawntogetherinthought.
“Andyou’venoideawhoitwasstretchedthatthreadacrosstheheadofthestairs?”heasked.
“Ihavenoevidenceastowhoitwas.IwillnotsayIhavenoidea.”
“It’sanastystory,”saidGrainger,hisfacegrim.
“Yes.Youcanunderstand,canyounot,thattobeginwithIwasuncertainwhethertherehadorhadnotbeenasequel?”
“Eh?What’sthat?”
“ToallintentsandpurposesMissArundelldiedanaturaldeath,butcouldonebesureofthat?Therehadbeenoneattemptonherlife.HowcouldIbesurethattherehadnotbeenasecond?Andthistimeasuccessfulone!”
Graingernoddedthoughtfully.
“Isupposeyouaresure,Dr.Grainger—pleasedonotgetangry—thatMissArundell’sdeathwasanaturalone?Ihavecomeacrosscertainevidencetoday—”
HedetailedtheconversationhehadhadwitholdAngus,CharlesArundell’sinterestintheweedkiller,andfinallytheoldman’ssurpriseattheemptinessofthetin.
Graingerlistenedwithkeenattention.WhenPoirothadfinishedhesaid,quietly:
“Iseeyourpoint.Manyacaseofarsenicalpoisoninghasbeendiagnosedasacutegastroenteritisandacertificategiven—especiallywhentherearenosuspiciouscontributingcircumstances.Inanycase,arsenicalpoisoningpresentscertaindifficulties—ithassomanydifferentforms.Itmaybeacute,subacute,nervousorchronic.Theremaybevomitingandabdominalpain—thesesymptomsmaybeentirelyabsent—thepersonmayfallsuddenlytothegroundandexpireshortlyafterwards—theremaybenarcotismandparalysis.Thesymptomsvarywidely.”
Poirotsaid:
“Ehbien,takingthefactsintoaccount,whatisyouropinion?”
Dr.Graingerwassilentforaminuteortwo.Thenhesaidslowly:
“Takingeverythingintoaccount,andwithoutanybiaswhatever,IamoftheopinionthatnoformofarsenicalpoisoningcouldaccountforthesymptomsinMissArundell’scase.Shedied,Iamquiteconvinced,ofyellowatrophyoftheliver.Ihave,asyouknow,attendedherformanyyears,andshehassufferedpreviouslyfromattackssimilartothatwhichcausedherdeath.Thatismyconsideredopinion,M.Poirot.”Andthere,perforce,thematterhadtorest.
Itseemedratherananticlimaxwhen,somewhatapologetically,PoirotproducedthepackageofLiverCapsuleshehadboughtatthechemists.
“MissArundelltookthese,Ibelieve?”hesaid.“Isupposetheycouldnotbeinjuriousinanyway?”
“Thatstuff?Noharmatall.Aloes—podophyllin—allquitemildandharmless,”saidGrainger.“Shelikedtryingthestuff.Ididn’tmind.”
Hegotup.
“Youdispensedcertainmedicinesforheryourself?”askedPoirot.
“Yes—amildliverpilltobetakenafterfood.”Hiseyestwinkled.“Shecouldhavetakenaboxfulwithouthurtingherself.I’mnotgiventopoisoningmypatients,M.Poirot.”
Then,withasmile,heshookhandswithusbothanddeparted.
Poirotundidthepackagehehadpurchasedatthechemists.Themedicamentconsistedoftransparentcapsules,three-quartersfullofdarkbrownpowder.
“TheylooklikeaseasickremedyIoncetook,”Iremarked.
Poirotopenedacapsule,examineditscontentsandtasteditgingerlywithhistongue.Hemadeagrimace.
“Well,”Isaid,throwingmyselfbackinmychairandyawning,“everythingseemsharmlessenough.Dr.Loughbarrow’sspecialities,andDr.Grainger’spills!AndDr.Graingerseemsdefinitelytonegativethearsenictheory.Areyouconvincedatlast,mystubbornPoirot?”
“ItistruethatIampigheaded—thatisyourexpression,Ithink?—Yes,definitelyIhavetheheadofthepig,”saidmyfriend,meditatively.
“Then,inspiteofhavingthechemist,thenurseandthedoctor,againstyou,youstillthinkthatMissArundellwasmurdered?”
Poirotsaid,quietly:
“ThatiswhatIbelieve.No—morethanbelieve.Iamsureofit,Hastings.”
“There’sonewayofprovingit,Isuppose,”Isaidslowly.“Exhumation.”
Poirotnodded.
“Isthatthenextstep?”
“Myfriend,Ihavetogocarefully.”
“Why?”
“Because,”hisvoicedropped,“Iamafraidofasecondtragedy.”
“Youmean—?”
“Iamafraid,Hastings,Iamafraid.Letusleaveitatthat.”
Twenty-two
THEWOMANONTHESTAIRS
Onthefollowingmorninganotearrivedbyhand.Itwasinaratherweak,uncertainhandwritingslantingverymuchuphill.
DearM.Poirot,IhearfromEllenthatyouwereatLittlegreenHouseyesterday.Ishallbemuchobligedifyouwouldcallandseemesometimetoday.Yourstruly,WilhelminaLawson.
“Soshe’sdownhere,”Iremarked.
“Yes.”
“Whyhasshecome,Iwonder?”
Poirotsmiled.
“Idonotsupposethereisanysinisterreason.Afterall,thehousebelongstoher.”
“Yes,that’strue,ofcourse.Youknow,Poirot,that’stheworstofthisgameofours.Everysinglelittlethingthatanyonedoesisopentothemostsinisterconstructions.”
“ItistruethatImyselfhaveenjoineduponyouthemotto,‘suspecteveryone.’”
“Areyoustillinthatstateyourself?”
“No—formeithasboileddowntothis.Isuspectoneparticularperson.”
“Whichone?”
“Since,atthemoment,itisonlysuspicionandthereisnodefiniteproof,IthinkImustleaveyoutodrawyourowndeductions,Hastings.Anddonotneglectthepsychology—thatisimportant.Thecharacterofthemurder—implyingasitdoesacertaintemperamentinthemurderer—thatisanessentialcluetothecrime.”
“Ican’tconsiderthecharacterofthemurdererifIdon’tknowwhothemurdereris!”
“No,no,youhavenotpaidattentiontowhatIhavejustsaid.Ifyoureflectsufficientlyonthecharacter—thenecessarycharacterofthemurder—thenyouwillrealizewhothemurdereris!”
“Doyoureallyknow,Poirot?”Iasked,curiously.
“IcannotsayIknowbecauseIhavenoproofs.ThatiswhyIcannotsaymoreatthepresent.ButIamquitesure—yes,myfriend,inmyownmindIamverysure.”
“Well,”Isaid,laughing,“mindhedoesn’tgetyou!Thatwouldbeatragedy!”
Poirotstartedalittle.Hedidnottakethematterasajoke.Insteadhemurmured:“Youareright.Imustbecareful—extremelycareful.”
“Yououghttowearacoatofchainmail,”Isaid,chaffingly.“Andemployatasterincaseofpoison!Infact,yououghttohavearegularbandofgunmentoprotectyou!”
“Merci,Hastings,Ishallrelyonmywits.”
HethenwroteanotetoMissLawsonsayingthathewouldcallatLittlegreenHouseateleveno’clock.
AfterthatwebreakfastedandthenstrolledoutintotheSquare.Itwasaboutaquarterpasttenandahotsleepymorning.
IwaslookingintothewindowoftheantiqueshopataverynicesetofHepplewhitechairswhenIreceivedahighlypainfullungeintheribs,andasharp,penetratingvoicesaid:“Hi!”
IspunroundindignantlytofindmyselffacetofacewithMissPeabody.Inherhand(theinstrumentofherassaultuponme)wasalargeandpowerfulumbrellawithaspikedpoint.
Apparentlycompletelycalloustotheseverepainshehadinflicted,sheobservedinasatisfiedvoice:
“Ha!Thoughtitwasyou.Don’toftenmakeamistake.”
Isaidrathercoldly:
“Er—Goodmorning.CanIdoanythingforyou?”
“Youcantellmehowthatfriendofyoursisgettingonwithhisbook—LifeofGeneralArundell?”
“Hehasn’tactuallystartedtowriteityet,”Isaid.
MissPeabodyindulgedinalittlesilentbutapparentlysatisfyinglaughter.Sheshooklikeajelly.Recoveringfromthatattack,sheremarked:
“No,Idon’tsupposehewillbestartingtowriteit.”
Isaid,smiling:
“Soyousawthroughourlittlefiction?”
“Whatd’youtakemefor—afool?”askedMissPeabody.“Isawsoonenoughwhatyourdownyfriendwasafter!Wantedmetotalk!Well,Ididn’tmind.Iliketalking.Hardtogetanyonetolistennowadays.Quiteenjoyedmyselfthatafternoon.”
Shecockedashrewdeyeatme.
“What’sitallabout,eh?What’sitallabout?”
IwashesitatingwhatexactlytoreplywhenPoirotjoinedus.HebowedwithempressementtoMissPeabody.
“Goodmorning,mademoiselle.Enchantedtoencounteryou.”
“Goodmornin’,”saidMissPeabody.“Whatareyouthismorning,ParottiorPoirot—eh?”
“Itwasverycleverofyoutopiercemydisguisesorapidly,”saidPoirot,smiling.
“Wasn’tmuchdisguisetopierce!Notmanylikeyouabout,arethere?Don’tknowifthat’sagoodthingorabadone.Difficulttosay.”
“Iprefer,mademoiselle,tobeunique.”
“You’vegotyourwish,Ishouldsay,”saidMissPeabody,drily.“Nowthen,Mr.Poirot,Igaveyouallthegossipyouwantedtheotherday.Nowit’smyturntoaskquestions.What’sitallabout?Eh?What’sitallabout?”
“Areyounotaskingaquestiontowhichyoualreadyknowtheanswer?”
“Iwonder.”Sheshotaglanceathim.“Somethingfishyaboutthatwill?Orisitsomethingelse?GoingtodigEmilyup?Isthatit?”
Poirotdidnotanswer.
MissPeabodynoddedherheadslowlyandthoughtfullyasthoughshehadreceivedareply.
“Oftenwondered,”shesaidinconsequently,“whatitwouldfeellike…Readin’thepapers,youknow—wonderedifanyonewouldeverbedugupinMarketBasing…Didn’tthinkitwouldbeEmilyArundell….”
Shegavehimasudden,piercinglook.
“Shewouldn’thavelikedit,youknow.Isupposeyou’vethoughtofthat—hey?”
“Yes,Ihavethoughtofit.”
“Isupposeyouwoulddo—you’renotafool!Don’tthinkyou’reparticularlyofficiouseither.”
Poirotbowed.
“Thankyou,mademoiselle.”
“Andthat’smorethanmostpeoplewouldsay—lookingatyourmoustache.Whyd’youhaveamoustachelikethat?D’youlikeit?”
Iturnedawayconvulsedwithlaughter.
“InEnglandthecultofthemoustacheislamentablyneglected,”saidPoirot.Hishandsurreptitiouslycaressedthehirsuteadornment.
“Oh,Isee!Funny,”saidMissPeabody.“Knewawomanwhooncehadagoitreandwasproudofit!Wouldn’tbelievethat,butit’strue!Well,whatIsayis,it’sluckywhenyou’repleasedwithwhattheLordhasgivenyou.It’susuallytheotherwayabout.”Sheshookherheadandsighed.
“Neverthoughttherewouldbeamurderinthisoutoftheworldspot.”Againsheshotasudden,piercinglookatPoirot.“Whichof’emdidit?”
“AmItoshoutthattoyouhereinthestreet?”
“Probablymeansyoudon’tknow.ordoyou?Oh,well—badblood—badblood.I’dliketoknowwhetherthatVarleywomanpoisonedherhusbandornot.Makesadifference.”
“Youbelieveinheredity?”
MissPeabodysaid,suddenly:
“I’dratheritwasTanios.Anoutsider!Butwishesain’thorses,worseluck.Well,I’llbegettingalong.Icanseeyou’renotgoin’totellmeanything…Whoareyouactin’for,bytheway?”
Poirotsaid,gravely:
“Iamactingforthedead,mademoiselle.”
IamsorrytosaythatMissPeabodyreceivedthisremarkwithasuddenshriekoflaughter.Quicklysubduinghermindshesaid:
“Excuseme.ItsoundedlikeIsabelTripp—that’sall!Whatanawfulwoman!Julia’sworse,Ithink.Sopainfullygirlish.Neverdidlikemuttondressedlambfashion.Well,good-bye.SeenDr.Graingeratall?”
“Mademoiselle,Ihavethebonetopickwithyou.Youbetrayedmysecret.”
MissPeabodyindulgedinherpeculiarthroatychuckle.
“Menaresimple!He’dswallowedthatpreposteroustissueofliesyoutoldhim.Wasn’themadwhenItoldhim?Wentawaysnortingwithrage!He’slookingforyou.”
“Hefoundmelastnight.”
“Oh!IwishI’dbeenthere.”
“Iwishyouhad,mademoiselle,”saidPoirotgallantly.
MissPeabodylaughedandpreparedtowaddleaway.Sheaddressedmeoverhershoulder.
“Good-bye,youngman.Don’tgobuyingthosechairs.They’reafake.”
Shemovedoff,chuckling.
“That,”saidPoirot,“isaverycleveroldwoman.”
“Evenalthoughshedidnotadmireyourmoustaches?”
“Tasteisonething,”saidPoirotcoldly.“Brainsareanother.”
Wepassedintotheshopandspentapleasanttwentyminuteslookinground.WeemergedunscathedinpocketandproceededinthedirectionofLittlegreenHouse.
Ellen,ratherredderinthefacethanusual,admittedusandshowedusintothedrawingroom.PresentlyfootstepswerehearddescendingthestairsandMissLawsoncamein.Sheseemedsomewhatoutofbreathandflustered.Herhairwaspinnedupinasilkhandkerchief.
“Ihopeyou’llexcusemycominginlikethis,M.Poirot.I’vebeengoingthroughsomelocked-upcupboards—somanythings—oldpeopleareinclinedtohoardalittle,I’mafraid—dearMissArundellwasnoexception—andonegetssomuchdustinone’shair—astonishing,youknow,thethingspeoplecollect—ifyoucanbelieveme,twodozenneedlebooks—actually,twodozen.”
“YoumeanthatMissArundellhadboughttwodozenneedlebooks?”
“Yes,andputthemawayandforgotaboutthem—and,ofcourse,nowtheneedlesareallrusty—suchapity.SheusedtogivethemtothemaidsasChristmaspresents.”
“Shewasveryforgetful—yes?”
“Oh,very.Especiallyinthewayofputtingthingsaway.Likeadogwithabone,youknow.That’swhatweusedtocallitbetweenus.‘Nowdon’tgoanddogandboneit,’Iusedtosaytoher.”
Shelaughedandthenproducingasmallhandkerchieffromherpocketsuddenlybegantosniff.
“Oh,dear,”shesaidtearfully.“Itseemssodreadfulofmetobelaughinghere.”
“Youhavetoomuchsensibility,”saidPoirot.“Youfeelthingstoomuch.”
“That’swhatmymotheralwaysusedtosaytome,M.Poirot.‘Youtakethingstohearttoomuch,Minnie,’sheusedtosay.It’sagreatdrawback,M.Poirot,tobesosensitive.Especiallywhenonehasone’slivingtoget.”
“Ah,yes,indeed,butthatisallathingofthepast.Youarenowyourownmistress.Youcanenjoyyourself—travel—youhaveabsolutelynoworriesoranxieties.”
“Isupposethat’strue,”saidMissLawson,ratherdoubtfully.
“Assuredlyitistrue.NowtalkingofMissArundell’sforgetfulnessIseehowitwasthatherlettertomeneverreachedmeforsolongatime.”
Heexplainedthecircumstancesofthefindingoftheletter.AredspotshowedinMissLawson’scheek.Shesaidsharply:
“Ellenshouldhavetoldme!Tosendthatletterofftoyouwithoutawordwasgreatimpertinence!Sheshouldhaveconsultedmefirst.Greatimpertinence,Icallit!NotoneworddidIhearaboutthewholething.Disgraceful!”
“Oh,mydearlady,Iamsureitwasdoneinallgoodfaith.”
“Well,Ithinkitwasverypeculiarmyself!Verypeculiar!Servantsreallydotheoddestthings.EllenshouldhaverememberedthatIamthemistressofthehousenow.”
Shedrewherselfup,importantly.
“Ellenwasverydevotedtohermistress,wasshenot?”saidPoirot.
“Oh,Iagreethatit’snogoodmakingafussafterthingshavehappened,butallthesameIthinkEllenoughttobetoldthatshemustn’ttakeituponherselftodothingswithoutaskingfirst!”Shestopped,aredspotoneachcheekbone.
Poirotwassilentforaminute,thenhesaid:
“Youwantedtoseemetoday?InwhatwaycanIbeofservicetoyou?”
MissLawson’sannoyancesubsidedaspromptlyasithadarisen.Shebegantobeflusteredandincoherentagain.
“Well,really—yousee,Ijustwondered…Well,totellthetruth,M.Poirot,Iarriveddownhereyesterdayand,ofcourse,Ellentoldmeyouhadbeenhere,andIjustwondered—well,asyouhadn’tmentionedtomethatyouwerecoming—Well,itseemedratherodd—thatIcouldn’tsee—”
“Youcouldn’tseewhatIwasdoingdownhere?”Poirotfinishedforher.
“I—well—no,that’sexactlyit.Icouldn’t.”
Shelookedathim,flushedbutinquiring.
“Imustmakealittleconfessiontoyou,”saidPoirot.“Ihavepermittedyoutoremainunderamisapprehension,Iamafraid.YouassumedthattheletterIreceivedfromMissArundellconcerneditselfwiththequestionofasmallsumofmoney,abstractedby—inallpossibility—Mr.CharlesArundell.”
MissLawsonnodded.
“Butthat,yousee,wasnotthecase…Infact,thefirstIheardofthestolenmoneywasfromyou…MissArundellwrotetomeonthesubjectofheraccident.”
“Heraccident?”
“Yes,shehadafalldownthestairs,Iunderstand.”
“Oh,quite—quite—”MissLawsonlookedbewildered.ShestaredvacantlyatPoirot.Shewenton.“But—I’msorry—I’msureit’sverystupidofme—butwhyshouldshewritetoyou?Iunderstand—infact,Ithinkyousaidso—thatyouareadetective.You’renota—adoctor,too?Orafaithhealer,perhaps?”
“No,Iamnotadoctor—norafaithhealer.But,likethedoctor,Iconcernmyselfsometimeswithso-calledaccidentaldeaths.”
“Withaccidentaldeaths?”
“Withso-calledaccidentaldeaths,Isaid.ItistruethatMissArundelldidnotdie—butshemighthavedied!”
“Oh,dearme,yes,thedoctorsaidso,butIdon’tunderstand—”
MissLawsonsoundedstillbewildered.
“ThecauseoftheaccidentwassupposedtobetheballofthelittleBob,wasitnot?”
“Yes,yes,thatwasit.ItwasBob’sball.”
“Oh,no,itwasnotBob’sball.”
“But,excuseme,M.Poirot,Isawittheremyself—asweallrandown.”
“Yousawit—yes,perhaps.Butitwasnotthecauseoftheaccident.Thecauseoftheaccident,MissLawson,wasadark-colouredthreadstretchedaboutafootabovethetopofthestairs!”
“But—butadogcouldn’t—”
“Exactly,”saidPoirotquickly.“Adogcouldnotdothat—heisnotsufficientlyintelligent—or,ifyoulike,heisnotsufficientlyevil…Ahumanbeingputthatthreadinposition….”
MissLawson’sfacehadgonedeadlywhite.Sheraisedashakinghandtoherface.
“Oh,M.Poirot—Ican’tbelieveit—youdon’tmean—butthatisawful—reallyawful.Youmeanitwasdoneonpurpose?”
“Yes,itwasdoneonpurpose.”
“Butthat’sdreadful.It’salmostlike—likekillingaperson.”
“Ifithadsucceededitwouldhavebeenkillingaperson!Inotherwords—itwouldhavebeenmurder!”
MissLawsongavealittleshrillcry.
Poirotwentoninthesamegravetone.
“Anailwasdrivenintotheskirtingboardsothatthethreadcouldbeattached.Thatnailwasvarnishedsoasnottoshow.Tellme,doyoueverrememberasmellofvarnishthatyoucouldnotaccountfor?”
MissLawsongaveacry.
“Oh,howextraordinary!Tothinkofthat!Why,ofcourse!AndtothinkIneverthought—neverdreamed—butthen,howcouldI?Andyetitdidseemoddtomeatthetime.”
Poirotleantforward.
“So—youcanhelpus,mademoiselle.Onceagainyoucanhelpus.C’estépatant!”
“Tothinkthatwasit!Oh,well,itallfitsin.”
“Tellme,Iprayofyou.Yousmeltvarnish—yes?”
“Yes.Ofcourse,Ididn’tknowwhatitwas.Ithought—dearme—isitpaint—no,it’smorelikefloorstain,andthen,ofcourse,IthoughtImusthaveimaginedit.”
“Whenwasthis?”
“Nowletmesee—whenwasit?”
“WasitduringthatEasterweekendwhenthehousewasfullofguests?”
“Yes,thatwasthetime—butI’mtryingtorecalljustwhichdayitwas…Now,letmesee,itwasn’tSunday.No,anditwasn’tonTuesday—thatwasthenightDr.Donaldsoncametodinner.AndontheWednesdaytheyhadallleft.No,ofcourse,itwastheMonday—BankHoliday.I’dbeenlyingawake—ratherworried,youknow.IalwaysthinkBankHolidayissuchaworryingday!TherehadbeenonlyjustenoughcoldbeeftogoroundatsupperandIwasafraidMissArundellmightbeannoyedaboutit.YouseeI’dorderedthejointontheSaturday,andofcourseIoughttohavesaidsevenpoundsbutIthoughtfivepoundswoulddonicely,butMissArundellwasalwayssovexediftherewasanyshortage—shewassohospitable—”
MissLawsonpausedtodrawadeepbreathandthenrushedon.
“AndsoIwaslyingawakeandwonderingwhethershe’dsayanythingaboutittomorrow,andwhatwithonethingandanotherIwasalongtimedroppingoff—andthenjustasIwasgoingoffsomethingseemedtowakemeup—asortofraportap—andIsatupinbed,andthenIsniffed.Ofcourse,I’malwaysterrifiedoffire—sometimesIthinkIsmellfiretwoorthreetimesanight—(soawfulwouldn’titbeifoneweretrapped?)Anywaytherewasasmell,andIsniffedhardbutitwasn’tsmokeoranythinglikethat.AndIsaidtomyselfit’smorelikepaintorfloorstain—butofcourse,onewouldn’tsmellthatinthemiddleofthenight.ButitwasquitestrongandIsatupsniffingandsniffing,andthenIsawherintheglass—”
“Sawher?Sawwhom?”
“Inmylookingglass,youknow,it’sreallymostconvenient.Ileftmydooropenalittlealways,soastohearMissArundellifsheweretocall,andifshewentupanddownstairsIcouldseeher.Theonelightwasalwaysleftswitchedoninthepassage.That’showIcametoseeherkneelingonthestair—Theresa,Imean.ShewaskneelingonaboutthethirdstepwithherheadbentdownoversomethingandIwasjustthinking,‘Howodd,Iwonderifshe’sill?’whenshegotupandwentaway,soIsupposedshe’djustslippedorsomething.Orperhapswasstoopingtopicksomethingup.But,ofcourse,Ineverthoughtaboutitagainonewayoranother.”
“Thetapthatarousedyouwouldbethetapofthehammeronthenail,”musedPoirot.
“Yes,Isupposeitwould.Butoh,M.Poirot,howdreadful—howtrulydreadful.I’vealwaysfeltTheresawas,perhapsalittlewild,buttodoathinglikethat.”
“YouaresureitwasTheresa?”
“Oh,dearme,yes.”
“Itcouldn’thavebeenMrs.Taniosoroneofthemaids,forinstance?”
“Oh,no,itwasTheresa.”
MissLawsonshookherheadandmurmuredtoherself:
“Ohdear.Ohdear,”severaltimes.
PoirotwasstaringatherinawayIfoundithardtounderstand.
“Permitme,”hesaidsuddenly,“tomakeanexperiment.Letusgoupstairsandendeavourtoreconstructthislittlescene.”
“Reconstruction?Oh,really—Idon’tknow—ImeanIdon’tquitesee—”
“Iwillshowyou,”saidPoirot,cuttinginuponthesedoubtsinanauthoritativemanner.
Somewhatflustered,MissLawsonledthewayupstairs.
“Ihopetheroom’stidy—somuchtodo—whatwithonethingandanother—”shetailedoffincoherently.
Theroomwasindeedsomewhatheavilylitteredwithmiscellaneousarticles,obviouslytheresultofMissLawson’sturningoutofcupboards.WithherusualincoherenceMissLawsonmanagedtoindicateherownpositionandPoirotwasabletoverifyforhimselfthefactthataportionofthestaircasewasreflectedinthewallmirror.
“Andnow,mademoiselle,”hesuggested,“ifyouwillbesogoodastogooutandreproducetheactionsthatyousaw.”
MissLawson,stillmurmuring,“Oh,dear—”bustledouttofulfilherpart.Poirotactedthepartoftheobserver.
Theperformanceconcluded,hewentoutonthelandingandaskedwhichelectriclighthadbeenleftswitchedon.
“Thisone—thisonealonghere.JustoutsideMissArundell’sdoor.”
Poirotreachedup,detachedthebulbandexaminedit.
“Afortywattlamp,Isee.Notverypowerful.”
“No,itwasjustsothatthepassageshouldn’tbequitedark.”
Poirotretracedhisstepstothetopofthestairs.
“Youwillpardonme,mademoiselle,butwiththelightbeingfairlydimandthewaythatshadowfallsitishardlypossiblethatyoucanhaveseenveryclearly.CanyoubepositiveitwasMissTheresaArundellandnotjustanindeterminatefemalefigureinadressinggown?”
MissLawsonwasindignant.
“No,indeed,M.Poirot!I’mperfectlysure!IknowTheresawellenough,Ishouldhope!Oh,itwasherallright.Herdarkdressinggownandthatbigshiningbroochshewearswiththeinitials—Isawthatplainly.”
“Sothatthereisnopossibledoubt.Yousawtheinitials?”
“Yes,T.A.Iknowthebrooch.Theresaoftenworeit.Oh,yes,IcouldsweartoitsbeingTheresa—andIwillsweartoitifnecessary!”
Therewasafirmnessanddecisioninthoselasttwosentencesthatwasquiteatvariancewithherusualmanner.
Poirotlookedather.Againtherewassomethingcuriousinhisglance.Itwasaloof,appraising—andhadalsoaqueerappearanceoffinalityaboutit.
“Youwouldsweartothat,yes?”hesaid.
“If—if—it’snecessary.ButIsupposeit—willitbenecessary?”
AgainPoirotturnedthatappraisingglanceuponher.
“Thatwilldependontheresultoftheexhumation,”hesaid.
“Ex—exhumation?”
Poirotputoutarestraininghand.InherexcitementMissLawsonverynearlywentheadlongdownthestairs.
“Itmaypossiblybeaquestionofexhumation,”hesaid.
“Oh,butsurely—howveryunpleasant!ButImean,I’msurethefamilywouldopposetheideaverystrongly—verystronglyindeed.”
“Probablytheywill.”
“I’mquitesuretheywon’thearofsuchathing!”
“Ah,butifitisanorderfromtheHomeOffice.”
“ButM.Poirot—why?Imeanit’snotasthough—notasthough—”
“Notasthoughwhat?”
“Notasthoughtherewereanything—wrong.”
“Youthinknot?”
“No,ofcoursenot.Why,therecouldn’tbe!Imeanthedoctorandthenurseandeverything—”
“Donotupsetyourself,”saidPoirotcalmlyandsoothingly.
“Oh,butIcan’thelpit!PoordearMissArundell!It’snotevenasthoughTheresahadbeenhereinthehousewhenshedied.”
“No,sheleftontheMondaybeforeshewastakenill,didshenot?”
“Quiteearlyinthemorning.Soyousee,shecan’thavehadanythingtodowithit!”
“Letushopenot,”saidPoirot.
“Oh,dear.”MissLawsonclaspedherhandstogether.“I’veneverknownanythingsodreadfulasallthis!Really,Idon’tknowwhetherI’monmyheadormyheels.”
Poirotglancedathiswatch.
“Wemustdepart.WearereturningtoLondon.Andyou,mademoiselle,youareremainingdownheresomelittletime?”
“No—no…Ihavereallynosettledplans.ActuallyI’mgoingbackmyselftoday…Ionlycamedownjustforanightto—tosettlethingsalittle.”
“Isee.Well,good-bye,mademoiselle,andforgivemeifIhaveupsetyouatall.”
“Oh,M.Poirot.Upsetme?Ifeelquiteill!Ohdear—Oh,dear,it’ssuchawickedworld!Suchadreadfullywickedworld.”
Poirotcutshortherlamentationsbytakingherhandfirmlyinhis.
“Quiteso.AndyouarestillreadytoswearthatyousawTheresaArundellkneelingonthestairsonthenightofEasterBankHoliday?”
“Oh,yes,Icansweartothat.”
“AndyoucanalsoswearthatyousawahalooflightroundMissArundell’sheadduringtheséance?”
MissLawson’smouthfellopen.
“Oh,M.Poirot,don’t—don’tjokeaboutthesethings.”
“Iamnotjoking.Iamperfectlyserious.”
MissLawsonsaidwithdignity:
“Itwasn’texactlyahalo.Itwasmorelikethebeginningofamanifestation.Aribbonofsomeluminousmaterial.Ithinkitwasbeginningtoformintoaface.”
“Extremelyinteresting.Aurevoir,mademoiselle,andpleasekeepallthistoyourself.”
“Oh,ofcourse—ofcourse.Ishouldn’tdreamofdoinganythingelse….”
ThelastwesawofMissLawsonwasherrathersheeplikefacegazingafterusfromthefrontdoorstep.
Twenty-three
DR.TANIOSCALLSONUS
NosoonerhadweleftthehousethanPoirot’smannerchanged.Hisfacewasgrimandset.
“Dépêchonsnous,Hastings,”hesaid.“WemustgetbacktoLondonassoonaspossible.”
“I’mwilling.”Iquickenedmypacetosuithis.Istolealookathisgraveface.
“Whodoyoususpect,Poirot?”Iasked.“Iwishyou’dtellme.DoyoubelieveitwasTheresaArundellonthestairsornot?”
Poirotdidnotreplytomyquestions.Insteadheaskedaquestionofhisown.
“Diditstrikeyou—reflectbeforeyouanswer—diditstrikeyouthattherewassomethingwrongwiththatstatementofMissLawson’s?”
“Howdoyoumean—wrongwithit?”
“IfIknewthatIshouldnotbeaskingyou!”
“Yes,butwronginwhatway?”
“Thatisjustit.Icannotbeprecise.ButasshewastalkingIhad,somehow,afeelingofunreality…asthoughtherewassomething—somesmallpointthatwaswrong—thatwas,yes,thatwasthefeeling—somethingthatwasimpossible.…”
“SheseemedquitepositiveitwasTheresa!”
“Yes,yes.”
“Butafterall,thelightcouldn’thavebeenverygood.Idon’tseehowshecanbequitesosure.”
“No,no,Hastings,youarenothelpingme.Itwassomesmallpoint—somethingconnectedwith—yes,Iamsureofit—withthebedroom.”
“Withthebedroom?”Irepeated,tryingtorecallthedetailsoftheroom.“No,”Isaidatlast.“Ican’thelpyou.”
Poirotshookhishead,vexedly.
“Whydidyoubringupthatspiritualisticbusinessagain?”Iasked.
“Becauseitisimportant.”
“Whatisimportant?MissLawson’sluminous‘ribbondevelopment?’”
“YouremembertheMissesTripp’sdescriptionoftheséance?”
“Iknowtheysawahaloroundtheoldlady’shead.”Ilaughedinspiteofmyself.“Ishouldn’tthinkshewasasaintbyallaccounts!MissLawsonseemstohavebeenterrifiedbyher.Ifeltquitesorryforthepoorwomanwhenshedescribedhowshelayawake,worriedtodeathbecauseshemightgetintotroubleoverorderingtoosmallasirloinofbeef.”
“Yes,itwasaninterestingtouchthat.”
“WhatarewegoingtodowhenwegettoLondon?”IaskedasweturnedintotheGeorgeandPoirotaskedforthebill
“WemustgoandseeTheresaArundellimmediately.”
“Andfindoutthetruth?Butwon’tshedenythewholethinganyway?”
“Moncher,itisnotacriminaloffencetokneeluponaflightofstairs!Shemayhavebeenpickingupapintobringherluck—somethingofthatsort!”
“Andthesmellofvarnish?”
Wecouldsaynomorejustthen,asthewaiterarrivedwiththebill.
OnthewaytoLondonwetalkedverylittle.Iamnotfondoftalkinganddriving,andPoirotwassobusyprotectinghismoustacheswithhismufflerfromthedisastrouseffectsofwindanddustthatspeechwasquitebeyondhim.
Wearrivedattheflatatabouttwentytotwo.
George,Poirot’simmaculateandextremelyEnglishmanservant,openedthedoor
“ADr.Taniosiswaitingtoseeyou,sir.Hehasbeenhereforhalfanhour.”
“Dr.Tanios?Whereishe?”
“Inthesittingroom,sir.Aladyalsocalledtoseeyou,sir.Sheseemedverydistressedtofindyouwereabsentfromhome.ItwasbeforeIreceivedyourtelephonemessage,sir,soIcouldnottellherwhenyouwouldbereturningtoLondon.”
“Describethislady.”
“Shewasaboutfivefootseven,sir,withdarkhairandlightblueeyes.Shewaswearingagreycoatandskirtandahatwornverymuchtothebackoftheheadinsteadofovertherighteye.”
“Mrs.Tanios,”Iejaculatedinalowvoice.
“Sheseemedinaconditionofgreatnervousexcitement,sir.Saiditwasoftheutmostimportancesheshouldfindyouquickly.”
“Whattimewasthis?”
“Abouthalfpastten,sir.”
Poirotshookhisheadashepassedontowardsthesittingroom.
“ThatisthesecondtimeIhavemissedhearingwhatMrs.Tanioshastosay.Whatwouldyousay,Hastings?Isthereafateinit?”
“Thirdtimelucky,”Isaidconsolingly.
Poirotshookhisheaddoubtfully.
“Willtherebeathirdtime?Iwonder.Come,letushearwhatthehusbandhastosay.”
Dr.TanioswassittinginanarmchairreadingoneofPoirot’sbooksonpsychology.Hesprangupandgreetedus.
“Youmustforgivethisintrusion.Ihopeyoudon’tmindmyforcingmywayinandwaitingforyoulikethis.”
“Dutout,dutout.Praysitdown.Permitmetoofferyouaglassofsherry.”
“Thankyou.AsamatteroffactIhaveanexcuse.M.Poirot,Iamworried,terriblyworried,aboutmywife.”
“Aboutyourwife?I’mverysorry.What’sthematter?”
Taniossaid:
“Youhaveseenherperhapslately?”
Itseemedquiteanaturalquestion,butthequicklookthataccompanieditwasnotsonatural.
Poirotrepliedinthemostmatter-of-factmanner.
“No,notsinceIsawheratthehotelwithyouyesterday.”
“Ah—Ithoughtperhapsshemighthavecalleduponyou.”
Poirotwasbusypouringoutthreeglassesofsherry.
Hesaidinaslightlyabstractedvoice:
“No.Wasthereany—reasonforhercallingonme?”
“No,no.”Dr.Taniosacceptedhissherry.“Thankyou.Thankyouverymuch.No,therewasnoexactreason,buttobefrankIamverymuchconcernedaboutmywife’sstateofhealth.”
“Ah,sheisnotstrong?”
“Herbodilyhealth,”saidTaniosslowly,“isgood.IwishIcouldsaythesameforhermind.”
“Ah?”
“Ifear,M.Poirot,thatsheisonthevergeofacompletenervousbreakdown.”
“MydearDr.Tanios,Iamextremelysorrytohearthis.”
“Thisconditionhasbeengrowingforsometime.Duringthelasttwomonthshermannertowardsmehascompletelychanged.Sheisnervous,easilystartled,andshehastheoddestfancies—actuallytheyaremorethanfancies—theyaredelusions!”
“Really?”
“Yes.Sheissufferingfromwhatiscommonlyknownaspersecutionmania—afairlywell-knowncondition.”
Poirotmadeasympatheticnoisewithhistongue.
“Youcanunderstandmyanxiety!”
“Naturally.Naturally.ButwhatIdonotquiteunderstandiswhyyouhavecometome.HowcanIhelpyou?”
Dr.Taniosseemedalittleembarrassed.
“Itoccurredtomethatmywifemighthave—ormayyet—cometoyouwithsomeextraordinarytale.Shemayconceivablysaythatsheisindangerfromme—somethingofthekind.”
“Butwhyshouldshecometome?”
Dr.Taniossmiled—itwasacharmingsmile—genialyetwistful.
“Youareacelebrateddetective,M.Poirot.Isaw—Icouldseeatonce—thatmywifewasveryimpressedatmeetingyouyesterday.Themerefactofmeetingadetectivewouldmakeapowerfulimpressiononherinherpresentstate.Itseemstomehighlyprobablethatshemightseekyououtand—and—well,confideinyou.Thatisthewaythesenervousaffectionsgo!Thereisatendencytoturnagainstthosenearestanddearesttoyou.”
“Verydistressing.”
“Yes,indeed.Iamveryfondofmywife.”Therewasarichtendernessinhisvoice.“Ialwaysfeelitwassobraveofhertomarryme—amanofanotherrace—tocomeouttoafarcountry—toleaveallherownfriendsandsurroundings.ForthelastfewdaysIhavebeenreallydistraught…Icanseeonlyonethingforit….”
“Yes?”
“Perfectrestandquiet—andsuitablepsychologicaltreatment.ThereisasplendidhomeIknowofrunbyafirst-classman.Iwanttotakeherthere—itisinNorfolk—straightaway.Perfectrestandisolationfromoutsideinfluence—thatiswhatisneeded.Ifeelconvincedthatonceshehasbeenthereamonthortwounderskilledtreatmenttherewillbeachangeforthebetter.”
“Isee,”saidPoirot.
Heutteredthewordsinamatter-of-factmannerwithoutanycluetothefeelingsthatpromptedhim.
Taniosagainshotaquickglanceathim
“Thatiswhy,ifsheshouldcometoyou,Ishouldbeobligedifyouwillletmeknowatonce.”
“Butcertainly.Iwilltelephoneyou.YouareattheDurhamHotelstill?”
“Yes.Iamgoingbacktherenow.”
“Andyourwifeisnotthere?”
“Shewentoutdirectlyafterbreakfast.”
“Withouttellingyouwhereshewasgoing?”
“Withoutsayingaword.Thatismostunlikeher.”
“Andthechildren?”
“Shetookthemwithher.”
“Isee.”
Taniosgotup.
“Ithankyousomuch,M.Poirot.Ineedhardlysaythatifshedoestellyouanyhigh-flownstoriesofintimidationandpersecutionpaynoattentiontothem.Itis,unfortunately,apartofhermalady.”
“Mostdistressing,”saidPoirotwithsympathy.
“Itisindeed.Althoughoneknows,medicallyspeaking,thatitispartofarecognizedmentaldisease,yetonecannothelpbeinghurtwhenapersonverynearanddeartoyouturnsagainstyouandalltheiraffectionchangestodislike.”
“Youhavemydeepestsympathy,”saidPoirotasheshookhandswithhisguest
“Bytheway—”Poirot’svoicerecalledTaniosjustashewasatthedoor.
“Yes?”
“Doyoueverprescribechloralforyourwife?”
Taniosgaveastartledmovement.
“I—no—atleastImayhavedone.Butnotlately.Sheseemstohavetakenanaversiontoanyformofsleepingdraught.”
“Ah!Isupposebecauseshedoesnottrustyou?”
“M.Poirot!”
Tanioscamestridingforwardangrily.
“Thatwouldbepartofthedisease,”saidPoirotsmoothly.
“Yes,yes,ofcourse.”
“Sheisprobablyhighlysuspiciousofanythingyougivehertoeatordrink.Probablysuspectsyouofwantingtopoisonher?”
“Dearme,M.Poirot,youarequiteright.Youknowsomethingofsuchcases,then?”
“Onecomesacrossthemnowandtheninmyprofession,naturally.Butdonotletmedetainyou.Youmayfindherwaitingforyouatthehotel.”
“True.IhopeIshall.Ifeelterriblyanxious.”
Hehurriedoutoftheroom.
Poirotwentswiftlytothetelephone.Heflickedoverthepagesofthetelephonedirectoryandaskedforanumber.
“Allo—Allo—isthattheDurhamHotel.CanyoutellmeifMrs.Taniosisin?What?TANIOS.Yes,thatisright.Yes?Yes?Oh,Isee.”
Hereplacedthereceiver.
“Mrs.Taniosleftthehotelthismorningearly.Shereturnedateleven,waitedinthetaxiwhilstherluggagewasbroughtdownanddroveawaywithit.”
“DoesTaniosknowshetookawayherluggage?”
“Ithinknotasyet.”
“Wherehasshegone?”
“Impossibletotell.”
“Doyouthinkshewillcomebackhere?”
“Possibly.Icannottell.”
“Perhapsshewillwrite.”
“Perhaps.”
“Whatcanwedo?”
Poirotshookhishead.Helookedworriedanddistressed.
“Nothingatthemoment.AhastylunchandthenwewillgoandseeTheresaArundell.”
“Doyoubelieveitwasheronthestairs?”
“Impossibletotell.OnethingImadesureof—MissLawsoncouldnothaveseenherface.Shesawatallfigureinadarkdressinggown,thatisall.”
“Andthebrooch.”
“Mydearfriend,abroochisnotpartofaperson’sanatomy!Itcanbedetachedfromthatperson.Itcanbelost—orborrowed—orevenstolen.”
“Inotherwordsyoudon’twanttobelieveTheresaArundellguilty.”
“Iwanttohearwhatshehastosayonthematter.”
“AndifMrs.Tanioscomesback?”
“Iwillarrangeforthat.”
Georgebroughtinanomelette.
“Listen,George,”saidPoirot.“Ifthatladycomesback,youwillaskhertowait.IfDr.Tanioscomeswhilesheishereonnoaccountlethimin.Ifheasksifhiswifeishere,youwilltellhimsheisnot.Youunderstand?”
“Perfectly,sir.”
Poirotattackedtheomelette.
“Thisbusinesscomplicatesitself,”hesaid.“Wemuststepverycarefully.Ifnot—themurdererwillstrikeagain.”
“Ifhedidyoumightgethim.”
“Quitepossibly,butIpreferthelifeoftheinnocenttotheconvictionoftheguilty.Wemustgovery,verycarefully.”
Twenty-four
THERESA’SDENIAL
WefoundTheresaArundelljustpreparingtogoout.
Shewaslookingextraordinarilyattractive.Asmallhatofthemostoutrageousfashiondescendedrakishlyoveroneeye.IrecognizedwithmomentaryamusementthatBellaTanioshadwornacheapimitationofsuchahatyesterdayandhadwornit—asGeorgehadputit—onthebackoftheheadinsteadofovertherighteye.Irememberedwellhowshehadpusheditfartherandfartherbackonheruntidyhair.
Poirotsaid,politely:
“CanIhavejustaminuteortwo,mademoiselle,orwillitdelayyoutoomuch?”
Theresalaughed.
“Oh,itdoesn’tmatter.I’malwaysthree-quartersofanhourlateforeverything.Imightjustaswellmakeitanhour.”
Sheledhimintothesittingroom.TomysurpriseDr.Donaldsonrosefromachairbythewindow.
“You’vemetM.Poirotalready,Rex,haven’tyou?”
“WemetatMarketBasing,”saidDonaldson,stiffly.
“Youwerepretendingtowritethelifeofmydrunkengrandfather,Iunderstand,”saidTheresa.“Rex,myangel,willyouleaveus?”
“Thankyou,Theresa,butIthinkthatfromeverypointofviewitwouldbeadvisableformetobepresentatthisinterview.”
Therewasabriefduelofeyes.Theresa’swerecommanding.Donaldson’swereimpervious.Sheshowedaquickflashofanger.
“Allright,staythen,damnyou!”
Dr.Donaldsonseemedunperturbed.
Heseatedhimselfagaininthechairbythewindow,layingdownhisbookonthearmofit.Itwasabookonthepituitarygland,Inoticed.
TheresasatdownonherfavouritelowstoolandlookedimpatientlyatPoirot.
“Well,you’veseenPurvis?Whataboutit?”
Poirotsaidinanoncommittalvoice:
“Thereare—possibilities,mademoiselle.”
Shelookedathimthoughtfully.Thenshesentaveryfaintglanceinthedirectionofthedoctor.Itwas,Ithink,intendedasawarningtoPoirot.
“Butitwouldbewell,Ithink,”wentonPoirot,“formetoreportlaterwhenmyplansaremoreadvanced.”
AfaintsmileshowedforaminuteonTheresa’sface.
Poirotcontinued:
“IhavetodaycomefromMarketBasingandwhilethereIhavetalkedtoMissLawson.Tellme,mademoiselle,didyouonthenightofApril13th(thatwasthenightoftheEasterBankHoliday)kneeluponthestairsaftereveryonehadgonetobed?”
“MydearHerculePoirot,whatanextraordinaryquestion.WhyshouldI?”
“Thequestion,mademoiselle,isnotwhyyoushould,butwhetheryoudid.”
“I’msureIdon’tknow.Ishouldthinkitmostunlikely.”
“Youcomprehend,mademoiselle,MissLawsonsaysyoudid.”
Theresashruggedherattractiveshoulders.
“Doesitmatter?”
“Itmattersverymuch.”
Shestaredathim.Inaperfectlyamiablefashion,Poirotstaredback.
“Loopy!”saidTheresa.
“Pardon?”
“Definitelyloopy!”saidTheresa.“Don’tyouthinkso,Rex?”
Dr.Donaldsoncoughed.
“Excuseme,M.Poirot,butwhatisthepointofthequestion?”
Myfriendspreadouthishands.
“Itismostsimple!Someonedroveinanailinaconvenientpositionattheheadofthestairs.Thenailwasjusttouchedwithbrownvarnishtomatchtheskirtingboard.”
“Isthisanewkindofwitchcraft?”askedTheresa.
“No,mademoiselle,itismuchmorehomelyandsimplethanthat.Onthefollowingevening,theTuesday,someoneattachedastringofthreadfromthenailtothebalusterswiththeresultthatwhenMissArundellcameoutofherroomshecaughtherfootinitandwentheadlongdownthestairs.”
Theresadrewinherbreathsharply.
“ThatwasBob’sball!”
“Pardon,itwasnot.”
Therewasapause.ItwasbrokenbyDonaldsonwhosaidinhisquiet,precisevoice:
“Excuseme,butwhatevidencehaveyouinsupportofthisstatement?”
Poirotsaidquietly:
“Theevidenceofthenail,theevidenceofMissArundell’sownwrittenwords,andfinallytheevidenceofMissLawson’seyes.”
Theresafoundhervoice.
“ShesaysIdidit,doesshe?”
Poirotdidnotanswerexceptbybendinghisheadalittle.
“Well,it’salie!Ihadnothingtodowithit!”
“Youwerekneelingonthestairsforquiteanotherreason?”
“Iwasn’tkneelingonthestairsatall!”
“Becareful,mademoiselle.”
“Iwasn’tthere!InevercameoutofmyroomafterIwenttobedonanyeveningIwasthere.”
“MissLawsonrecognizedyou.”
“ItwasprobablyBellaTaniosoroneofthemaidsshesaw.”
“Shesaysitwasyou.”
“She’sadamnedliar!”
“Sherecognizedyourdressinggownandabroochyouwear.”
“Abrooch—whatbrooch?”
“Abroochwithyourinitials.”
“Oh,Iknowtheone!Whatacircumstantialliarsheis!”
“Youstilldenythatitwasyoushesaw?”
“Ifit’smywordagainsthers—”
“Youareabetterliarthansheis—eh?”
Theresasaid,calmly:
“That’sprobablyquitetrue.ButinthiscaseI’mspeakingthetruth.Iwasn’tpreparingaboobytrap,orsayingmyprayers,orpickingupgoldorsilver,ordoinganythingatallonthestairs.”
“Haveyouthisbroochthatwasmentioned?”
“Probably.Doyouwanttoseeit?”
“Ifyouplease,mademoiselle.”
Theresagotupandlefttheroom.Therewasanawkwardsilence.Dr.DonaldsonlookedatPoirotmuchasIimaginedhemighthavelookedatananatomicalspecimen.
Theresareturned.
“Hereitis.”
ShealmostflungtheornamentatPoirot.ItwasalargerathershowychromiumorstainlesssteelbroochwithT.A.enclosedinacircle.IhadtoadmitthatitwaslargeenoughandshowyenoughtobeeasilyseeninMissLawson’smirror.
“Ineverwearitnow.I’mtiredofit,”saidTheresa.“London’sbeenfloodedwiththem.Everylittleskivvywearsone.”
“Butitwasexpensivewhenyouboughtit?”
“Oh,yes.Theywerequiteexclusivetobeginwith.”
“Whenwasthat?”
“LastChristmas,Ithinkitwas.Yes,aboutthen.”
“Haveyoueverlentittoanyone?”
“No.”
“YouhaditwithyouatLittlegreenHouse?”
“IsupposeIdid.Yes,Idid.Iremember.”
“Didyouleaveitaboutatall?Wasitoutofyourpossessionwhileyouwerethere?”
“No,itwasn’t.Iworeitonagreenjumper.Iremember.AndIworethesamejumpereveryday.”
“Andatnight?”
“Itwasstillinthejumper.”
“Andthejumper.”
“Oh,hell,thejumperwassittingonachair.”
“Youaresurenooneremovedthebroochandputitbackagainthenextday?”
“We’llsaysoincourtifyoulike—ifyouthinkthat’sthebestlietotell!ActuallyI’mquitesurethatnothinglikethathappened!It’saprettyideathatsomebodyframedme—butIdon’tthinkit’strue.”
Poirotfrowned.Thenhegotup,attachedthebroochcarefullytohiscoatlapelandapproachedamirroronatableattheotherendoftheroom.Hestoodinfrontofitandthenmovedslowlybackward,gettinganeffectofdistance.
Thenheutteredagrunt.
“ImbecilethatIam!Ofcourse!”
HecamebackandhandedthebroochtoTheresawithabow.
“Youarequiteright,mademoiselle.Thebroochdidnotleaveyourpossession!Ihavebeenregrettablydense.”
“Idolikemodesty,”saidTheresa,pinningthebroochoncarelessly.
Shelookedupathim.
“Anythingmore?Ioughttobegoing.”
“Nothingthatcannotbediscussedlater.”
Theresamovedtowardsthedoor.Poirotwentoninaquietvoice:
“Thereisaquestionofexhumation,itistrue—”
Theresastoppeddead.Thebroochfelltotheground.
“What’sthat?”
Poirotsaidclearly:
“ItispossiblethatthebodyofMissEmilyArundellmaybeexhumed.”
Theresastoodstill,herhandsclenched.Shesaidinalow,angryvoice:
“Isthisyourdoing?Itcan’tbedonewithoutanapplicationfromthefamily!”
“Youarewrong,mademoiselle.ItcanbedoneonanorderfromtheHomeOffice.”
“MyGod!”saidTheresa.
Sheturnedandwalkedswiftlyupanddown.
Donaldsonsaidquietly:
“Ireallydon’tseethatthereisanyneedtobeupset,Tessa.Idaresaythattoanoutsidertheideaisnotverypleasant,but—”
Sheinterruptedhim.
“Don’tbeafool,Rex!”
Poirotasked:
“Theideadisturbsyou,mademoiselle?”
“Ofcourseitdoes!Itisn’tdecent.PooroldAuntEmily.Whythedevilshouldshebeexhumed?”
“Ipresume,”saidDonaldson,“thatthereissomedoubtastothecauseofdeath?”HelookedinquiringlyatPoirot.Hewenton.“IconfessthatIamsurprised.IthinkthatthereisnodoubtthatMissArundelldiedanaturaldeathfromadiseaseoflongstanding.”
“Youtoldmesomethingaboutarabbitandlivertroubleonce,”saidTheresa.“I’veforgottenitnow,butyouinfectarabbitwithbloodfromapersonwithyellowatrophyoftheliver,andthenyouinjectthatrabbit’sbloodintoanotherrabbit,andthenthatsecondrabbit’sbloodintoapersonandthepersongetsadiseasedliver.Somethinglikethat.”
“Thatwasmerelyanillustrationofserumtherapeutics,”saidDonaldsonpatiently.
“Pitytherearesomanyrabbitsinthestory!”saidTheresawitharecklesslaugh.“Noneofuskeeprabbits.”SheturnedonPoirotandhervoicealtered
“M.Poirot,isthistrue?”sheasked.
“Itistrueenough,but—therearewaysofavoidingsuchacontingency,mademoiselle.”
“Thenavoidit!”hervoicesankalmosttoawhisper.Itwasurgent,compelling.“Avoiditatallcosts!”
Poirotrosetohisfeet.
“Thoseareyourinstructions?”Hisvoicewasformal.
“Thosearemyinstructions.”
“ButTessa—”Donaldsoninterrupted.
Shewhirledroundonherfiancé.
“Bequiet!Shewasmyaunt,wasn’tshe?Whyshouldmyauntbedugup?Don’tyouknowtherewillbeparagraphsinthepapersandgossipandgeneralunpleasantness?”SheswungroundagainonPoirot.
“Youmuststopit!Igiveyoucarteblanche.Doanythingyoulike,butstopit!”
Poirotbowedformally.
“IwilldowhatIcan.Aurevoir,mademoiselle,aurevoir,doctor.”
“Oh,goaway!”criedTheresa.“AndtakeSt.Leonardswithyou.IwishI’dneverseteyesoneitherofyou.”
Welefttheroom.Poirotdidnotthistimedeliberatelyplacehiseartothecrackbuthedallied—yes,hedallied.
Andnotinvain.Theresa’svoiceroseclearanddefiant:
“Don’tlookatmelikethat,Rex.”
Andthensuddenly,withabreakinhervoice—“Darling.”Dr.Donaldson’sprecisevoiceansweredher.
Hesaidveryclearly:“Thatmanmeansmischief.”
Poirotgrinnedsuddenly.Hedrewmethroughthefrontdoor.“Come,St.Leonards,”hesaid.“C’estdr?le,?a!”PersonallyIthoughtthejokeaparticularlystupidone.
Twenty-five
ILIEBACKANDREFLECT
No,Ithought,asIhurriedafterPoirot,therewasnodoubtaboutitnow.MissArundellhadbeenmurderedandTheresaknewit.Butwassheherselfthecriminalorwasthereanotherexplanation?
Shewasafraid—yes.Butwassheafraidforherselforforsomeoneelse?Couldthatsomeonebethequiet,preciseyoungdoctorwiththecalm,aloofmanner?
Hadtheoldladydiedofgenuinediseaseartificiallyinduced?
Uptoapointitallfittedin—Donaldson’sambitions,hisbeliefthatTheresawouldinheritmoneyatheraunt’sdeath.Eventhefactthathehadbeenatdinnerthereontheeveningoftheaccident.Howeasytoleaveaconvenientwindowopenandreturninthedeadofnighttotiethemurderousthreadacrossthestaircase.Butthen,whatabouttheplacingofthenailinposition?
No,Theresamusthavedonethat.Theresa,hisfiancéeandaccomplice.Withthetwoofthemworkingintogether,thewholethingseemedclearenough.InthatcaseitwasprobablyTheresawhohadactuallyplacedthethreadinposition.Thefirstcrime,thecrimethatfailed,hadbeenherwork.Thesecondcrime,thecrimethathadsucceeded,wasDonaldson’smorescientificmasterpiece.
Yes—itallfittedin.
Yetevennowtherewereloosestrands.WhyhadTheresablurtedoutthosefactsaboutinducingliverdiseaseinhumanbeings?Itwasalmostasthoughshedidnotrealizethetruth…Butinthatcase—andIfeltmymindgrowingbewildered,andIinterruptedmyspeculationstoask:
“Wherearewegoing,Poirot?”
“Backtomyflat.ItispossiblethatwemayfindMrs.Taniosthere.”
Mythoughtsswitchedoffonadifferenttrack.
Mrs.Tanios!Thatwasanothermystery!IfDonaldsonandTheresawereguilty,wheredidMrs.Taniosandhersmilinghusbandcomein?WhatdidthewomanwanttotellPoirotandwhatwasTanios’anxietytopreventherdoingso?
“Poirot,”Isaidhumbly.“I’mgettingrathermuddled.They’renotallinit,arethey?”
“Murderbyasyndicate?Afamilysydicate?No,notthistime.Thereisthemarkofonebrainandonebrainonlyinthis.Thepsychologyisveryclear.”
“YoumeanthateitherTheresaorDonaldsondidit—butnotbothofthem?Didhegethertohammerthatnailinonsomeentirelyinnocentpretext,then?”
“Mydearfriend,fromthemomentIheardMissLawson’sstoryIrealizedthattherewerethreepossibilities.(1)ThatMissLawsonwastellingtheexacttruth.(2)ThatMissLawsonhadinventedthestoryforreasonsofherown.(3)ThatMissLawsonactuallybelievedherownstory,butthatheridentificationresteduponthebrooch—andasIhavealreadypointedouttoyou—abroochiseasilydetachablefromitsowner.”
“Yes,butTheresainsiststhatthebroochdidnotleaveherpossession.”
“Andsheisperfectlyright.Ihadoverlookedasmallbutintenselysignificantfact.”
“Veryunlikeyou,Poirot,”Isaidsolemnly.
“N’estcepas?Butonehasone’slapses.”
“Agewilltell!”
“Agehasnothingtodowithit,”saidPoirotcoldly.
“Well,whatisthesignificantfact?”IaskedasweturnedinattheentranceoftheMansions.
“Iwillshowyou.”
Wehadjustreachedtheflat.
Georgeopenedthedoortous.InreplytoPoirot’sanxiousquestionheshookhishead.
“No,sir.Mrs.Tanioshasnotcalled.Neitherhasshetelephoned.”Poirotwentintothesittingroom.Hepacedupanddownforafewminutes.Thenhepickedupthetelephone.HegotfirstontotheDurhamHotel.
“Yes—yes,please.Ah,Dr.Tanios,thisisHerculePoirotspeaking.Yourwifehasreturned?Oh,notreturned.Dearme…Takenherluggage,yousay…Andthechildren…Youhavenoideawhereshehasgone…Yes,quite…Oh,perfectly…Ifmyprofessionalservicesareofanyusetoyou?Ihavecertainexperienceinthesematters…Suchthingscanbedonequitediscreetly…No,ofcoursenot…Yes,ofcoursethatistrue…Certainly—certainly.Ishallrespectyourwishesinthematter.”
Hehungupthereceiverthoughtfully.
“Hedoesnotknowwheresheis,”hesaidthoughtfully.“Ithinkthatisquitegenuine.Theanxietyinhisvoiceisunmistakable.Hedoesnotwanttogotothepolice,thatisunderstandable.Yes,Iunderstandthat.Hedoesnotwantmyassistanceeither.Thatis,perhaps,notquitesounderstandable…Hewantsherfound—buthedoesnotwantmetofindher…No,definitelyhedoesnotwantmetofindher…Heseemsconfidentthathecanmanagethematterhimself.Hedoesnotthinkshecanremainlonghidden,forshehasverylittlemoneywithher.Alsoshehasthechildren.Yes,Ifancyhewillbeabletohuntherdownbeforelong.But,Ithink,Hastings,thatweshallbealittlequickerthanheis.Itisimportant,Ithink,thatweshouldbe.”
“Doyouthinkit’struethatsheisslightlybatty?”Iasked.
“Ithinkthatsheisinahighlynervous,overwroughtcondition.”
“Butnottosuchapointthatsheoughttobeinamentalhome?”
“That,verydefinitely,no.”
“Youknow,Poirot,Idon’tquiteunderstandallthis.”
“Ifyouwillpardonmysayingso,Hastings,youdonotunderstandatall!”
“Thereseemsomany—well—sideissues.”
“Naturallytherearesideissues.Toseparatethemainissuefromthesideissuesisthefirsttaskoftheorderlymind.”
“Tellme,Poirot,haveyourealizedallalongthattherewereeightpossiblesuspectsandnotseven?”
Poirotreplieddrily:
“IhavetakenthatfactintoconsiderationfromthemomentthatTheresaArundellmentionedthatthelasttimeshesawDr.DonaldsonwaswhenhedinedatLittlegreenHouseonApril14th.”
“Ican’tquitesee—”Ibrokeoff.
“Whatisityoucannotquitesee?”
“Well,ifDonaldsonhadplannedtodoawaywithMissArundellbyscientificmeans—byinoculation,thatistosay—Ican’tseewhyheresortedtosuchaclumsydeviceasastringacrossthestairs.”
“Envérité,Hastings,therearemomentswhenIlosepatiencewithyou!Onemethodisahighlyscientificoneneedingfullyspecializedknowledge.Thatisso,isitnot?”
“Yes.”
“Andtheotherisahomelysimplemethod—‘thekindthatmothermakes’—astheadvertisementssay.Isthatnotright?”
“Yes,exactly.”
“Thenthink,Hastings—think.Liebackinyourchair,closetheeyes,employthelittlegreycells.”
Iobeyed.Thatistosay,IleantbackinthechairandclosedmyeyesandendeavouredtocarryoutthethirdpartofPoirot’sinstructions.Theresult,however,didnotseemtoclarifymattersmuch.
IopenedmyeyestofindPoirotregardingmewiththekindlyattentionanursemightdisplaytowardsachildishcharge.
“Ehbien?”
ImadeadesperateattempttoemulatePoirot’smanner.
“Well,”Isaid,“itseemstomethatthekindofpersonwholaidtheoriginalboobytrapisnotthekindofpersontoplanoutascientificmurder.”
“Exactly.”
“AndIdoubtifamindtrainedtoscientificcomplexitieswouldthinkofanythingsochildishastheaccidentplan—itwouldbealtogethertoohaphazard.”
“Veryclearlyreasoned.”
Emboldened,Iwenton:
“Therefore,theonlylogicalsolutionseemstobethis—thetwoattemptswereplannedbytwodifferentpeople.Wehaveheretodealwithmurderattemptedbytwoentirelydifferentpeople.”
“Youdonotthinkthatistoomuchofacoincidence?”
“Yousaidyourselfoncethatonecoincidenceisnearlyalwaysfoundinamurdercase.”
“Yes,thatistrue.Ihavetoadmitit.”
“Well,then.”
“Andwhodoyousuggestforyourvillains?”
“DonaldsonandTheresaArundell.Adoctorisclearlyindicatedforthefinalsuccessfulmurder.OntheotherhandweknowthatTheresaArundellisconcernedinthefirstattempt.Ithinkit’spossiblethattheyactedquiteindependentlyofeachother.”
“Youaresofondofsaying,‘weknow,’Hastings.Icanassureyouthatnomatterwhatyouknow,IdonotknowthatTheresawasimplicated.”
“ButMissLawson’sstory.”
“MissLawson’sstoryisMissLawson’sstory.Justthat.”
“Butshesays—”
“Shesays—shesays…Alwaysyouaresoreadytotakewhatpeoplesayforaprovedandacceptedfact.Nowlisten,moncher,Itoldyouatthetime,didInot,thatsomethingstruckmeaswrongaboutMissLawson’sstory?”
“Yes,Irememberyoursayingso.Butyoucouldn’tgetholdofwhatitwas.”
“Well,Ihavedonesonow.AlittlemomentandIwillshowyouwhatI,imbecilethatIam,oughttohaveseenatonce.”Hewentovertothedeskandopeningadrawertookoutasheetofcardboard.Hecutintothiswithapairofscissors,motioningtomenottooverlookwhathewasdoing.
“Patience,Hastings,inalittlemomentwewillproceedtoourexperiment.”
Iavertedmyeyesobligingly.
InaminuteortwoPoirotutteredanexclamationofsatisfaction.Heputawaythescissors,droppedthefragmentsofcardboardintothewastepaperbasketandcameacrosstheroomtome.
“Now,donotlook.ContinuetoaverttheeyeswhileIpinsomethingtothelapelofyourcoat.”
Ihumouredhim.Poirotcompletedtheproceedingtohissatisfaction,then,propellingmegentlytomyfeethedrewmeacrosstheroom,andintotheadjoiningbedroom.
“Now,Hastings,regardyourselfintheglass.Youarewearing,areyounot,afashionablebroochwithyourinitialsonit—only,bienentendu,thebroochismadenotofchromiumnorstainlesssteel,norgold,norplatinum—butofhumblecardboard!”
Ilookedatmyselfandsmiled.Poirotisuncommonlyneatwithhisfingers.IwaswearingaveryfairrepresentationofTheresaArundell’sbrooch—acirclecutoutofcardboardandenclosingmyinitials.A.H.
“Ehbien,”saidPoirot.“Youaresatisfied?Youhavethere,haveyounot,averysmartbroochwithyourinitials?”
“Amosthandsomeaffair,”Iagreed.
“Itistruethatitdoesnotgleamandreflectthelight,butallthesameyouarepreparedtoadmitthatthatbroochcouldbeseenplainlyfromsomedistanceaway?”
“I’veneverdoubtedit.”
“Quiteso.Doubtisnotyourstrongpoint.Simplefaithismorecharacteristicofyou.Andnow,Hastings,besogoodastoremoveyourcoat.”
Wonderingalittle,Ididso.Poirotdivestedhimselfofhisowncoatandslippedonmine,turningawayalittleashedidso.
“Andnow,”hesaid.“Regardhowthebrooch—thebroochwithyourinitials—becomesme?”
Hewhiskedround.Istaredathim—forthemomentuncomprehendingly.ThenIsawthepoint.
“WhatablitheringfoolIam!Ofcourse.It’sH.A.inthebrooch,notA.H.atall.”
Poirotbeamedonme,ashereassumedhisownclothesandhandedmemine.
“Exactly—andnowyouseewhatstruckmeaswrongwithMissLawson’sstory.ShestatedthatshehadseenTheresa’sinitialsclearlyonthebroochshewaswearing.ButshesawTheresaintheglass.So,ifshesawtheinitialsatall,shemusthaveseenthemreversed.”
“Well,”Iargued,“perhapsshedid,andrealizedthattheywerereversed.”
“Moncher,didthatoccurtoyoujustnow?Didyouexclaim,‘Ha!Poirot,you’vegotitwrong.That’sH.A.really—notA.H.’No,youdidnot.Andyetyouareagooddealmoreintelligent,Ishouldsay,thanMissLawson.Donottellmethatamuddleheadedwomanlikethatwokeupsuddenly,andstillhalfasleep,realizedthatA.T.wasreallyT.A.No,thatisnotatallconsistentwiththementalityofMissLawson.”
“ShewasdetermineditshouldbeTheresa,”Isaidslowly.
“Youaregettingnearer,myfriend.Youremember,Ihinttoherthatshecouldnotreallyseethefaceofanyoneonthestairs,andimmediately—whatdoesshedo?”
“RemembersTheresa’sbroochandlugsthatin—forgettingthatthemerefactofhavingseenitintheglassgaveherownstorythelie.”
Thetelephonebellrangsharply.Poirotcrossedtoit.
Heonlyspokeafewnoncommittalwords.
“Yes?Yes…certainly.Yes,quiteconvenient.Theafternoon,Ithink.Yes,twoo’clockwilldoadmirably.”Hereplacedthereceiverandturnedtomewithasmile.
“Dr.Donaldsonisanxioustohaveatalkwithme.Heiscomingheretomorrowafternoonattwoo’clock.Weprogress,monami,weprogress.”
Twenty-six
MRS.TANIOSREFUSESTOSPEAK
WhenIcameroundafterbreakfastthefollowingmorningIfoundPoirotbusyatthewritingtable.
Heraisedahandinsalutation,thenproceededwithhistask.Presentlyhegatheredupthesheets,enclosedtheminanenvelopeandsealedthemupcarefully
“Well,oldboy,whatareyoudoing?”Iaskedfacetiously.
“Writinganaccountofthecasetobeplacedinsafekeepingincasesomeonebumpsyouoffduringthecourseoftheday?”
“Youknow,Hastings,youarenotsofarwrongasyouthink.”
Hismannerwasserious.
“Isourmurdererreallyabouttogetdangerous?”
“Amurdererisalwaysdangerous,”saidPoirotgravely.
“Astonishinghowoftenthatfactisoverlooked.”
“Anynews?”
“Dr.Taniosrangup.”
“Stillnotraceofhiswife?”
“No.”
“Thenthat’sallright.”
“Iwonder.”
“Dashitall,Poirot,youdon’tthinkshe’sbeenbumpedoff,doyou?”
Poirotshookhisheaddoubtfully.
“Iconfess,”hemurmured,“thatIshouldliketoknowwheresheis.”
“Oh,well,”Isaid.“She’llturnup.”
“Yourcheerfuloptimismneverfailstodelightme,Hastings!”
“Mygoodness,Poirot,youdon’tthinkshe’llturnupinparcelsordismemberedinatrunk?”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“IfindtheanxietyofDr.Taniossomewhatexcessive—butnomoreofthat.ThefirstthingtodoistointerviewMissLawson.”
“Areyougoingtopointoutthatlittleerroroverthebrooch?”
“Certainlynot.Thatlittlefactremainsupmysleeveuntiltherightmomentcomes.”
“Thenwhatareyougoingtosaytoher?”
“That,monami,youwillhearinduecourse.”
“Morelies,Isuppose?”
“Youarereallyoffensivesometimes,Hastings.AnybodywouldthinkIenjoyedtellinglies.”
“Iratherthinkyoudo.Infact,I’msureofit.”
“ItistruethatIsometimescomplimentmyselfuponmyingenuity,”Poirotconfessednaively.
Icouldnothelpgivingashoutoflaughter.PoirotlookedatmereproachfullyandwesetoffforClanroydenMansions
WewereshownintothesamecrowdedsittingroomandMissLawsoncamebustlingin,hermannerevenmoreincoherentthanusual.
“Oh,dear,M.Poirot,goodmorning.Suchato-do—ratheruntidy,I’mafraid.Butthen,everythingisatsixesandsevensthismorning.EversinceBellaarrived—”
“Whatisthatyousay?Bella?”
“Yes,BellaTanios.Sheturneduphalfanhourago—andthechildren—completelyexhausted,poorsoul!Really,Idon’tknowwhattodoaboutit.Yousee,she’sleftherhusband.”
“Lefthim?”
“Soshesays.Ofcourse,I’venodoubtshe’sfullyjustified,poorthing.”
“Shehasconfidedinyou?”
“Well—notexactlythat.Infact,shewon’tsayanythingatall.Justrepeatsthatshe’slefthimandthatnothingwillinducehertogobacktohim!”
“Thatisaveryserioussteptotake?”
“Ofcourseitis!Infact,ifhe’dbeenanEnglishman,Iwouldhaveadvisedher—butthere,heisn’tanEnglishman…Andshelookssopeculiar,poorthing,so—well,soscared.Whatcanhehavebeendoingtoher?IbelieveTurksarefrightfullycruelsometimes.”
“Dr.TaniosisaGreek.”
“Yes,ofcourse,that’stheotherwayabout—Imean,they’reusuallytheoneswhogetmassacredbytheTurks—oramIthinkingofArmenians?Butallthesame,Idon’tliketothinkofit.Idon’tthinksheoughttogobacktohim,doyou,M.Poirot?Anyway,Imean,shesaysshewon’t…Shedoesn’tevenwanthimtoknowwheresheis.”
“Asbadasthat?”
“Yes,youseeit’sthechildren.She’ssoafraidhecouldtakethembacktoSmyrna.Poorsoul,shereallyisinaterribleway.Yousee,she’sgotnomoney—nomoneyatall.Shedoesn’tknowwheretogoorwhattodo.Shewantstotryandearnherlivingbutreally,youknow,M.Poirot,that’snotsoeasyasitsounds.Iknowthat.It’snotasthoughsheweretrainedforanything.”
“Whendidsheleaveherhusband?”
“Yesterday.ShespentlastnightinalittlehotelnearPaddington.Shecametomebecauseshecouldn’tthinkofanyoneelsetogoto,poorthing.”
“Andareyougoingtohelpher?Thatisverygoodofyou.”
“Well,yousee,M.Poirot,Ireallyfeelit’smyduty.Butofcourse,it’sallverydifficult.Thisisaverysmallflatandthere’snoroom—andwhatwithonethingandanother.”
“YoucouldsendhertoLittlegreenHouse?”
“IsupposeIcould—butyousee,herhusbandmightthinkofthat.JustforthemomentI’vegotherroomsattheWellingtonHotelinQueen’sRoad.She’sstayingthereunderthenameofMrs.Peters.”
“Isee,”saidPoirot.
Hepausedforaminute,thensaid:
“IwouldliketoseeMrs.Tanios.Yousee,shecalledatmyflatyesterdaybutIwasout.”
“Oh,didshe?Shedidn’ttellmethat.I’lltellher,shallI?”
“Ifyouwouldbesogood.”
MissLawsonhurriedoutoftheroom.Wecouldhearhervoice.
“Bella—Bella—mydear,willyoucomeandseeM.Poirot?”
WedidnothearMrs.Tanios’reply,butaminuteortwolatershecameintotheroom.
Iwasreallyshockedatherappearance.Thereweredarkcirclesunderhereyesandhercheekswerecompletelydestituteofcolour,butwhatstruckmefarmorethanthiswasherobviousairofterror.Shestartedattheleastprovocation,andsheseemedtobecontinuallylistening.
Poirotgreetedherinhismostsoothingmanner.Hecameforward,shookhands,arrangedachairforherandhandedheracushion.Hetreatedthepale,frightenedwomanasthoughshehadbeenaqueen.
“Andnow,madame,letushavealittlechat.Youcametoseemeyesterday,Ibelieve?”
Shenodded.
“IregretverymuchthatIwasawayfromhome.”
“Yes—yes,Iwishyouhadbeenthere.”
“Youcamebecauseyouwantedtotellmesomething?”
“Yes,I—Imeantto—”
“Ehbien,Iamhere,atyourservice.”
Mrs.Taniosdidnotrespond.Shesatquitestill,twistingaringroundandroundonherfinger.
“Well,madame?”
Slowly,almostreluctantly,sheshookherhead.
“No,”shesaid.“Idaren’t.”
“Youdaren’t,madame?”
“No.I—ifheknew—he’d—Oh,somethingwouldhappentome!”
“Come,come,madame—thatisabsurd.”
“Oh,butitisn’tabsurd—itisn’tabsurdatall.Youdon’tknowhim….”
“Byhim,youmeanyourhusband,madame?”
“Yes,ofcourse.”
Poirotwassilentaminuteortwo,thenhesaid:
“Yourhusbandcametoseemeyesterday,madame.”
Aquicklookofalarmsprangupinherface.
“Oh,no!Youdidn’ttellhim—butofcourseyoudidn’t!Youcouldn’t.Youdidn’tknowwhereIwas.Didhe—didhesayIwasmad?”
Poirotansweredcautiously.
“Hesaidthatyouwere—highlynervous.”
Butsheshookherhead,undeceived.
“No,hesaidthatIwasmad—orthatIwasgoingmad!HewantstoshutmeupsothatIshan’tbeabletotellanyoneever.”
“Tellanyone—what?”
Butsheshookherhead.Twistingherfingersnervouslyroundandround,shemuttered:
“I’mafraid….”
“Butmadame,onceyouhavetoldme—youaresafe!Thesecretisout!Thatfactwillprotectyouautomatically.”
Butshedidnotreply.Shewentontwisting—twistingatherring.
“Youmustseethatyourself,”saidPoirotgently.
Shegaveasortofgasp.
“HowamItoknow…Oh,dear,it’sterrible.He’ssoplausible!Andhe’sadoctor!Peoplewillbelievehimandnotme.Iknowtheywill.Ishouldmyself.Nobodywillbelieveme.Howcouldthey?”
“Youwillnotevengivemethechance?”
Sheshotatroubledglanceathim.
“HowdoIknow?Youmaybeonhisside.”
“Iamonnoone’sside,madame.Iam—always—onthesideoftruth.”
“Idon’tknow,”saidMrs.Tanioshopelessly.“Oh,Idon’tknow.”Shewenton,herwordsgatheringvolume,tumblingovereachother.
“It’sbeensoawful—foryearsnow.I’veseenthingshappeningagainandagain.AndIcouldn’tsayanythingordoanything.Therehavebeenthechildren.It’sbeenlikealongnightmare.Andnowthis…ButIwon’tgobacktohim.Iwon’tlethimhavethechildren!I’llgosomewherewherehecan’tfindme.MinnieLawsonwillhelpme.She’sbeensokind—sowonderfullykind.Nobodycouldhavebeenkinder.”Shestopped,thenshotaquicklookatPoirotandasked:
“Whatdidhesayaboutme?DidhesayIhaddelusions?”
“Hesaid,madame,thatyouhad—changedtowardshim.”
Shenodded.
“AndhesaidIhaddelusions.Hedidsaythat,didn’the?”
“Yes,madame,tobefrank,hedid.”
“That’sit,yousee.That’swhatitwillsoundlike.AndI’venoproof—norealproof.”
Poirotleanedbackinhischair.Whenhenextspokeitwaswithanentirechangeofmanner.
Hespokeinamatter-of-fact,businesslikevoicewithaslittleemotionasifhehadbeendiscussingsomedrymatterofbusiness.
“DoyoususpectyourhusbandofdoingawaywithMissEmilyArundell?”
Heranswercamequickly—aspontaneousflash.
“Idon’tsuspect—Iknow.”
“Then,madame,itisyourdutytospeak.”
“Ah,butitisn’tsoeasy—no,itisn’tsoeasy.”
“Howdidhekillher?”
“Idon’tknowexactly—buthedidkillher.”
“Butyoudon’tknowthemethodheemployed?”
“No—itwassomething—somethinghedidthatlastSunday.”
“TheSundayhewentdowntoseeher?”
“Yes.”
“Butyoudon’tknowwhatitwas?”
“No.”
“Thenhow,forgiveme,madame,canyoubesosure?”
“Becausehe—”shestoppedandsaidslowly,“Iamsure!”
“Pardon,madame,butthereissomethingyouarekeepingback.Somethingyouhavenotyettoldme?”
“Yes.”
“Come,then.”
BellaTaniosgotupsuddenly.
“No.No.Ican’tdothat.Thechildren.Theirfather.Ican’t.Isimplycan’t….”
“Butmadame—”
“Ican’t,Itellyou.”
Hervoicerosealmosttoascream.ThedooropenedandMissLawsoncamein,herheadcockedononesidewithasortofpleasurableexcitement.
“MayIcomein?Haveyouhadyourlittletalk?Bella,mydear,don’tyouthinkyououghttohaveacupoftea,orsomesoup,orperhapsalittlebrandyeven?”
Mrs.Taniosshookherhead.
“I’mquiteallright.”Shegaveaweaksmile.“Imustbegettingbacktothechildren.Ihaveleftthemtounpack.”
“Dearlittlethings,”saidMissLawson.“I’msofondofchildren.”
Mrs.Taniosturnedtohersuddenly.
“Idon’tknowwhatIshoulddowithoutyou,”shesaid.“You—you’vebeenwonderfullykind.”
“There,there,mydear,don’tcry.Everything’sgoingtobeallright.Youshallcomeroundandseemylawyer—suchaniceman,sosympathetic,andhe’lladviseyouthebestwaytogetadivorce.Divorceissosimplenowadays,isn’tit,everybodysaysso?Oh,dear,there’sthebell.Iwonderwhothatis.”
Shelefttheroomhurriedly.Therewasamurmurofvoicesinthehall.MissLawsonreappeared.Shetiptoedinandshutthedoorcarefullybehindher.Shespokeinanexcitedwhisper,mouthingthewordsexaggeratedly.
“Oh,dear,Bella,it’syourhusband.I’msureIdon’tknow—”
Mrs.Taniosgaveoneboundtowardsadoorattheotherendoftheroom.MissLawsonnoddedherheadviolently.
“That’sright,dear,gointhere,andthenyoucanslipoutwhenI’vebroughthiminhere.”
Mrs.Tanioswhispered:
“Don’tsayI’vebeenhere.Don’tsayyou’veseenme.”
“No,no,ofcourseIwon’t.”
Mrs.Taniosslippedthroughthedoor.PoirotandIfollowedhastily.Wefoundourselvesinasmalldiningroom.
Poirotcrossedtothedoorintothehall,openeditacrackandlistened.Thenhebeckoned.
“Allisclear.MissLawsonhastakenhimintotheotherroom.”
Wecreptthroughthehallandoutbythefrontdoor.Poirotdrewittoasnoiselesslyaspossibleafterhim.
Mrs.Taniosbegantorundownthesteps,stumblingandclutchingatthebanisters.Poirotsteadiedherwithahandunderherarm.
“Ducalme—ducalme.Alliswell.”
Wereachedtheentrancehall.
“Comewithme,”saidMrs.Taniospiteously.Shelookedasthoughshemightbegoingtofaint.
“CertainlyIwillcome,”saidPoirotreassuringly.
Wecrossedtheroad,turnedacorner,andfoundourselvesinQueen’sRoad.TheWellingtonwasasmall,inconspicuoushoteloftheboardinghousevariety.
WhenwewereinsideMrs.Taniossankdownonaplushsofa.Herhandwasonherbeatingheart.
Poirotpattedherreassuringlyontheshoulder.
“Itwasthenarrowsqueak—yes.Now,madame,youaretolistentomeverycarefully.”
“Ican’ttellyouanythingmore,M.Poirot.Itwouldn’tberight.You—youknowwhatIthink—whatIbelieve.You—youmustbesatisfiedwiththat.”
“Iaskedyoutolisten,madame.Supposing—thisisasuppositiononly—thatIalreadyknowthefactsofthecase.SupposingthatwhatyoucouldtellmeIhavealreadyguessed—thatwouldmakeadifference,woulditnot?”
Shelookedathimdoubtfully.Hereyeswerepainfulintheirintensity.
“Oh,believeme,madame,Iamnottryingtotrapyouintosayingwhatyoudonotwishto.Butitwouldmakeadifference—yes?”
“I—Isupposeitwould.”
“Good.Thenletmesaythis.I,HerculePoirot,knowthetruth.Iamnotgoingtoaskyoutoacceptmywordforit.Takethis.”HethrustuponherthebulkyenvelopeIhadseenhimsealupthatmorning.“Thefactsarethere.Afteryouhavereadthem,iftheysatisfyyou,ringmeup.Mynumberisonthenotepaper.”
Almostreluctantlysheacceptedtheenvelope.
Poirotwentonbriskly:
“Andnow,onemorepoint,youmustleavethishotelatonce.”
“Butwhy?”
“YouwillgototheConistonHotelnearEuston.Tellnoonewhereyouaregoing.”
“Butsurely—here—MinnieLawsonwon’ttellmyhusbandwhereIam.”
“Youthinknot?”
“Oh,no—she’sentirelyonmyside.”
“Yes,butyourhusband,madame,isaverycleverman.Hewillnotfinditdifficulttoturnamiddle-agedladyinsideout.Itisessential—essential,youunderstand,thatyourhusbandshouldnotknowwhereyouare.”
Shenoddeddumbly.
Poirotheldoutasheetofpaper.
“Hereistheaddress.Packupanddrivetherewiththechildrenassoonaspossible.Youunderstand?”
Shenodded.
“Iunderstand.”
“Itisthechildrenyoumustthinkof,madame,notyourself.Youloveyourchldren.”
Hehadtouchedtherightnote.
Alittlecolourcreptintohercheeks,herheadwentback.Shelooked,notafrighteneddrudge,butanarrogant,almosthandsomewoman.
“Itisarranged,then,”saidPoirot.
HeshookhandsandheandIdeparted.Butnotfar.Fromtheshelterofaconvenientcafé,wesippedcoffeeandwatchedtheentranceofthehotel.InaboutfiveminuteswesawDr.Tanioswalkingdownthestreet.HedidnotevenglanceupattheWellington.Hepassedit,hisheadbowedinthought,thenheturnedintotheUndergroundstation.
AbouttenminuteslaterwesawMrs.Taniosandthechildrengetintothetaxiwiththeirluggageanddriveaway.
“Bien,”saidPoirot,risingwiththecheckinhishand.“Wehavedoneourpart.Nowitisonthekneesofthegods.”
Twenty-seven
VISITOFDR.DONALDSON
Donaldsonarrivedpunctuallyattwoo’clock.Hewasascalmandpreciseasever.
ThepersonalityofDonaldsonhadbeguntointrigueme.Ihadstartedbyregardinghimasarathernondescriptyoungman.Ihadwonderedwhatavivid,compellingcreaturelikeTheresacouldseeinhim.ButInowbegantorealizethatDonaldsonwasanythingbutnegligible.Behindthatpedanticmannertherewasforce.
Afterourpreliminarygreetingswereover,Donaldsonsaid:
“Thereasonformyvisitisthis.Iamatalosstounderstandexactlywhatyourpositionisinthismatter,M.Poirot?”
Poirotrepliedguardedly:
“Youknowmyprofession,Ithink?”
“Certainly.ImaysaythatIhavetakenthetroubletomakeinquiriesaboutyou.”
“Youareacarefulman,doctor.”
Donaldsonsaiddrily:
“Iliketobesureofmyfacts.”
“Youhavethescientificmind!”
“Imaysaythatallreportsonyouarethesame.Youareobviouslyaveryclevermaninyourprofession.Youhavealsothereputationofbeingascrupulousandhonestone.”
“Youaretooflattering,”murmuredPoirot.
“ThatiswhyIamatalosstoexplainyourconnectionwiththisaffair.”
“Andyetitissosimple!”
“Hardlythat,”saidDonaldson.“Youfirstpresentyourselfasawriterofbiographies.”
“Apardonabledeception,doyounotthink?Onecannotgoeverywhereannouncingthefactthatoneisadetective—thoughthat,too,hasitsusessometimes.”
“SoIshouldimagine.”AgainDonaldson’stonewasdry.“Yournextproceeding,”hewenton,“wastocallonMissTheresaArundellandrepresenttoherthatheraunt’swillmightconceivablybesetaside.”
Poirotmerelybowedhisheadinassent.
“That,ofcourse,wasridiculous.”Donaldson’svoicewassharp.“Youknewperfectlywellthatthatwillwasvalidinlawandthatnothingcouldbedoneaboutit.”
“Youthinkthatisthecase?”
“Iamnotafool,M.Poirot—”
“No,Dr.Donaldson,youarecertainlynotafool.”
“Iknowsomething—notverymuch,butenough—ofthelaw.Thatwillcancertainlynotbeupset.Whydidyoupretenditcould?Clearlyforreasonsofyourown—reasonswhichMissTheresaArundelldidnotforamomentgrasp.”
“Youseemverycertainofherreactions.”
Averyfaintsmilepassedacrosstheyoungman’sface.
Hesaidunexpectedly:
“IknowagooddealmoreaboutTheresathanshesuspects.IhavenodoubtthatsheandCharlesthinktheyhaveenlistedyouraidinsomequestionablebusiness.Charlesisalmostcompletelyamoral.Theresahasabadheredityandherupbringinghasbeenunfortunate.”
“Itisthusyouspeakofyourfiancée—asthoughshewasaguineapig?”
Donaldsonpeeredathimthroughhispince-nez.
“Iseenooccasiontoblinkthetruth.IloveTheresaArundellandIloveherforwhatsheisandnotforanyimaginedqualities.”
“DoyourealizethatTheresaArundellisdevotedtoyouandthatherwishformoneyismainlyinorderthatyourambitionsshouldbegratified?”
“OfcourseIrealizeit.I’vealreadytoldyouI’mnotafool.ButIhavenointentionofallowingTheresatoembroilherselfinanyquestionablesituationonmyaccount.InmanywaysTheresaisachildstill.Iamquitecapableoffurtheringmycareerbymyownefforts.Idonotsaythatasubstantiallegacywouldnothavebeenacceptable.Itwouldhavebeenmostacceptable.Butitwouldmerelyhaveprovidedashortcut.”
“Youhave,infact,fullconfidenceinyourownabilities?”
“Itprobablysoundsconceited,butIhave,”saidDonaldsoncomposedly.
“Letusproceed,then.IadmitthatIgainedMissTheresa’sconfidencebyatrick.IletherthinkthatIwouldbe—shallwesay,reasonablydishonest—formoney.Shebelievedthatwithouttheleastdifficulty.”
“Theresabelievesthatanyonewoulddoanythingformoney,”saidtheyoungdoctorinthematter-of-facttoneoneuseswhenstatingaself-evidenttruth.
“True.Thatseemstobeherattitude—herbrother’salso.”
“Charlesprobablywoulddoanythingformoney!”
“Youhavenoillusions,Isee,aboutyourfuturebrother-in-law.”
“No.Ifindhimquiteaninterestingstudy.Thereis,Ithink,somedeep-seatedneurosis—butthatistalkingshop.Toreturntowhatwearediscussing.Ihaveaskedmyselfwhyyoushouldactinthewayyouhavedone,andIhavefoundonlyoneanswer.ItisclearthatyoususpecteitherTheresaorCharlesofhavingahandinMissArundell’sdeath.No,pleasedon’tbothertocontradictme!Yourmentionofexhumationwas,Ithink,ameredevicetoseewhatreactionyouwouldget.Haveyou,inactualfact,takenanystepstowardsgettingaHomeOfficeorderforexhumation?”
“Iwillbefrankwithyou.Asyet,Ihavenot.”
Donaldsonnodded.
“SoIthought.IsupposeyouhaveconsideredthepossibilitythatMissArundell’sdeathmayturnouttobefromnaturalcauses?”
“Ihaveconsideredthefactthatitmayappeartobeso—yes.”
“Butyourownmindismadeup?”
“Verydefinitely.Ifyouhaveacaseof—say—tuberculosisthatlooksliketuberculosis,behavesliketuberculosis,andinwhichthebloodgivesapositivereaction—ehbien,youconsideritistuberculosis,doyounot?”
“Youlookatitthatway?Thenwhatexactlyareyouwaitingfor?”
“Iamwaitingforafinalpieceofevidence.”
Thetelephonebellrang.AtagesturefromPoirotIgotupandansweredit.Irecognizedthevoice.
“CaptainHastings?ThisisMrs.Taniosspeaking.WillyoutellM.Poirotthatheisperfectlyright.Ifhewillcomeheretomorrowmorningatteno’clock,Iwillgivehimwhathewants.”
“Atteno’clocktomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“Right,I’lltellhim.”
Poirot’seyesaskedaquestion.Inodded.
HeturnedtoDonaldson.Hismannerhadchanged.Itwasbrisk—assured.
“Letmemakemyselfclear,”hesaid.“Ihavediagnosedthiscaseofmineasacaseofmurder.Itlookedlikemurder,itgaveallthecharacteristicreactionsofmurder—infact,itwasmurder!Ofthatthereisnottheleastdoubt.”
“Wherethen,doesthedoubt—forIperceivethereisadoubt—lie?”
“Thedoubtlayintheidentityofthemurderer—butthatisadoubtnolonger!”
“Really?Youknow?”
“LetussaythatIshallhavedefiniteproofinmyhandstomorrow.”
Dr.Donaldson’seyebrowsroseinaslightlyironicalfashion.
“Ah,”hesaid.“Tomorrow!Sometimes,M.Poirot,tomorrowisalongwayoff.”
“Onthecontrary,”saidPoirot,“Ialwaysfindthatitsucceedstodaywithmonotonousregularity.”
Donaldsonsmiled.Herose.
“IfearIhavewastedyourtime,M.Poirot.”
“Notatall.Itisalwaysaswelltounderstandeachother.”
WithaslightbowDr.Donaldsonlefttheroom.
Twenty-eight
ANOTHERVICTIM
“Thatisacleverman,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.
“It’sratherdifficulttoknowwhatheisdrivingat.”
“Yes.Heisalittleinhuman.Butextremelyperceptive.”
“ThattelephonecallwasfromMrs.Tanios.”
“SoIgathered.”
Irepeatedthemessage.Poirotnoddedapproval.
“Good.Allmarcheswell.Twenty-fourhours,Hastings,andIthinkweshallknowexactlywherewestand.”
“I’mstillalittlefogged.Whoexactlydowesuspect?”
“Ireallycouldnotsaywhoyoususpect,Hastings!Everybodyinturn,Ishouldimagine!”
“SometimesIthinkyouliketogetmeintothatstate!”
“No,no,Iwouldnotamusemyselfinsuchaway.”
“Iwouldn’tputitpastyou.”
Poirotshookhishead,butsomewhatabsently.Istudiedhim.
“Isanythingthematter?”Iasked.
“Myfriend,Iamalwaysnervoustowardstheendofacase.Ifanythingshouldgowrong—”
“Isanythinglikelytogowrong?”
“Idonotthinkso.”Hepaused—frowning.“Ihave,Ithink,providedagainsteverycontingency.”
“Then,supposingweforgetcrimeandgotoashow?”
“Mafoi,Hastings,thatisagoodidea!”
Wepassedaverypleasantevening,thoughImadetheslightmistakeoftakingPoirottoacrookplay.ThereisonepieceofadviceIofferallmyreaders.Nevertakeasoldiertoamilitaryplay,asailortoanavalplay,aScotsmantoaScottishplay,adetectivetoathriller—andanactortoanyplaywhatsoever!Theshowerofdestructivecriticismineachcaseissomewhatdevastating.Poirotneverceasedtocomplainoffaultypsychology,andtheherodetective’slackoforderandmethodnearlydrovehimdemented.WepartedthatnightwithPoirotstillexplaininghowthewholebusinessmighthavebeenlaidbareinthefirsthalfofthefirstact.
“Butinthatcase,Poirot,therewouldhavebeennoplay,”Ipointedout.
Poirotwasforcedtoadmitthatperhapsthatwasso.
ItwasafewminutespastninewhenIenteredthesittingroomthenextmorning.Poirotwasatthebreakfasttable—asusualneatlyslittingopenhisletters.
ThetelephonerangandIansweredit.
Aheavybreathingfemalevoicespoke:
“IsthatM.Poirot?Oh,it’syou,CaptainHastings.”
Therewasasortofgaspandasob.
“IsthatMissLawson?”Iasked.
“Yes,yes,suchaterriblethinghashappened!”
Igraspedthereceivertightly.
“Whatisit?”
“ShelefttheWellington,youknow—Bella,Imean.Iwenttherelateintheafternoonyesterdayandtheysaidshe’dleft.Withoutawordtome,either!Mostextraordinary!Itmakesmefeelthatperhapsafterall,Dr.Tanioswasright.Hespokesonicelyaboutherandseemedsodistressed,andnowitreallylooksasthoughhewererightafterall.”
“Butwhat’shappened,MissLawson?IsisjustthatMrs.Taniosleftthehotelwithouttellingyou?”
“Oh,no,it’snotthat!Oh,dearme,no.Ifthatwereallitwouldbequiteallright.ThoughIdothinkitwasodd,youknow.Dr.Taniosdidsaythathewasafraidshewasn’tquite—notquite—ifyouknowwhatImean.Persecutionmania,hecalledit.”
“Yes.”(Damnthewoman!)“Butwhat’shappened?”
“Oh,dear—itisterrible.Diedinhersleep.Anoverdoseofsomesleepingstuff.Andthosepoorchildren!Itallseemssodreadfullysad!I’vedonenothingbutcrysinceIheard.”
“Howdidyouhear?Tellmeallaboutit.”
OutofthetailofmyeyeInoticedthatPoirothadstoppedopeninghisletters.Hewaslisteningtomysideoftheconversation.Ididnotliketocedemyplacetohim.IfIdiditseemedhighlyprobablethatMissLawsonwouldstartwithlamentationsalloveragain.
“Theyrangmeup.Fromthehotel.TheConistonit’scalled.Itseemstheyfoundmynameandaddressinherbag.Oh,dear,M.Poirot—CaptainHastings,Imean,isn’titterrible?Thosepoorchildrenleftmotherless.”
“Lookhere,”Isaid.“Areyousureit’sanaccident?Theydidn’tthinkitcouldbesuicide?”
“Oh,whatadreadfulidea,CaptainHastings!Oh,dear,Idon’tknow,I’msure.Doyouthinkitcouldbe?Thatwouldbedreadful.Ofcourseshedidseemverydepressed.Butsheneedn’thave.Imeantherewouldn’thavebeenanydifficultyaboutmoney.Iwasgoingtosharewithher—indeedIwas.DearMissArundellwouldhavewishedit.I’msureofthat!Itseemssoawfultothinkofhertakingherownlife—butperhapsshedidn’t…Thehotelpeopleseemedtothinkitwasanaccident?”
“Whatdidshetake?”
“Oneofthosesleepingthings.Veronal,Ithink.No,chloral.Yes,thatwasit.Chloral.Oh,dear,CaptainHastings,doyouthink—”
UnceremoniouslyIbangeddownthereceiver.IturnedtoPoirot.
“Mrs.Tanios—”
Heraisedahand.
“Yes,yes,Iknowwhatyouaregoingtosay.Sheisdead,isshenot?”
“Yes.Overdoseofsleepingdraught.Chloral.”
Poirotgotup.
“Come,Hastings,wemustgothereatonce.”
“Isthiswhatyoufeared—lastnight?Whenyousaidyouwerealwaysnervoustowardstheendofacase?”
“Ifearedanotherdeath—yes.”
Poirot’sfacewassetandstern.WesaidverylittleaswedrovetowardsEuston.OnceortwicePoirotshookhishead
Isaidtimidly:
“Youdon’tthink—?Coulditbeanaccident?”
“No,Hastings—no.Itwasnotanaccident.”
“Howonearthdidhefindoutwhereshehadgone?”
Poirotonlyshookhisheadwithoutreplying.
TheConistonwasanunsavoury-lookingplacequitenearEustonstation.Poirot,withhiscard,andasuddenlybullyingmanner,soonfoughthiswayintothemanager’soffice.
Thefactswerequitesimple.
Mrs.Petersasshehadcalledherselfandhertwochildrenhadarrivedabouthalfpasttwelve.Theyhadhadlunchatoneo’clock.
Atfouro’clockamanhadarrivedwithanoteforMrs.Peters.Thenotehadbeensentuptoher.Afewminuteslatershehadcomedownwiththetwochildrenandasuitcase.Thechildrenhadthenleftwiththevisitor.Mrs.Petershadgonetotheofficeandexplainedthatsheshouldonlywanttheoneroomafterall.
Shehadnotappearedexceptionallydistressedorupset,indeedshehadseemedquitecalmandcollected.Shehadhaddinneraboutseventhirtyandhadgonetoherroomsoonafterwards.
Oncallingherinthemorningthechambermaidhadfoundherdead.
Adoctorhadbeensentforandhadpronouncedhertohavebeendeadforsomehours.Anemptyglasswasfoundonthetablebythebed.Itseemedfairlyobviousthatshehadtakenasleepingdraught,andbymistake,takenanoverdose.Chloralhydrate,thedoctorsaid,wasasomewhatuncertaindrug.Therewerenoindicationsofsuicide.Noletterhadbeenleft.Searchingformeansofnotifyingherrelations,MissLawson’snameandaddresshadbeenfoundandshehadbeencommunicatedwithbytelephone.
Poirotaskedifanythinghadbeenfoundinthewayoflettersorpapers.Theletter,forinstance,broughtbythemanwhohadcalledforthechildren.
Nopapersofanykindhadbeenfound,themansaid,buttherewasapileofcharredpaperonthehearth.
Poirotnoddedthoughtfully.
Asfarasanyonecouldsay,Mrs.Petershadhadnovisitorsandnoonehadcometoherroom—withthesolitaryexceptionofthemanwhohadcalledforthetwochildren.
Iquestionedtheportermyselfastohisappearance,butthemanwasveryvague.Amanofmediumheight—hethoughtfair-haired—rathermilitarybuild—ofsomewhatnondescriptappearance.No,hewaspositivethemanhadnobeard.
“Itwasn’tTanios,”ImurmuredtoPoirot.
“MydearHastings!DoyoureallybelievethatMrs.Tanios,afterallthetroubleshewastakingtogetthechildrenawayfromtheirfather,wouldquitemeeklyhandthemovertohimwithouttheleastfussorprotest?Ah,that,no!”
“Thenwhowastheman?”
“ClearlyitwassomeoneinwhomMrs.TanioshadconfidenceorratheritwassomeonesentbyathirdpersoninwhomMrs.Tanioshadconfidence.”
“Amanofmediumheight,”Imused.
“Youneedhardlytroubleyourselfabouthisappearance,Hastings.Iamquitesurethatthemanwhoactuallycalledforthechildrenwassomequiteunimportantpersonage.Therealagentkepthimselfinthebackground!”
“Andthenotewasfromthisthirdperson?”
“Yes.”
“SomeoneinwhomMrs.Tanioshadconfidence?”
“Obviously.”
“Andthenoteisnowburnt?”
“Yes,shewasinstructedtoburnit.”
“Whataboutthatrésuméofthecasethatyougaveher?”
Poirot’sfacelookedunusuallygrim.
“That,too,isburned.Butthatdoesnotmatter!”
“No?”
“No.Foryousee—itisallintheheadofHerculePoirot.”
Hetookmebythearm.
“Come,Hastings,letusleavehere.Ourconcernisnotwiththedeadbutwiththeliving.ItiswiththemIhavetodeal.”
Twenty-nine
INQUESTATLITTLEGREENHOUSE
Itwaseleveno’clockthefollowingmorning.
SevenpeoplewereassembledatLittlegreenHouse.
HerculePoirotstoodbythemantelpiece.CharlesandTheresawereonthesofa,CharlesonthearmofitwithhishandonTheresa’sshoulder.Dr.Taniossatinagrandfatherchair.Hiseyeswereredrimmedandheworeablackbandroundhisarm.
Onanuprightchairbyaroundtablesattheownerofthehouse,MissLawson.She,too,hadredeyes.Herhairwasevenuntidierthanusual.Dr.DonaldsonsatdirectlyfacingPoirot.Hisfacewasquiteexpressionless.
MyinterestquickenedasIlookedateachfaceinturn.
InthecourseofmyassociationwithPoirotIhadassistedatmanysuchascene.Alittlecompanyofpeople,alloutwardlycomposedwithwell-bredmasksforfaces.AndIhadseenPoirotstripthemaskfromonefaceandshowitforwhatitwas—thefaceofakiller!
Yes,therewasnodoubtofit.Oneofthesepeoplewasamurderer!Butwhich?EvennowIwasnotsure.
Poirotclearedhisthroat—alittlepompouslyaswashishabit—andbegantospeak.
“Weareassembledhere,ladiesandgentlemen,toinquireintothedeathofEmilyArundellonthefirstofMaylast.Therearefourpossibilities—thatshediednaturally—thatshediedastheresultofanaccident—thatshetookherownlife—orlastlythatshemetherdeathatthehandsofsomepersonknownorunknown.
“Noinquestwasheldatthetimeofherdeath,sinceitwasassumedthatshediedfromnaturalcausesandamedicalcertificatetothateffectwasgivenbyDr.Grainger.
“Inacasewheresuspicionarisesafterburialhastakenplaceitisusualtoexhumethebodyofthepersoninquestion.TherearereasonswhyIhavenotadvocatedthatcourse.Thechiefofthemisthatmyclientwouldnothavelikedit.”
ItwasDr.Donaldsonwhointerrupted.Hesaid:
“Yourclient?”
Poirotturnedtohim.
“MyclientisMissEmilyArundell.Iamactingforher.Hergreatestdesirewasthatthereshouldbenoscandal.”
Iwillpassoverthenexttenminutessinceitwouldinvolvemuchneedlessrepetition.Poirottoldoftheletterhehadreceived,andproducingithereaditaloud.HewentontoexplainthestepshehadtakenoncomingtoMarketBasing,andofhisdiscoveryofthemeanstakentobringabouttheaccident.
Thenhepaused,clearedhisthroatoncemore,andwenton:
“IamnowgoingtotakeyouoverthegroundItravelledtogetatthetruth.IamgoingtoshowyouwhatIbelievetobeatruereconstructionofthefactsofthecase.
“TobeginwithitisnecessarytopictureexactlywhatpassedinMissArundell’smind.That,Ithink,isfairlyeasy.Shehasafall,herfallissupposedtobeoccasionedbyadog’sball,butsheherselfknowsbetter.Lyingthereonherbedheractiveandshrewdmindgoesoverthecircumstancesofherfallandshecomestoaverydefiniteconclusionaboutit.Someonehasdeliberatelytriedtoinjure—perhapstokillher.
“Fromthatconclusionshepassestoaconsiderationofwhothatpersoncanbe.Thereweresevenpeopleinthehouse—fourguests,hercompanionandtwoservants.Ofthesesevenpeopleonlyonecanbeentirelyexonerated—sincetothatonepersonnoadvantagecouldaccrue.Shedoesnotseriouslysuspectthetwoservants,bothofwhomhavebeenwithherformanyyearsandwhomsheknowstobedevotedtoher.Thereremainthen,fourpersons,threeofthemmembersofherfamily,andoneofthemaconnectionbymarriage.Eachofthosefourpersonsbenefit,threedirectly,oneindirectly,byherdeath.
“Sheisinadifficultpositionsincesheisawomanwithastrongsenseoffamilyfeeling.Essentiallysheisnotonewhowishestowashthedirtylineninpublic,asthesayinggoes.Ontheotherhand,sheisnotonetosubmittamelytoattemptedmurder!
“Shetakesherdecisionandwritestome.Shealsotakesafurtherstep.Thatfurtherstepwas,Ibelieve,actuatedbytwomotives.One,Ithink,wasadistinctfeelingofspiteagainstherentirefamily!Shesuspectedthemallimpartially,andshedeterminedatallcoststoscoreoffthem!Thesecondandmorereasonedmotivewasawishtoprotectherselfandarealizationofhowthiscouldbeaccomplished.Asyouknow,shewrotetoherlawyer,Mr.Purvis,anddirectedhimtodrawupawillinfavouroftheonepersoninthehousewhom,shefeltconvinced,couldhavehadnohandinheraccident.
“NowImaysaythat,fromthetermsofherlettertomeandfromhersubsequentactions,IamquitesurethatMissArundellpassedfromindefinitesuspicionoffourpeopletodefinitesuspicionofoneofthosefour.Thewholetenorofherlettertomeisaninsistencethatthisbusinessmustbekeptstrictlyprivatesincethehonourofthefamilyisinvolved.
“Ithinkthat,fromaVictorianpointofview,thismeansthatapersonofherownnamewasindicated—andpreferablyaman.
“IfshehadsuspectedMrs.Taniosshewouldhavebeenquiteasanxioustosecureherownsafety,butnotquiteasconcernedforthefamilyhonour.ShemighthavefeltmuchthesameaboutTheresaArundell,butnotnearlyasintenselyasshewouldfeelaboutCharles.
“CharleswasanArundell.Heborethefamilyname!Herreasonsforsuspectinghimseemquiteclear.Tobeginwith,shehadnoillusionsaboutCharles.Hehadcomeneartodisgracingthefamilyoncebefore.Thatis,sheknewhimtobenotonlyapotentialbutanactualcriminal!Hehadalreadyforgedhernametoacheque.Afterforgery—astepfurther—murder!
“Alsoshehadhadasomewhatsuggestiveconversationwithhimonlytwodaysbeforeheraccident.Hehadaskedherformoneyandshehadrefusedandhehadthereuponremarked—oh,lightlyenough—thatshewasgoingtherightwaytogetherselfbumpedoff.Tothisshehadrespondedthatshecouldtakecareofherself!Tothis,wearetold,hernephewresponded,‘Don’tbetoosure.’Andtwodayslaterthissinisteraccidenttakesplace.
“Itishardlytobewonderedatthatlyingthereandbroodingovertheoccurrence,MissArundellcamedefinitelytotheconclusionthatitwasCharlesArundellwhohadmadeanattemptuponherlife.
“Thesequenceofeventsisperfectlyclear.TheconversationwithCharles.Theaccident.Theletterwrittentomeingreatdistressofmind.Thelettertothelawyer.OnthefollowingTuesday,the21st,Mr.Purvisbringsthewillandshesignsit.
“CharlesandTheresaArundellcomedownthefollowingweekendandMissArundellatoncetakesthenecessarystepstosafeguardherself.ShetellsCharlesaboutthewill.Shenotonlytellshimbutsheactuallyshowsittohim!That,tomymind,isabsolutelyconclusive.Sheismakingitquitecleartoawould-bemurdererthatmurderwouldbringhimnothingwhatever!
“SheprobablythoughtthatCharleswouldpassonthatinformationtohissister.Buthedidnotdoso.Why?Ifancythathehadaverygoodreason—hefeltguilty!Hebelievedthatitwashisdoingthatthewillhadbeenmade.Butwhydidhefeelguilty?Becausehehadreallyattemptedmurder?Ormerelybecausehehadhelpedhimselftoasmallsumofreadycash?Eithertheseriouscrimeorthepettyonemightaccountforhisreluctance.Hesaidnothing,hopingthathisauntwouldrelentandchangehermind.
“AsfarasMissArundell’sstateofmindwasconcernedIfeltthatIhadreconstructedeventswithafairamountofcorrectness.Ihadnexttomakeupmymindifhersuspicionswere,inactualfact,justified.
“Justasshehaddone,Irealizedthatmysuspicionswerelimitedtoanarrowcircle—sevenpeopletobeexact.CharlesandTheresaArundell,Dr.TaniosandMrs.Tanios.Thetwoservants,MissLawson.Therewasaneighthpersonwhohadtobetakenintoaccount—namely,Dr.Donaldson,whodinedtherethatnight,butIdidnotlearnofhispresenceuntillater.
“ThesesevenpersonsthatIwasconsideringfelleasilyintotwocategories.SixofthemstoodtobenefitinagreaterorlesserdegreebyMissArundell’sdeath.Ifanyoneofthosesixhadcommittedthecrimethereasonwasprobablyaplainmatterofgain.Thesecondcategorycontainedonepersononly—MissLawson.MissLawsondidnotstandtogainbyMissArundell’sdeath,butasaresultoftheaccident,shedidbenefitconsiderablylater!
“ThatmeantthatifMissLawsonstagedtheso-calledaccident—”
“Ineverdidanythingofthekind!”MissLawsoninterrupted.“It’sdisgraceful!Standingupthereandsayingsuchthings!”
“Alittlepatience,mademoiselle.Andbekindenoughnottointerrupt,”saidPoirot.
MissLawsontossedherheadangrily.
“Iinsistonmakingmyprotest!Disgraceful,that’swhatitis!Disgraceful!”
Poirotwentonunheeding.
“IwassayingthatifMissLawsonstagedthataccidentshedidsoforanentirelydifferentreason—thatis,sheengineereditsothatMissArundellwouldnaturallysuspectherownfamilyandbecomealienatedfromthem.Thatwasapossibility!IsearchedtoseeiftherewereanyconfirmationorotherwiseandIunearthedoneverydefinitefact.IfMissLawsonwantedMissArundelltosuspectherownfamily,shewouldhavestressedthefactofthedog,Bob,beingoutthatnight.ButonthecontraryMissLawsontooktheutmostpainstopreventMissArundellhearingofthat.Therefore,Iargued,MissLawsonmustbeinnocent.”
MissLawsonsaidsharply:
“Ishouldhopeso!”
“InextconsideredtheproblemofMissArundell’sdeath.Ifoneattempttomurderapersonismade,asecondattemptusuallyfollows.ItseemedtomesignificantthatwithinafortnightofthefirstattemptMissArundellshouldhavedied.Ibegantomakeinquiries.
“Dr.Graingerdidnotseemtothinktherewasanythingunusualabouthispatient’sdeath.Thatwasalittledampingtomytheory.But,inquiringintothehappeningsofthelasteveningbeforeshewastakenill,Icameacrossasignificantfact.MissIsabelTrippmentionedahalooflightthathadappearedroundMissArundell’shead.Hersisterconfirmedherstatement.Theymight,ofcourse,beinventing—inaromanticspirit—butIdidnotthinkthattheincidentwasquitealikelyonetooccurtothemunprompted.WhenquestioningMissLawsonshealsogavemeaninterestingpieceofinformation.ShereferredtoaluminousribbonissuingfromMissArundell’smouthandformingaluminoushazeroundherhead.
“Obviously,thoughdescribedsomewhatdifferentlybytwodifferentobservers,theactualfactwasthesame.Whatitamountedto,shornofspiritualisticsignificance,wasthis:OnthenightinquestionMissArundell’sbreathwasphosphorescent!”
Dr.Donaldsonmovedalittleinhischair.
Poirotnoddedtohim.
“Yes,youbegintosee.Therearenotverymanyphosphorescentsubstances.ThefirstandmostcommononegavemeexactlywhatIwaslookingfor.Iwillreadyouashortextractfromanarticleonphosphoruspoisoning.
“Theperson’sbreathmaybephosphorescentbeforehefeelsinanywayaffectedThatiswhatMissLawsonandtheMissesTrippsawinthedark—MissArundell’sphosphorescentbreath—‘aluminoushaze.’AndhereIwillreadyouagain.Thejaundicehavingthoroughlypronounceditself,thesystemmaybeconsideredasnotonlyundertheinfluenceofthetoxicactionofphosphorus,butassufferinginadditionfromalltheaccidentsincidentaltotheretentionofthebiliarysecretionintheblood,noristherefromthispointanyspecialdifferencebetweenphosphoruspoisoningandcertainaffectionsoftheliver—suchforexampleasyellowatrophy.
“Youseetheclevernessofthat?MissArundellhassufferedforyearsfromlivertrouble.Thesymptomsofphosphoruspoisoningwouldonlylooklikeanotherattackofthesamecomplaint.Therewillbenothingnew,nothingstartlingaboutit.
“Oh!Itwaswell-planned!Foreignmatches—verminpaste?Itisnotdifficulttogetholdofphosphorusandaverysmalldosewillkill.Themedicinaldoseisfrom1/100to1/30grain.
“Voilà.Howclear—howmarvellouslyclearthewholebusinessbecomes!Naturally,thedoctorisdeceived—especiallyasIfindhissenseofsmellisaffected—thegarlicodourofthebreathisadistinctsymptomofphosphoruspoisoning.Hehadnosuspicions—whyshouldhehave?Therewerenosuspiciouscircumstancesandtheonethingthatmighthavegivenhimahintwastheonethinghewouldneverhear—orifhedidhearithewouldonlyclassitasspiritualisticnonsense.
“Iwasnowsure(fromtheevidenceofMissLawsonandtheMissesTripp)thatmurderhadbeencommitted.Thequestionstillwasbywhom?Ieliminatedtheservants—theirmentalitywasobviouslynotadaptedtosuchacrime.IeliminatedMissLawsonsinceshewouldhardlyhaveprattledonaboutluminousectoplasmifshehadbeenconnectedwiththecrime.IeliminatedCharlesArundellsinceheknew,havingseenthewill,thathewouldgainnothingbyhisaunt’sdeath.
“ThereremainedhissisterTheresa,Dr.Tanios,Mrs.TaniosandDr.DonaldsonwhomIdiscoveredtohavebeendininginthehouseontheeveningofthedog’sballincident.
“AtthispointIhadverylittletohelpme.Ihadtofallbackuponthepsychologyofthecrimeandthepersonalityofthemurderer!Bothcrimeshadroughlythesameoutline.Theywerebothsimple.Theywerecunning,andcarriedoutwithefficiency.Theyrequiredacertainamountofknowledgebutnotagreatdeal.Thefactsaboutphosphoruspoisoningareeasilylearned,andthestuffitself,asIsay,isquiteeasilyobtained,especiallyabroad.
“Iconsideredfirstthetwomen.Bothofthemweredoctors,andbothwereclevermen.Eitherofthemmighthavethoughtofphosphorusanditssuitabilityinthisparticularcase,buttheincidentofthedog’sballdidnotseemtofitamasculinemind.Theincidentoftheballseemedtomeessentiallyawoman’sidea.
“IconsideredfirstofallTheresaArundell.Shehadcertainpotentialities.Shewasbold,ruthless,andnotoverscrupulous.Shehadledaselfishandgreedylife.Shehadalwayshadeverythingshewantedandshehadreachedapointwhereshewasdesperateformoney—bothforherselfandforthemansheloved.Hermanner,also,showedplainlythat
“Therewasaninterestinglittlepassagebetweenherandherbrother.Iconceivedtheideathateachsuspectedtheotherofthecrime.Charlesendeavouredtomakehersaythatsheknewoftheexistenceofthenewwill.Why?Clearlybecauseifsheknewofitshecouldnotbesuspectedofthemurder.She,ontheotherhand,clearlydidnotbelieveCharles’statementthatMissArundellhadshownittohim!Sheregardeditasasingularlyclumsyattemptonhisparttodivertsuspicionfromhimself.
“Therewasanothersignificantpoint.Charlesdisplayedareluctancetousethewordarsenic.LaterIfoundthathehadquestionedtheoldgardeneratlengthuponthestrengthofsomeweedkiller.Itwasclearwhathadbeeninhismind.”
CharlesArundellshiftedhispositionalittle.
“Ithoughtofit,”hesaid.“But—well,IsupposeIhadn’tgotthenerve.”
Poirotnoddedathim.
“Precisely,itisnotinyourpsychology.Yourcrimeswillalwaysbethecrimesofweakness.Tosteal,toforge—yes,itistheeasiestway—buttokill—no!Tokilloneneedsthetypeofmindthatcanbeobsessedbyanidea.”
Heresumedhislecturingmanner.
“TheresaArundell,Idecided,hadquitesufficientstrengthofmindtocarrysuchadesignthrough,buttherewereotherfactstotakeintoconsideration.Shehadneverbeenthwarted,shehadlivedfullyandselfishly—butthattypeofpersonisnotthetypethatkills—exceptperhapsinsuddenanger.Andyet—Ifeltsure—itwasTheresaArundellwhohadtakentheweedkillerfromthetin.”
Theresaspokesuddenly:
“I’lltellyouthetruth.Ithoughtofit.IactuallytooksomeweedkillerfromatindownatLittlegreenHouse.ButIcouldn’tdoit!I’mtoofondofliving—ofbeingalive—Icouldn’tdothattoanyone—takelifefromthem…ImaybebadandselfishbuttherearethingsIcan’tdo!Icouldn’tkillaliving,breathinghumancreature!”
Poirotnodded.
“No,thatistrue.Andyouarenotasbadasyoupaintyourself,mademoiselle.Youareonlyyoung—andreckless.”
Hewenton:
“ThereremainedMrs.Tanios.AssoonasIsawherIrealizedthatshewasafraid.ShesawthatIrealizedthatandsheveryquicklymadecapitaloutofthatmomentarybetrayal.Shegaveaveryconvincingportraitofawomanwhoisafraidforherhusband.Alittlelatershechangedhertactics.Itwasverycleverlydone—butthechangedidnotdeceiveme.Awomancanbeafraidforherhusbandorshecanbeafraidofherhusband—butshecanhardlybeboth.Mrs.Taniosdecidedonthelatterr?le—andsheplayedherpartcleverly—eventocomingoutaftermeintothehallofthehotelandpretendingthattherewassomethingshewantedtotellme.Whenherhusbandfollowedherassheknewhewould,shepretendedthatshecouldnotspeakbeforehim.
“Irealizedatonce,notthatshefearedherhusband,butthatshedislikedhim.Andatonce,summingthematterup,IfeltconvincedthatherewastheexactcharacterIhadbeenlookingfor.Herewas—notaself-indulgentwoman—butathwartedone.Aplaingirl,leadingadullexistence,unabletoattractthemenshewouldliketoattract,finallyacceptingamanshedidnotcareforratherthanbeleftanoldmaid.Icouldtracehergrowingdissatisfactionwithlife,herlifeinSmyrnaexiledfromallshecaredforinlife.Thenthebirthofherchildrenandherpassionateattachmenttothem.
“Herhusbandwasdevotedtoherbutshecamesecretlytodislikehimmoreandmore.Hehadspeculatedwithhermoneyandlostit—anothergrudgeagainsthim.
“Therewasonlyonethingthatilluminatedherdrablife,theexpectationofherAuntEmily’sdeath.Thenshewouldhavemoney,independence,themeanstoeducateherchildrenasshewished—andremembereducationmeantalottoher—shewasaProfessor’sdaughter!
“Shemayhavealreadyplannedthecrime,orhadtheideaofitinhermind,beforeshecametoEngland.Shehadacertainknowledgeofchemistry,havingassistedherfatherinthelaboratory.SheknewthenatureofMissArundell’scomplaintandshewaswellawarethatphosphoruswouldbeanidealsubstanceforherpurpose.
“Then,whenshecametoLittlegreenHouse,asimplermethodpresenteditselftoher.Thedog’sball—athreadorstringacrossthetopofthestairs.Asimple,ingeniouswoman’sidea.
“Shemadeherattempt—andfailed.IdonotthinkthatshehadanyideathatMissArundellwasawareofthetruefactsofthematter.MissArundell’ssuspicionsweredirectedentirelyagainstCharles.IdoubtifhermannertoBellashowedanyalteration.Andso,quietlyanddeterminedly,thisself-contained,unhappy,ambitiouswomanputheroriginalplanintoexecution.Shefoundanexcellentvehicleforthepoison,somepatentcapsulesthatMissArundellwasinthehabitoftakingaftermeals.Toopenacapsule,placethephosphorusinsideandcloseitagain,waschild’splay.
“Thecapsulewasreplacedamongtheothers.SoonerorlaterMissArundellwouldswallowit.Poisonwasnotlikelytobesuspected.Evenif,bysomeunlikelychanceitwas,sheherselfwouldbenowherenearMarketBasingatthetime.
“Yetshetookoneprecaution.Sheobtainedadoublesupplyofchloralhydrateatthechemist’s,forgingherhusband’snametotheprescription.Ihavenodoubtofwhatthatwasfor—tokeepbyherincaseanythingwentwrong.
“AsIsay,IwasconvincedfromthefirstmomentIsawherthatMrs.TanioswasthepersonIwaslookingfor,butIhadabsolutelynoproofofthefact.Ihadtoproceedcarefully.IfMrs.TanioshadanyideaIsuspectedher,Iwasafraidthatshemightproceedtoafurthercrime.Furthermore,Ibelievedthattheideaofthatcrimehadalreadyoccurredtoher.Heronewishinlifewastoshakeherselffreeofherhusband.
“Heroriginalmurderhadprovedabitterdisappointment.Themoney,thewonderfulall-intoxicatingmoney,hadallgonetoMissLawson!Itwasablow,butshesettoworkmostintelligently.ShebegantoworkonMissLawson’sconsciencewhich,Isuspect,wasalreadynottoocomfortable.”
Therewasasuddenoutburstofsobs.MissLawsontookoutherhandkerchiefandcriedintoit.
“It’sbeendreadful,”shesobbed.“I’vebeenwicked!Verywicked.Yousee,Iwasverycuriousaboutthewill—whyMissArundellhadmadeanewone,Imean.Andoneday,whenMissArundellwasresting,Imanagedtounlockthedrawerinthedesk.AndthenIfoundshe’dleftitalltome!Ofcourse,Ineverdreameditwassomuch.Justafewthousand—that’sallIthoughtitwas.Andwhynot?Afterall,herownrelationsdidn’treallycareforher!Butthen,whenshewassoill,sheaskedforthewill.Icouldsee—Ifeltsure—shewasgoingtodestroyit…Andthat’swhenIwassowicked.Itoldhershe’dsentitbacktoMr.Purvis.Poordear,shewassoforgetful.Sheneverrememberedwhatshe’ddonewiththings.Shebelievedme.SaidImustwriteforitandIsaidIwould.
“Oh,dear—Oh,dear—andthenshegotworseandcouldn’tthinkofanything.Andshedied.AndwhenthewillwasreadanditwasallthatmoneyIfeltdreadful.Threehundredandseventy-fivethousandpounds.I’dneverdreamedforaminuteitwasanythinglikethatorIwouldn’thavedoneit.
“IfeltjustasthoughI’dembezzledthemoney—andIdidn’tknowwhattodo.Theotherday,whenBellacametome,Itoldherthatsheshouldhavehalfofit.IfeltsurethatthenIwouldfeelhappyagain.”
“Yousee?”saidPoirot,“Mrs.Tanioswassucceedinginherobject.Thatiswhyshewassoaversetoanyattempttocontestthewill.ShehadherownplansandthelastthingshewantedtodowastoantagonizeMissLawson.Shepretended,ofcourse,tofallinatoncewithherhusband’swishes,butshemadeitquiteclearwhatherrealfeelingswere.
“Shehadatthattimetwoobjects,todetachherselfandherchildrenfromDr.Taniosandtoobtainhershareofthemoney.Thenshewouldhavewhatshewanted—arichcontentedlifeinEnglandwithherchildren.
“Astimewentonshecouldnolongerconcealherdislikeforherhusband.Infact,shedidnottryto.He,poorman,wasseriouslyupsetanddistressed.Heractionsmusthaveseemedquiteincomprehensibletohim.Really,theywerelogicalenough.Shewasplayingthepartoftheterrorizedwoman.IfIhadsuspicions—andshewasfairlysurethatthatmustbethecase—shewishedmetobelievethatherhusbandhadcommittedthemurder.AndatanymomentthatsecondmurderwhichIamconvincedwasalreadyplannedinhermindmightoccur.Iknewthatshehadalethaldoseofchloralinherpossession.Ifearedthatshewouldstageapretendedsuicideandconfessiononhispart.
“AndstillIhadnoevidenceagainsther!Andthen,whenIwasquiteindespair,Igotsomethingatlast!MissLawsontoldmethatshehadseenTheresaArundellkneelingonthestairsonthenightofEasterMonday.IsoondiscoveredthatMissLawsoncouldnothaveseenTheresaatallclearly—notclearlyenoughtorecognizeherfeatures.Yetshewasquitepositiveinheridentification.OnbeingpressedshementionedabroochwithTheresa’sinitials—T.A.
“OnmyrequestMissTheresaArundellshowedmethebroochinquestion.Atthesametimesheabsolutelydeniedhavingbeenonthestairsatthetimestated.AtfirstIfanciedsomeoneelsehadborrowedherbrooch,butwhenIlookedatthebroochintheglassthetruthleapedatme.MissLawsonwakinguphadseenadimfigurewiththeinitialsT.A.flashinginthelight.ShehadleapttotheconclusionitwasTheresa.
“ButifintheglassshehadseentheinitialsT.A.—thentherealinitialsmusthavebeenA.T.sincetheglassnaturallyreversedtheorder.
“Ofcourse!Mrs.Tanios’motherwasArabellaArundell.Bellaisonlyacontraction.A.T.stoodforArabellaTanios.TherewasnothingoddinMrs.Taniospossessingasimilartypeofbrooch.IthadbeenexclusivelastChristmasbutbythespringtheywerealltherage,andIhadalreadyobservedthatMrs.TanioscopiedhercousinTheresa’shatsandclothesasfarasshewasablewithherlimitedmeans.
“Inmyownmind,atanyrate,mycasewasproved.
“Now—whatwasItodo?ObtainaHomeOfficeorderfortheexhumationofthebody?Thatcoulddoubtlessbemanaged.ImightprovethatMissArundellhadbeenpoisonedwithphosphorusthoughtherewasalittledoubtaboutthat.Thebodyhadbeenburiedtwomonths,andIunderstandthattherehavebeencasesofphosphoruspoisoningwherenolesionshavebeenfoundandwherethepostmortemappearancesareveryindecisive.Eventhen,couldIconnectMrs.Tanioswiththepurchaseorpossessionofphosphorus?Verydoubtful,sinceshehadprobablyobtaineditabroad.
“AtthisjunctureMrs.Taniostookadecisiveaction.Sheleftherhusband,throwingherselfonthepityofMissLawson.Shealsodefinitelyaccusedherhusbandofthemurder.
“UnlessIactedIfeltconvincedthathewouldbehernextvictim.Itookstepstoisolatethemonefromtheotheronthepretextthatitwasforhersafety.Shecouldnotverywellcontradictthat.Really,itwashissafetyIhadinmind.Andthen—andthen—”Hepaused—alongpause.Hisfacehadgoneratherwhite.
“Butthatwasonlyatemporarymeasure.Ihadtomakesurethatthekillerwouldkillnomore.Ihadtoassurethesafetyoftheinnocent.
“SoIwroteoutmyconstructionofthecaseandgaveittoMrs.Tanios.”
Therewasalongsilence.
Dr.Tanioscriedout:
“Oh,myGod,sothat’swhyshekilledherself.”
Poirotsaidgently:
“Wasitnotthebestway?Shethoughtso.Therewere,yousee,thechildrentoconsider.”
Dr.Taniosburiedhisfaceinhishands
Poirotcameforwardandlaidahandonhisshoulder.
“Ithadtobe.Believemeitwasnecessary.Therewouldhavebeenmoredeaths.Firstyours—thenpossibly,undercertaincircumstances,MissLawson’s.Andsoitgoeson.”
Hepaused.
InabrokenvoiceTaniossaid:
“Shewantedme—totakeasleepingdraughtonenight…Therewassomethinginherface—Ithrewitaway.ThatwaswhenIbegantobelievehermindwasgoing….”
“Thinkofitthatway.Itisindeedpartlytrue.Butnotinthelegalmeaningoftheterm.Sheknewthemeaningofheraction….”
Dr.Taniossaidwistfully:
“Shewasmuchtoogoodforme—always.”
Astrangeepitaphonaself-confessedmurderess!
Thirty
THELASTWORD
Thereisverylittlemoretotell.
Theresamarriedherdoctorshortlyafterwards.IknowthemfairlywellnowandIhavelearnttoappreciateDonaldson—hisclarityofvisionandthedeep,underlyingforceandhumanityoftheman.HismannerImaysayisjustasdryandpreciseasever,Theresaoftenmimicshimtohisface.Sheis,Ithink,amazinglyhappyandabsolutelywrappedupinherhusband’scareer.Heisalreadymakingabignameforhimselfandisanauthorityonthefunctionsofductlessglands.
MissLawson,inanacuteattackofconscience,hadtoberestrainedforciblyfromdenudingherselfofeverypenny.AsettlementagreeabletoallpartieswasdrawnupbyMr.PurviswherebyMissArundell’sfortunewassharedoutbetweenMissLawson,thetwoArundellsandtheTanioschildren.
Charleswentthroughhisshareinalittleoverayearandisnow,Ibelieve,inBritishColumbia.
Justtwoincidents.
“You’readownyfellow,ain’tyou?”saidMissPeabody,stoppingusasweemergedfromthegateofLittlegreenHouseoneday.“Managedtohusheverythingup!Noexhumation.Everythingdonedecently.”
“ThereseemstobenodoubtthatMissArundelldiedofyellowatrophyoftheliver,”saidPoirotgently.
“That’sverysatisfactory,”saidMissPeabody.“BellaTaniostookanoverdoseofsleepingstuff,Ihear.”
“Yes,itwasverysad.”
“Shewasamiserablekindofwoman—alwayswantingwhatshehadn’tgot.Peoplegoabitqueersometimeswhenthey’relikethat.Hadakitchenmaidonce.Samething.Plaingirl.Feltit.Startedwritinganonymousletters.Queerkinkspeopleget.Ah,well,Idaresayit’sallforthebest.”
“Onehopesso,madame.Onehopesso.”
“Well,”saidMissPeabody,preparingtoresumeherwalk,“I’llsaythisforyou.You’vehushedthingsupnicely.Verynicelyindeed.”Shewalkedon.
Therewasaplaintive“Wuff”behindme.
Iturnedandopenedthegate.
“Comeon,oldman.”
Bobbouncedthrough.Therewasaballinhismouth.
“Youcan’ttakethatforawalk.”
Bobsighed,turnedandslowlyejectedtheballinsidethegate.Helookedatitanxiouslythenpassedthrough.
Helookedupatme.
“Ifyousayso,master,Isupposeit’sallright.”
Idrewalongbreath.
“Myword,Poirot,it’sgoodtohaveadogagain.”
“Thespoilsofwar,”saidPoirot.“ButIwouldremindyou,myfriend,thatitwastomethatMissLawsonpresentedBob,nottoyou.”
“Possibly,”Isaid.“Butyou’renotreallyanygoodwithadog,Poirot.Youdon’tunderstanddogpsychology!NowBobandIunderstandeachotherperfectly,don’twe?”
“Woof,”saidBobinenergeticassent.
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
Copyright
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialoguearedrawnfromtheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualeventsorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
ThistitlewaspreviouslypublishedasPoirotLosesaClient.
AGATHACHRISTIE?POIROT?DUMBWITNESS?.Copyright?1937AgathaChristieLimited(aChorioncompany).Allrightsreserved.
DUMBWITNESS.?1937.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.
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