Sad Cypress_ Hercule Poirot Investigates

AgathaChristie
SadCypress
AHerculePoirotMystery
Dedication
ToPeterandPeggyMcLeod
Epigraph
Comeaway,comeaway,death,
Andinsadcypressletmebelaid;
Flyaway,flyaway,breath!
Iamslainbyafaircruelmaid.
Myshroudofwhite,stuckallwithyew
Oprepareit;
Mypartofdeathnoonesotrue;
Didshareit.ShakespeareContents
Cover
TitlePage
Dedication
Epigraph
Prologue
PartI
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
PartII
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
PartIII
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
AbouttheAuthor
OtherBooksbyAgathaChristie
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
Prologue
“ElinorKatharineCarlisle.YoustandchargeduponthisindictmentwiththemurderofMaryGerrarduponthe27thofJulylast.Areyouguiltyornotguilty?”
ElinorCarlislestoodverystraight,herheadraised.Itwasagracefulhead,themodellingofthebonessharpandwell-defined.Theeyeswereadeepvividblue,thehairblack.Thebrowshadbeenpluckedtoafaintthinline.
Therewasasilence—quiteanoticeablesilence.
SirEdwinBulmer,CounselfortheDefence,feltathrillofdismay.
Hethought:
“MyGod,she’sgoingtopleadguilty…She’slosthernerve….”
ElinorCarlisle’slipsparted.Shesaid:
“Notguilty.”
CounselfortheDefencesankback.Hepassedahandkerchiefoverhisbrow,realizingthatithadbeenanearshave.
SirSamuelAttenburywasonhisfeet,outliningthecasefortheCrown.
“Mayitpleaseyourlordship,gentlemenofthejury,onthe27thofJuly,athalfpastthreeintheafternoon,MaryGerrarddiedatHunterbury,Maidensford….”
Hisvoiceranon,sonorousandpleasingtotheear.ItlulledElinoralmostintounconsciousness.Fromthesimpleandconcisenarrative,onlyanoccasionalphraseseepedthroughtoherconsciousmind.
“…caseapeculiarlysimpleandstraightforwardone…
“…ItisthedutyoftheCrown…provemotiveandopportunity…
“…Noone,asfarascanbeseen,hadanymotivetokillthisunfortunategirl,MaryGerrard,excepttheaccused.Ayounggirlofacharmingdisposition—likedbyeverybody—without,onewouldhavesaid,anenemyintheworld….”
Mary,MaryGerrard!Howfarawayitallseemednow.Notrealanylonger….
“…Yourattentionwillbeparticularlydirectedtothefollowingconsiderations:
1.Whatopportunitiesandmeanshadtheaccusedforadministeringpoison?
2.Whatmotivehadsheforsodoing?
“Itwillbemydutytocallbeforeyouwitnesseswhocanhelpyoutoformatrueconclusiononthesematters….
“…AsregardsthepoisoningofMaryGerrard,Ishallendeavourtoshowyouthatnoonehadanyopportunitytocommitthiscrimeexcepttheaccused….”
Elinorfeltasthoughimprisonedinathickmist.Detachedwordscamedriftingthroughthefog.
“…Sandwiches…
“…Fishpaste…
“…Emptyhouse…”
ThewordsstabbedthroughthethickenvelopingblanketofElinor’sthoughts—pin-pricksthroughaheavymufflingveil….
Thecourt.Faces.Rowsandrowsoffaces!Oneparticularfacewithabigblackmoustacheandshrewdeyes.HerculePoirot,hisheadalittleononeside,hiseyesthoughtful,waswatchingher.
Shethought:He’stryingtoseejustexactlywhyIdidit…He’stryingtogetinsidemyheadtoseewhatIthought—whatIfelt….
Felt…?Alittleblur—aslightsenseofshock…Roddy’sface—hisdear,dearfacewithitslongnose,itssensitivemouth…Roddy!AlwaysRoddy—always,eversinceshecouldremember…sincethosedaysatHunterburyamongsttheraspberriesandupinthewarrenanddownbythebrook.Roddy—Roddy—Roddy…
Otherfaces!NurseO’Brien,hermouthslightlyopen,herfreckledfreshfacethrustforward.NurseHopkinslookingsmug—smugandimplacable.PeterLord’sface—PeterLord—sokind,sosensible,so—socomforting!Butlookingnow—whatwasit—lost?Yes—lost!Minding—mindingallthisfrightfully!Whilesheherself,thestarperformer,didn’tmindatall!
Hereshewas,quitecalmandcold,standinginthedock,accusedofmurder.Shewasincourt.
Somethingstirred;thefoldsofblanketroundherbrainlightened—becamemerewraiths.Incourt!…People…
Peopleleaningforward,theirlipspartedalittle,theireyesagog,staringather,Elinor,withahorribleghoulishenjoyment—listeningwithakindofslow,cruelrelishtowhatthattallmanwiththeJewishnosewassayingabouther.
“Thefactsinthiscaseareextremelyeasytofollowandarenotindispute.Ishallputthembeforeyouquitesimply.Fromtheverybeginning…”
Elinorthought:
“Thebeginning…Thebeginning?Thedaythathorribleanonymouslettercame!Thatwasthebeginningofit….”
PARTI
One
Ananonymousletter!
ElinorCarlislestoodlookingdownatitasitlayopeninherhand.She’dneverhadsuchathingbefore.Itgaveoneanunpleasantsensation.Ill-written,badlyspelt,oncheappinkpaper.
ThisistoWarnYou(itran),I’mnamingnoNamesbutthere’sSomeonesuckinguptoyourAuntandifyou’renotkarefulyou’llgetCutOutofEverything.GirlsAreveryArtfulandOldLadiesisSoftwhenYoungOnessuckuptoThemandFlatterthemWhatIsayisYou’dbestcomedownandseeforYourselfwhatsGoingOnitsnotrightyouandtheYoungGentlemanshouldbeDoneOutofWhat’syours—andShe’sVeryArtfulandtheOldLadymightPopoffatanytime.Well-Wisher
Elinorwasstillstaringatthismissive,herpluckedbrowsdrawntogetherindistaste,whenthedooropened.Themaidannounced,“Mr.Welman,”andRoddycamein.
Roddy!AsalwayswhenshesawRoddy,Elinorwasconsciousofaslightlygiddyfeeling,athrobofsuddenpleasure,afeelingthatitwasincumbentuponhertobeverymatter-of-factandunemotional.BecauseitwassoveryobviousthatRoddy,althoughhelovedher,didn’tfeelaboutherthewayshefeltabouthim.Thefirstsightofhimdidsomethingtoher,twistedherheartroundsothatitalmosthurt.Absurdthataman—anordinary,yes,aperfectlyordinaryyoungman—shouldbeabletodothattoone!Thatthemerelookofhimshouldsettheworldspinning,thathisvoiceshouldmakeyouwant—justalittle—tocry…Lovesurelyshouldbeapleasurableemotion—notsomethingthathurtyoubyitsintensity….
Onethingwasclear:onemustbevery,verycarefultobeoffhandandcasualaboutitall.Mendidn’tlikedevotionandadoration.CertainlyRoddydidn’t.
Shesaidlightly:
“Hallo,Roddy!”
Roddysaid:
“Hallo,darling.You’relookingverytragic.Isitabill?”
Elinorshookherhead.
Roddysaid:
“Ithoughtitmightbe—midsummer,youknow—whenthefairiesdance,andtheaccountsrenderedcometrippingalong!”
Elinorsaid:
“It’sratherhorrid.It’sananonymousletter.”
Roddy’sbrowswentup.Hiskeenfastidiousfacestiffenedandchanged.Hesaid—asharp,disgustedexclamation:
“No!”
Elinorsaidagain:
“It’sratherhorrid….”
Shemovedasteptowardsherdesk.
“I’dbettertearitup,Isuppose.”
Shecouldhavedonethat—shealmostdid—forRoddyandanonymouslettersweretwothingsthatoughtnottocometogether.Shemighthavethrownitawayandthoughtnomoreaboutit.Hewouldnothavestoppedher.Hisfastidiousnesswasfarmorestronglydevelopedthanhiscuriosity.
ButonimpulseElinordecideddifferently.Shesaid:
“Perhaps,though,you’dbetterreaditfirst.Thenwe’llburnit.It’saboutAuntLaura.”
Roddy’seyebrowsroseinsurprise.
“AuntLaura?”
Hetooktheletter,readit,gaveafrownofdistaste,andhandeditback.
“Yes,”hesaid.“Definitelytobeburnt!Howextraordinarypeopleare!”
Elinorsaid:
“Oneoftheservants,doyouthink?”
“Isupposeso.”Hehesitated.“Iwonderwho—whothepersonis—theonetheymention?”
Elinorsaidthoughtfully:
“ItmustbeMaryGerrard,Ithink.”
Roddyfrownedinaneffortofremembrance.
“MaryGerrard?Who’sshe?”
“Thedaughterofthepeopleatthelodge.Youmustrememberherasachild?AuntLaurawasalwaysfondofthegirl,andtookaninterestinher.Shepaidforherschoolingandforvariousextras—pianolessonsandFrenchandthings.”
Roddysaid:
“Oh,yes,Irememberhernow:scrawnykid,alllegsandarms,withalotofmessyfairhair.”
Elinornodded.
“Yes,youprobablyhaven’tseenhersincethosesummerholidayswhenMumandDadwereabroad.You’venotbeendownatHunterburyasoftenasIhave,ofcourse,andshe’sbeenabroadaupairinGermanylately,butweusedtoroutheroutandplaywithherwhenwewereallkids.”
“What’sshelikenow?”askedRoddy.
Elinorsaid:
“She’sturnedoutverynicelooking.Goodmannersandallthat.Asaresultofhereducation,you’dnevertakeherforoldGerrard’sdaughter.”
“Goneallladylike,hasshe?”
“Yes.Ithink,asaresultofthat,shedoesn’tgetonverywellatthelodge.Mrs.Gerrarddiedsomeyearsago,youknow,andMaryandherfatherdon’tgeton.Hejeersatherschoolingandher‘fineways.’”
Roddysaidirritably:
“Peopleneverdreamwhatharmtheymaydoby‘educating’someone!Oftenit’scruelty,notkindness!”
Elinorsaid:
“Isupposesheisupatthehouseagooddeal…ShereadsaloudtoAuntLaura,Iknow,sinceshehadherstroke.”
Roddysaid:
“Whycan’tthenursereadtoher?”
Elinorsaidwithasmile:
“NurseO’Brien’sgotabrogueyoucancutwithaknife!Idon’twonderAuntLauraprefersMary.”
Roddywalkedrapidlyandnervouslyupanddowntheroomforaminuteortwo.Thenhesaid:
“Youknow,Elinor,Ibelieveweoughttogodown.”
Elinorsaidwithaslightrecoil:
“Becauseofthis—?”
“No,no—notatall.Oh,damnitall,onemustbehonest,yes!Foulasthatcommunicationis,theremaybesometruthbehindit.Imean,theoldgirlisprettyill—”
“Yes,Roddy.”
Helookedatherwithhischarmingsmile—admittingthefallibilityofhumannature.Hesaid:
“Andthemoneydoesmatter—toyouandme,Elinor.”
Sheadmitteditquickly.
“Oh,itdoes.”
Hesaidseriously:
“It’snotthatI’mmercenary.But,afterall,AuntLauraherselfhassaidoverandoveragainthatyouandIareheronlyfamilyties.You’reherownniece,herbrother’schild,andI’mherhusband’snephew.She’salwaysgivenustounderstandthatatherdeathallshe’sgotwouldcometooneorother—ormoreprobablyboth—ofus.And—andit’saprettylargesum,Elinor.”
“Yes,”saidElinorthoughtfully.“Itmustbe.”
“It’snojokekeepingupHunterbury.”Hepaused.“UncleHenrywaswhatyou’dcall,Isuppose,comfortablyoffwhenhemetyourAuntLaura.Butshewasanheiress.Sheandyourfatherwerebothleftverywealthy.Pityyourfatherspeculatedandlostmostofhis.”
Elinorsighed.
“PoorFatherneverhadmuchbusinesssense.Hegotveryworriedoverthingsbeforehedied.”
“Yes,yourAuntLaurahadamuchbetterheadthanhehad.ShemarriedUncleHenryandtheyboughtHunterbury,andshetoldmetheotherdaythatshe’dbeenexceedinglyluckyalwaysinherinvestments.Practicallynothinghadslumped.”
“UncleHenryleftallhehadtoherwhenhedied,didn’the?”
Roddynodded.
“Yes,tragichisdyingsosoon.Andshe’snevermarriedagain.Faithfuloldbean.Andshe’salwaysbeenverygoodtous.She’streatedmeasifIwashernephewbyblood.IfI’vebeeninaholeshe’shelpedmeout;luckilyIhaven’tdonethattoooften!”
“She’sbeenawfullygeneroustome,too,”saidElinorgratefully.
Roddynodded.
“AuntLaura,”hesaid,“isabrick.But,youknow,Elinor,perhapswithoutmeaningtodoso,youandIliveprettyextravagantly,consideringwhatourmeansreallyare!”
Shesaidruefully:
“Isupposewedo…Everythingcostssomuch—clothesandone’sface—andjustsillythingslikecinemasandcocktails—andevengramophonerecords!”
Roddysaid:
“Darling,youareoneoftheliliesofthefield,aren’tyou?Youtoilnot,neitherdoyouspin!”
Elinorsaid:
“DoyouthinkIoughtto,Roddy?”
Heshookhishead.
“Ilikeyouasyouare:delicateandaloofandironical.I’dhateyoutogoallearnest.I’monlysayingthatifitweren’tforAuntLaurayouprobablywouldbeworkingatsomegrimjob.”
Hewenton:
“Thesamewithme.I’vegotajob,ofsorts.BeingwithLewis&Humeisnottooarduous.Itsuitsme.Ipreservemyself-respectbyhavingajob;but—markthis—butIdon’tworryaboutthefuturebecauseofmyexpectations—fromAuntLaura.”
Elinorsaid:
“Wesoundratherlikehumanleeches!”
“Nonsense!We’vebeengiventounderstandthatsomedayweshallhavemoney—that’sall.Naturally,thatfactinfluencesourconduct.”
Elinorsaidthoughtfully:
“AuntLaurahasnevertoldusdefinitelyjusthowshehaslefthermoney?”
Roddysaid:
“Thatdoesn’tmatter!Inallprobabilityshe’sdivideditbetweenus;butifthatisn’tso—ifshe’sleftallofitormostofittoyouasherownfleshandblood—why,then,darling,Ishallshareinit,becauseI’mgoingtomarryyou—andiftheoldpetthinksthemajorityshouldgotomeasthemalerepresentativeoftheWelmans,that’sstillallright,becauseyou’remarryingme.”
Hegrinnedatheraffectionately.Hesaid:
“Luckywehappentoloveeachother.Youdoloveme,don’tyou,Elinor?”
“Yes.”
Shesaiditcoldly,almostprimly.
“Yes!”Roddymimickedher.“You’readorable,Elinor.Thatlittleairofyours—aloof—untouchable—laPrincesseLointaine.It’sthatqualityofyoursthatmademeloveyou,Ibelieve.”
Elinorcaughtherbreath.Shesaid,“Isit?”
“Yes.”Hefrowned.“Somewomenareso—oh,Idon’tknow—sodamnedpossessive—so—sodoglikeanddevoted—theiremotionssloppingallovertheplace!I’dhatethat.WithyouIneverknow—I’mneversure—anyminuteyoumightturnroundinthatcool,detachedwayofyoursandsayyou’dchangedyourmind—quitecoolly,likethat—withoutbattinganeyelash!You’reafascinatingcreature,Elinor.You’relikeaworkofart—so—so—finished!”
Hewenton:
“Youknow,Ithinkourswillbetheperfectmarriage…Webothloveeachotherenoughandnottoomuch.We’regoodfriends.We’vegotalotoftastesincommon.Weknoweachotherthroughandthrough.We’vealltheadvantagesofcousinshipwithoutthedisadvantagesofbloodrelationship.Ishallnevergettiredofyou,becauseyou’resuchanelusivecreature.Youmaygettiredofme,though.I’msuchanordinarysortofchap—”
Elinorshookherhead.Shesaid:
“Ishan’tgettiredofyou,Roddy—never.”
“Mysweet!”
Hekissedher.
Hesaid:
“AuntLaurahasaprettyshrewdideaofhowitiswithus,Ithink,althoughwehaven’tbeendownsincewefinallyfixeditup.Itrathergivesusanexcuse,doesn’tit,forgoingdown?”
“Yes.Iwasthinkingtheotherday—”
Roddyfinishedthesentenceforher:
“—Thatwehadn’tbeendownasoftenaswemight.Ithoughtthat,too.Whenshefirsthadherstrokewewentdownalmosteveryotherweekend.Andnowitmustbealmosttwomonthssincewewerethere.”
Elinorsaid:
“We’dhavegoneifshe’daskedforus—atonce.”
“Yes,ofcourse.AndweknowthatshelikesNurseO’Brienandiswelllookedafter.Allthesame,perhapswehavebeenabitslack.I’mtalkingnownotfromthemoneypointofview—butthesheerhumanone.”
Elinornodded.
“Iknow.”
“Sothatfilthyletterhasdonesomegood,afterall!We’llgodowntoprotectourinterestsandbecausewe’refondoftheolddear!”
HelitamatchandsetfiretotheletterwhichhetookfromElinor’shand.
“Wonderwhowroteit?”hesaid.“Notthatitmatters…Someonewhowas‘onourside,’asweusedtosaywhenwewerekids.Perhapsthey’vedoneusagoodturn,too.JimPartington’smotherwentouttotheRivieratolive,hadahandsomeyoungItaliandoctortoattendher,becamequitecrazyabouthimandlefthimeverypennyshehad.Jimandhissisterstriedtoupsetthewill,butcouldn’t.”
Elinorsaid:
“AuntLauralikesthenewdoctorwho’stakenoverDr.Ransome’spractice—butnottothatextent!Anyway,thathorridlettermentionedagirl.ItmustbeMary.”
Roddysaid:
“We’llgodownandseeforourselves….”
II
NurseO’BrienrustledoutofMrs.Welman’sbedroomandintothebathroom.Shesaidoverhershoulder:
“I’lljustpopthekettleon.Youcoulddowithacupofteabeforeyougoon,I’msure,Nurse.”
NurseHopkinssaidcomfortably:
“Well,dear,Icanalwaysdowithacupoftea.Ialwayssaythere’snothinglikeanicecupoftea—astrongcup!”
NurseO’Briensaidasshefilledthekettleandlitthegasring:
“I’vegoteverythinghereinthiscupboard—teapotandcupsandsugar—andEdnabringsmeupfreshmilktwiceaday.Noneedtobeforeverringingbells.’Tisafinegasring,this;boilsakettleinaflash.”
NurseO’Brienwasatallred-hairedwomanofthirtywithflashingwhiteteeth,afreckledfaceandanengagingsmile.Hercheerfulnessandvitalitymadeherafavouritewithherpatients.NurseHopkins,theDistrictNursewhocameeverymorningtoassistwiththebedmakingandtoiletoftheheavyoldlady,wasahomely-lookingmiddle-agedwomanwithacapableairandabriskmanner.
Shesaidnowapprovingly:
“Everything’sverywell-doneinthishouse.”
Theothernodded.
“Yes,old-fashioned,someofit,nocentralheating,butplentyoffiresandallthemaidsareveryobliginggirlsandMrs.Bishoplooksafterthemwell.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Thesegirlsnowadays—I’venopatiencewith’em—don’tknowwhattheywant,mostofthem—andcan’tdoadecentday’swork.”
“MaryGerrard’sanicegirl,”saidNurseO’Brien.“Ireallydon’tknowwhatMrs.Welmanwoulddowithouther.Yousawhowsheaskedforhernow?Ah,well,she’salovelycreature,Iwillsay,andshe’sgotawaywithher.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“I’msorryforMary.Thatoldfatherofhersdoeshisbesttospitethegirl.”
“Notacivilwordinhishead,theoldcurmudgeon,”saidNurseO’Brien.“There,thekettle’ssinging.I’llwettheteaassoonasitcomestotheboil.”
Theteawasmadeandpoured,hotandstrong.ThetwonursessatwithitinNurseO’Brien’sroomnextdoortoMrs.Welman’sbedroom.
“Mr.WelmanandMissCarlislearecomingdown,”saidNurseO’Brien.“Therewasatelegramcamethismorning.”
“Therenow,dear,”saidNurseHopkins.“Ithoughttheoldladywaslookingexcitedaboutsomething.It’ssometimesincethey’vebeendown,isn’tit?”
“Itmustbetwomonthsandover.Suchaniceyounggentleman,Mr.Welman.Butveryproud-looking.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“IsawherpictureintheTatlertheotherday—withafriendatNewmarket.”
NurseO’Briensaid:
“She’sverywell-knowninsociety,isn’tshe?Andalwayshassuchlovelyclothes.Doyouthinkshe’sreallygood-looking,Nurse?”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Difficulttotellwhatthesegirlsreallylooklikeundertheirmakeup!Inmyopinion,shehasn’tgotanythinglikethelooksMaryGerrardhas!”
NurseO’Brienpursedherlipsandputherheadononeside.
“Youmayberightnow.ButMaryhasn’tgotthestyle!”
NurseHopkinssaidsententiously:
“Finefeathersmakefinebirds.”
“Anothercupoftea,Nurse?”
“Thankyou,Nurse.Idon’tmindifIdo.”
Overtheirsteamingcupsthewomendrewalittleclosertogether.
NurseO’Briensaid:
“Anoddthinghappenedlastnight.Iwentinattwoo’clocktosettlemydearcomfortably,asIalwaysdo,andshewaslyingthereawake.Butshemusthavebeendreaming,forassoonasIgotintotheroomshesaid,‘Thephotograph.Imusthavethephotograph.’
“SoIsaid,‘Why,ofcourse,Mrs.Welman.Butwouldn’tyouratherwaittillmorning?’Andshesaid,‘No,Iwanttolookatitnow.’SoIsaid,‘Well,whereisthisphotograph?IsittheoneofMr.Roderickyou’remeaning?’Andshesaid,‘Roder-ick?No.Lewis.’Andshebegantostruggle,andIwenttoliftherandshegotoutherkeysfromthelittleboxbesideherbedandtoldmetounlocktheseconddrawerofthetallboy,andthere,sureenough,wasabigphotographinasilverframe.Suchahandsomeman.And‘Lewis’writtenacrossthecorner.Old-fashioned,ofcourse,musthavebeentakenmanyyearsago.Itookittoherandshehelditthere,staringatitalongtime.Andshejustmurmured.‘Lewis—Lewis.’Thenshesighedandgaveittomeandtoldmetoputitback.Andwouldyoubelieveit,whenIturnedroundagainshe’dgoneoffassweetlyasachild.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Wasitherhusband,doyouthink?”
NurseO’Briensaid:
“Itwasnot!ForthismorningIaskedMrs.Bishop,careless-like,whatwasthelateMr.Welman’sfirstname,anditwasHenry,shetoldme!”
Thetwowomenexchangedglances.NurseHopkinshadalongnose,andtheendofitquiveredalittlewithpleasurableemotion.Shesaidthoughtfully:
“Lewis—Lewis.Iwonder,now.Idon’trecallthenameanywhereroundtheseparts.”
“Itwouldbemanyyearsago,dear,”theotherremindedher.
“Yes,and,ofcourse,I’veonlybeenhereacoupleofyears.Iwondernow—”
NurseO’Briensaid:
“Averyhandsomeman.Lookedasthoughhemightbeacavalryofficer!”
NurseHopkinssippedhertea.Shesaid:
“That’sveryinteresting.”
NurseO’Briensaidromantically:
“Maybetheywereboyandgirltogetherandacruelfatherseparatedthem….”
NurseHopkinssaidwithadeepsigh:
“Perhapshewaskilledinthewar….”
III
WhenNurseHopkins,pleasantlystimulatedbyteaandromanticspeculation,finallyleftthehouse,MaryGerrardranoutofthedoortoovertakeher.
“Oh,Nurse,mayIwalkdowntothevillagewithyou?”
“Ofcourseyoucan,Mary,mydear.”
MaryGerrardsaidbreathlessly:
“Imusttalktoyou.I’msoworriedabouteverything.”
Theolderwomanlookedatherkindly.
Attwenty-one,MaryGerrardwasalovelycreaturewithakindofwild-roseunrealityabouther:alongdelicateneck,palegoldenhairlyingclosetoherexquisitelyshapedheadinsoftnaturalwaves,andeyesofadeepvividblue.
NurseHopkinssaid:
“What’sthetrouble?”
“ThetroubleisthatthetimeisgoingonandonandI’mnotdoinganything!”
NurseHopkinssaiddrily:
“Timeenoughforthat.”
“No,butitisso—sounsettling.Mrs.Welmanhasbeenwonderfullykind,givingmeallthatexpensiveschooling.IdofeelnowthatIoughttobestartingtoearnmyownliving.Ioughttobetrainingforsomething.”
NurseHopkinsnoddedsympathetically.
“It’ssuchawasteofeverythingifIdon’t.I’vetriedto—toexplainwhatIfeeltoMrs.Welman,but—it’sdifficult—shedoesn’tseemtounderstand.Shekeepssayingthere’splentyoftime.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“She’sasickwoman,remember.”
Maryflushedacontriteflush.
“Oh,Iknow.IsupposeIoughtn’ttobotherher.Butitisworrying—andFather’sso—sobeastlyaboutit!Keepsjibingatmeforbeingafinelady!ButindeedIdon’twanttositaboutdoingnothing!”
“Iknowyoudon’t.”
“Thetroubleisthattrainingofanykindisnearlyalwaysexpensive.IknowGermanprettywellnow,andImightdosomethingwiththat.ButIthinkreallyIwanttobeahospitalnurse.Idolikenursingandsickpeople.”
NurseHopkinssaidunromantically:
“You’vegottobeasstrongasahorse,remember!”
“Iamstrong!AndIreallydolikenursing.Mother’ssister,theoneinNewZealand,wasanurse.Soit’sinmyblood,yousee.”
“Whataboutmassage?”suggestedNurseHopkins.“OrNorland?You’refondofchildren.There’sgoodmoneytobemadeinmassage.”
Marysaiddoubtfully:
“It’sexpensivetotrainforit,isn’tit?Ihoped—butofcoursethat’sverygreedyofme—she’sdonesomuchformealready.”
“Mrs.Welman,youmean?Nonsense.Inmyopinion,sheowesyouthat.She’sgivenyouaslap-upeducation,butnotthekindthatleadstoanythingmuch.Youdon’twanttoteach?”
“I’mnotcleverenough.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“There’sbrainsandbrains!Ifyoutakemyadvice,Mary,you’llbepatientforthepresent.Inmyopinion,asIsaid,Mrs.Welmanowesittoyoutohelpyougetastartatmakingyourliving.AndI’venodoubtshemeanstodoit.Butthetruthofthematteris,she’sgotfondofyou,andshedoesn’twanttoloseyou.”
Marysaid:
“Oh!”Shedrewinherbreathwithalittlegasp.“Doyoureallythinkthat’sit?”
“Ihaven’ttheleastdoubtofit!Theresheis,pooroldlady,moreorlesshelpless,paralysedonesideandnothingandnobodymuchtoamuseher.Itmeansalottohertohaveafresh,prettyyoungthinglikeyouaboutthehouse.You’veaverynicewaywithyouinasickroom.”
Marysaidsoftly:
“Ifyoureallythinkso—thatmakesmefeelbetter…DearMrs.Welman,I’mvery,veryfondofher!She’sbeensogoodtomealways.I’ddoanythingforher!”
NurseHopkinssaiddrily:
“Thenthebestthingyoucandoistostaywhereyouareandstopworrying!Itwon’tbeforlong.”
Marysaid,“Doyoumean—?”
Hereyeslookedwideandfrightened.
TheDistrictNursenodded.
“She’sralliedwonderfully,butitwon’tbeforlong.Therewillbeasecondstrokeandthenathird.Iknowthewayofitonlytoowell.Youbepatient,mydear.Ifyoukeeptheoldlady’slastdayshappyandoccupied,that’sabetterdeedthanmany.Thetimefortheotherwillcome.”
Marysaid:
“You’reverykind.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Here’syourfathercomingoutfromthelodge—andnottopassthetimeofdaypleasantly,Ishouldsay!”
Theywerejustnearingthebigirongates.Onthestepsofthelodgeanelderlymanwithabentbackwaspainfullyhobblingdownthetwosteps.
NurseHopkinssaidcheerfully:
“Goodmorning,Mr.Gerrard.”
EphraimGerrardsaidcrustily:
“Ah!”
“Veryniceweather,”saidNurseHopkins.
OldGerrardsaidcrossly:
“Maybeforyou.’Tisn’tforme.Mylumbago’sbeenatmesomethingcruel.”
NurseHopkinssaidcheerfully:
“Thatwasthewetspelllastweek,Iexpect.Thishotdryweatherwillsoonclearthataway.”
Herbriskprofessionalmannerappearedtoannoytheoldman.
Hesaiddisagreeably:
“Nurses—nurses,you’mallthesame.Fullofcheerfulnessoverotherpeople’stroubles.Littleyoucare!Andthere’sMarytalksaboutbeinganurse,too.Shouldhavethoughtshe’dwanttobesomethingbetterthanthat,withherFrenchandherGermanandherpianoplayingandallthethingsshe’slearnedathergrandschoolandhertravelsabroad.”
Marysaidsharply:
“Beingahospitalnursewouldbequitegoodenoughforme!”
“Yes,andyou’dsoonerdonothingatall,wouldn’tyou?Struttingaboutwithyourairsandyourgracesandyourfine-lady-do-nothingways.Laziness,that’swhatyoulike,mygirl!”
Maryprotested,tearsspringingtohereyes:
“Itisn’ttrue,Dad.You’venorighttosaythat!”
NurseHopkinsintervenedwithaheavy,determinedlyhumorousair.
“Justabitundertheweather,aren’twe,thismorning?Youdon’treallymeanwhatyousay,Gerrard.Mary’sagoodgirlandagooddaughtertoyou.”
Gerrardlookedathisdaughterwithanairofalmostactivemalevolence.
“She’snodaughterofmine—nowadays—withherFrenchandherhistoryandhermincingtalk.Pah!”
Heturnedandwentintothelodgeagain
Marysaid,thetearsstillstandinginhereyes:
“Youdosee,Nurse,don’tyou,howdifficultitis?He’ssounreasonable.He’sneverreallylikedmeevenwhenIwasalittlegirl.Mumwasalwaysstandingupforme.”
NurseHopkinssaidkindly:
“There,there,don’tworry.Thesethingsaresenttotryus!Goodness,Imusthurry.SucharoundasI’vegotthismorning.”
Andasshestoodwatchingthebriskretreatingfigure,MaryGerrardthoughtforlornlythatnobodywasanyrealgoodorcouldreallyhelpyou.NurseHopkins,forallherkindness,wasquitecontenttobringoutalittlestockofplatitudesandofferthemwithanairofnovelty.
Marythoughtdisconsolately:
“WhatshallIdo?”
Two
Mrs.Welmanlayonhercarefullybuilt-uppillows.Herbreathingwasalittleheavy,butshewasnotasleep.Hereyes—eyesstilldeepandbluelikethoseofhernieceElinor,lookedupattheceiling.Shewasabig,heavywoman,withahandsome,hawklikeprofile.Prideanddeterminationshowedinherface.
Theeyesdroppedandcametorestonthefiguresittingbythewindow.Theyrestedtheretenderly—almostwistfully.
Shesaidatlast:
“Mary—”
Thegirlturnedquickly.
“Oh,you’reawake,Mrs.Welman.”
LauraWelmansaid:
“Yes,I’vebeenawakesometime….”
“Oh,Ididn’tknow.I’dhave—”
Mrs.Welmanbrokein:
“No,that’sallright.Iwasthinking—thinkingofmanythings.”
“Yes,Mrs.Welman?”
Thesympatheticlook,theinterestedvoice,madeatenderlookcomeintotheolderwoman’sface.Shesaidgently:
“I’mveryfondofyou,mydear.You’reverygoodtome.”
“Oh,Mrs.Welman,it’syouwhohavebeengoodtome.Ifithadn’tbeenforyou,Idon’tknowwhatIshouldhavedone!You’vedoneeverythingforme.”
“Idon’tknow…Idon’tknow,I’msure…”Thesickwomanmovedrestlessly,herrightarmtwitched—theleftremaininginertandlifeless.“Onemeanstodothebestonecan;butit’ssodifficulttoknowwhatisbest—whatisright.I’vebeentoosureofmyselfalways….”
MaryGerrardsaid:
“Oh,no,I’msureyoualwaysknowwhatisbestandrighttodo.”
ButLauraWelmanshookherhead.
“No—no.Itworriesme.I’vehadonebesettingsinalways,Mary:I’mproud.Pridecanbethedevil.Itrunsinourfamily.Elinorhasit,too.”
Marysaidquickly:
“ItwillbeniceforyoutohaveMissElinorandMr.Roderickdown.Itwillcheeryouupalot.It’squiteatimesincetheywerehere.”
Mrs.Welmansaidsoftly:
“They’regoodchildren—verygoodchildren.Andfondofme,bothofthem.IalwaysknowI’veonlygottosendandthey’llcomeatanytime.ButIdon’twanttodothattoooften.They’reyoungandhappy—theworldinfrontofthem.Noneedtobringthemneardecayandsufferingbeforetheirtime.”
Marysaid,“I’msurethey’dneverfeellikethat,Mrs.Welman.”
Mrs.Welmanwenton,talkingperhapsmoretoherselfthantothegirl:
“Ialwayshopedtheymightmarry.ButItriednevertosuggestanythingofthekind.Youngpeoplearesocontradictory.Itwouldhaveputthemoff!Ihadanidea,longagowhentheywerechildren,thatElinorhadsetherheartonRoddy.ButIwasn’tatallsureabouthim.He’safunnycreature.Henrywaslikethat—veryreservedandfastidious…Yes,Henry…”
Shewassilentforalittle,thinkingofherdeadhusband.
Shemurmured:
“Solongago…soverylongago…Wehadonlybeenmarriedfiveyearswhenhedied.Doublepneumonia…Wewerehappy—yes,veryhappy;butsomehowitallseemsveryunreal,thathappiness.Iwasanodd,solemn,undevelopedgirl—myheadfullofideasandheroworship.Noreality…”
Marymurmured:
“Youmusthavebeenverylonely—afterwards.”
“After?Oh,yes—terriblylonely.Iwastwenty-six…andnowI’moversixty.Alongtime,mydear…along,longtime…”Shesaidwithsuddenbriskacerbity,“Andnowthis!”
“Yourillness?”
“Yes.AstrokeisthethingI’vealwaysdreaded.Theindignityofitall!Washedandtendedlikeababy!Helplesstodoanythingforyourself.Itmaddensme.TheO’Briencreatureisgood-natured—Iwillsaythatforher.Shedoesn’tmindmysnappingatherandshe’snotmoreidioticthanmostofthem.Butitmakesalotofdifferencetometohaveyouabout,Mary.”
“Doesit?”Thegirlflushed.“I—I’msoglad,Mrs.Welman.”
LauraWelmansaidshrewdly:
“You’vebeenworrying,haven’tyou?Aboutthefuture.Youleaveittome,mydear.I’llseetoitthatyoushallhavethemeanstobeindependentandtakeupaprofession.Butbepatientforalittle—itmeanstoomuchtometohaveyouhere.”
“Oh,Mrs.Welman,ofcourse—ofcourse!Iwouldn’tleaveyoufortheworld.Notifyouwantme—”
“Idowantyou…”Thevoicewasunusuallydeepandfull.“You’re—you’requitelikeadaughtertome,Mary.I’veseenyougrowuphereatHunterburyfromalittletoddlingthing—seenyougrowintoabeautifulgirl…I’mproudofyou,child.IonlyhopeI’vedonewhatwasbestforyou.”
Marysaidquickly:
“Ifyoumeanthatyourhavingbeensogoodtomeandhavingeducatedmeabove—well,abovemystation—ifyouthinkit’smademedissatisfiedor—or—givenmewhatFathercallsfine-ladyideas,indeedthatisn’ttrue.I’mjusteversograteful,that’sall.AndifI’manxioustostartearningmyliving,it’sonlybecauseIfeelit’srightthatIshould,andnot—andnot—well,donothingafterallyou’vedoneforme.I—Ishouldn’tlikeittobethoughtthatIwasspongingonyou.”
LauraWelmansaid,andhervoicewassuddenlysharp-edged:
“Sothat’swhatGerrard’sbeenputtingintoyourhead?Paynoattentiontoyourfather,Mary;thereneverhasbeenandneverwillbeanyquestionofyourspongingonme!I’maskingyoutostayherealittlelongersolelyonmyaccount.Soonitwillbeover…Iftheywenttheproperwayaboutthings,mylifecouldbeendedhereandnow—noneofthislong-drawn-outtomfoolerywithnursesanddoctors.”
“Oh,no,Mrs.Welman,Dr.Lordsaysyoumayliveforyears.”
“I’mnotatallanxiousto,thankyou!Itoldhimtheotherdaythatinadecentlycivilizedstate,alltherewouldbetodowouldbeformetointimatetohimthatIwishedtoendit,andhe’dfinishmeoffpainlesslywithsomenicedrug.‘Andifyou’danycourage,Doctor,’Isaid,‘you’ddoit,anyway!’”
Marycried:
“Oh!Whatdidhesay?”
“Thedisrespectfulyoungmanmerelygrinnedatme,mydear,andsaidhewasn’tgoingtoriskbeinghanged.Hesaid,‘Ifyou’dleftmeallyourmoney,Mrs.Welman,thatwouldbedifferent,ofcourse!’Impudentyoungjackanapes!ButIlikehim.Hisvisitsdomemoregoodthanhismedicines.”
“Yes,he’sverynice,”saidMary.“NurseO’BrienthinksalotofhimandsodoesNurseHopkins.”
Mrs.Welmansaid:
“Hopkinsoughttohavemoresenseatherage.AsforO’Brien,shesimpersandsays,‘Oh,doctor,’andtossesthoselongstreamersofherswheneverhecomesnearher.”
“PoorNurseO’Brien.”
Mrs.Welmansaidindulgently:
“She’snotabadsort,really,butallnursesannoyme;theyalwayswillthinkthatyou’dlikea‘nicecupoftea’atfiveinthemorning!”Shepaused.“What’sthat?Isitthecar?”
Marylookedoutofthewindow.
“Yes,it’sthecar.MissElinorandMr.Roderickhavearrived.”
II
Mrs.Welmansaidtoherniece:
“I’mveryglad,Elinor,aboutyouandRoddy.”
Elinorsmiledather.
“Ithoughtyouwouldbe,AuntLaura.”
Theolderwomansaid,afteramoment’shesitation:
“Youdo—careabouthim,Elinor?”
Elinor’sdelicatebrowslifted.
“Ofcourse.”
LauraWelmansaidquickly:
“Youmustforgiveme,dear.Youknow,you’reveryreserved.It’sverydifficulttoknowwhatyou’rethinkingorfeeling.WhenyouwerebothmuchyoungerIthoughtyouwereperhapsbeginningtocareforRoddy—toomuch….”
AgainElinor’sdelicatebrowswereraised.
“Toomuch?”
Theolderwomannodded.
“Yes.It’snotwisetocaretoomuch.Sometimesaveryyounggirldoesdojustthat…IwasgladwhenyouwentabroadtoGermanytofinish.Then,whenyoucameback,youseemedquiteindifferenttohim—and,well,Iwassorryforthat,too!I’matiresomeoldwoman,difficulttosatisfy!ButI’vealwaysfanciedthatyouhad,perhaps,ratheranintensenature—thatkindoftemperamentrunsinourfamily.Itisn’taveryhappyoneforitspossessors…But,asIsay,whenyoucamebackfromabroadsoindifferenttoRoddy,Iwassorryaboutthat,becauseIhadalwayshopedyoutwowouldcometogether.Andnowyouhave,andsoeverythingisallright!Andyoudoreallycareforhim?”
Elinorsaidgravely:
“IcareforRoddyenoughandnottoomuch.”
Mrs.Welmannoddedapproval.
“Ithink,then,you’llbehappy.Roddyneedslove—buthedoesn’tlikeviolentemotion.He’dshyofffrompossessiveness.”
Elinorsaidwithfeeling:
“YouknowRoddyverywell!”
Mrs.Welmansaid:
“IfRoddycaresforyoujustalittlemorethanyoucareforhim—well,that’salltothegood.”
Elinorsaidsharply:
“AuntAgatha’sAdvicecolumn.‘Keepyourboyfriendguessing!Don’tlethimbetoosureofyou!’”
LauraWelmansaidsharply:
“Areyouunhappy,child?Isanythingwrong?”
“No,no,nothing.”
LauraWelmansaid:
“YoujustthoughtIwasbeingrather—cheap?Mydear,you’reyoungandsensitive.Life,I’mafraid,israthercheap….”
Elinorsaidwithsomeslightbitterness:
“Isupposeitis.”
LauraWelmansaid:
“Mychild—youareunhappy?Whatisit?”
“Nothing—absolutelynothing.”Shegotupandwenttothewindow.Halfturning,shesaid:
“AuntLaura,tellme,honestly,doyouthinkloveiseverahappything?”
Mrs.Welman’sfacebecamegrave.
“Inthesenseyoumean,Elinor—no,probablynot…Tocarepassionatelyforanotherhumancreaturebringsalwaysmoresorrowthanjoy;butallthesame,Elinor,onewouldnotbewithoutthatexperience.Anyonewhohasneverreallylovedhasneverreallylived….”
Thegirlnodded.
Shesaid:
“Yes—youunderstand—you’veknownwhatit’slike—”
Sheturnedsuddenly,aquestioninglookinhereyes:
“AuntLaura—”
Thedooropenedandred-hairedNurseO’Briencamein.
Shesaidinasprightlymanner:
“Mrs.Welman,here’sDoctorcometoseeyou.”
III
Dr.Lordwasayoungmanofthirty-two.Hehadsandyhair,apleasantlyuglyfreckledfaceandaremarkablysquarejaw.Hiseyeswereakeen,piercinglightblue.
“Goodmorning,Mrs.Welman,”hesaid.
“Goodmorning,Dr.Lord.Thisismyniece,MissCarlisle.”
AveryobviousadmirationsprangintoDr.Lord’stransparentface.Hesaid,“Howdoyoudo?”ThehandthatElinorextendedtohimhetookrathergingerlyasthoughhethoughthemightbreakit.
Mrs.Welmanwenton:
“Elinorandmynephewhavecomedowntocheermeup.”
“Splendid!”saidDr.Lord.“Justwhatyouneed!Itwilldoyoualotofgood,Iamsure,Mrs.Welman.”
HewasstilllookingatElinorwithobviousadmiration.
Elinorsaid,movingtowardsthedoor:
“PerhapsIshallseeyoubeforeyougo,Dr.Lord?”
“Oh—er—yes,ofcourse.”
Shewentout,shuttingthedoorbehindher.Dr.Lordapproachedthebed,NurseO’Brienflutteringbehindhim.
Mrs.Welmansaidwithatwinkle:
“Goingthroughtheusualbagoftricks,Doctor:pulse,respiration,temperature?Whathumbugsyoudoctorsare!”
NurseO’Briensaidwithasigh:
“Oh,Mrs.Welman.Whatathing,now,tobesayingtothedoctor!”
Dr.Lordsaidwithatwinkle:
“Mrs.Welmanseesthroughme,Nurse!Allthesame,Mrs.Welman,I’vegottodomystuff,youknow.ThetroublewithmeisI’veneverlearnttherightbedsidemanner.”
“Yourbedsidemanner’sallright.Actuallyyou’reratherproudofit.”
PeterLordchuckledandremarked:
“That’swhatyousay.”
Afterafewroutinequestionshadbeenaskedandanswered,Dr.Lordleantbackinhischairandsmiledathispatient
“Well,”hesaid.“You’regoingonsplendidly.”
LauraWelmansaid:“SoIshallbeupandwalkingroundthehouseinafewweeks’time?”
“Notquitesoquicklyasthat.”
“No,indeed.Youhumbug!What’sthegoodoflivingstretchedoutlikethis,andcaredforlikeababy?”
Dr.Lordsaid:
“What’sthegoodoflife,anyway?That’stherealquestion.Everreadaboutthatnicemediaevalinvention,theLittleEase?Youcouldn’tstand,sitorlieinit.You’dthinkanyonecondemnedtothatwoulddieinafewweeks.Notatall.Onemanlivedforsixteenyearsinanironcage,wasreleasedandlivedtoaheartyoldage.”
LauraWelmansaid:
“What’sthepointofthisstory?”
PeterLordsaid:
“Thepointisthatone’sgotaninstincttolive.Onedoesn’tlivebecauseone’sreasonassentstoliving.Peoplewho,aswesay,‘wouldbebetterdead,’don’twanttodie!Peoplewhoapparentlyhavegoteverythingtoliveforjustletthemselvesfadeoutoflifebecausetheyhaven’tgottheenergytofight.”
“Goon.”
“There’snothingmore.You’reoneofthepeoplewhoreallywanttolive,whateveryousayaboutit!Andifyourbodywantstolive,it’snogoodyourbraindishingouttheotherstuff.”
Mrs.Welmansaidwithanabruptchangeofsubject:
“Howdoyoulikeitdownhere?”
PeterLordsaid,smiling:
“Itsuitsmefine.”
“Isn’titabitirksomeforayoungmanlikeyou?Don’tyouwanttospecialize?Don’tyoufindacountryGPpracticeratherboring?”
Lordshookhissandyhead.
“No,Ilikemyjob.Ilikepeople,youknow,andIlikeordinaryeverydaydiseases.Idon’treallywanttopindowntherarebacillusofanobscuredisease.Ilikemeaslesandchickenpoxandalltherestofit.Ilikeseeinghowdifferentbodiesreacttothem.IlikeseeingifIcan’timproveonrecognizedtreatment.ThetroublewithmeisI’vegotabsolutelynoambition.IshallstayheretillIgrowside-whiskersandpeoplebeginsaying,‘Ofcourse,we’vealwayshadDr.Lord,andhe’saniceoldman:butheisveryold-fashionedinhismethodsandperhapswe’dbettercallinyoungso-and-so,who’ssoveryuptodate….’”
“H’m,”saidMrs.Welman.“Youseemtohavegotitalltapedout!”
PeterLordgotup.
“Well,”hesaid.“Imustbeoff.”
Mrs.Welmansaid:
“Myniecewillwanttospeaktoyou,Iexpect.Bytheway,whatdoyouthinkofher?Youhaven’tseenherbefore.”
Dr.Lordwentsuddenlyscarlet.Hisveryeyebrowsblushed.Hesaid:
“I—oh!she’sverygood-looking,isn’tshe?And—eh—cleverandallthat,Ishouldthink.”
Mrs.Welmanwasdiverted.Shethoughttoherself:
“Howveryyoungheis,really….”
Aloudshesaid:
“Yououghttogetmarried.”
IV
Roddyhadwanderedintothegarden.Hehadcrossedthebroadsweepoflawnandalongapavedwalkandhadthenenteredthewalledkitchengarden.Itwaswell-keptandwell-stocked.HewonderedifheandElinorwouldliveatHunterburyoneday.Hesupposedthattheywould.Hehimselfwouldlikethat.Hepreferredcountrylife.HewasalittledoubtfulaboutElinor.Perhapsshe’dlikelivinginLondonbetter….
AlittledifficulttoknowwhereyouwerewithElinor.Shedidn’trevealmuchofwhatshethoughtandfeltaboutthings.Helikedthatabouther…Hehatedpeoplewhoreeledofftheirthoughtsandfeelingstoyou,whotookitforgrantedthatyouwantedtoknowalltheirinnermechanism.Reservewasalwaysmoreinteresting.
Elinor,hethoughtjudicially,wasreallyquiteperfect.Nothingabouthereverjarredoroffended.Shewasdelightfultolookat,wittytotalkto—altogetherthemostcharmingofcompanions.
Hethoughtcomplacentlytohimself:
“I’mdamnedluckytohavegother.Can’tthinkwhatsheseesinachaplikeme.”
ForRoderickWelman,inspiteofhisfastidiousness,wasnotconceited.ItdidhonestlystrikehimasstrangethatElinorshouldhaveconsentedtomarryhim
Lifestretchedaheadofhimpleasantlyenough.Oneknewprettywellwhereonewas;thatwasalwaysablessing.HesupposedthatElinorandhewouldbemarriedquitesoon—thatis,ifElinorwantedto;perhapsshe’dratherputitoffforabit.Hemustn’trushher.They’dbeabithardupatfirst.Nothingtoworryabout,though.HehopedsincerelythatAuntLaurawouldn’tdieforalongtimetocome.Shewasadearandhadalwaysbeennicetohim,havinghimthereforholidays,alwaysinterestedinwhathewasdoing.
Hismindshiedawayfromthethoughtofheractualdeath(hismindusuallydidshyawayfromanyconcreteunpleasantness).Hedidn’tliketovisualizeanythingunpleasanttooclearly…But—er—afterwards—well,itwouldbeverypleasanttolivehere,especiallyastherewouldbeplentyofmoneytokeepitup.Hewonderedexactlyhowhisaunthadleftit.Notthatitreallymattered.Withsomewomenitwouldmatteragooddealwhetherhusbandorwifehadthemoney.ButnotwithElinor.Shehadplentyoftactandshedidn’tcareenoughaboutmoneytomaketoomuchofit.
Hethought:“No,there’snothingtoworryabout—whateverhappens!”
Hewentoutofthewalledgardenbythegateatthefarend.Fromtherehewanderedintothelittlewoodwherethedaffodilswereinspring.Theywereovernow,ofcourse.Butthegreenlightwasverylovelywherethesunlightcamefilteringthroughthetrees.
Justforamomentanoddrestlessnesscametohim—aripplingofhispreviousplacidity.Hefelt:“There’ssomething—somethingIhaven’tgot—somethingIwant—Iwant—Iwant….”
Thegoldengreenlight,thesoftnessintheair—withthemcameaquickenedpulse,astirringoftheblood,asuddenimpatience.
Agirlcamethroughthetreestowardshim—agirlwithpale,gleaminghairandarose-flushedskin.
Hethought,“Howbeautiful—howunutterablybeautiful.”
Somethinggrippedhim;hestoodquitestill,asthoughfrozenintoimmobility.Theworld,hefelt,wasspinning,wastopsy-turvy,wassuddenlyandimpossiblyandgloriouslycrazy!
Thegirlstoppedsuddenly,thenshecameon.Shecameuptohimwherehestood,dumbandabsurdlyfishlike,hismouthopen.
Shesaidwithalittlehesitation:
“Don’tyourememberme,Mr.Roderick?It’salongtimeofcourse.I’mMaryGerrard,fromthelodge.”
Roddysaid:
“Oh—oh—you’reMaryGerrard?”
Shesaid:“Yes.”
Thenshewentonrathershyly:
“I’vechanged,ofcourse,sinceyousawme.”
Hesaid:“Yes,you’vechanged.I—Iwouldn’thaverecognizedyou.”
Hestoodstaringather.Hedidnothearfootstepsbehindhim.Marydidandturned.
Elinorstoodmotionlessaminute.Thenshesaid:
“Hello,Mary.”
Marysaid:
“Howdoyoudo,MissElinor?It’snicetoseeyou.Mrs.Welmanhasbeenlookingforwardtoyoucomingdown.”
Elinorsaid:
“Yes—it’salongtime.I—NurseO’Briensentmetolookforyou.ShewantstoliftMrs.Welmanup,andshesaysyouusuallydoitwithher.”
Marysaid:“I’llgoatonce.”
Shemovedoff,breakingintoarun.Elinorstoodlookingafterher.Maryranwell,graceineverymovement.
Roddysaidsoftly:“Atalanta…”
Elinordidnotanswer.Shestoodquitestillforaminuteortwo.Thenshesaid:
“It’snearlylunchtime.We’dbettergoback.”
Theywalkedsidebysidetowardsthehouse.
V
“Oh!Comeon,Mary.It’sGarbo,andagrandfilm—allaboutParis.Andastorybyatiptopauthor.Therewasanoperaofitonce.”
“It’sfrightfullyniceofyou,Ted,butIreallywon’t.”
TedBiglandsaidangrily:
“Ican’tmakeyououtnowadays,Mary.You’redifferent—altogetherdifferent.”
“No,I’mnot,Ted.”
“Youare!Isupposebecauseyou’vebeenawaytothatgrandschoolandtoGermany.You’retoogoodforusnow.”
“It’snottrue,Ted.I’mnotlikethat.”
Shespokevehemently.
Theyoungman,afinesturdyspecimen,lookedatherappraisinglyinspiteofhisanger.
“Yes,youare.You’realmostalady,Mary.”
Marysaidwithsuddenbitterness:
“Almostisn’tmuchgood,isit?”
Hesaidwithsuddenunderstanding:
“No,Ireckonitisn’t.”
Marysaidquickly:
“Anyway,whocaresaboutthatsortofthingnowadays?Ladiesandgentlemen,andallthat!”
“Itdoesn’tmatterlikeitdid—no,”Tedassented,butthoughtfully.“Allthesame,there’safeeling.Lord,Mary,youlooklikeaduchessoracountessorsomething.”
Marysaid:
“That’snotsayingmuch.I’veseencountesseslookinglikeold-clotheswomen!”
“Well,youknowwhatImean.”
Astatelyfigureofampleproportions,handsomelydressedinblack,boredownuponthem.Hereyesgavethemasharpglance.Tedmovedasideasteportwo.Hesaid:
“Afternoon,Mrs.Bishop.”
Mrs.Bishopinclinedherheadgraciously.
“Goodafternoon,TedBigland.Goodafternoon,Mary.”
Shepassedon,ashipinfullsail.
Tedlookedrespectfullyafterher.
Marymurmured.
“Now,shereallyislikeaduchess!”
“Yes—she’sgotamanner.Alwaysmakesmefeelhotinsidemycollar.”
Marysaidslowly:
“Shedoesn’tlikeme.”
“Nonsense,mygirl.”
“It’strue.Shedoesn’t.She’salwayssayingsharpthingstome.”
“Jealous,”saidTed,noddinghisheadsapiently.“That’sallitis.”
Marysaiddoubtfully:
“Isupposeitmightbethat….”
“That’sit,dependuponit.She’sbeenhousekeeperatHunterburyforyears,rulingtheroostandorderingeveryoneaboutandnowoldMrs.Welmantakesafancytoyou,anditputsherout!That’sallitis.”
Marysaid,ashadeoftroubleonherforehead:
“It’ssillyofme,butIcan’tbearitwhenanyonedoesn’tlikeme.Iwantpeopletolikeme.”
“Suretobewomenwhodon’tlikeyou,Mary!Jealouscatswhothinkyou’retoogood-looking!”
Marysaid:
“Ithinkjealousy’shorrible.”
Tedsaidslowly:
“Maybe—butitexistsallright.Say,IsawalovelyfilmoveratAlledorelastweek.ClarkGable.Allaboutoneofthesemillionaireblokeswhoneglectedhiswife;andthenshepretendedshe’ddonethedirtyonhim.Andtherewasanotherfellow….”
Marymovedaway.Shesaid:
“Sorry,Ted,Imustgo.I’mlate.”
“Whereareyougoing?”
“I’mgoingtohaveteawithNurseHopkins.”
Tedmadeaface.
“Funnytaste.Thatwoman’sthebiggestgossipinthevillage!Pokesthatlongnoseofhersintoeverything.”
Marysaid:
“She’sbeenverykindtomealways.”
“Oh,I’mnotsayingthere’sanyharminher.Butshetalks.”
Marysaid:
“Goodbye,Ted.”
Shehurriedoff,leavinghimstandinggazingresentfullyafterher.
VI
NurseHopkinsoccupiedasmallcottageattheendofthevillage.SheherselfhadjustcomeinandwasuntyingherbonnetstringswhenMaryentered.
“Ah,thereyouare.I’mabitlate.OldMrs.Caldecottwasbadagain.Mademelatewithmyroundofdressings.IsawyouwithTedBiglandattheendofthestreet.”
Marysaidratherdispiritedly:
“Yes….”
NurseHopkinslookedupalertlyfromwhereshewasstoopingtolightthegasringunderthekettle.
Herlongnosetwitched.
“Washesayingsomethingparticulartoyou,mydear?”
“No.Hejustaskedmetogotothecinema.”
“Isee,”saidNurseHopkinspromptly.“Well,ofcourse,he’saniceyoungfellowanddoesn’tdotoobadlyatthegarage,andhisfatherdoesratherbetterthanmostofthefarmersroundhere.Allthesame,mydear,youdon’tseemtomecutoutforTedBigland’swife.Notwithyoureducationandall.AsIwassaying,ifIwasyouI’dgoinformassagewhenthetimecomes.Yougetaboutabitandseepeoplethatway;andyourtime’smoreorlessyourown.”
Marysaid:
“I’llthinkitover.Mrs.Welmanspoketometheotherday.Shewasverysweetaboutit.Itwasjustexactlyasyousaiditwas.Shedoesn’twantmetogoawayjustnow.She’dmissme,shesaid.Butshetoldmenottoworryaboutthefuture,thatshemeanttohelpme.”
NurseHopkinssaiddubiously:
“Let’shopeshe’sputthatdowninblackandwhite!Sickpeopleareodd.”
Maryasked:
“DoyouthinkMrs.Bishopreallydislikesme—orisitonlymyfancy?”
NurseHopkinsconsideredaminute.
“Sheputsonasourface,Imustsay.She’soneofthosewhodon’tlikeseeingyoungpeoplehavingagoodtimeoranythingdoneforthem.Thinks,perhaps,Mrs.Welmanisabittoofondofyou,andresentsit.”
Shelaughedcheerfully.
“Ishouldn’tworryifIwasyou,Mary,mydear.Justopenthatpaperbag,willyou?There’sacoupleofdoughnutsinit.”
Three
YourAunthadsecondstrokelastnightNocauseimmediateanxietybutsuggestyoushouldcomedownifpossibleLord.
II
ImmediatelyonreceiptofthetelegramElinorhadrungupRoddy,andnowtheywereinthetraintogetherboundforHunterbury.
ElinorhadnotseenmuchofRoddyintheweekthathadelapsedsincetheirvisit.Onthetwobriefoccasionswhentheyhadmet,therehadbeenanoddkindofconstraintbetweenthem.Roddyhadsentherflowers—agreatsheafoflongstemmedroses.Itwasunusualonhispart.Atadinnertheyhadhadtogetherhehadseemedmoreattentivethanusual,consultingherpreferencesinfoodanddrink,beingunusuallyassiduousinhelpingheronandoffwithhercoat.Alittle,Elinorthought,asthoughhewereplayingapartinaplay—thepartofthedevotedfiancé….
Thenshehadsaidtoherself:
“Don’tbeanidiot.Nothing’swrong…Youimaginethings!It’sthatbeastlybrooding,possessivemindofyours.”
Hermannertohimhadbeenperhapsashademoredetached,morealoofthanusual.
Now,inthissuddenemergency,theconstraintpassed,theytalkedtogethernaturallyenough.
Roddysaid:
“Poorolddear,andshewassowellwhenwesawhertheotherday.”
Elinorsaid:
“Idomindsoterriblyforher.Iknowhowshehatedbeingill,anyway,andnowIsupposeshe’llbemorehelplessstill,andshe’llsimplyloathethat!Onedoesfeel,Roddy,thatpeopleoughttobesetfree—iftheythemselvesreallywantit.”
Roddysaid:
“Iagree.It’stheonlycivilizedthingtodo.Youputanimalsoutoftheirpain.Isupposeyoudon’tdoitwithhumanbeingssimplybecause,humannaturebeingwhatitis,peoplewouldgetshovedofffortheirmoneybytheirfondrelations—perhapswhentheyweren’treallybadatall.”
Elinorsaidthoughtfully:
“Itwouldbeinthedoctors’hands,ofcourse.”
“Adoctormightbeacrook.”
“YoucouldtrustamanlikeDr.Lord.”
Roddysaidcarelessly:
“Yes,heseemsstraightforwardenough.Nicefellow.”
III
Dr.Lordwasleaningoverthebed.NurseO’Brienhoveredbehindhim.Hewastrying,hisforeheadpuckered,tounderstandtheslurredsoundscomingfromhispatient’smouth.
Hesaid:
“Yes,yes.Now,don’tgetexcited.Takeplentyoftime.Justraisethisrighthandalittlewhenyoumeanyes.There’ssomethingyou’reworriedabout?”
Hereceivedtheaffirmatorysign.
“Somethingurgent?Yes.Somethingyouwantdone?Someonesentfor?MissCarlisle?AndMr.Welman?They’reontheirway.”
AgainMrs.Welmantriedincoherentlytospeak.Dr.Lordlistenedattentively.
“Youwantedthemtocome,butit’snotthat?Someoneelse?Arelation?No?Somebusinessmatter?Isee.Somethingtodowithmoney?Lawyer?That’sright,isn’tit?Youwanttoseeyourlawyer?Wanttogivehiminstructionsaboutsomething?
“Now,now—that’sallright.Keepcalm.Plentyoftime.What’sthatyou’resaying—Elinor?”Hecaughtthegarbledname.“Sheknowswhatlawyer?Andshewillarrangewithhim?Good.She’llbehereinabouthalfanhour.I’lltellherwhatyouwantandI’llcomeupwithherandwe’llgetitallstraight.Now,don’tworryanymore.Leaveitalltome.I’llseethatthingsarearrangedthewayyouwantthemtobe.”
Hestoodamomentwatchingherrelax,thenhemovedquietlyawayandwentoutonthelanding.NurseO’Brienfollowedhim.NurseHopkinswasjustcomingupthestairs.Henoddedtoher.Shesaidbreathlessly:
“Goodevening,Doctor.”
“Goodevening,Nurse.”
HewentwiththetwoofthemintoNurseO’Brien’sroomnextdoorandgavethemtheirinstructions.NurseHopkinswouldremainonovernightandtakechargewithNurseO’Brien.
“TomorrowI’llhavetogetholdofasecondresidentnurse.Awkward,thisdiphtheriaepidemicoveratStamford.Thenursinghomesthereareworkingshorthandedasitis.”
Then,havinggivenhisorders,whichwerelistenedtowithreverentattention(whichsometimestickledhim),Dr.Lordwentdownstairs,readytoreceivethenieceandnephewwho,hiswatchtoldhim,wereduetoarriveatanyminutenow
InthehallheencounteredMaryGerrard.Herfacewaspaleandanxious.Sheasked:
“Isshebetter?”
Dr.Lordsaid:
“Icanensureherapeacefulnight—that’saboutallthatcanbedone.”
Marysaidbrokenly:
“Itseemssocruel—sounfair—”
Henoddedsympatheticallyenough.
“Yes,itdoesseemlikethatsometimes.Ibelieve—”
Hebrokeoff.
“That’sthecar.”
Hewentoutintothehall.Maryranupstairs.
Elinorexclaimedasshecameintothedrawingroom:
“Issheverybad?”
Roddywaslookingpaleandapprehensive
Thedoctorsaidgravely:
“I’mafraiditwillberatherashocktoyou.She’sbadlyparalysed.Herspeechisalmostunrecognizable.Bytheway,she’sdefinitelyworriedaboutsomething.It’stodowithsendingforherlawyer.Youknowwhoheis,MissCarlisle?”
Elinorsaidquickly:
“Mr.Seddon—ofBloomsburySquare.Buthewouldn’tbethereatthistimeoftheevening,andIdon’tknowhishomeaddress.”
Dr.Lordsaidreassuringly:
“Tomorrowwillbeinplentyoftime.ButI’manxioustosetMrs.Welman’smindatrestassoonaspossible.Ifyouwillcomeupwithmenow,MissCarlisle,Ithinktogetherweshallbeabletoreassureher.”
“Ofcourse.Iwillcomeupatonce.”
Roddysaidhopefully:
“Youdon’twantme?”
Hefeltfaintlyashamedofhimself,buthehadanervousdreadofgoinguptothesickroom,ofseeingAuntLauralyingtherein-articulateandhelpless.
Dr.Lordreassuredhimpromptly.
“Nottheleastneed,Mr.Welman.Betternottohavetoomanypeopleintheroom.”
Roddy’sreliefshowedplainly.
Dr.LordandElinorwentupstairs.NurseO’Brienwaswiththepatient.
LauraWelman,breathingdeeplyandstertorously,layasthoughinastupor.Elinorstoodlookingdownonher,shockedbythedrawn,twistedface.
SuddenlyMrs.Welman’srighteyelidquiveredandopened.AfaintchangecameoverherfaceassherecognizedElinor.
Shetriedtospeak.
“Elinor…”Thewordwouldhavebeenmeaninglesstoanyonewhohadnotguessedatwhatshewantedtosay.
Elinorsaidquickly:
“I’mhere,AuntLaura.You’reworriedaboutsomething?YouwantmetosendforMr.Seddon?”
Anotherofthosehoarseraucoussounds.Elinorguessedatthemeaning.Shesaid:
“MaryGerrard?”
Slowlytherighthandmovedshakilyinassent.
Alongburbleofsoundcamefromthesickwoman’slips.Dr.LordandElinorfrownedhelplessly.Againandagainitcame.ThenElinorgotaword.
“Provision?Youwanttomakeprovisionforherinyourwill?Youwanthertohavesomemoney?Isee,dearAuntLaura.Thatwillbequitesimple.Mr.Seddonwillcomedowntomorrowandeverythingshallbearrangedexactlyasyouwish.”
Thesuffererseemedrelieved.Thelookofdistressfadedfromthatappealingeye.Elinortookherhandinhersandfeltafeeblepressurefromthefingers.
Mrs.Welmansaidwithagreateffort:
“You—all—you…”
Elinorsaid:“Yes,yes,leaveitalltome.Iwillseethateverythingyouwantisdone!”
Shefeltthepressureofthefingersagain.Thenitrelaxed.Theeyelidsdroopedandclosed.
Dr.LordlaidahandonElinor’sarmanddrewhergentlyawayoutoftheroom.NurseO’Brienresumedherseatnearthebed.
OutsideonthelandingMaryGerrardwastalkingtoNurseHopkins.Shestartedforward.
“Oh,Dr.Lord,canIgointoher,please?”
Henodded.
“Keepquitequiet,though,anddon’tdisturbher.”
Marywentintothesickroom.
Dr.Lordsaid:
“Yourtrainwaslate.You—”Hestopped.
ElinorhadturnedherheadtolookafterMary.Suddenlyshebecameawareofhisabruptsilence.Sheturnedherheadandlookedathiminquiringly.Hewasstaringather,astartledlookinhisface.ThecolourroseinElinor’scheeks
Shesaidhurriedly:
“Ibegyourpardon.Whatdidyousay?”
PeterLordsaidslowly:
“WhatwasIsaying?Idon’tremember.MissCarlisle,youweresplendidinthere!”Hespokewarmly.“Quicktounderstand,reassuring,everythingyoushouldhavebeen.”
TheveryfaintestofsniffscamefromNurseHopkins.
Elinorsaid:
“Poordarling.Itupsetmeterriblyseeingherlikethat.”
“Ofcourse.Butyoudidn’tshowit.Youmusthavegreatself-control.”
Elinorsaid,herlipssetverystraight:
“I’velearntnot—toshowmyfeelings.”
Thedoctorsaidslowly:
“Allthesamethemask’sboundtosliponceinawhile.”
NurseHopkinshadbustledintothebathroom.Elinorsaid,raisingherdelicateeyebrowsandlookingfullathim:
“Themask?”
Dr.Lordsaid:
“Thehumanfaceis,afterall,nothingmorenorlessthanamask.”
“Andunderneath?”
“Underneathistheprimitivehumanmanorwoman.”
Sheturnedawayquicklyandledthewaydownstairs.
PeterLordfollowed,puzzledandunwontedlyserious.
Roddycameoutintothehalltomeetthem.
“Well?”heaskedanxiously.
Elinorsaid:
“Poordarling.It’sverysadtoseeher…Ishouldn’tgo,Roddy—till—till—sheasksforyou.”
Roddyasked:
“Didshewantanything—special?”
PeterLordsaidtoElinor:
“Imustbeoffnow.There’snothingmoreIcandoforthemoment.I’lllookinearlytomorrow.Good-bye,MissCarlisle.Don’t—don’tworrytoomuch.”
Heheldherhandinhisforamomentortwo.Hehadastrangelyreassuringandcomfortingclasp.Helookedather,Elinorthought,ratheroddlyasthough—asthoughhewassorryforher.
Asthedoorshutbehindthedoctor,Roddyrepeatedhisquestion.
Elinorsaid:
“AuntLauraisworriedabout—aboutcertainbusinessmatters.ImanagedtopacifyherandtoldherMr.Seddonwouldcertainlycomedowntomorrow.Wemusttelephonehimfirstthing.”
Roddyasked:
“Doesshewanttomakeanewwill?”
Elinoranswered:
“Shedidn’tsayso.”
“Whatdidshe—?”
Hestoppedinthemiddleofthequestion.
MaryGerrardwasrunningdownthestairs.Shecrossedthehallanddisappearedthroughthedoortothekitchenquarters.
Elinorsaidinaharshvoice:
“Yes?Whatisityouwantedtoask?”
Roddysaidvaguely:
“I—what?I’veforgottenwhatitwas.”
HewasstaringatthedoorthroughwhichMaryGerrardhadgone.
Elinor’shandsclosed.Shecouldfeelherlong,pointednailsbitingintothefleshofherpalms.
Shethought:
“Ican’tbearit—Ican’tbearit…it’snotimagination…it’strue…Roddy—RoddyIcan’tloseyou….”
Andshethought:
“Whatdidthatman—thedoctor—whatdidheseeinmyfaceupstairs?Hesawsomething…Oh,God,howawfullifeis—tofeelasIfeelnow.Saysomething,fool.Pullyourselftogether!”
Aloudshesaid,inhercalmvoice:
“Aboutmeals,Roddy.I’mnotveryhungry.I’llsitwithAuntLauraandthenursescanbothcomedown.”
Roddysaidinalarm:
“Andhavedinnerwithme?”
Elinorsaidcoldly:
“Theywon’tbiteyou!”
“Butwhataboutyou?Youmusthavesomething.Whydon’twedinefirst,andletthemcomedownafterwards?”
Elinorsaid:
“No,theotherway’sbetter.”Sheaddedwildly,“They’resotouchy,youknow.”
Shethought:
“Ican’tsitthroughamealwithhim—alone—talking—behavingasusual….”
Shesaidimpatiently:
“Oh,doletmearrangethingsmyownway!”
Four
ItwasnomerehousemaidwhowakenedElinorthefollowingmorning.ItwasMrs.Bishopinperson,rustlinginherold-fashionedblack,andweepingunashamedly
“Oh,MissElinor,she’sgone….”
“What?”
Elinorsatupinbed.
“Yourdearaunt.Mrs.Welman.Mydearmistress.Passedawayinhersleep.”
“AuntLaura?Dead?”
Elinorstared.Sheseemedunabletotakeitin.
Mrs.Bishopwasweepingnowwithmoreabandon.
“Tothinkofit,”shesobbed.“Afteralltheseyears!EighteenyearsI’vebeenhere.Butindeeditdoesn’tseemlikeit….”
Elinorsaidslowly:
“SoAuntLauradiedinhersleep—quitepeacefully…Whatablessingforher!”
Mrs.Bishopwept.
“Sosudden.Thedoctorsayinghe’dcallagainthismorningandeverythingjustasusual.”
Elinorsaidrathersharply:
“Itwasn’texactlysudden.Afterall,she’sbeenillforsometime.I’mjustsothankfulshe’sbeensparedmoresuffering.”
Mrs.Bishopsaidtearfullythattherewasindeedthattobethankfulfor.Sheadded:
“Who’lltellMr.Roderick?”
Elinorsaid:
“Iwill.”
Shethrewonadressinggownandwentalongtohisdoorandtapped.Hisvoiceanswered,saying,“Comein.”
Sheentered.
“AuntLaura’sdead,Roddy.Shediedinhersleep.”
Roddy,sittingupinbed,drewadeepsigh.
“PoordearAuntLaura!ThankGodforit,Isay.Icouldn’thavebornetoseehergoonlingeringinthestateshewasyesterday.”
Elinorsaidmechanically:
“Ididn’tknowyou’dseenher?”
Henoddedrathershamefacedly.
“Thetruthis,Elinor,Ifeltthemostawfulcoward,becauseI’dfunkedit!Iwentalongthereyesterdayevening.Thenurse,thefatone,lefttheroomforsomething—wentdownwithahot-waterbottle,Ithink—andIslippedin.Shedidn’tknowIwasthere,ofcourse.Ijuststoodabitandlookedather.Then,whenIheardMrs.Gampstumpingupthestairsagain,Islippedaway.Butitwas—prettyterrible!”
Elinornodded.
“Yes,itwas.”
Roddysaid:
“She’dhavehateditlikehell—everyminuteofit!”
“Iknow.”
Roddysaid:
“It’smarvellousthewayyouandIalwaysseealikeoverthings.”
Elinorsaidinalowvoice:
“Yesitis.”
Hesaid:
“We’rebothfeelingthesamethingatthisminute:justutterthankfulnessthatshe’soutofitall….”
II
NurseO’Briensaid:
“Whatisit,Nurse?Can’tyoufindsomething?”
NurseHopkins,herfaceratherred,washuntingthroughthelittleattachécasethatshehadlaiddowninthehalltheprecedingevening.
Shegrunted:
“Mostannoying.HowIcametodosuchathingIcan’timagine!”
“Whatisit?”
NurseHopkinsrepliednotveryintelligibly:
“It’sElizaRykin—thatsarcoma,youknow.She’sgottohavedoubleinjections—nightandmorning—morphine.Gaveherthelasttabletintheoldtubelastnightonmywayhere,andIcouldswearIhadthenewtubeinhere,too.”
“Lookagain.Thosetubesaresosmall.”
NurseHopkinsgaveafinalstirtothecontentsoftheattachécase.
“No,it’snothere!Imusthaveleftitinmycupboardafterall!Really,IdidthinkIcouldtrustmymemorybetterthanthat.IcouldhaveswornItookitoutwithme!”
“Youdidn’tleavethecaseanywhere,didyou,onthewayhere?”
“Ofcoursenot!”saidNurseHopkinssharply.
“Oh,well,dear,”saidNurseO’Brien,“itmustbeallright?”
“Oh,yes!TheonlyplaceI’velaidmycasedownwashereinthishall,andnobodyherewouldpinchanything!Justmymemory,Isuppose.Butitvexesme,ifyouunderstand,Nurse.Besides,Ishallhavetogorighthomefirsttotheotherendofthevillageandbackagain.”
NurseO’Briensaid:
“Hopeyouwon’thavetootiringaday,dear,afterlastnight.Pooroldlady.Ididn’tthinkshewouldlastlong.”
“No,norI.IdaresayDoctorwillbesurprised!”
NurseO’Briensaidwithatingeofdisapproval:
“He’salwayssohopefulabouthiscases.”
NurseHopkins,asshepreparedtodepart,said:
“Ah,he’syoung!Hehasn’tourexperience.”
Onwhichgloomypronouncementshedeparted.
III
Dr.Lordraisedhimselfuponhistoes.Hissandyeyebrowsclimbedrightuphisforeheadtilltheynearlygotmergedinhishair.
Hesaidinsurprise:
“Soshe’sconkedout—eh?”
“Yes,Doctor.”
OnNurseO’Brien’stongueexactdetailsweretinglingtobeuttered,butwithsterndisciplineshewaited.
PeterLordsaidthoughtfully:
“Conkedout?”
Hestoodforamomentthinking,thenhesaidsharply:
“Getmesomeboilingwater.”
NurseO’Brienwassurprisedandmystified,buttruetothespiritofhospitaltraining,hersnottoreasonwhy.Ifadoctorhadtoldhertogoandgettheskinofanalligatorshewouldhavemurmuredautomatically,“Yes,Doctor,”andglidedobedientlyfromtheroomtotackletheproblem.
IV
RoderickWelmansaid:
“Doyoumeantosaythatmyauntdiedintestate—thatshenevermadeawillatall?”
Mr.Seddonpolishedhiseyeglasses.Hesaid:
“Thatseemstobethecase.”
Roddysaid:
“Buthowextraordinary!”
Mr.Seddongaveadeprecatingcough.
“Notsoextraordinaryasyoumightimagine.Ithappensoftenerthanyouwouldthink.There’sakindofsuperstitionaboutit.Peoplewillthinkthey’vegotplentyoftime.Themerefactofmakingawillseemstobringthepossibilityofdeathnearertothem.Veryodd—butthereitis!”
Roddysaid:
“Didn’tyouever—er—expostulatewithheronthesubject?”
Mr.Seddonreplieddrily:
“Frequently.”
“Andwhatdidshesay?”
Mr.Seddonsighed.
“Theusualthings.Thattherewasplentyoftime!Thatshedidn’tintendtodiejustyet!Thatshehadn’tmadeupherminddefinitely,exactlyhowshewishedtodisposeofhermoney!”
Elinorsaid:
“Butsurely,afterherfirststroke—?”
Mr.Seddonshookhishead.
“Oh,no,itwasworsethen.Shewouldn’thearthesubjectmentioned!”
Roddysaid:
“Surelythat’sveryodd?”
Mr.Seddonsaidagain:
“Oh,no.Naturally,herillnessmadehermuchmorenervous.”
Elinorsaidinapuzzledvoice:
“Butshewantedtodie….”
Polishinghiseyeglasses,Mr.Seddonsaid:
“Ah,mydearMissElinor,thehumanmindisaverycuriouspieceofmechanism.Mrs.Welmanmayhavethoughtshewantedtodie;butsidebysidewiththatfeelingthereranthehopethatshewouldrecoverabsolutely.Andbecauseofthathope,Ithinkshefeltthattomakeawillwouldbeunlucky.Itisn’tsomuchthatshedidn’tmeantomakeone,asthatshewaseternallyputtingitoff.”
“Youknow,”wentonMr.Seddon,suddenlyaddressingRoddyinanalmostpersonalmanner,“howoneputsoffandavoidsathingthatisdistasteful—thatyoudon’twanttoface?”
Roddyflushed.Hemuttered:
“Yes,I—I—yes,ofcourse.Iknowwhatyoumean.”
“Exactly,”saidMr.Seddon.“Mrs.Welmanalwaysmeanttomakeawill,buttomorrowwasalwaysabetterdaytomakeitthantoday!Shekepttellingherselfthattherewasplentyoftime.”
Elinorsaidslowly:
“Sothat’swhyshewassoupsetlastnight—andinsuchapanicthatyoushouldbesentfor….”
Mr.Seddonreplied:
“Undoubtedly!”
Roddysaidinabewilderedvoice:
“Butwhathappensnow?”
“ToMrs.Welman’sestate?”Thelawyercoughed.“SinceMrs.Welmandiedintestate,allherpropertygoestohernextofkin—thatis,toMissElinorCarlisle.”
Elinorsaidslowly.
“Alltome?”
“TheCrowntakesacertainpercentage,”Mr.Seddonexplained.
Hewentintodetails.
Heended:
“Therearenosettlementsortrusts.Mrs.Welman’smoneywashersabsolutelytodowithasshechose.Itpasses,therefore,straighttoMissCarlisle.Er—thedeathduties,Iamafraid,willbesomewhatheavy,butevenaftertheirpayment,thefortunewillstillbeaconsiderableone,anditisverywellinvestedinsoundgilt-edgedsecurities.”
Elinorsaid:
“ButRoderick—”
Mr.Seddonsaidwithalittleapologeticcough:
“Mr.WelmanisonlyMrs.Welman’shusband’snephew.Thereisnobloodrelationship.”
“Quite,”saidRoddy.
Elinorsaidslowly:
“Ofcourse,itdoesn’tmuchmatterwhichofusgetsit,aswe’regoingtobemarried.”
ButshedidnotlookatRoddy.
ItwasMr.Seddon’sturntosay,“Quite!”
Hesaiditratherquickly.
V
“Butitdoesn’tmatter,doesit?”Elinorsaid.
Shespokealmostpleadingly.
Mr.Seddonhaddeparted.
Roddy’sfacetwitchednervously.
Hesaid:
“Yououghttohaveit.It’squiterightyoushould.Forheaven’ssake,Elinor,don’tgetitintoyourheadthatIgrudgeittoyou.Idon’twantthedamnedmoney!”
Elinorsaid,hervoiceslightlyunsteady:
“Wedidagree,Roddy,inLondonthatitwouldn’tmatterwhichofusitwas,as—asweweregoingtobemarried…?”
Hedidnotanswer.Shepersisted:
“Don’tyouremembersayingthat,Roddy?”
Hesaid:
“Yes.”
Helookeddownathisfeet.Hisfacewaswhiteandsullen,therewaspaininthetautlinesofhissensitivemouth.
Elinorsaidwithasuddengallantliftofthehead:
“Itdoesn’tmatter—ifwe’regoingtobemarried…Butarewe,Roddy?”
Hesaid:
“Arewewhat?”
“Arewegoingtomarryeachother?”
“Iunderstoodthatwastheidea.”
Histonewasindifferent,withaslightedgetoit.Hewenton:
“Ofcourse,Elinor,ifyou’veotherideasnow….”
Elinorcriedout:
“Oh,Roddy,can’tyoubehonest?”
Hewinced.
Thenhesaidinalow,bewilderedvoice:
“Idon’tknowwhat’shappenedtome….”
Elinorsaidinastifledvoice:
“Ido….”
Hesaidquickly:
“Perhapsit’strue,that.Idon’tafterall,quiteliketheideaoflivingonmywife’smoney….”
Elinor,herfacewhite,said:
“It’snotthat…It’ssomethingelse…”Shepaused,thenshesaid,“It’s—Mary,isn’tit?”
Roddymurmuredunhappily:
“Isupposeso.Howdidyouknow?”
Elinorsaid,hermouthtwistingsidewaysinacrookedsmile:
“Itwasn’tdifficult…Everytimeyoulookather—it’sthereinyourfaceforanyonetoread….”
Suddenlyhiscomposurebroke.
“Oh,Elinor—Idon’tknowwhat’sthematter!IthinkI’mgoingmad!IthappenedwhenIsawher—thatfirstday—inthewood…justherface—it’s—it’sturnedeverythingupsidedown.Youcan’tunderstandthat….”
Elinorsaid:
“Yes,Ican.Goon.”
Roddysaidhelplessly:
“Ididn’twanttofallinlovewithher…Iwasquitehappywithyou.Oh,Elinor,whatacadIam,talkinglikethistoyou….”
Elinorsaid:
“Nonsense.Goon.Tellme….”
Hesaidbrokenly:
“You’rewonderful…Talkingtoyouhelpsfrightfully.I’msoterriblyfondofyou,Elinor!Youmustbelievethat.Thisotherthingislikeanenchantment!It’supseteverything:myconceptionoflife—andmyenjoymentofthings—and—allthedecentorderedreasonablethings….”
Elinorsaidgently:
“Love—isn’tveryreasonable….”
Roddysaidmiserably:
“No….”
Elinorsaid,andhervoicetrembledalittle:
“Haveyousaidanythingtoher?”
Roddysaid:
“Thismorning—likeafool—Ilostmyhead—”
Elinorsaid:
“Yes?”
Roddysaid:
“Ofcourseshe—sheshutmeupatonce!Shewasshocked.BecauseofAuntLauraand—ofyou—”
Elinordrewthediamondringoffherfinger.Shesaid:
“You’dbettertakeitback,Roddy.”
Takingit,hemurmuredwithoutlookingather:
“Elinor,you’venoideawhatabeastIfeel.”
Elinorsaidinhercalmvoice:
“Doyouthinkshe’llmarryyou?”
Heshookhishead.
“I’venoidea.Not—notforalongtime.Idon’tthinkshecaresformenow;butshemightcometocare….”
Elinorsaid:
“Ithinkyou’reright.Youmustgivehertime.Notseeherforabit,andthen—startafresh.”
“DarlingElinor!You’rethebestfriendanyoneeverhad.”Hetookherhandsuddenlyandkissedit.“Youknow,Elinor,Idoloveyou—justasmuchasever!SometimesMaryseemsjustlikeadream.Imightwakeupfromit—andfindshewasn’tthere….”
Elinorsaid:
“IfMarywasn’tthere….”
Roddysaidwithsuddenfeeling:
“SometimesIwishshewasn’t…YouandI,Elinor,belong.Wedobelong,don’twe?”
Slowlyshebentherhead.
Shesaid:
“Oh,yes—webelong.”
Shethought:
“IfMarywasn’tthere….”
Five
NurseHopkinssaidwithemotion:
“Itwasabeautifulfuneral!”
NurseO’Brienresponded:
“Itwas,indeed.Andtheflowers!Didyoueverseesuchbeautifulflowers?Aharpofwhiteliliestherewas,andacrossofyellowroses.Beautiful.”
NurseHopkinssighedandhelpedherselftobutteredteacake.ThetwonursesweresittingintheBlueTitCafé.
NurseHopkinswenton:
“MissCarlisleisagenerousgirl.Shegavemeanicepresent,thoughshe’dnocalltodoso.”
“She’safinegenerousgirl,”agreedNurseO’Brienwarmly.“Idodeteststinginess.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Well,it’sagrandfortuneshe’sinherited.”
NurseO’Briensaid,“Iwonder…”andstopped.
NurseHopkinssaid,“Yes?”encouragingly.
“’Twasstrangethewaytheoldladymadenowill.”
“Itwaswicked,”NurseHopkinssaidsharply.“Peopleoughttobeforcedtomakewills!Itonlyleadstounpleasantnesswhentheydon’t.”
“I’mwondering,”saidNurseO’Brien,“ifshehadmadeawill,howshe’dhavelefthermoney?”
NurseHopkinssaidfirmly:
“Iknowonething.”
“What’sthat?”
“She’dhaveleftasumofmoneytoMary—MaryGerrard.”
“Yes,indeed,andthat’strue,”agreedtheother.Sheaddedexcitedly,“Wasn’tIaftertellingyouthatnightofthestateshewasin,poordear,andthedoctordoinghisbesttocalmherdown.MissElinorwasthereholdingherauntie’shandandswearingbyGodAlmighty,”saidNurseO’Brien,herIrishimaginationsuddenlyrunningawaywithher,“thatthelawyershouldbesentforandeverythingdoneaccordingly.‘Mary!Mary!’thepooroldladysaid.‘IsitMaryGerrardyou’remeaning?’saysMissElinor,andstraightawayshesworethatMaryshouldhaveherrights!”
NurseHopkinssaidratherdoubtfully:
“Wasitlikethat?”
NurseO’Brienrepliedfirmly:
“Thatwasthewayofit,andI’lltellyouthis,NurseHopkins:Inmyopinion,ifMrs.Welmanhadlivedtomakethatwill,it’slikelytheremighthavebeensurprisesforall!Whoknowsshemightn’thavelefteverypennyshepossessedtoMaryGerrard!”
NurseHopkinssaiddubiously:
“Idon’tthinkshe’ddothat.Idon’tholdwithleavingyourmoneyawayfromyourownfleshandblood.”
NurseO’Briensaidoracularly:
“There’sfleshandbloodandfleshandblood.”
NurseHopkinsrespondedinstantly:
“Now,whatmightyoumeanbythat?”
NurseO’Briensaidwithdignity:
“I’mnotonetogossip!AndIwouldn’tbeblackeninganyone’snamethat’sdead.”
NurseHopkinsnoddedherheadslowlyandsaid:
“That’sright.Iagreewithyou.Leastsaidsoonestmended.”
Shefilleduptheteapot.
NurseO’Briensaid:
“Bytheway,now,didyoufindthattubeofmorphineallrightwhenyougothome?”
NurseHopkinsfrowned.Shesaid:
“No.Itbeatsmetoknowwhatcanhavebecomeofit,butIthinkitmayhavebeenthisway:ImighthavesetitdownontheedgeofthemantelpieceasIoftendowhileIlockthecupboard,anditmighthaverolledandfallenintothewastepaperbasketthatwasallfullofrubbishandthatwasemptiedoutintothedustbinjustasIleftthehouse.”Shepaused.“Itmustbethatway,forIdon’tseewhatelsecouldhavebecomeofit.”
“Isee,”saidNurseO’Brien.“Well,dear,thatmusthavebeenit.It’snotasthoughyou’dleftyourcaseaboutanywhereelse—onlyjustinthehallatHunterbury—soitseemstomethatwhatyousuggestedjustnowmustbeso.It’sgoneintotherubbishbin.”
“That’sright,”saidNurseHopkinseagerly.“Itcouldn’tbeanyotherway,couldit?”
Shehelpedherselftoapinksugarcake.Shesaid,“It’snotasthough…”andstopped.
Theotheragreedquickly—perhapsalittletooquickly.
“I’dnotbeworryingaboutitanymoreifIwasyou,”shesaidcomfortably.
NurseHopkinssaid:
“I’mnotworrying….”
II
Youngandsevereinherblackdress,ElinorsatinfrontofMrs.Welman’smassivewritingtableinthelibrary.Variouspaperswerespreadoutinfrontofher.ShehadfinishedinterviewingtheservantsandMrs.Bishop.NowitwasMaryGerrardwhoenteredtheroomandhesitatedaminutebythedoorway.
“Youwantedtoseeme,MissElinor?”shesaid.
Elinorlookedup.
“Oh,yes,Mary.Comehereandsitdown,willyou?”
MarycameandsatinthechairElinorindicated.Itwasturnedalittletowardsthewindow,andthelightfromitfellonherface,showingthedazzlingpurityoftheskinandbringingoutthepalegoldofthegirl’shair.
Elinorheldonehandshieldingherfacealittle.Betweenthefingersshecouldwatchtheothergirl’sface.
Shethought:
“Isitpossibletohateanyonesomuchandnotshowit?”
Aloudshesaidinapleasant,businesslikevoice:
“Ithinkyouknow,Mary,thatmyauntalwaystookagreatinterestinyouandwouldhavebeenconcernedaboutyourfuture.”
Marymurmuredinhersoftvoice:
“Mrs.Welmanwasverygoodtomealways.”
Elinorwenton,hervoicecoldanddetached:
“Myaunt,ifshehadhadtimetomakeawill,wouldhavewished,Iknow,toleaveseverallegacies.Sinceshediedwithoutmakingawill,theresponsibilityofcarryingoutherwishesrestsonme.IhaveconsultedwithMr.Seddon,andbyhisadvicewehavedrawnupascheduleofsumsfortheservantsaccordingtotheirlengthofservice,etc.”She
Shehalf-hoped,perhaps,thatthosewordsmightholdasting,butthefaceshewaslookingatshowednochange.Maryacceptedthewordsattheirfacevalueandlistenedtowhatmorewastocome.
Elinorsaid:
“Thoughitwasdifficultformyaunttospeakcoherently,shewasabletomakehermeaningunderstoodthatlastevening.Shedefinitelywantedtomakesomeprovisionforyourfuture.”
Marysaidquietly:
“Thatwasverygoodofher.”
Elinorsaidbrusquely:
“Assoonasprobateisgranted,Iamarrangingthattwothousandpoundsshouldbemadeovertoyou—thatsumtobeyourstodowithabsolutelyasyouplease.”
Mary’scolourrose.
“Twothousandpounds?Oh,MissElinor,thatisgoodofyou!Idon’tknowwhattosay.”
Elinorsaidsharply:
“Itisn’tparticularlygoodofme,andpleasedon’tsayanything.”
Maryflushed.
“Youdon’tknowwhatadifferenceitwillmaketome,”shemurmured.
Elinorsaid:
“I’mglad.”
Shehesitated.ShelookedawayfromMarytotheothersideoftheroom.Shesaidwithaslighteffort:
“Iwonder—haveyouanyplans?”
Marysaidquickly:
“Oh,yes.Ishalltrainforsomething.Massage,perhaps.That’swhatNurseHopkinsadvises.”
Elinorsaid:
“Thatsoundsaverygoodidea.IwilltryandarrangewithMr.Seddonthatsomemoneyshallbeadvancedtoyouassoonaspossible—atonce,ifthatisfeasible.”
“You’revery,verygood,MissElinor,”saidMarygratefully.
Elinorsaidcurtly:
“ItwasAuntLaura’swish.”Shehesitated,thensaid,“Well,that’sall,Ithink.”
ThistimethedefinitedismissalinthewordspiercedMary’ssensitiveskin.Shegotup,saidquietly,“Thankyouverymuch,MissElinor,”andlefttheroom.
Elinorsatquitestill,staringaheadofher.Herfacewasquiteimpassive.Therewasnoclueinitastowhatwasgoingoninhermind.Butshesatthere,motionless,foralongtime….
III
ElinorwentatlastinsearchofRoddy.Shefoundhiminthemorningroom.Hewasstandingstaringoutofthewindow.HeturnedsharplyasElinorcamein.
Shesaid:
“I’vegotthroughitall!FivehundredforMrs.Bishop—she’sbeenheresuchyears.AhundredforthecookandfiftyeachforMillyandOlive.Fivepoundseachtotheothers.Twenty-fiveforStephens,theheadgardener;andthere’soldGerrard,ofcourse,attheLodge.Ihaven’tdoneanythingabouthimyet.It’sawkward.He’llhavetobepensionedoff,Isuppose?”
Shepausedandthenwentonratherhurriedly:
“I’msettlingtwothousandonMaryGerrard.Doyouthinkthat’swhatAuntLaurawouldhavewished?Itseemedtomeabouttherightsum.”
Roddysaidwithoutlookingather:
“Yes,exactlyright.You’vealwaysgotexcellentjudgement,Elinor.”
Heturnedtolookoutofthewindowagain.
Elinorheldherbreathforaminute,thenshebegantospeakwithnervoushaste,thewordstumblingoutincoherently:
“There’ssomethingmore:Iwantto—it’sonlyright—Imean,you’vegottohaveyourpropershare,Roddy.”
Ashewheeledround,angeronhisface,shehurriedon:
“No,listen,Roddy.Thisisjustbarejustice!Themoneythatwasyouruncle’s—thathelefttohiswife—naturallyhealwaysassumeditwouldcometoyou.AuntLaurameantitto,too.Iknowshedid,fromlotsofthingsshesaid.IfIhavehermoney,youshouldhavetheamountthatwashis—it’sonlyright.I—Ican’tbeartofeelI’verobbedyou—justbecauseAuntLaurafunkedmakingawill.Youmust—youmustseesenseaboutthis!”
Roderick’slong,sensitivefacehadgonedeadwhite.
Hesaid:
“MyGod,Elinor,doyouwanttomakemefeelanuttercad?DoyouthinkforonemomentIcould—couldtakethismoneyfromyou?”
“I’mnotgivingittoyou.It’sjust—fair.”
Roddycriedout:
“Idon’twantyourmoney!”
“Itisn’tmine!”
“It’syoursbylaw—andthat’sallthatmatters!ForGod’ssake,don’tlet’sbeanythingbutstrictlybusinesslike!Iwon’ttakeapennyfromyou.You’renotgoingtodotheLadyBountifultome!”
Elinorcriedout:
“Roddy!”
Hemadeaquickgesture.
“Oh,mydear,I’msorry.Idon’tknowwhatI’msaying.Ifeelsobewildered—soutterlylost….”
Elinorsaidgently:
“PoorRoddy….”
Hehadturnedawayagainandwasplayingwiththeblindtasselofthewindow.Hesaidinadifferenttone,adetachedone:
“Doyouknowwhat—MaryGerrardproposesdoing?”
“She’sgoingtotrainasamasseuse,soshesays.”
Hesaid,“Isee.”
Therewasasilence.Elinordrewherselfup;sheflungbackherhead.Hervoicewhenshespokewassuddenlycompelling.
Shesaid:
“Roddy,Iwantyoutolistentomecarefully!”
Heturnedtoher,slightlysurprised.
“Ofcourse,Elinor.”
“Iwantyou,ifyouwill,tofollowmyadvice.”
“Andwhatisyouradvice?”
Elinorsaidcalmly:
“Youarenotparticularlytied?Youcanalwaysgetaholiday,can’tyou?”
“Oh,yes.”
“Thendo—justthat.Goabroadsomewherefor—say,threemonths.Gobyyourself.Makenewfriendsandseenewplaces.Let’sspeakquitefrankly.Atthismomentyouthinkyou’reinlovewithMaryGerrard.Perhapsyouare.Butitisn’tamomentforapproachingher—youknowthatonlytoowell.Ourengagementisdefinitelybrokenoff.Goabroad,then,asafreeman,andattheendofthethreemonths,asafreeman,makeupyourmind.You’llknowthenwhetheryou—reallyloveMaryorwhetheritwasonlyatemporaryinfatuation.Andifyouarequitesureyoudoloveher—well,then,comebackandgotoherandtellherso,andthatyou’requitesureaboutit,andperhapsthenshe’lllisten.”
Roddycametoher.Hecaughtherhandinhis.
“Elinor,you’rewonderful!Soclearheaded!Somarvellouslyimpersonal!There’snotraceofpettinessormeannessaboutyou.IadmireyoumorethanIcaneversay.I’lldoexactlywhatyousuggest.Goaway,cutfreefromeverything—andfindoutwhetherI’vegotthegenuinediseaseorifI’vejustbeenmakingthemostghastlyfoolofmyself.Oh,Elinor,mydear,youdon’tknowhowtrulyfondIamofyou.Idorealizeyouwerealwaysathousandtimestoogoodforme.Blessyou,dear,forallyourgoodness.”
Quickly,impulsively,hekissedhercheekandwentoutoftheroom.
Itwasaswell,perhaps,thathedidnotlookbackandseeherface.
IV
ItwasacoupleofdayslaterthatMaryacquaintedNurseHopkinswithherimprovedprospects.
Thatpracticalwomanwaswarmlycongratulatory.
“That’sagreatpieceofluckforyou,Mary,”shesaid.“Theoldladymayhavemeantwellbyyou,butunlessathing’sdowninblackandwhite,intentionsdon’tgoformuch!Youmighteasilyhavegotnothingatall.”
“MissElinorsaidthatthenightMrs.Welmandiedshetoldhertodosomethingforme.”
NurseHopkinssnorted.
“Maybeshedid.Butthere’smanywouldhaveforgottenconvenientlyafterwards.Relationsarelikethat.I’veseenafewthings,Icantellyou!Peopledyingandsayingtheyknowtheycanleaveittotheirdearsonortheirdeardaughtertocarryouttheirwishes.Ninetimesoutoften,dearsonanddeardaughterfindsomeverygoodreasontodonothingofthekind.Humannature’shumannature,andnobodylikespartingwithmoneyifthey’renotlegallycompelledto!Itellyou,Mary,mygirl,you’vebeenlucky.MissCarlisle’sstraighterthanmost.”
Marysaidslowly:
“Andyet—somehow—Ifeelshedoesn’tlikeme.”
“Withgoodreason,Ishouldsay,”saidNurseHopkinsbluntly.“Now,don’tlooksoinnocent,Mary!Mr.Roderick’sbeenmakingsheep’seyesatyouforsometimenow.”
Marywentred.
NurseHopkinswenton:
“He’sgotitbadly,inmyopinion.Fellforyouallofasudden.Whataboutyou,mygirl?Gotanyfeelingsforhim?”
Marysaidhesitatingly:
“I—Idon’tknow.Idon’tthinkso.Butofcourse,he’sverynice.”
“H’m,”saidNurseHopkins.“Hewouldn’tbemyfancy!Oneofthosemenwhoarefinickyandabundleofnerves.Fussyabouttheirfood,too,aslikelyasnot.Menaren’tmuchatthebestoftimes.Don’tbeintoomuchofahurry,Mary,mydear.Withyourlooksyoucanaffordtopickandchoose.NurseO’Brienpassedtheremarktometheotherdaythatyououghttogoonthefilms.Theylikeblondes,I’vealwaysheard.”
Marysaid,withaslightfrowncreasingherforehead:
“Nurse,whatdoyouthinkIoughttodoaboutFather?HethinksIoughttogivesomeofthismoneytohim.”
“Don’tyoudoanythingofthekind,”saidNurseHopkinswrathfully.“Mrs.Welmannevermeantthatmoneyforhim.It’smyopinionhe’dhavelosthisjobyearsagoifithadn’tbeenforyou.Alaziermanneverstepped!”
Marysaid:
“Itseemsfunnywhenshe’dallthatmoneythatshenevermadeawilltosayhowitwastogo.”
NurseHopkinsshookherhead.
“Peoplearelikethat.You’dbesurprised.Alwaysputtingitoff.”
Marysaid:
“Itseemsdownrightsillytome.”
NurseHopkinssaidwithafainttwinkle:
“Madeawillyourself,Mary?”
Marystaredather.
“Oh,no.”
“Andyetyou’reovertwenty-one.”
“ButI—Ihaven’tgotanythingtoleave—atleastIsupposeIhavenow.”
NurseHopkinssaidsharply:
“Ofcourseyouhave.Andanicetidylittlesum,too.”
Marysaid:
“Oh,well,there’snohurry….”
“Thereyougo,”saidNurseHopkinsdrily.“Justlikeeveryoneelse.Becauseyou’reahealthyyounggirlisn’tareasonwhyyoushouldn’tbesmashedupinacharabancorabus,orrunoverinthestreetanyminute.”
Marylaughed.Shesaid:
“Idon’tevenknowhowtomakeawill.”
“Easyenough.Youcangetaformatthepostoffice.Let’sgoandgetonerightaway.”
InNurseHopkins’cottage,theformwasspreadoutandtheimportantmatterdiscussed.NurseHopkinswasenjoyingherselfthoroughly.Awill,asshesaid,wasnextbesttoadeath,inheropinion.
Marysaid:
“Who’dgetthemoneyifIdidn’tmakeawill?”
NurseHopkinssaidratherdoubtfully:
“Yourfather,Isuppose.”
Marysaidsharply:
“Heshan’thaveit.I’dratherleaveittomyauntieinNewZealand.”
NurseHopkinssaidcheerfully:
“Itwouldn’tbemuchuseleavingittoyourfather,anyway—he’snotlongforthisworld,Ishouldsay.”
MaryhadheardNurseHopkinsmakethiskindofpronouncementtoooftentobeimpressedbyit.
“Ican’tremembermyauntie’saddress.We’venotheardfromherforyears.”
“Idon’tsupposethatmatters,”saidNurseHopkins.“YouknowherChristianname?”
“Mary.MaryRiley.”
“That’sallright.PutdownyouleaveeverythingtoMaryRiley,sisterofthelateElizaGerrardofHunterbury,Maidensford.”
Marybentovertheform,writing.Asshecametotheendsheshiveredsuddenly.Ashadowhadcomebetweenherandthesun.ShelookeduptoseeElinorCarlislestandingoutsidethewindowlookingin.Elinorsaid:
“Whatareyoudoingsobusily?”
NurseHopkinssaidwithalaugh:
“She’smakingherwill,that’swhatshe’sdoing.”
“Makingherwill?”SuddenlyElinorlaughed—astrangelaugh—almosthysterical.
Shesaid:
“Soyou’remakingyourwill,Mary.That’sfunny.That’sveryfunny….”
Stilllaughing,sheturnedawayandwalkedrapidlyalongthestreet.
NurseHopkinsstared.
“Didyouever?What’scometoher?”
V
Elinorhadnottakenmorethanhalfadozensteps—shewasstilllaughing—whenahandfellonherarmfrombehind.Shestoppedabruptlyandturned.
Dr.Lordlookedstraightather,hisbrowcreasedintoafrown.
Hesaidperemptorily:
“Whatwereyoulaughingat?”
Elinorsaid:
“Really—Idon’tknow.”
PeterLordsaid:
“That’sratherasillyanswer!”
Elinorflushed.Shesaid:
“IthinkImustbenervous—orsomething.IlookedinattheDistrictNurse’scottageand—andMaryGerrardwaswritingoutherwill.Itmademelaugh;Idon’tknowwhy!”
Lordsaidabruptly:
“Don’tyou?”
Elinorsaid:
“Itwassillyofme—Itellyou—I’mnervous.”
PeterLordsaid:
“I’llwriteyououtatonic.”
Elinorsaidincisively:
“Howuseful!”
Hegrinneddisarmingly.
“Quiteuseless,Iagree.Butit’stheonlythingonecandowhenpeoplewon’ttellonewhatisthematterwiththem!”
Elinorsaid:
“There’snothingthematterwithme.”
PeterLordsaidcalmly:
“There’squitealotthematterwithyou.”
Elinorsaid:
“I’vehadacertainamountofnervousstrain,Isuppose….”
Hesaid:
“Iexpectyou’vehadquitealot.Butthat’snotwhatI’mtalkingabout.”Hepaused.“Areyou—areyoustayingdownheremuchlonger?”
“I’mleavingtomorrow.”
“Youwon’t—livedownhere?”
Elinorshookherhead.
“No—never.Ithink—Ithink—IshallselltheplaceifIcangetagoodoffer.”
Dr.Lordsaidratherflatly:
“Isee….”
Elinorsaid:
“Imustbegettinghomenow.”
Sheheldoutherhandfirmly.PeterLordtookit.Heheldit.Hesaidveryearnestly:
“MissCarlisle,willyoupleasetellmewhatwasinyourmindwhenyoulaughedjustnow?”
Shewrenchedherhandawayquickly.
“Whatshouldtherebeinmymind?”
“That’swhatI’dliketoknow.”
Hisfacewasgraveandalittleunhappy
Elinorsaidimpatiently:
“Itjuststruckmeasfunny,thatwasall!”
“ThatMaryGerrardwasmakingawill?Why?Makingawillisaperfectlysensibleprocedure.Savesalotoftrouble.Sometimes,ofcourse,itmakestrouble!”
Elinorsaidimpatiently:
“Ofcourse—everyoneshouldmakeawill.Ididn’tmeanthat.”
Dr.Lordsaid:
“Mrs.Welmanoughttohavemadeawill.”
Elinorsaidwithfeeling:
“Yes,indeed.”
Thecolourroseinherface.
Dr.Lordsaidunexpectedly:
“Whataboutyou?”
“Me?”
“Yes,yousaidjustnoweveryoneshouldmakeawill!Haveyou?”
Elinorstaredathimforaminute,thenshelaughed.
“Howextraordinary!”shesaid.“No,Ihaven’t.Ihadn’tthoughtofit!I’mjustlikeAuntLaura.Doyouknow,Dr.Lord,IshallgohomeandwritetoMr.Seddonaboutitatonce.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Verysensible.”
VI
InthelibraryElinorhadjustfinishedaletter:
DearMr.Seddon,—Willyoudraftawillformetosign?Quiteasimpleone.IwanttoleaveeverythingtoRoderickWelmanabsolutely.Yourssincerely,ElinorCarlisle
Sheglancedattheclock.Thepostwouldbegoinginafewminutes.
Sheopenedthedrawerofthedesk,thenrememberedshehadusedthelaststampthatmorning.
Thereweresomeinherbedroom,though,shewasalmostsure.
Shewentupstairs.Whenshereenteredthelibrarywiththestampinherhand,Roddywasstandingbythewindow.
Hesaid:
“Soweleaveheretomorrow.GoodoldHunterbury.We’vehadsomegoodtimeshere.”
Elinorsaid:
“Doyouminditsbeingsold?”
“Oh,no,no!Iquiteseeit’sthebestthingtobedone.”
Therewasasilence.Elinorpickedupherletter,glancedthroughittoseeifitwasallright.Thenshesealedandstampedit.
Six
LetterfromNurseO’BrientoNurseHopkins,July14th:
LaboroughCourtDearHopkins,—Havebeenmeaningtowritetoyouforsomedaysnow.Thisisalovelyhouseandthepictures,Ibelieve,quitefamous.ButIcan’tsayit’sascomfortableasHunterburywas,ifyouknowwhatImean.Beinginthedeadcountryit’sdifficulttogetmaids,andthegirlstheyhavegotarearawlot,andsomeofthemnottooobliging,andthoughI’msureI’mneveronetogivetrouble,mealssentuponatrayshouldatleastbehot,andnofacilitiesforboilingakettle,andtheteanotalwaysmadewithboilingwater!Still,allthat’sneitherherenorthere.Thepatient’sanicequietgentleman—doublepneumonia,butthecrisisispastanddoctorsaysgoingonwell.WhatI’vegottotellyouthatwillreallyinterestyouistheveryqueerestcoincidenceyoueverknew.Inthedrawingroom,onthegrandpiano,there’saphotographinabigsilverframe;andwouldyoubelieveit,it’sthesamephotographthatItoldyouabout—theonesignedLewisthatoldMrs.Welmanaskedfor.Well,ofcourse,Iwasintrigued—andwhowouldn’tbe?AndIaskedthebutlerwhoitwas,whichheansweredatoncesayingitwasLadyRattery’sbrother—SirLewisRycroft.Helived,itseems,notfarfromhereandhewaskilledintheWar.Verysad,wasn’tit?Iaskedcasuallikewashemarried,andthebutlersaidyes,butthatLadyRycroftwentintoalunaticasylum,poorthing,soonafterthemarriage.Shewasstillalive,hesaid.Now,isn’tthatinteresting?Andwewerequitewrong,yousee,inallourideas.Theymusthavebeenveryfondofeachother,heandMrs.W.,andunabletomarrybecauseofthewifebeinginanasylum.Justlikethepictures,isn’tit?Andherrememberingallthoseyearsandlookingathisphotographjustbeforeshedied.Hewaskilledin1917,thebutlersaid.Quitearomance,that’swhatIfeel.HaveyouseenthatnewpicturewithMyrnaLoy?IsawitwascomingtoMaidensfordthisweek.Nocinemaanywherenearhere!Oh,it’sawfultobeburiedinthecountry.Nowondertheycan’tgetdecentmaids!Well,goodbyeforthepresent,dear,writeandtellmeallthenews.Yourssincerely,EileenO’Brien
LetterfromNurseHopkinstoNurseO’Brien,July14th:
RoseCottageDearO’Brien,—Everythinggoesonheremuchasusual.Hunterburyisdeserted—alltheservantsgoneandaboardup:ForSale.IsawMrs.Bishoptheotherday,sheisstayingwithhersisterwholivesaboutamileaway.Shewasveryupset,asyoucanimagine,attheplacebeingsold.ItseemsshemadesureMissCarlislewouldmarryMr.Welmanandlivethere.Mrs.B.saysthattheengagementisoff!MissCarlislewentawaytoLondonsoonafteryouleft.Shewasverypeculiarinhermanneronceortwice.Ireallydidn’tknowwhattomakeofher!MaryGerrardhasgonetoLondonandisstartingtotrainforamasseuse.Verysensibleofher,Ithink.MissCarlisle’sgoingtosettletwothousandpoundsonher,whichIcallveryhandsomeandmorethanwhatmanywoulddo.Bytheway,it’sfunnyhowthingscomeabout.DoyouremembertellingmesomethingaboutaphotographsignedLewisthatMrs.Welmanshowedyou?IwashavingachattheotherdaywithMrs.Slattery(shewashousekeepertooldDr.RansomewhohadthepracticebeforeDr.Lord),andofcourseshe’slivedhereallherlifeandknowsalotaboutthegentryroundabout.Ijustbroughtthesubjectupinacasualmanner,speakingofChristiannamesandsayingthatthenameofLewiswasuncommonandamongstothersshementionedSirLewisRycroftoveratForbesPark.HeservedintheWarinthe17thLancersandwaskilledtowardstheendoftheWar.SoIsaidhewasagreatfriendofMrs.Welman’satHunterbury,wasn’the?Andatonceshegavemealookandsaid,Yes,veryclosefriendsthey’dbeen,andsomesaidmorethanfriends,butthatsheherselfwasn’tonetotalk—andwhyshouldn’ttheybefriends?SoIsaidbutsurelyMrs.Welmanwasawidowatthetime,andshesaidOhyes,shewasawidow.So,dear,Isawatonceshemeantsomethingbythat,soIsaiditwasoddthen,thatthey’dnevermarried,andshesaidatonce,“Theycouldn’tmarry.He’dgotawifeinalunaticasylum!”Sonow,yousee,weknowallaboutit!Curiousthewaythingscomeabout,isn’tit?Consideringtheeasywayyougetdivorcesnowadays,itdoesseemashamethatinsanityshouldn’thavebeenagroundforitthen.
Doyourememberagood-lookingyoungchap,TedBigland,whousedtohangaroundafterMaryGerrardalot?He’sbeenatmeforheraddressinLondon,butIhaven’tgivenittohim.Inmyopinion,Mary’sacutaboveTedBigland.Idon’tknowifyourealizedit,dear,butMr.R—W—wasverytakenwithher.Apity,becauseit’smadetrouble.Markmywords,that’sthereasonfortheengagementbetweenhimandMissCarlislebeingoff.And,ifyouaskme,it’shitherbadly.Idon’tknowwhatshesawinhim,I’msure—hewouldn’thavebeenmycupoftea,butIhearfromareliablesourcethatshe’salwaysbeenmadlyinlovewithhim.Itdoesseemamix-up,doesn’tit?Andshe’sgotallthatmoney,too.Ibelievehewasalwaysledtoexpecthisauntwouldleavehimsomethingsubstantial.OldGerrardattheLodgeisfailingrapidly—hashadseveralnastydizzyspells.He’sjustasrudeandcross-grainedasever.HeactuallysaidtheotherdaythatMarywasn’thisdaughter.“Well,”Isaid,“I’dbeashamedtosayathinglikethataboutyourwifeifIwereyou.”Hejustlookedatmeandsaid,“You’renothingbutafool.Youdon’tunderstand.”Polite,wasn’tit?Itookhimupprettysharply,Icantellyou.Hiswifewaslady’smaidtoMrs.Welmanbeforehermarriage,Ibelieve.IsawTheGoodEarthlastweek.Itwaslovely!WomenhavetoputupwithalotinChina,itseems.Yoursever,JessieHopkins
Post-cardfromNurseHopkinstoNurseO’Brien:
Fancyourlettersjustcrossing!Isn’tthisweatherawful?
Post-cardfromNurseO’BrientoNurseHopkins:
Gotyourletterthismorning.Whatacoincidence!
LetterfromRoderickWelmantoElinorCarlisle,July15th:
DearElinor,—Justgotyourletter.No,really,IhavenofeelingsaboutHunterburybeingsold.Niceofyoutoconsultme.Ithinkyou’redoingthewisestthingifyoudon’tfancylivingthere,whichyouobviouslydon’t.Youmayhavesomedifficultyingettingridofit,though.It’sabiggishplaceforpresent-dayneeds,though,ofcourse,it’sbeenmodernizedandisuptodate,withgoodservants’quarters,andgasandelectriclightandallthat.Anyway,Ihopeyou’llhaveluck!Theheathereisglorious.Ispendhoursinthesea.Ratherafunnycrowdofpeople,butIdon’tmixmuch.YoutoldmeoncethatIwasn’tagoodmixer.I’mafraidit’strue.Ifindmostofthehumanraceextraordinarilyrepulsive.Theyprobablyreciprocatethisfeeling.Ihavelongfeltthatyouareoneoftheonlyreallysatisfactoryrepresentativesofhumanity.AmthinkingofwanderingontotheDalmatiancoastinaweekortwo.Addressc/oThomasCook,Dubrovnik,fromthe22ndonwards.Ifthere’sanythingIcando,letmeknow.Yours,withadmirationandgratitude,Roddy
LetterfromMr.SeddonofMessrsSeddon,Blatherwick&SeddontoMissElinorCarlisle,July20th:
104BloomsburySquareDearMissCarlisle,—IcertainlythinkyoushouldacceptMajorSomervell’sofferoftwelvethousandfivehundred(￡12,500)forHunterbury.Largepropertiesareextremelydifficulttosellatthemoment,andthepriceofferedseemstobemostadvantageous.Theofferdepends,however,onimmediatepossession,andIknowMajorSomervellhasbeenseeingotherpropertiesintheneighbourhood,soIwouldadviseimmediateacceptance.MajorSomervelliswilling,Iunderstand,totaketheplacefurnishedforthreemonths,bywhichtimethelegalformalitiesshouldbeaccomplishedandthesalecangothrough.Asregardsthelodgekeeper,Gerrard,andthequestionofpensioninghimoff,IhearfromDr.Lordthattheoldmanisseriouslyillandnotexpectedtolive.Probatehasnotyetbeengranted,butIhaveadvancedonehundredpoundstoMissMaryGerrardpendingthesettlement.Yourssincerely,EdmundSeddon
LetterfromDr.LordtoMissElinorCarlisle,July24th:
DearMissCarlisle,—OldGerrardpassedawaytoday.IsthereanythingIcandoforyouinanyway?IhearyouhavesoldthehousetoournewMP,MajorSomervell.Yourssincerely,PeterLord
LetterfromElinorCarlisletoMaryGerrard,July25th:
DearMary,—Iamsosorrytohearofyourfather’sdeath.IhavehadanofferforHunterbury—fromaMajorSomervell.Heisanxioustogetinassoonaspossible.Iamgoingdowntheretogothroughmyaunt’spapersandclearupgenerally.Woulditbepossibleforyoutogetyourfather’sthingsmovedoutoftheLodgeasquicklyaspossible?Ihopeyouaredoingwellandnotfindingyourmassagetrainingtoostrenuous.Yoursverysincerely,ElinorCarlisle
LetterfromMaryGerrardtoNurseHopkins,July25th:
DearNurseHopkins,—ThankyousomuchforwritingtomeaboutFather.I’mgladhedidn’tsuffer.MissElinorwritesmethatthehouseissoldandthatshewouldliketheLodgeclearedoutassoonaspossible.CouldyouputmeupifIcamedowntomorrowforthefuneral?Don’tbothertoanswerifthat’sallright.Yoursaffectionately,MaryGerrardSeven
ElinorCarlislecameoutoftheKing’sArmsonthemorningofThursday,July27th,andstoodforaminuteortwolookingupanddownthemainstreetofMaidensford.
Suddenly,withanexclamationofpleasure,shecrossedtheroad.
Therewasnomistakingthatlargedignifiedpresence,thatserenegaitasofagalleoninfullsail.
“Mrs.Bishop!”
“Why,MissElinor!Thisisasurprise!I’dnonotionyouwereintheseparts!IfI’dknownyouwerecomingtoHunterburyI’dhavebeentheremyself!Who’sdoingforyouthere?HaveyoubroughtsomeonedownfromLondon?”
Elinorshookherhead.
“I’mnotstayingatthehouse.IamstayingattheKing’sArms.”
Mrs.Bishoplookedacrosstheroadandsniffeddubiously.
“Itispossibletostaythere,I’veheard,”sheallowed.“It’sclean,Iknow.Andthecooking,theysay,isfair,butit’shardlywhatyou’reaccustomedto,MissElinor.”
Elinorsaid,smiling:
“I’mreallyquitecomfortable.It’sonlyforadayortwo.Ihavetosortoutthingsatthehouse.Allmyaunt’spersonalthings;andthenthereareafewpiecesoffurnitureIshouldliketohaveinLondon.”
“Thehouseisreallysold,then?”
“Yes.ToaMajorSomervell.OurnewMember.SirGeorgeKerrdied,youknow,andthere’sbeenabye-election.”
“Returnedunopposed,”saidMrs.Bishopgrandly.“We’veneverhadanyonebutaConservativeforMaidenford.”
Elinorsaid:
“I’mgladsomeonehasboughtthehousewhoreallywantstoliveinit.Ishouldhavebeensorryifithadbeenturnedintoahotelorbuiltupon.”
Mrs.Bishopshuthereyesandshiveredalloverherplumparistocraticperson.
“Yes,indeed,thatwouldhavebeendreadful—quitedreadful.It’sbadenoughasitistothinkofHunterburypassingintothehandsofstrangers.”
Elinorsaid:
“Yes,but,yousee,itwouldhavebeenaverylargehouseformetolivein—alone.”
Mrs.Bishopsniffed.
Elinorsaidquickly:
“Imeanttoaskyou:Isthereanyespecialpieceoffurniturethatyoumightcaretohave?Ishouldbeverygladforyoutohaveit,ifso.”
Mrs.Bishopbeamed.Shesaidgraciously:
“Well,MissElinor,thatisverythoughtfulofyou—verykind,I’msure.Ifit’snottakingaliberty…?”
ShepausedandElinorsaid:
“Oh,no.”
“Ihavealwayshadagreatadmirationforthesecretaireinthedrawingroom.Suchahandsomepiece.”
Elinorrememberedit,asomewhatflamboyantpieceofinlaidmarqueterie.Shesaidquickly:
“Ofcourseyoushallhaveit,Mrs.Bishop.Anythingelse?”
“No,indeed,MissElinor.Youhavealreadybeenextremelygenerous.”
Elinorsaid:
“Therearesomechairsinthesamestyleasthesecretaire.Wouldyoucareforthose?”
Mrs.Bishopacceptedthechairswithbecomingthanks.Sheexplained:
“Iamstayingatthemomentwithmysister.IsthereanythingIcandoforyouupatthehouse,MissElinor?Icouldcomeuptherewithyou,ifyoulike.”
“No,thankyou.”
Elinorspokequickly,ratherabruptly.
Mrs.Bishopsaid:
“Itwouldbenotrouble,Iassureyou—apleasure.SuchamelancholytaskgoingthroughalldearMrs.Welman’sthings.”
Elinorsaid:
“Thankyou,Mrs.Bishop,butIwouldrathertackleitalone.Onecandosomethingsbetteralone—”
Mrs.Bishopsaidstiffly:
“Asyouplease,ofcourse.”
Shewenton:
“ThatdaughterofGerrard’sisdownhere.Thefuneralwasyesterday.She’sstayingwithNurseHopkins.IdidheartheyweregoinguptotheLodgethismorning.”
Elinornodded.Shesaid:
“Yes,IaskedMarytocomedownandseetothat.MajorSomervellwantstogetinassoonaspossible.”
“Isee.”
Elinorsaid:
“Well,Imustbegettingonnow.Sogladtohaveseenyou,Mrs.Bishop.I’llrememberaboutthesecretaireandthechairs.”
Sheshookhandsandpassedon.
Shewentintothebaker’sandboughtaloafofbread.Thenshewentintothedairyandboughthalfapoundofbutterandsomemilk.
Finallyshewentintothegrocer’s.
“Iwantsomepasteforsandwiches,please.”
“Certainly,MissCarlisle.”Mr.Abbotthimselfbustledforward,elbowingasidehisjuniorapprentice.
“Whatwouldyoulike?Salmonandshrimp?Turkeyandtongue?Salmonandsardine?Hamandtongue?”
Hewhippeddownpotafterpotandarrayedthemonthecounter.
Elinorsaidwithafaintsmile:
“Inspiteoftheirnames,Ialwaysthinktheytastemuchalike.”
Mr.Abbottagreedinstantly.
“Well,perhapstheydo,inaway.Yes,inaway.But,ofcourse,they’reverytasty—verytasty.”
Elinorsaid:
“Oneusedtoberatherafraidofeatingfishpastes.Therehavebeencasesofptomainepoisoningfromthem,haven’tthere?”
Mr.Abbotputonahorrifiedexpression
“Icanassureyouthisisanexcellentbrand—mostreliable—weneverhaveanycomplaints.”
Elinorsaid:
“I’llhaveoneofsalmonandanchovyandoneofsalmonandshrimp.Thankyou.”
II
ElinorCarlisleenteredthegroundsofHunterburybythebackgate.
Itwasahot,clearsummer’sday.Thereweresweetpeasinflower.Elinorpassedclosebyarowofthem.Theundergardener,Horlick,whowasremainingontokeeptheplaceinorder,greetedherrespectfully.
“Goodmorning,miss.Igotyourletter.You’llfindthesidedooropen,miss.I’veunfastenedtheshuttersandopenedmostofthewindows.”
Elinorsaid:
“Thankyou,Horlick.”
Asshemovedon,theyoungmansaidnervously,hisAdam’sapplejerkingupanddowninspasmodicfashion:
“Excuseme,miss—”
Elinorturnedback.“Yes?”
“Isittruethatthehouseissold?Imean,isitreallysettled?”
“Oh,yes!”
Horlicksaidnervously:
“Iwaswondering,miss,ifyouwouldsayawordforme—toMajorSomervell,Imean.He’llbewantinggardeners.Maybehe’llthinkI’mtooyoungforheadgardener,butI’veworkedunderMr.Stephensforfouryearsnow,andIreckonIknowatidyishbit,andI’vekeptthingsgoingfairlywellsinceI’vebeenhere,single-handed.”
Elinorsaidquickly:
“OfcourseIwilldoallIcanforyou,Horlick.Asamatteroffact,IintendedtomentionyoutoMajorSomervellandtellhimwhatagoodgardeneryouare.”
Horlick’sfacegrewduskyred.
“Thankyou,miss.That’sverykindofyou.Youcanunderstandit’sbeenabitofablow,like—Mrs.Welmandying,andthentheplacebeingsoldoffsoquick—andI—well,thefactofthematterisIwasgoingtogetmarriedthisautumn,onlyone’sgottobesure….”
Hestopped.
Elinorsaidkindly:
“IhopeMajorSomervellwilltakeyouon.YoucanrelyonmetodoallIcan.”
Horlicksaidagain:
“Thankyou,miss.Weallhoped,yousee,ashowtheplacewouldbekeptonbythefamily.Thankyou,miss.”
Elinorwalkedon.
Suddenly,rushingoverherlikethestreamfromabrokendam,awaveofanger,ofwildresentment,sweptoverher.
“Weallhopedtheplacewouldbekeptonbythefamily….”
SheandRoddycouldhavelivedhere!SheandRoddy…Roddywouldhavewantedthat.Itwaswhatsheherselfwouldhavewanted.TheyhadalwayslovedHunterbury,bothofthem.DearHunterbury…Intheyearsbeforeherparentshaddied,whentheyhadbeeninIndia,shehadcomehereforholidays.Shehadplayedinthewoods,rambledbythestream,pickedsweetpeasingreatfloweringarmloads,eatenfatgreengooseberriesanddarkredlusciousraspberries.Later,therehadbeenapples.Therehadbeenplaces,secretlairs,whereshehadcurledupwithabookandreadforhours.
ShehadlovedHunterbury.Always,atthebackofhermind,shehadfeltsureoflivingtherepermanentlysomeday.AuntLaurahadfosteredthatidea.Littlewordsandphrases:
“Someday,Elinor,youmayliketocutdownthoseyews.Theyarealittlegloomy,perhaps!”
“Onemighthaveawatergardenhere.Someday,perhaps,youwill.”
AndRoddy?Roddy,too,hadlookedforwardtoHunterburybeinghishome.Ithadlain,perhaps,behindhisfeelingforher,Elinor.Hehadfelt,subconsciously,thatitwasfittingandrightthattheytwoshouldbetogetheratHunterbury.
Andtheywouldhavebeentogetherthere.Theywouldhavebeentogetherhere—now—notpackingupthehouseforselling,butredecoratingit,planningnewbeautiesinhouseandgarden,walkingsidebysideingentleproprietarypleasure,happy—yes,happytogether—butforthefatalaccidentofagirl’swild-rosebeauty….
WhatdidRoddyknowofMaryGerrard?Nothing—lessthannothing!Whatdidhecareforher—fortherealMary?Shehad,quitepossibly,admirablequalities,butdidRoddyknowanythingaboutthem?Itwastheoldstory—Nature’shoaryoldjoke!
Hadn’tRoddyhimselfsaiditwasan“enchantment?”
Didn’tRoddyhimself—really—wanttobefreeofit?
IfMaryGerrardwereto—die,forinstance,wouldn’tRoddysomedayacknowledge:“Itwasallforthebest.Iseethatnow.Wehadnothingincommon….”
Hewouldadd,perhaps,withgentlemelancholy:
“Shewasalovelycreature….”
Letherbethattohim—yes—anexquisitememory—athingofbeautyandajoyforever….
IfanythingweretohappentoMaryGerrard,Roddywouldcomebacktoher—Elinor…Shewasquitesureofthat!
IfanythingweretohappentoMaryGerrard…
Elinorturnedthehandleofthesidedoor.Shepassedfromthewarmsunlightintotheshadowofthehouse.Sheshivered.
Itfeltcoldinhere,dark,sinister…ItwasasthoughSomethingwasthere,waitingforher,inthehouse….
Shewalkedalongthehallandpushedthebaizedoorthatledintothebutler’spantry.
Itsmeltslightlymusty.Shepushedupthewindow,openingitwide.
Shelaiddownherparcels—thebutter,theloaf,thelittleglassbottleofmilk.Shethought:
“Stupid!Imeanttogetcoffee.”
Shelookedinthecanistersonashelf.Therewasalittleteainoneofthem,butnocoffee.
Shethought:“Oh,well,itdoesn’tmatter.”
Sheunwrappedthetwoglassjarsoffishpaste.
Shestoodstaringatthemforaminute.Thensheleftthepantryandwentupstairs.ShewentstraighttoMrs.Welman’sroom.Shebeganonthebigtallboy,openingdrawers,sorting,arranging,foldingclothesinlittlepiles….
III
IntheLodgeMaryGerrardwaslookingroundratherhelplessly.
Shehadn’trealized,somehow,howcrampeditallwas.
Herpastliferushedbackoverherinaflood.Mummakingclothesforherdolls.Dadalwayscrossandsurly.Dislikingher.Yes,dislikingher….
ShesaidsuddenlytoNurseHopkins:
“Daddidn’tsayanything—sendmeanymessagebeforehedied,didhe?”
NurseHopkinssaidcheerfullyandcallously:
“Oh,dearme,no.Hewasunconsciousforanhourbeforehepassedaway.”
Marysaidslowly:
“IfeelperhapsIoughttohavecomedownandlookedafterhim.Afterall,hewasmyfather.”
NurseHopkinssaidwithatraceofembarrassment:
“Now,justyoulistentome,Mary:whetherhewasyourfatherornotdoesn’tenterintoit.Childrendon’tcaremuchabouttheirparentsinthesedays,fromwhatIcansee,andagoodmanyparentsdon’tcarefortheirchildren,either.MissLambert,atthesecondaryschool,saysthat’sasitshouldbe.Accordingtoher,familylifeisallwrong,andchildrenshouldbebroughtupbythestate.That’sasmaybe—justaglorifiedorphanage,itsoundstome—but,anyway,it’sawasteofbreathtogobackoverthepastandsentimentalize.We’vegottogetonwithliving—that’sourjobandnottooeasy,either,sometimes!”
Marysaidslowly:
“Iexpectyou’reright.ButIfeelperhapsitwasmyfaultwedidn’tgetonbetter.”
NurseHopkinssaidrobustly:
“Nonsense.”
Thewordexplodedlikeabomb.
ItquelledMary.NurseHopkinsturnedtomorepracticalmatters.
“Whatareyougoingtodowiththefurniture?Storeit?Orsellit?”
Marysaiddoubtfully:
“Idon’tknow.Whatdoyouthink?”
Runningapracticaleyeoverit,NurseHopkinssaid:
“Someofit’squitegoodandsolid.YoumightstoreitandfurnishalittleflatofyourowninLondonsomeday.Getridoftherubbish.Thechairsaregood—so’sthetable.Andthat’sanicebureau—it’sthekindthat’soutoffashion,butit’ssolidmahogany,andtheysayVictorianstuffwillcomeinagainoneday.I’dgetridofthatgreatwardrobe,ifIwereyou.Toobigtofitinanywhere.Takesuphalfthebedroomasitis.”
Theymadealistbetweenthemofpiecestobekeptorletgo.
Marysaid:
“Thelawyer’sbeenverykind—Mr.Seddon,Imean.Headvancedmesomemoney,sothatIcouldgetstartedwithmytrainingfeesandotherexpenses.Itwillbeamonthorsobeforethemoneycanbedefinitelymadeovertome,sohesaid.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Howdoyoulikeyourwork?”
“IthinkIshalllikeitverymuch.It’sratherstrenuousatfirst.Icomehometiredtodeath.”
NurseHopkinssaidgrimly:
“IthoughtIwasgoingtodiewhenIwasaprobationeratSt.Luke’s.IfeltIcouldneverstickitforthreeyears.ButIdid.”
Theyhadsortedthroughtheoldman’sclothes.Nowtheycametoatinboxfullofpapers.
Marysaid:
“Wemustgothroughthese,Isuppose.”
Theysatdownoneoneachsideofthetable.
NurseHopkinsgrumbledasshestartedwithahandful.
“Extraordinarywhatrubbishpeoplekeep!Newspapercuttings!Oldletters.Allsortsofthings!”
Marysaid,unfoldingadocument:
“Here’sDad’sandMum’smarriagecertificate.AtSt.Albans,1919.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Marriagelines,that’stheold-fashionedterm.Lotsofthepeopleinthisvillageusethattermyet.”
Marysaidinastifledvoice:
“But,Nurse—”
“What’sthematter?”
MaryGerrardsaidinashakyvoice:
“Don’tyousee?Thisis1939.AndI’mtwenty-one.In1919Iwasayearold.Thatmeans—thatmeans—thatmyfatherandmotherweren’tmarriedtill—till—afterwards.”
NurseHopkinsfrowned.Shesaidrobustly:
“Well,afterall,whatofit?Don’tgoworryingaboutthat,atthistimeofday!”
“But,Nurse,Ican’thelpit.”
NurseHopkinsspokewithauthority:
“There’smanycouplesthatdon’tgotochurchtillabitaftertheyshoulddoso.Butsolongastheydoitintheend,what’stheodds?That’swhatIsay!”
Marysaidinalowvoice:
“Isthatwhy—doyouthink—myfatherneverlikedme?Because,perhapsmymothermadehimmarryher?”
NurseHopkinshesitated.Shebitherlip,thenshesaid:
“Itwasn’tquitelikethat,Iimagine.”Shepaused.“Oh,well,ifyou’regoingtoworryaboutit,youmayaswellknowthetruth:Youaren’tGerrard’sdaughteratall.”
Marysaid:
“Thenthatwaswhy!”
NurseHopkinssaid:“Maybe.”
Marysaid,aredspotsuddenlyburningineachcheek:
“Isupposeit’swrongofme,butI’mglad!I’vealwaysfeltuncomfortablebecauseIdidn’tcareformyfather,butifhewasn’tmyfather,well,thatmakesitallright!Howdidyouknowaboutit?”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Gerrardtalkedaboutitagooddealbeforehedied.Ishuthimupprettysharply,buthedidn’tcare.Naturally,Ishouldn’thavesaidanythingtoyouaboutitifthishadn’tcroppedup.”
Marysaidslowly:
“Iwonderwhomyrealfatherwas….”
NurseHopkinshesitated.Sheopenedhermouth,thenshutitagain.Sheappearedtobefindingithardtomakeuphermindonsomepoint.
Thenashadowfellacrosstheroom,andthetwowomenlookedroundtoseeElinorCarlislestandingatthewindow.
Elinorsaid:
“Goodmorning.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Goodmorning,MissCarlisle.Lovelyday,isn’tit?”
Marysaid:
“Oh—goodmorning,MissElinor.”
Elinorsaid:
“I’vebeenmakingsomesandwiches.Won’tyoucomeupandhavesome?It’sjustononeo’clock,andit’ssuchabothertohavetogohomeforlunch.Igotenoughforthreeonpurpose.”
NurseHopkinssaidinpleasedsurprise:
“Well,Imustsay,MissCarlisle,that’sextremelythoughtfulofyou.Itisanuisancetohavetobreakoffwhatyou’redoingandcomeallthewaybackfromthevillage.Ihopedwemightfinishthismorning.Iwentroundandsawmycasesearly.But,there,turningouttakesyoulongerthanyouthink.”
Marysaidgratefully:
“Thankyou,MissElinor,it’sverykindofyou.”
Thethreeofthemwalkedupthedrivetothehouse.Elinorhadleftthefrontdooropen.Theypassedinsideintothecoolofthehall.Maryshiveredalittle.Elinorlookedathersharply.
Shesaid:
“Whatisit?”
Marysaid:
“Oh,nothing—justashiver.Itwascomingin—outofthesun….”
Elinorsaidinalowvoice:
“That’squeer.That’swhatIfeltthismorning.”
NurseHopkinssaidinaloud,cheerfulvoiceandwithalaugh:
“Come,now,you’llbepretendingthereareghostsinthehousenext.Ididn’tfeelanything!”
Elinorsmiled.Sheledthewayintothemorningroomontherightofthefrontdoor.Theblindswereupandthewindowsopen.Itlookedcheerful.
Elinorwentacrossthehallandbroughtbackfromthepantryabigplateofsandwiches.ShehandedittoMary,saying:
“Haveone?”
Marytookone.Elinorstoodwatchingherforamomentasthegirl’sevenwhiteteethbitintothesandwich.
Sheheldherbreathforaminute,thenexpelleditinalittlesigh.
Absentmindedlyshestoodforaminutewiththeplateheldtoherwaist,thenatthesightofNurseHopkins’slightlypartedlipsandhungryexpressionsheflushedandquicklyprofferedtheplatetotheolderwoman.
Elinortookasandwichherself.Shesaidapologetically:
“Imeanttomakesomecoffee,butIforgottogetany.There’ssomebeeronthattable,though,ifanyonelikesthat?”
NurseHopkinssaidsadly:
“IfonlyI’dthoughttobringalongsometeanow.”
Elinorsaidabsently:
“There’salittleteastillinthecanisterinthepantry.”
NurseHopkins’facebrightened.
“ThenI’lljustpopoutandputthekettleon.Nomilk,Isuppose?”
Elinorsaid:
“Yes,Ibroughtsome.”
“Well,then,that’sallright,”saidNurseHopkinsandhurriedout.
ElinorandMarywerealonetogether.
Aqueertensioncreptintotheatmosphere.Elinor,withanobviouseffort,triedtomakeconversation.Herlipsweredry.Shepassedhertongueoverthem.Shesaid,ratherstiffly:
“You—likeyourworkinLondon?”
“Yes,thankyou.I—I’mverygratefultoyou—”
AsuddenharshsoundbrokefromElinor.Alaughsodiscordant,sounlikeherthatMarystaredatherinsurprise.
Elinorsaid:
“Youneedn’tbesograteful!”
Mary,ratherembarrassed,said:
“Ididn’tmean—thatis—”
Shestopped.
Elinorwasstaringather—aglancesosearching,so,yes,strangethatMaryflinchedunderit.
Shesaid:
“Is—isanythingwrong?”
Elinorgotupquickly.Shesaid,turningaway:
“Whatshouldbewrong?”
Marymurmured.
“You—youlooked—”
Elinorsaidwithalittlelaugh:
“WasIstaring?I’msosorry.Idosometimes—whenI’mthinkingofsomethingelse.”
NurseHopkinslookedinatthedoorandremarkedbrightly,“I’veputthekettleon,”andwentoutagain.
Elinorwastakenwithasuddenfitoflaughter.
“Pollyputthekettleon,Pollyputthekettleon,Pollyputthekettleon—we’llallhavetea!Doyourememberplayingthat,Mary,whenwewerechildren?”
“Yes,indeedIdo.”
Elinorsaid:
“Whenwewerechildren…It’sapity,Maryisn’tit,thatonecannevergoback…?”
Marysaid:
“Wouldyouliketogoback?”
Elinorsaidwithforce:
“Yes…yes….”
Silencefellbetweenthemforalittlewhile.
ThenMarysaid,herfaceflushing:
“MissElinor,youmustn’tthink—”
Shestopped,warnedbythesuddenstiffeningofElinor’sslenderfigure,theupliftedlineofherchin.
Elinorsaidinacold,steel-likevoice:
“Whatmustn’tIthink?”
Marymurmured:
“I—I’veforgottenwhatIwasgoingtosay.”
Elinor’sbodyrelaxed—asatadangerpast.
NurseHopkinscameinwithatray.Onitwasabrownteapot,andmilkandthreecups.
Shesaid,quiteunconsciousofanticlimax:
“Here’sthetea!”
SheputthetrayinfrontofElinor.Elinorshookherhead.
“Iwon’thaveany.”
ShepushedthetrayalongtowardsMary.
Marypouredouttwocups.
NurseHopkinssighedwithsatisfaction.
“It’sniceandstrong.”
Elinorgotupandmovedovertothewindow.NurseHopkinssaidpersuasively:
“Areyousureyouwon’thaveacup,MissCarlisle?Doyougood.”
Elinormurmured,“No,thankyou.”
NurseHopkinsdrainedhercup,replaceditinthesaucerandmurmured:
“I’lljustturnoffthekettle.Iputitonincaseweneededtofillupthepotagain.”
Shebustledout.
Elinorwheeledroundfromthewindow.
Shesaid,andhervoicewassuddenlychargedwithadesperateappeal:
“Mary…”
MaryGerrardansweredquickly:
“Yes?”
SlowlythelightdiedoutofElinor’sface.Thelipsclosed.Thedesperatepleadingfadedandleftameremask—frozenandstill.
Shesaid:
“Nothing.”
Thesilencecamedownheavilyontheroom.
Marythought:
“Howqueereverythingistoday.Asthough—asthoughwewerewaitingforsomething.”
Elinormovedatlast.
Shecamefromthewindowandpickeduptheteatray,placingonittheemptysandwichplate.
Maryjumpedup.
“Oh,MissElinor,letme.”
Elinorsaidsharply:
“No,youstayhere.I’lldothis.”
Shecarriedthetrayoutoftheroom.Shelookedback,once,overhershoulderatMaryGerrardbythewindow,youngandaliveandbeautiful….
IV
NurseHopkinswasinthepantry.Shewaswipingherfacewithahandkerchief.ShelookedupsharplyasElinorentered.Shesaid:
“Myword,it’shotinhere!”
Elinoransweredmechanically:
“Yes,thepantryfacessouth.”
NurseHopkinsrelievedherofthetray.
“Youletmewashup,MissCarlisle.You’renotlookingquitethething.”
Elinorsaid:
“Oh,I’mallright.”
Shepickedupadishcloth.
“I’lldry.”
NurseHopkinsslippedoffhercuffs.Shepouredhotwaterfromthekettleintothepapier-machébasin.
Elinorsaididly,lookingatherwrist:
“You’veprickedyourself.”
NurseHopkinslaughed.
“OntherosetrellisattheLodge—athorn.I’llgetitoutpresently.”
TherosetrellisattheLodge…MemorypouredinwavesoverElinor.SheandRoddyquarrelling—theWarsoftheRoses.SheandRoddyquarrelling—andmakingitup.Lovely,laughing,happydays.Asickwaveofrevulsionpassedoverher.Whathadshecometonow?Whatblackabyssofhate—ofevil…Sheswayedalittleasshestood.
Shethought:
“I’vebeenmad—quitemad.”
NurseHopkinswasstaringathercuriously.
“Downrightodd,sheseemed…”soranNurseHopkins’narrativelater.“Talkingasifshedidn’tknowwhatshewassaying,andhereyessobrightandqueer.”
Thecupsandsaucersrattledinthebasin.Elinorpickedupanemptyfishpastepotfromthetableandputitintothebasin.Asshedidsoshesaid,andmarvelledatthesteadinessofhervoice:
“I’vesortedoutsomeclothesupstairs,AuntLaura’sthings.Ithought,perhaps,Nurse,youcouldadvisemewheretheywouldbeusefulinthevillage.”
NurseHopkinssaidbriskly:
“Iwillindeed.There’sMrs.Parkinson,andoldNellie,andthatpoorcreaturewho’snotquiteallthereatIvyCottage.Beagodsendtothem.”
SheandElinorclearedupthepantry.Thentheywentupstairstogether.
InMrs.Welman’sroomclotheswerefoldedinneatbundles:underclothing,dresses,andcertainarticlesofhandsomeclothing,velvetteagowns,amusquashcoat.Thelatter,Elinorexplained,shethoughtofgivingtoMrs.Bishop.NurseHopkinsnoddedassent.
ShenoticedthatMrs.Welman’ssableswerelaidonthechestofdrawers.
“Goingtohavethemremodelledforherself,”shethoughttoherself.
Shecastalookatthebigtallboy.ShewonderedifElinorhadfoundthatphotographsigned“Lewis,”andwhatshehadmadeofit,ifso.
“Funny,”shethoughttoherself,“thewayO’Brien’slettercrossedmine.Ineverdreamtathinglikethatcouldhappen.HerhittingonthatphotojustthedayIwrotetoheraboutMrs.Slattery.”
ShehelpedElinorsortthroughtheclothingandvolunteeredtotieitupinseparatebundlesforthedifferentfamiliesandseetotheirdistributionherself.
Shesaid:
“IcanbegettingonwiththatwhileMarygoesdowntotheLodgeandfinishesupthere.She’sonlygotaboxofpaperstogothrough.Whereisthegirl,bytheway?DidshegodowntotheLodge?”
Elinorsaid:
“Ileftherinthemorningroom….”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“She’dnotbethereallthistime.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“Why,it’snearlyanhourwe’vebeenuphere!”
Shebustleddownthestairs.Elinorfollowedher.
Theywentintothemorningroom.
NurseHopkinsexclaimed:
“Well,Inever,she’sfallenasleep.”
MaryGerrardwassittinginabigarmchairbythewindow.Shehaddroppeddownalittleinit.Therewasaqueersoundintheroom:stertorous,labouredbreathing.
NurseHopkinswentacrossandshookthegirl.
“Wakeup,mydear—”
Shebrokeoff.Shebentlower,pulleddownaneyelid.Thenshestartedshakingthegirlingrimearnest.
SheturnedonElinor.Therewassomethingmenacinginhervoiceasshesaid:
“What’sallthis?”
Elinorsaid:
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.Issheill?”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Where’sthephone?GetholdofDr.Lordassoonasyoucan.”
Elinorsaid:
“What’sthematter?”
“Thematter?Thegirl’sill.She’sdying.”
Elinorrecoiledastep.
“Dying?”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“She’sbeenpoisoned….”
Hereyes,hardwithsuspicion,glaredatElinor.
PARTII
One
HerculePoirot,hisegg-shapedheadgentlytiltedtooneside,hiseyebrowsraisedinquiringly,hisfingertipsjoinedtogether,watchedtheyoungmanwhowasstridingsosavagelyupanddowntheroom,hispleasantfreckledfacepuckeredanddrawn.
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Ehbien,myfriend,whatisallthis?”
PeterLordstoppeddeadinhispacing.
Hesaid:
“M.Poirot.You’retheonlymanintheworldwhocanhelpme.I’veheardStillingfleettalkaboutyou;he’stoldmewhatyoudidinthatBenedictFarleycase.Howeverymortalsoulthoughtitwassuicideandyoushowedthatitwasmurder.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Haveyou,then,acaseofsuicideamongyourpatientsaboutwhichyouarenotsatisfied?”
PeterLordshookhishead.
HesatdownoppositePoirot.
Hesaid:
“There’sayoungwoman.She’sbeenarrestedandshe’sgoingtobetriedformurder!Iwantyoutofindevidencethatwillprovethatshedidn’tdoit!”
Poirot’seyebrowsrosealittlehigher.Thenheassumedadiscreetandconfidentialmanner.
Hesaid:
“Youandthisyounglady—youareaffianced—yes?Youareinlovewitheachother?”
PeterLordlaughed—asharp,bitterlaugh.
Hesaid:
“No,it’snotlikethat!Shehasthebadtastetopreferalong-nosedsuperciliousasswithafacelikeamelancholyhorse!Stupidofher,butthereitis!”
Poirotsaid:
“Isee.”
Lordsaidbitterly:
“Oh,yes,youseeallright!Noneedtobesotactfulaboutit.Ifellforherstraightaway.AndbecauseofthatIdon’twantherhanged.See?”
Poirotsaid:
“Whatisthechargeagainsther?”
“She’saccusedofmurderingagirlcalledMaryGerrard,bypoisoningherwithmorphinehydrochloride.You’veprobablyreadtheaccountoftheinquestinthepapers.”
Poirotsaid:
“Andthemotive?”
“Jealousy!”
“Andinyouropinionshedidn’tdoit?”
“No,ofcoursenot.”
HerculePoirotlookedathimthoughtfullyforamomentortwo,thenhesaid:
“Whatisitexactlythatyouwantmetodo?Toinvestigatethismatter?”
“Iwantyoutogetheroff.”
“Iamnotadefendingcounsel,moncher.”
“I’llputitmoreclearly:Iwantyoutofindevidencethatwillenablehercounseltogetheroff.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Youputthisalittlecuriously.”
PeterLordsaid:
“BecauseIdon’twrapitup,youmean?Itseemssimpleenoughtome.Iwantthisgirlacquitted.Ithinkyouaretheonlymanwhocandoit!”
“Youwishmetolookintothefacts?Tofindoutthetruth?Todiscoverwhatreallyhappened?”
“Iwantyoutofindanyfactsthatwilltellinherfavour.”
HerculePoirot,withcareandprecision,lightedaverytinycigarette.Hesaid:
“Butisitnotalittleunethicalwhatyousaythere?Toarriveatthetruth,yes,thatalwaysinterestsme.Butthetruthisatwo-edgedweapon.SupposingthatIfindfactsagainstthelady?DoyoudemandthatIsuppressthem?”
PeterLordstoodup.Hewasverywhite.Hesaid:
“That’simpossible!Nothingthatyoucouldfindcouldbemoreagainstherthanthefactsarealready!They’reutterlyandcompletelydamning!There’sanyamountofevidenceagainstherblackandplainforalltheworldtosee!Youcouldn’tfindanythingthatwoulddamnhermorecompletelythansheisalready!I’maskingyoutouseallyouringenuity—Stillfleetsaysyou’redamnedingenious—toferretoutaloophole,apossiblealternative.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Surelyherlawyerswilldothat?”
“Willthey?”theyoungmanlaughedscornfully.“They’relickedbeforetheystart!Thinkit’shopeless!They’vebriefedBulmer,K.C.—theforlornhopeman;that’sagiveawayinitself!Bigorator—sobstuff—stressingtheprisoner’syouth—allthat!Butthejudgewon’tlethimgetawaywithit.Notahope!”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Supposingsheisguilty—doyoustillwanttogetheracquitted?”
PeterLordsaidquietly:
“Yes.”
HerculePoirotmovedinhischair.Hesaid:
“Youinterestme….”
Afteraminuteortwohesaid:
“Youhadbetter,Ithink,tellmetheexactfactsofthecase.”
“Haven’tyoureadanythingaboutitinthepapers?”
HerculePoirotwavedahand.
“Amentionofit—yes.Butthenewspapers,theyaresoinaccurate,Inevergobywhattheysay.”
PeterLordsaid:
“It’squitesimple.Horriblysimple.Thisgirl,ElinorCarlisle,hadjustcomeintoaplacenearhere—HunterburyHall—andafortunefromheraunt,whodiedintestate.Aunt’snamewasWelman.AunthadanephewbymarriageRoderickWelman.HewasengagedtoElinorCarlisle—long-standingbusiness,knowneachothersincechildren.TherewasagirldownatHunterbury:MaryGerrard,daughterofthelodgekeeper.OldMrs.Welmanhadmadealotoffussabouther,paidforhereducation,etc.Consequenceis,girlwastooutwardseemingalady.RoderickWelman,itseems,fellforher.Inconsequence,engagementwasbrokenoff.
“Nowwecometothedoings.ElinorCarlisleputuptheplaceforsaleandamancalledSomervellboughtit.Elinorcamedowntoclearoutheraunt’spersonalpossessionsandsoon.MaryGerrard,whosefatherhadjustdied,wasclearingouttheLodge.ThatbringsustothemorningofJuly27th.
“ElinorCarlislewasstayingatthelocalpub.Inthestreetshemettheformerhousekeeper,Mrs.Bishop.Mrs.Bishopsuggestedcominguptothehousetohelpher.Elinorrefused—ratherover-vehemently.Thenshewentintothegrocer’sshopandboughtsomefishpaste,andthereshemadearemarkaboutfoodpoisoning.Yousee?Perfectlyinnocentthingtodo;but,ofcourse,ittellsagainsther!Shewentuptothehouse,andaboutoneo’clockshewentdowntotheLodge,whereMaryGerrardwasbusywiththeDistrictNurse,aNoseyParkerofawomancalledHopkins,helpingher,andtoldthemthatshehadsomesandwichesreadyupatthehouse.Theycameuptothehousewithher,atesandwiches,andaboutanhourorsolaterIwassentforandfoundMaryGerrardunconscious.DidallIcould,butitwasnogood.Autopsyrevealedlargedoseofmorphinehadbeentakenashorttimepreviously.AndthepolicefoundascrapofalabelwithmorphiahydrochloronitjustwhereElinorCarlislehadbeenspreadingthesandwiches.”
“WhatelsedidMaryGerrardeatordrink?”
“SheandtheDistrictNursedrankteawiththesandwiches.NursemadeitandMarypoureditout.Couldn’thavebeenanythingthere.Ofcourse,IunderstandCounselwillmakeasonganddanceaboutsandwiches,too,sayingallthreeatethem,thereforeimpossibletoensurethatonlyonepersonshouldbepoisoned.TheysaidthatintheHearnecase,youremember.”
Poirotnodded.Hesaid:
“Butactuallyitisverysimple.Youmakeyourpileofsandwiches.Inoneofthemisthepoison.Youhandtheplate.Inourstateofcivilizationitisaforegoneconclusionthatthepersontowhomtheplateisofferedwilltakethesandwichthatisnearesttothem.IpresumethatElinorCarlislehandedtheplatetoMaryGerrardfirst?”
“Exactly.”
“Althoughthenurse,whowasanolderwoman,wasintheroom?”
“Yes.”
“Thatdoesnotlookverygood.”
“Itdoesn’tmeanathing,really.Youdon’tstandonceremonyatapicniclunch.”
“Whocutthesandwiches?”
“ElinorCarlisle.”
“Wasthereanyoneelseinthehouse?”
“Noone.”
Poirotshookhishead.
“Itisbad,that.Andthegirlhadnothingbuttheteaandthesandwiches?”
“Nothing.Stomachcontentstellusthat.”
Poirotsaid:
“ItissuggestedthatElinorCarlislehopedthegirl’sdeathwouldbetakenforfoodpoisoning?Howdidsheproposetoexplainthefactthatonlyonememberofthepartywasaffected?”
PeterLordsaid:
“Itdoeshappenthatwaysometimes.Also,thereweretwopotsofpaste—bothmuchalikeinappearance.TheideawouldbethatonepotwasallrightandthatbyacoincidenceallthebadpastewaseatenbyMary.”
“Aninterestingstudyinthelawsofprobability,”saidPoirot.“Themathematicalchancesagainstthathappeningwouldbehigh,Ifancy.Butanotherpoint,iffoodpoisoningwastobesuggested:Whynotchooseadifferentpoison?Thesymptomsofmorphinearenotintheleastlikethoseoffoodpoisoning.Atropine,surely,wouldhavebeenabetterchoice!”
PeterLordsaidslowly:
“Yes,that’strue.Butthere’ssomethingmore.ThatdamnedDistrictNurseswearsshelostatubeofmorphine!”
“When?”
“Oh,weeksearlier,thenightoldMrs.Welmandied.Thenursesaysshelefthercaseinthehallandfoundatubeofmorphinemissinginthemorning.Allbunkum,Ibelieve.Probablysmasheditathomesometimebeforeandforgotaboutit.”
“ShehasonlyremembereditsincethedeathofMaryGerrard?”
PeterLordsaidreluctantly:
“Asamatteroffact,shedidmentionitatthetime—tothenurseonduty.”
HerculePoirotwaslookingatPeterLordwithsomeinterest.
Hesaidgently:
“Ithink,moncher,thereissomethingelse—somethingthatyouhavenotyettoldme.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Oh,well,Isupposeyou’dbetterhaveitall.They’reapplyingforanexhumationorderandgoingtodigupoldMrs.Welman.”
Poirotsaid:
“Ehbien?”
PeterLordsaid:
“Whentheydo,they’llprobablyfindwhatthey’relookingfor—morphine!”
“Youknewthat?”
PeterLord,hisfacewhiteunderthefreckles,muttered:
“Isuspectedit.”
HerculePoirotbeatwithhishandonthearmofhischair.Hecriedout:
“MonDieu,Idonotunderstandyou!Youknewwhenshediedthatshehadbeenmurdered?”
PeterLordshouted:
“Goodlord,no!Ineverdreamtofsuchathing!Ithoughtshe’dtakenitherself.”
Poirotsankbackinhischair.
“Ah!Youthoughtthat….”
“OfcourseIdid!She’dtalkedtomeaboutit.AskedmemorethanonceifIcouldn’t‘finishheroff.’Shehatedillness,thehelplessnessofit—the—whatshecalledtheindignityoflyingtheretendedlikeababy.Andshewasaverydeterminedwoman.”
Hewassilentamoment,thenhewenton:
“Iwassurprisedatherdeath.Ihadn’texpectedit.IsentthenurseoutoftheroomandmadeasthoroughaninvestigationasIcould.Ofcourse,itwasimpossibletobesurewithoutanautopsy.Well,whatwasthegoodofthat?Ifshe’dtakenashortcut,whymakeasonganddanceaboutitandcreateascandal?Bettersignthecertificateandletherbeburiedinpeace.Afterall,Icouldn’tbesure.Idecidedwrong,Isuppose.ButIneverdreamedforonemomentoffoulplay.Iwasquitesureshe’ddoneitherself.”
Poirotasked:
“Howdoyouthinkshehadgotholdofthemorphine?”
“Ihadn’ttheleastidea.But,asItellyou,shewasaclever,resourcefulwoman,withplentyofingenuityandremarkabledetermination.”
“Wouldshehavegotitfromthenurses?”
PeterLordshookhishead.
“Neveronyourlife!Youdon’tknownurses!”
“Fromherfamily?”
“Possibly.Mighthaveworkedontheirfeelings.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“YouhavetoldmethatMrs.Welmandiedintestate.Ifshehadlived,wouldshehavemadeawill?”
PeterLordgrinnedsuddenly.
“Puttingyourfingerwithfiendishaccuracyonallthevitalspots,aren’tyou?Yes,shewasgoingtomakeawill;veryagitatedaboutit.Couldn’tspeakintelligently,butmadeherwishesclear.ElinorCarlislewastohavetelephonedthelawyerfirstthinginthemorning.”
“SoElinorCarlisleknewthatherauntwantedtomakeawill?Andifherauntdiedwithoutmakingone,ElinorCarlisleinheritedeverything?”
PeterLordsaidquickly:
“Shedidn’tknowthat.She’dnoideaheraunthadnevermadeawill.”
“That,myfriend,iswhatshesays.Shemayhaveknown.”
“Lookhere,Poirot,areyoutheProsecutingCounsel?”
“Atthemoment,yes.Imustknowthefullstrengthofthecaseagainsther.CouldElinorCarlislehavetakenthemorphinefromtheattachécase?”
“Yes.Socouldanyoneelse.RoderickWelman.NurseO’Brien.Anyoftheservants.”
“OrDr.Lord?”
PeterLord’seyesopenedwide.Hesaid:
“Certainly…Butwhatwouldbetheidea?”
“Mercy,perhaps.”
PeterLordshookhishead.
“Nothingdoingthere!You’llhavetobelieveme!”
HerculePoirotleanedbackinhischair.Hesaid:
“Letusentertainasupposition.LetussaythatElinorCarlisledidtakethatmorphinefromtheattachécaseanddidadministerittoheraunt.Wasanythingsaidaboutthelossofthemorphine?”
“Nottothehousehold.Thetwonurseskeptittothemselves.”
Poirotsaid:
“What,inyouropinion,willbetheactionoftheCrown?”
“YoumeaniftheyfindmorphineinMrs.Welman’sbody?”
“Yes.”
PeterLordsaidgrimly:
“It’spossiblethatifElinorisacquittedofthepresentchargeshewillberearrestedandchargedwiththemurderofheraunt.”
Poirotsaidthoughtfully:
“Themotivesaredifferent;thatistosay,inthecaseofMrs.Welmanthemotivewouldhavebeengain,whereasinthecaseofMaryGerrardthemotiveissupposedtobejealousy.”
“That’sright.”
Poirotsaid:
“Whatlinedoesthedefenceproposetotake?”
PeterLordsaid:
“Bulmerproposestotakethelinethattherewasnomotive.He’llputforwardthetheorythattheengagementbetweenElinorandRoderickwasafamilybusiness,enteredintoforfamilyreasons,topleaseMrs.Welman,andthatthemomenttheoldladywasdeadElinorbrokeitoffofherownaccord.RoderickWelmanwillgiveevidencetothateffect.I
“BelievesthatElinordidnotcareforhimtoanygreatextent?”
“Yes.”
“Inwhichcase,”saidPoirot,“shewouldhavenoreasonformurderingMaryGerrard.”
“Exactly.”
“Butinthatcase,whodidmurderMaryGerrard?”
“Asyousay.”
Poirotshookhishead.
“C’estdifficile.”
PeterLordsaidvehemently:
“That’sjustit!Ifshedidn’t,whodid?There’sthetea;butbothNurseHopkinsandMarydrankthat.ThedefencewilltrytosuggestthatMaryGerrardtookthemorphineherselfaftertheothertwohadlefttheroom—thatshecommittedsuicide,infact.”
“Hadsheanyreasonforcommittingsuicide?”
“Nonewhatever.”
“Wassheofasuicidaltype?”
“No.”
Poirotsaid:
“Whatwasshelike,thisMaryGerrard?”
PeterLordconsidered:
“Shewas—well,shewasanicekid.Yes,definitelyanicekid.”
Poirotsighed.Hemurmured:
“ThisRoderickWelman,didhefallinlovewithherbecauseshewasanicekid?”
PeterLordsmiled.
“Oh,Igetwhatyoumean.Shewasbeautiful,allright.”
“Andyouyourself?Youhadnofeelingforher?”
PeterLordstared.
“Goodlord,no.”
HerculePoirotreflectedforamomentortwo,thenhesaid:
“RoderickWelmansaysthattherewasaffectionbetweenhimandElinorCarlisle,butnothingstronger.Doyouagreetothat?”
“HowthehellshouldIknow?”
Poirotshookhishead.
“YoutoldmewhenyoucameintothisroomthatElinorCarlislehadthebadtastetobeinlovewithalong-nosed,superciliousass.That,Ipresume,isadescriptionofRoderickWelman.So,accordingtoyou,shedoescareforhim.”
PeterLordsaidinalow,exasperatedvoice:
“Shecaresforhimallright!Careslikehell!”
Poirotsaid:
“Thentherewasamotive….”
PeterLordswervedroundonhim,hisfacealightwithanger.
“Doesitmatter?Shemighthavedoneit,yes!Idon’tcareifshedid.”
Poirotsaid:
“Aha!”
“ButIdon’twantherhanged,Itellyou!Supposingshewasdrivendesperate?Love’sadesperateandtwistingbusiness.Itcanturnawormintoafinefellow—anditcanbringadecent,straightmandowntothedregs!Supposeshediddoit.Haven’tyougotanypity?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Idonotapproveofmurder.”
PeterLordstaredathim,lookedaway,staredagainandfinallyburstoutlaughing.
“Ofallthethingstosay—soprimandsmug,too!Who’saskingyoutoapprove?I’mnotaskingyoutotelllies!Truth’struth,isn’tit?Ifyoufindsomethingthattellsinanaccusedperson’sfavour,youwouldn’tbeinclinedtosuppressitbecauseshe’sguilty,wouldyou?”
“Certainlynot.”
“Thenwhythehellcan’tyoudowhatIaskyou?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Myfriend,Iamperfectlypreparedtodoso….”
Two
PeterLordstaredathim,tookoutahandkerchief,wipedhisfaceandthrewhimselfdowninachair.
“Whoof!”hesaid.“Yougotmeallworkedup!Ididn’tseeintheleastwhatyouweregettingat!”
Poirotsaid:
“IwasexaminingthecaseagainstElinorCarlisle.NowIknowit.MorphinewasadministeredtoMaryGerrard;and,asfarasIcansee,itmusthavebeengiveninthesandwiches.NobodytouchedthosesandwichesexceptElinorCarlisle.ElinorCarlislehadamotiveforkillingMaryGerrard,andsheis,inyouropinion,capableofkillingMaryGerrard,andinallprobabilityshedidkillMaryGerrard.Iseenoreasonforbelievingotherwise.
“That,monami,isonesideofthequestion.Nowwewillproceedtostagetwo.Wewilldismissallthoseconsiderationsfromourmindandwewillapproachthematterfromtheoppositeangle:IfElinorCarlisledidnotkillMaryGerrard,whodid?OrdidMaryGerrardcommitsuicide?”
PeterLordsatup.Afrowncreasedhisforehead.Hesaid:
“Youweren’tquiteaccuratejustnow.”
“I?Notaccurate?”
Poirotsoundedaffronted.
PeterLordpursuedrelentlessly:
“No.YousaidnobodybutElinorCarlisletouchedthosesandwiches.Youdon’tknowthat.”
“Therewasnooneelseinthehouse.”
“Asfarasweknow.Butyouareexcludingashortperiodoftime.TherewasatimeduringwhichElinorCarlisleleftthehousetogodowntotheLodge.Duringthatperiodoftimethesandwicheswereonaplateinthepantry,andsomebodycouldhavetamperedwiththem.”
Poirotdrewadeepbreath.
Hesaid:
“Youareright,myfriend.Iadmitit.Therewasatimeduringwhichsomebodycouldhavehadaccesstotheplateofsandwiches.Wemusttrytoformsomeideawhothatsomebodycouldbe;thatistosay,whatkindofperson….”
Hepaused.
“LetusconsiderthisMaryGerrard.Someone,notElinorCarlisle,desiresherdeath.Why?Didanyonestandtogainbyherdeath?Hadshemoneytoleave?”
PeterLordshookhishead.
“Notnow.Inanothermonthshewouldhavehadtwothousandpounds.ElinorCarlislewasmakingthatsumovertoherbecauseshebelievedherauntwouldhavewishedit.Buttheoldlady’sestateisn’twoundupyet.”
Poirotsaid:
“Thenwecanwashoutthemoneyangle.MaryGerrardwasbeautiful,yousay.Withthattherearealwayscomplications.Shehadadmirers?”
“Probably.Idon’tknowmuchaboutit.”
“Whowouldknow?”
PeterLordgrinned.
“I’dbetterputyouontoNurseHopkins.She’sthetowncrier.SheknowseverythingthatgoesoninMaidensford.”
“Iwasgoingtoaskyoutogivemeyourimpressionsofthetwonurses.”
“Well,O’Brien’sIrish,goodnurse,competent,abitsilly,couldbespiteful,abitofaliar—theimaginativekindthat’snotsomuchdeceitful,butjusthastomakeagoodstoryoutofeverything.”
Poirotnodded.
“Hopkinsisasensible,shrewd,middle-agedwoman,quitekindlyandcompetent,butasighttoomuchinterestedinotherpeople’sbusiness!”
“Iftherehadbeentroubleoversomeyoungmaninthevillage,wouldNurseHopkinsknowaboutit?”
“Youbet!”
Headdedslowly:
“Allthesame,Idon’tbelievetherecanbeanythingveryobviousinthatline.Maryhadn’tbeenhomelong.She’dbeenawayinGermanyfortwoyears.”
“Shewastwenty-one?”
“Yes.”
“TheremaybesomeGermancomplication.”
PeterLord’sfacebrightened.
Hesaideagerly:
“YoumeanthatsomeGermanfellowmayhavehaditinforher?Hemayhavefollowedheroverhere,waitedhistime,andfinallyachievedhisobject?”
“Itsoundsalittlemelodramatic,”saidHerculePoirotdoubtfully.
“Butit’spossible?”
“Notveryprobable,though.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Idon’tagree.Someonemightgetallhetupaboutthegirl,andseeredwhensheturnedhimdown.Hemayhavefanciedshetreatedhimbadly.It’sanidea.”
“Itisanidea,yes,”saidHerculePoirot,buthistonewasnotencouraging.
PeterLordsaidpleadingly:
“Goon,M.Poirot.”
“Youwantme,Isee,tobetheconjurer.Totakeoutoftheemptyhatrabbitafterrabbit.”
“Youcanputitthatwayifyoulike.”
“Thereisanotherpossibility,”saidHerculePoirot.
“Goon.”
“SomeoneabstractedatubeofmorphinefromNurseHopkins’casethateveninginJune.SupposeMaryGerrardsawthepersonwhodidit?”
“Shewouldhavesaidso.”
“No,no,moncher.Bereasonable.IfElinorCarlisle,orRoderickWelman,orNurseO’Brien,orevenanyoftheservants,weretoopenthatcaseandabstractalittleglasstube,whatwouldanyonethink?Simplythatthepersoninquestionhadbeensentbythenursetofetchsomethingfromit.ThematterwouldpassstraightoutofMaryGerrard’smindagain,butitispossiblethat,later,shemightrecollectthefactandmightmentionitcasuallytothepersoninquestion—oh,withouttheleastsuspicionintheworld.ButtothepersonguiltyofthemurderofMrs.Welman,imaginetheeffectofthatremark!Maryhadseen:Marymustbesilencedatallcosts!Icanassureyou,myfriend,thatanyonewhohasoncecommittedamurderfindsitonlytooeasytocommitanother!”
PeterLordsaidwithafrown:
“I’vebelievedallalongthatMrs.Welmantookthestuffherself….”
“Butshewasparalysed—helpless—shehadjusthadasecondstroke.”
“Oh,Iknow.Myideawasthat,havinggotholdofmorphinesomehoworother,shekeptitbyherinareceptaclecloseathand.”
“Butinthatcaseshemusthavegotholdofthemorphinebeforehersecondattackandthenursemisseditafterwards.”
“Hopkinsmayonlyhavemissedthemorphinethatmorning.Itmighthavebeentakenacoupleofdaysbefore,andshehadn’tnoticedit.”
“Howwouldtheoldladyhavegotholdofit?”
“Idon’tknow.Bribedaservant,perhaps.Ifso,thatservant’snevergoingtotell.”
“Youdon’tthinkeitherofthenurseswerebribable?”
Lordshookhishead.
“Notonyourlife!Tobeginwith,they’rebothverystrictabouttheirprofessionalethics—andinadditionthey’dbescaredtodeathtodosuchathing.They’dknowthedangertothemselves.”
Poirotsaid:
“Thatisso.”
Headdedthoughtfully:
“Itlooks,doesitnot,asthoughwereturntoourmuttons?Whoisthemostlikelypersontohavetakenthatmorphinetube?ElinorCarlisle.Wemaysaythatshewishedtomakesureofinheritingalargefortune.Wemaybemoregenerousandsaythatshewasactuatedbypity,thatshetookthemorphineandadministereditincompliancewithheraunt’soften-repeatedrequest;butshetookit—andMaryGerrardsawherdoit.Andsowearebackatthesandwichesandtheemptyhouse,andwehaveElinorCarlisleoncemore—butthistimewithadifferentmotive:tosaveherneck.”
PeterLordcriedout:
“That’sfantastic.Itellyou,sheisn’tthatkindofperson!Moneydoesn’treallymeananythingtoher—ortoRoderickWelman,either,I’mboundtoadmit.I’veheardthembothsayasmuch!”
“Youhave?Thatisveryinteresting.ThatisthekindofstatementIalwayslookuponwithagooddealofsuspicionmyself.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Damnyou,Poirot,mustyoualwaystwisteverythingroundsothatitcomesbacktothatgirl?”
“ItisnotIthattwistthingsround:theycomeroundofthemselves.Itislikethepointeratthefair.Itswingsround,andwhenitcomestorestitpointsalwaysatthesamename—ElinorCarlisle.”
PeterLordsaid:
“No!”
HerculePoirotshookhisheadsadly.
Thenhesaid:
“Hassherelations,thisElinorCarlisle?Sisters,cousins?Afatherormother?”
“No.She’sanorphan—aloneintheworld….”
“Howpatheticitsounds!Bulmer,Iamsure,willmakegreatplaywiththat!Who,then,inheritshermoneyifshedies?”
“Idon’tknow.Ihaven’tthought.”
Poirotsaidreprovingly:
“Oneshouldalwaysthinkofthesethings.Hasshemadeawill,forinstance?”
PeterLordflushed.Hesaiduncertainly:
“I—Idon’tknow.”
HerculePoirotlookedattheceilingandjoinedhisfingertips.
Heremarked:
“Itwouldbewell,youknow,totellme.”
“Tellyouwhat?”
“Exactlywhatisinyourmind—nomatterhowdamagingitmayhappentobetoElinorCarlisle.”
“Howdoyouknow—?”
“Yes,yes,Iknow.Thereissomething—someincidentinyourmind!Itwillbeaswelltotellme,otherwiseIshallimagineitissomethingworsethanitis!”
“It’snothing,really—”
“Wewillagreeitisnothing.Butletmehearwhatitis.”
Slowly,unwillingly,PeterLordallowedthestorytobedraggedfromhim—thatsceneofElinorleaninginatthewindowofNurseHopkins’cottage,andofherlaughter.
Poirotsaidthoughtfully:
“Shesaidthat,didshe,‘Soyou’remakingyourwill,Mary?That’sfunny—that’sveryfunny.’Anditwasverycleartoyouwhatwasinhermind…Shehadbeenthinking,perhaps,thatMaryGerrardwasnotgoingtolivelong….”
PeterLordsaid:
“Ionlyimaginedthat.Idon’tknow.”
Poirotsaid:
“No,youdidnotonlyimagineit….”
Three
HerculePoirotsatinNurseHopkins’cottage.
Dr.Lordhadbroughthimthere,hadintroducdhimandhadthen,ataglancefromPoirot,lefthimtoatête-à-tête.
Having,tobeginwith,eyedhisforeignappearancesomewhataskance,NurseHopkinswasnowthawingrapidly.
Shesaidwithafaintlygloomyrelish:
“Yes,it’saterriblething.OneofthemostterriblethingsI’veeverknown.Marywasoneofthemostbeautifulgirlsyou’veeverseen.Mighthavegoneonthefilmsanytime!Andanicesteadygirl,too,andnotstuck-up,asshemighthavebeenwithallthenoticetakenofher.”
Poirot,insertingaquestionadroitly,said:
“YoumeanthenoticetakenofherbyMrs.Welman?”
“That’swhatImean.Theoldladyhadtakenatremendousfancytoher—really,atremendousfancy.”
HerculePoirotmurmured:
“Surprising,perhaps?”
“Thatdepends.Itmightbequitenatural,really.Imean…”NurseHopkinsbitherlipandlookedconfused.“WhatImeanis,Maryhadaveryprettywaywithher:nicesoftvoiceandpleasantmanners.Andit’smyopinionitdoesanelderlypersongoodtohaveayoungfaceabout.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“MissCarlislecamedownoccasionally,Isuppose,toseeheraunt?”
NurseHopkinssaidsharply:
“MissCarlislecamedownwhenitsuitedher.”
Poirotmurmured:
“YoudonotlikeMissCarlisle.”
NurseHopkinscriedout:
“Ishouldhopenot,indeed!Apoisoner!Acold-bloodedpoisoner!”
“Ah,”saidHerculePoirot,“Iseeyouhavemadeupyourmind.”
NurseHopkinssaidsuspiciously:
“Whatdoyoumean?Madeupmymind?”
“YouarequitesurethatitwasshewhoadministeredmorphinetoMaryGerrard?”
“Whoelsecouldhavedoneit,Ishouldliketoknow?You’renotsuggestingthatIdid?”
“Notforamoment.Butherguilthasnotyetbeenproved,remember.”
NurseHopkinssaidwithcalmassurance:
“Shediditallright.Apartfromanythingelse,youcouldseeitinherface.Queershewas,allthetime.Andtakingmeawayupstairsandkeepingmethere—delayingaslongaspossible.AndthenwhenIturnedonher,afterfindingMarylikethat,itwasthereinherfaceasplainasanything.SheknewIknew!”
HerculePoirotsaidthoughtfully:
“Itiscertainlydifficulttoseewhoelsecouldhavedoneit.Unlessofcourse,shediditherself.”
“Whatdoyoumean,diditherself?DoyoumeanthatMarycommittedsuicide?Ineverheardsuchnonsense!”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Onecannevertell.Theheartofayounggirl,itisverysensitive,verytender.”Hepaused.“Itwouldhavebeenpossible,Isuppose?Shecouldhaveslippedsomethingintoherteawithoutyournoticingher?”
“Slippeditintohercup,youmean?”
“Yes.Youweren’twatchingherallthetime.”
“Iwasn’twatchingher—no.Yes,Isupposeshecouldhavedonethat…Butit’sallnonsense!Whatwouldshewanttodoathinglikethatfor?”
HerculePoirotshookhisheadwitharesumptionofhisformermanner.
“Ayounggirl’sheart…asIsay,sosensitive.Anunhappyloveaffair,perhaps—”
NurseHopkinsgaveasnort.
“Girlsdon’tkillthemselvesforloveaffairs—notunlessthey’reinthefamilyway—andMarywasn’tthat,letmetellyou!”Sheglaredathimbelligerently.
“Andshewasnotinlove?”
“Notshe.Quitefancyfree.Keenonherjobandenjoyingherlife.”
“Butshemusthavehadadmirers,sinceshewassuchanattractivegirl.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Shewasn’toneofthesegirlswhoareallS.A.andIT.Shewasaquietgirl!”
“Buttherewereyoungmen,nodoubt,inthevillagewhoadmiredher.”
“TherewasTedBigland,ofcourse,”saidNurseHopkins.
PoirotextractedvariousdetailsastoTedBigland.
“VerygoneonMary,hewas,”saidNurseHopkins.“But,asItoldher,shewasacutabovehim.”
Poirotsaid:
“Hemusthavebeenangrywhenshewouldnothaveanythingtodowithhim?”
“Hewassoreaboutit,yes,”admittedNurseHopkins.“Blamedmeforit,too.”
“Hethoughtitwasyourfault?”
“That’swhathesaid.I’daperfectrighttoadvisethegirl.Afterall,Iknowsomethingoftheworld.Ididn’twantthegirltothrowherselfaway.”
Poirotsaidgently:
“Whatmadeyoutakesomuchinterestinthegirl?”
“Well,Idon’tknow…”NurseHopkinshesitated.Shelookedshyandalittleashamedofherself.“Therewassomething—well—romanticaboutMary.”
Poirotmurmured:
“Abouther,perhaps,butnotabouthercircumstances.Shewasthelodgekeeper’sdaughter,wasn’tshe?”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Yes—yes,ofcourse.Atleast—”
Shehesitated,lookedatPoirot,whowasgazingatherinthemostsympatheticmanner.
“Asamatteroffact,”saidNurseHopkins,inaburstofconfidence,“shewasn’toldGerrard’sdaughteratall.Hetoldmeso.Herfatherwasagentleman.”
Poirotmurmured:
“Isee…Andhermother?”
NurseHopkinshesitated,bitherlip,andthenwenton:
“Hermotherhadbeenalady’smaidtooldMrs.Welman.ShemarriedGerrardafterMarywasborn.”
“Asyousay,quitearomance—amysteryromance.”
NurseHopkins’facelitup.
“Wasn’tit?Onecan’thelptakinganinterestinpeoplewhenoneknowssomethingthatnobodyelsedoesaboutthem.JustbychanceIhappenedtofindoutagooddeal.Asamatteroffact,itwasNurseO’Brienwhosetmeonthetrack;butthat’sanotherstory.But,asyousay,it’sinterestingknowingpasthistory.There’smanyatragedythatgoesunguessedat.It’sasadworld.”
Poirotsighedandshookhishead.
NurseHopkinssaidwithsuddenalarm:
“ButIoughtn’ttohavegonetalkinglikethis.Iwouldn’thaveawordofthisgetoutforanything!Afterall,it’snothingtodowiththecase.Asfarastheworldisconcerned,MarywasGerrard’sdaughter,andtheremustn’tbeahintofanythingelse.Damagingherintheeyesoftheworldaftershe’sdead!Hemarriedhermother,andthat’senough.”
Poirotmurmured:
“Butyouknow,perhaps,whoherrealfatherwas?”
NurseHopkinssaidreluctantly:
“Well,perhapsIdo;but,thenagain,perhapsIdon’t.Thatis,Idon’tknowanything.Icouldtakeaguess.Oldsinshavelongshadows,astheysay!ButI’mnotonetotalk,andIshan’tsayanotherword.”
Poirottactfullyretiredfromthefrayandattackedanothersubject.
“Thereissomethingelse—adelicatematter.ButIamsureIcanrelyonyourdiscretion.”
NurseHopkinsbridled.Abroadsmileappearedonherhomelyface.
Poirotcontinued:
“IspeakofMr.RoderickWelman.Hewas,soIhear,attractedbyMaryGerrard.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Bowledoverbyher!”
“AlthoughatthetimehewasengagedtoMissCarlisle?”
“Ifyouaskme,”saidNurseHopkins,“hewasneverreallysweetonMissCarlisle.NotwhatI’dcallsweetonher.”
Poirotasked,usinganold-fashionedterm:
“DidMaryGerrard—er—encouragehisadvances?”
NurseHopkinssaidsharply:
“Shebehavedverywell.Nobodycouldsaysheledhimon!”
Poirotsaid:
“Wassheinlovewithhim?”
NurseHopkinssaidsharply:
“No,shewasn’t.”
“Butshelikedhim?”
“Oh,yes,shelikedhimwellenough.”
“AndIsuppose,intime,somethingmighthavecomeofit?”
NurseHopkinsadmittedthat.
“Thatmaybe.ButMarywouldn’thavedoneanythinginahurry.ShetoldhimdownherehehadnobusinesstospeaklikethattoherwhenhewasengagedtoMissElinor.AndwhenhecametoseeherinLondonshesaidthesame.”
Poirotaskedwithanairofengagingcandour:
“WhatdoyouthinkyourselfofMr.RoderickWelman?”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“He’saniceenoughyoungfellow.Nervy,though.Looksasthoughhemightbedyspepticlateron.Thosenervyonesoftenare.”
“Washeveryfondofhisaunt?”
“Ibelieveso.”
“Didhesitwithhermuchwhenshewassoill?”
“Youmeanwhenshehadthatsecondstroke?Thenightbeforeshediedwhentheycamedown?Idon’tbelieveheevenwentintoherroom!”
“Really.”
NurseHopkinssaidquickly:
“Shedidn’taskforhim.And,ofcourse,we’dnoideatheendwassonear.Therearealotofmenlikethat,youknow:fightshyofasickroom.Theycan’thelpit.Andit’snotheartlessness.Theyjustdon’twanttobeupsetintheirfeelings.”
Poirotnoddedcomprehendingly.
Hesaid:
“AreyousureMr.Welmandidnotgointohisaunt’sroombeforeshedied?”
“WellnotwhileIwasonduty!NurseO’Brienrelievedmeat3a.m.,andshemayhavefetchedhimbeforetheend;but,ifso,shedidn’tmentionittome.”
Poirotsuggested:
“Hemayhavegoneintoherroomwhenyouwereabsent?”
NurseHopkinssnapped:
“Idon’tleavemypatientsunattended,Mr.Poirot.”
“Athousandapologies.Ididnotmeanthat.Ithoughtperhapsyoumighthavehadtoboilwater,ortorundownstairsforsomenecessarystimulant.”
Mollified,NurseHopkinssaid:
“Ididgodowntochangethebottlesandgetthemrefilled.Iknewthere’dbeakettleontheboildowninthekitchen.”
“Youwereawaylong?”
“Fiveminutes,perhaps.”
“Ah,yes,thenMr.Welmanmayhavejustlookedinonherthen?”
“Hemusthavebeenveryquickaboutitifhedid.”
Poirotsighed.Hesaid:
“Asyousay,menfightshyofillness.Itisthewomenwhoaretheministeringangels.Whatshouldwedowithoutthem?Especiallywomenofyourprofession—atrulynoblecalling.”
NurseHopkins,slightlyredintheface,said:
“It’sverykindofyoutosaythat.I’veneverthoughtofitthatwaymyself.Toomuchhardworkinnursingtothinkaboutthenoblesideofit.”
Poirotsaid:
“AndthereisnothingelseyoucantellmeaboutMaryGerrard?”
TherewasanappreciablepausebeforeNurseHopkinsanswered:
“Idon’tknowofanything.”
“Areyouquitesure?”
NurseHopkinssaidratherincoherently:
“Youdon’tunderstand.IwasfondofMary.”
“Andthereisnothingmoreyoucantellme?”
“No,thereisnot!Andthat’sflat.”
Four
IntheawesomemajestyofMrs.Bishop’sblack-cladpresenceHerculePoirotsathumblyinsignificant.
ThethawingofMrs.Bishopwasnoeasymatter.ForMrs.Bishop,aladyofConservativehabitsandviews,stronglydisapprovedofforeigners.AndaforeignermostindubitablyHerculePoirotwas.Herresponseswerefrostyandsheeyedhimwithdisfavourandsuspicion.
Dr.Lord’sintroductionofhimhaddonelittletosoftenthesituation.
“Iamsure,”saidMrs.BishopwhenDr.Lordhadgone,“Dr.Lordisaverycleverdoctorandmeanswell.Dr.Ransome,hispredecessor,hadbeenheremanyyears!”
Dr.Ransome,thatistosay,couldbetrustedtobehaveinamannersuitabletothecounty.Dr.Lord,amereirresponsibleyoungster,anupstartwhohadtakenDr.Ransome’splace,hadonlyonerecommendation:“cleverness”inhisprofession.
Cleverness,thewholedemeamourofMrs.Bishopseemedtosay,isnotenough!
HerculePoirotwaspersuasive.Hewasadroit.Butcharmheneversowisely,Mrs.Bishopremainedaloofandimplacable
ThedeathofMrs.Welmanhadbeenverysad.Shehadbeenmuchrespectedintheneighbourhood.ThearrestofMissCarlislewas“Disgraceful!”andbelievedtobetheresultof“thesenewfangledpolicemethods.”TheviewsofMrs.BishopuponthedeathofMaryGerrardwerevagueintheextreme.“Icouldn’tsay,I’msure,”beingthemostshecouldbebroughttosay.
HerculePoirotplayedhislastcard.Herecountedwithna?vepridearecentvisitofhistoSandringham.HespokewithadmirationofthegraciousnessanddelightfulsimplicityandkindnessofRoyalty.
Mrs.Bishop,whofolloweddailyinthecourtcirculartheexactmovementsofRoyalty,wasoverborne.Afterall,ifTheyhadsentforMr.Poirot…Well,naturally,thatmadeAlltheDifference.Foreignerornoforeigner,whowasshe,EmmaBishop,toholdbackwhereRoyaltyhadledtheway?
PresentlysheandM.Poirotwereengagedinpleasantconversationonareallyinterestingtheme—nolessthantheselectionofasuitablefuturehusbandforPrincessElizabeth.
HavingfinallyexhaustedallpossiblecandidatesasNotGoodEnough,thetalkrevertedtolessexaltedcircles.
Poirotobservedsententiously:
“Marriage,alas,isfraughtwithdangersandpitfalls!”
Mrs.Bishopsaid:
“Yes,indeed—withthisnastydivorce,”ratherasthoughshewerespeakingofacontagiousdiseasesuchaschickenpox.
“Iexpect,”saidPoirot,“thatMrs.Welman,beforeherdeath,musthavebeenanxioustoseeherniecesuitablysettledinlife?”
Mrs.Bishopbowedherhead.
“Yes,indeed.TheengagementbetweenMissElinorandMr.Roderickwasagreatrelieftoher.Itwasathingshehadalwayshopedfor.”
Poirotventured:
“Theengagementwasperhapsenteredintopartlyfromawishtopleaseher?”
“Oh,no,Iwouldn’tsaythat,Mr.Poirot.MissElinorhasalwaysbeendevotedtoMr.Roddy—alwayswas,asatinytot—quitebeautifultosee.MissElinorhasaveryloyalanddevotednature!”
Poirotmurmured:
“Andhe?”
Mrs.Bishopsaidausterely:
“Mr.RoderickwasdevotedtoMissElinor.”
Poirotsaid:
“Yettheengagement,Ithink,wasbrokenoff?”
ThecolourroseinMrs.Bishop’sface.Shesaid:
“Owing,Mr.Poirot,tothemachinationsofasnakeinthegrass.”
Poirotsaid,appearingsuitablyimpressed:
“Indeed?”
Mrs.Bishop,herfacebecomingredderstill,explained:
“Inthiscountry,Mr.Poirot,thereisacertainDecencytobeobservedwhenmentioningtheDead.Butthatyoungwoman,Mr.Poirot,wasUnderhandinherDealings.”
Poirotlookedatherthoughtfullyforamoment.
Thenhesaidwithanapparentlackofguile:
“Yousurpriseme.Ihadbeengiventheimpressionthatshewasaverysimpleandunassuminggirl.”
Mrs.Bishop’schintrembledalittle.
“ShewasArtful,Mr.Poirot.PeoplewereTakenInbyher.ThatNurseHopkins,forinstance!Yes,andmypoordearmistresstoo!”
Poirotshookhisheadsympatheticallyandmadeaclackingnoisewithhistongue.
“Yes,indeed,”saidMrs.Bishop,stimulatedbytheseencouragingnoises.“Shewasfailing,poordear,andthatyoungwomanWormedherwayintoherConfidence.Sheknewwhichsideofherbreadwasbuttered.Alwayshoveringabout,readingtoher,bringingherlittlenosegaysofflowers.ItwasMarythisandMarythatand‘Where’sMary?’allthetime!Themoneyshespentonthegirl,too!Expensiveschoolsandfinishingplacesabroad—andthegirlnothingbutoldGerrard’sdaughter!Hedidn’tlikeit,Icantellyou!UsedtocomplainofherFineLadyways.AboveHerself,that’swhatShewas.”
ThistimePoirotshookhisheadandsaidcommiseratingly:
“Dear,dear.”
“AndthenMakingUptoMr.Roddythewayshedid!HewastoosimpletoseethroughHer.AndMissElinor,anice-mindedyoungladyassheis,ofcourseshewouldn’trealizewhatwasGoingOn.ButMen,theyareallalike:easilycaughtbyflatteryandaprettyface!”
Poirotsighed.
“Shehad,Isuppose,admirersofherownclass?”heasked.
“Ofcourseshehad.TherewasRufusBigland’ssonTed—asniceaboyasyoucouldfind.Butoh,no,myfineladywastoogoodforhim!I’dnopatiencewithsuchairsandgraces!”
Poirotsaid:
“Washenotangryabouthertreatmentofhim?”
“Yes,indeed.HeaccusedherofcarryingonwithMr.Roddy.Iknowthatforafact.Idon’tblametheboyforfeelingsore!”
“NorI,”saidPoirot.“Youinterestmeextremely,Mrs.Bishop.Somepeoplehavetheknackofpresentingacharacterclearlyandvigorouslyinafewwords.Itisagreatgift.IhaveatlastaclearpictureofMaryGerrard.”
“Mindyou,”saidMrs.Bishop,“I’mnotsayingawordagainstthegirl!Iwouldn’tdosuchathing—andsheinhergrave.Butthere’snodoubtthatshecausedalotoftrouble!”
Poirotmurmured:
“Wherewouldithaveended,Iwonder?”
“That’swhatIsay!”saidMrs.Bishop.“Youcantakeitfromme,Mr.Poirot,thatifmydearmistresshadn’tdiedwhenshedid—awfulastheshockwasatthetime,IseenowthatitwasaMercyinDisguise—Idon’tknowwhatmighthavebeentheendofit!”
Poirotsaidinvitingly:
“Youmean?”
Mrs.Bishopsaidsolemnly:
“I’vecomeacrossittimeandagain.Myownsisterwasinservicewhereithappened.OncewhenoldColonelRandolphdiedandlefteverypennyawayfromhispoorwifetoahussylivingatEastbourne—andonceoldMrs.Dacres—leftittotheorganistofthechurch—oneofthoselong-hairedyoungmen—andshewithmarriedsonsanddaughters.”
Poirotsaid:
“Youmean,Itakeit,thatMrs.WelmanmighthaveleftallhermoneytoMaryGerrard?”
“Itwouldn’thavesurprisedme!”saidMrs.Bishop.“That’swhattheyoungwomanwasworkingupto,I’venodoubt.AndifIventuredtosayaword,Mrs.Welmanwasreadytobitemyheadoff,thoughI’dbeenwithhernearlytwentyyears.It’sanungratefulworld,Mr.Poirot.Youtrytodoyourdutyanditisnotappreciated.”
“Alas,”sighedPoirot,“howtruethatis!”
“ButWickednessdoesn’talwaysflourish,”saidMrs.Bishop.
Poirotsaid:
“True.MaryGerrardisdead….”
Mrs.Bishopsaidcomfortably:
“She’sgonetoherreckoning,andwemustn’tjudgeher.”
Poirotmused:
“Thecircumstancesofherdeathseemquiteinexplicable.”
“Thesepoliceandtheirnewfangledideas,”saidMrs.Bishop.“Isitlikelythatawell-bred,nicelybroughtupyoungladylikeMissElinorwouldgoaboutpoisoninganyone?Tryingtodragmeintoit,too,sayingIsaidhermannerwaspeculiar!”
“Butwasitnotpeculiar?”
“Andwhyshouldn’titbe?”Mrs.Bishop’sbustheavedwithaflashofjet.“MissElinor’sayoungladyoffeelings.Shewasgoingtoturnoutheraunt’sthings—andthat’salwaysapainfulbusiness.”
Poirotnoddedsympathetically.
Hesaid:
“Itwouldhavemadeitmucheasierforherifyouhadaccompaniedher.”
“Iwantedto,Mr.Poirot,butshetookmeupquitesharp.Oh,well,MissElinorwasalwaysaveryproudandreservedyounglady.Iwish,though,thatIhadgonewithher.”
Poirotmurmured:
“Youdidnotthinkoffollowingheruptothehouse?”
Mrs.Bishoprearedherheadmajestically.
“Idon’tgowhereI’mnotwanted,Mr.Poirot.”
Poirotlookedabashed.Hemurmured:
“Besides,youhaddoubtlessmattersofimportancetoattendtothatmorning?”
“Itwasaverywarmday,Iremember.Verysultry.”Shesighed.“IwalkedtothecemeterytoplaceafewflowersonMrs.Welman’sgrave,atokenofrespect,andIhadtoresttherequitealongtime.Quiteovercomebytheheat,Iwas.Igothomelateforlunch,andmysisterwasquiteupsetwhenshesawtheStateofHeatIwasin!SaidInevershouldhavedoneitonadaylikethat.”
Poirotlookedatherwithadmiration.
Hesaid:
“Ienvyyou,Mrs.Bishop.Itispleasantindeedtohavenothingwithwhichtoreproachoneselfafteradeath.Mr.RoderickWelman,Ifancy,mustblamehimselffornotgoingintoseehisauntthatnight,thoughnaturallyhecouldnotknowshewasgoingtopassawaysosoon.”
“Oh,butyou’requitewrong,Mr.Poirot.Icantellyouthatforafact.Mr.Roddydidgointohisaunt’sroom.Iwasjustoutsideonthelandingmyself.I’dheardthatnursegooffdownstairs,andIthoughtmaybeI’dbettermakesurethemistresswasn’tneedinganything,foryouknowwhatnursesare:alwaysstayingdownstairstogossipwiththemaids,orelseworryingthemtodeathbyaskingthemforthings.NotthatNurseHopkinswasasbadasthatred-hairedIrishnurse.Alwayschatteringandmakingtrouble,shewas!But,asIsay,IthoughtI’djustseeeverythingwasallright,anditwasthenthatIsawMr.Roddyslipintohisaunt’sroom.Idon’tknowwhethersheknewhimornot;butanywayhehasn’tgotanythingtoreproachhimselfwith!”
Poirotsaid:
“Iamglad.Heisofasomewhatnervousdisposition.”
“Justatriflecranky.Healwayshasbeen.”
Poirotsaid:
“Mrs.Bishop,youareevidentlyawomanofgreatunderstanding.Ihaveformedahighregardforyourjudgement.WhatdoyouthinkisthetruthaboutthedeathofMaryGerrard?”
Mrs.Bishopsnorted.
“Clearenough,Ishouldthink!OneofthosenastypotsofpasteofAbbott’s.Keepsthemonthoseshelvesformonths!Mysecondcousinwastookillandnearlydiedonce,withtinnedcrab!”
Poirotobjected:
“Butwhataboutthemorphinefoundinthebody?”
Mrs.Bishopsaidgrandly:
“Idon’tknowanythingaboutmorphine!Iknowwhatdoctorsare:Tellthemtolookforsomething,andthey’llfindit!Taintedfishpasteisn’tgoodenoughforthem!”
Poirotsaid:
“Youdonotthinkitpossiblethatshecommittedsuicide?”
“She?”Mrs.Bishopsnorted.“Noindeed.Hadn’tshemadeuphermindtomarryMr.Roddy?Catchhercommittingsuicide!”
Five
SinceitwasaSunday,HerculePoirotfoundTedBiglandathisfather’sfarm.
TherewaslittledifficultyingettingTedBiglandtotalk.Heseemedtowelcometheopportunity—asthoughitwasarelief.
Hesaidthoughtfully:
“Soyou’retryingtofindoutwhokilledMary?It’sablackmystery,that.”
Poirotsaid:
“YoudonotbelievethatMissCarlislekilledher,then?”
TedBiglandfrowned—apuzzled,almostchildlikefrownitwas.
Hesaidslowly:
“MissElinor’salady.She’sthekind—well,youcouldn’timagineherdoinganythinglikethat—anythingviolent,ifyouknowwhatImean.Afterall,’tisn’tlikely,isit,sir,thataniceyoungladywouldgoanddoathingofthatkind?”
HerculePoirotnoddedinacontemplativemanner.
Hesaid:
“No,itisnotlikely…Butwhenitcomestojealousy—”
Hepaused,watchingthegood-looking,fairyounggiantbeforehim.
TedBiglandsaid:
“Jealousy?Iknowthingshappenthatway;butit’susuallydrinkandgettingworkedupthatmakesafellowseeredandrunamok.MissElinor—anicequietyoungladylikethat—”
Poirotsaid:
“ButMaryGerrarddied…andshedidnotdieanaturaldeath.Haveyouanyidea—isthereanythingyoucantellmetohelpmefindout—whokilledMaryGerrard?”
Slowlytheothershookhishead.
Hesaid:
“Itdoesn’tseemright.Itdoesn’tseempossible,ifyoutakemymeaning,thatanyonecouldhavekilledMary.Shewas—shewaslikeaflower.”
Andsuddenly,foravividminute,HerculePoirothadanewconceptionofthedeadgirl…InthathaltingrusticvoicethegirlMarylivedandbloomedagain.“Shewaslikeaflower.”
II
Therewassuddenlyapoignantsenseofloss,ofsomethingexquisitedestroyed….
Inhismindphraseafterphrasesucceededeachother.PeterLord’s“Shewasanicekid.”NurseHopkins’“Shecouldhavegoneonthefilmsanytime.”Mrs.Bishop’svenomous“Nopatiencewithherairsandgraces.”Andnowlast,puttingtoshame,layingasidethoseotherviews,thequietwondering:“Shewaslikeaflower.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“But,then…?”
Hespreadouthishandsinawide,appealingforeigngesture.
TedBiglandnoddedhishead.Hiseyeshadstillthedumb,glazedlookofananimalinpain.
Hesaid:
“Iknow,sir.Iknowwhatyousay’strue.Shedidn’tdienatural.ButI’vebeenwondering….”
Hepaused.
Poirotsaid:
“Yes?”
TedBiglandsaidslowly:
“I’vebeenwonderingifinsomewayitcouldn’thavebeenanaccident?”
“Anaccident?Butwhatkindofanaccident?”
“Iknow,sir.Iknow.Itdoesn’tsoundlikesense.ButIkeepthinkingandthinking,anditseemstomeitmusthavebeenthatway.Somethingthatwasn’tmeanttohappenorsomethingthatwasallamistake.Just—well,justanaccident!”
HelookedpleadinglyatPoirot,embarrassedbyhisownlackofeloquence.
Poirotwassilentamomentortwo.Heseemedtobeconsidering.Hesaidatlast:
“Itisinterestingthatyoufeelthat.”
TedBiglandsaiddeprecatingly:
“Idaresayitdoesn’tmakesensetoyou,sir.Ican’tfigureoutanyhowandwhyaboutit.It’sjustafeelingI’vegot.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Feelingissometimesanimportantguide…Youwillpardonme,Ihope,ifIseemtotreadonpainfulground,butyoucaredverymuchforMaryGerrard,didyounot?”
Alittledarkcolourcameupinthetannedface.
Tedsaidsimply:
“Everyoneknowsthataroundhere,Ireckon.”
“Youwantedtomarryher?”
“Yes.”
“Butshe—wasnotwilling?”
Ted’sfacedarkenedalittle.Hesaid,withahintofsurpressedanger:
“Meanwell,peopledo,buttheyshouldn’tmuckuppeople’slivesbyinterfering.Allthisschoolingandgoingabroad!ItchangedMary.Idon’tmeanspoilther,orthatshewasstuck-up—shewasn’t.Butit…oh,itbewilderedher!Shedidn’tknowwhereshewasanymore.Shewas—well,putitcrudely—shewastoogoodforme;butshestillwasn’tgoodenoughforarealgentlemanlikeMr.Welman.”
HerculePoirotsaid,watchinghim:
“Youdon’tlikeMr.Welman?”
TedBiglandsaidwithsimpleviolence:
“WhythehellshouldI?Mr.Welman’sallright.I’venothingagainsthim.He’snotwhatIcallmuchofaman!Icouldpickhimupandbreakhimintwo.He’sgotbrains,Isuppose…Butthat’snotmuchhelptoyouifyourcarbreaksdown,forinstance.Youmayknowtheprinciplethatmakesacarrun;butitdoesn’tstopyoufrombeingashelplessasababywhenallthat’sneededistotakethemagoutandgiveitawipe.”
Poirotsaid:
“Ofcourse,youworkinagarage?”
TedBiglandnodded.
“Henderson’s,downtheroad.”
“Youwerethereonthemorningwhen—thisthinghappened?”
TedBiglandsaid:
“Yes,testingoutacarforagentleman.Achokesomewhere,andIcouldn’tlocateit.Ranitroundforabit.Seemsoddtothinkofnow.Itwasalovelyday,somehoneysucklestillinthehedges…Maryusedtolikehoneysuckle.Weusedtogopickingittogetherbeforeshewentawayabroad….”
Againtherewasthatpuzzledchild-likewonderonhisface.
HerculePoirotwassilent.
WithastartTedBiglandcameoutofhistrance.
Hesaid:
“Sorry,sir,forgetwhatIsaidaboutMr.Welman.Iwassore—becauseofhishangingroundafterMary.Heoughttohaveleftheralone.Shewasn’thissort—notreally.”
Poirotsaid:
“Doyouthinkshecaredforhim?”
AgainTedBiglandfrowned.
“Idon’t—notreally.Butshemighthavedone.Icouldn’tsay.”
Poirotasked:
“WasthereanyothermaninMary’slife?Anyone,forinstance,shehadmetabroad?”
“Icouldn’tsay,sir.Shenevermentionedanybody.”
“Anyenemies—hereinMaidensford?”
“Youmeananyonewhohaditinforher?”Heshookhishead.“Nobodyknewherverywell.Buttheyalllikedher.”
Poirotsaid:
“DidMrs.Bishop,thehousekeeperatHunterbury,likeher?”
Tedgaveasuddengrin.Hesaid:
“Oh,thatwasjustspite!Theolddamedidn’tlikeMrs.WelmantakingsuchafancytoMary.”
Poirotasked:
“WasMaryGerrardhappywhenshewasdownhere?WasshefondofoldMrs.Welman?”
“She’dhavebeenhappyenough,Idaresay,ifNursehadletheralone.NurseHopkins,Imean.Puttingideasintoherheadofearningalivingandgoingofftodomassage.”
“ShewasfondofMary,though?”
“Oh,yes,shewasfondenoughofher;butshe’sthekindwhoalwaysknowswhat’sbestforeveryone!”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“SupposingthatNurseHopkinsknowssomething—something,letussay,thatwouldthrowadiscreditablelightonMary—doyouthinkshewouldkeepittoherself?”
TedBiglandlookedathimcuriously.
“Idon’tquitegetyourmeaning,sir?”
“DoyouthinkthatifNurseHopkinsknewsomethingagainstMaryGerrardshewouldholdhertongueaboutit?”
TedBiglandsaid:
“Idoubtifthatwomancouldholdhertongueaboutanything!She’sthegreatestgossipinthevillage.Butifshe’dholdhertongueaboutanybody,itwouldprobablybeaboutMary.”Headded,hiscuriositygettingthebetterofhim,“I’dliketoknowwhyyouaskthat?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Onehas,intalkingtopeople,acertainimpression.NurseHopkinswas,toallseeming,perfectlyfrankandoutspoken,butIformedtheimpression—verystrongly—thatshewaskeepingsomethingback.Itisnotnecessarilyanimportantthing.Itmayhavenobearingonthecrime.Butthereissomethingthatsheknowswhichshehasnottold.Ialsoformedtheimpressionthatthissomething—whateveritis—issomethingdefinitelydamagingordetrimentaltothecharacterofMaryGerrard….”
Tedshookhisheadhelplessly.
HerculePoirotsighed:
“Ah,well.Ishalllearnwhatitisintime.”
Six
Poirotlookedwithinterestatthelong,sensitivefaceofRoderickWelman.
Roddy’snerveswereinapitiablecondition.Hishandstwitched,hiseyeswerebloodshot,hisvoicewashuskyandirritable.
Hesaid,lookingdownatthecard:
“Ofcourse,Iknowyourname,M.Poirot.ButIdon’tseewhatDr.Lordthinksyoucandointhismatter!And,anyway,whatbusinessisitofhis?Heattendedmyaunt,butotherwisehe’sacompletestranger.ElinorandIhadnotevenmethimuntilwewentdowntherethisJune.SurelyitisSeddon’sbusinesstoattendtoallthissortofthing?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Technicallythatiscorrect.”
Roddywentonunhappily:
“NotthatSeddongivesmemuchconfidence.He’ssoconfoundedlygloomy.”
“Itisahabit,that,oflawyers.”
“Still,”saidRoddy,cheeringupalittle,“we’vebriefedBulmer.He’ssupposedtobeprettywellatthetopofthetree,isn’the?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Hehasareputationforleadingforlornhopes.”
Roddywincedpalpably.
Poirotsaid:
“Itdoesnotdispleaseyou,Ihope,thatIshouldendeavourtobeofassistancetoMissElinorCarlisle?”
“No,no,ofcoursenot.But—”
“ButwhatcanIdo?Itisthat,thatyouwouldask?”
AquicksmileflashedacrossRoddy’sworriedface—asmilesosuddenlycharmingthatHerculePoirotunderstoodthesubtleattractionoftheman.
Roddysaidapologetically:
“Itsoundsalittlerude,putlikethat.But,really,ofcourse,thatisthepoint.Iwon’tbeataboutthebush.Whatcanyoudo,M.Poirot?”
Poirotsaid:
“Icansearchforthetruth.”
“Yes.”Roddysoundedalittledoubtful.
Poirotsaid:
“Imightdiscoverfactsthatwouldbehelpfultotheaccused.”
Roddysighed.
“Ifyouonlycould!”
HerculePoirotwenton:
“Itismyearnestdesiretobehelpful.Willyouassistmebytellingmejustexactlywhatyouthinkofthewholebusiness?”
Roddygotupandwalkedrestlesslyupanddown.
“WhatcanIsay?Thewholething’ssoabsurd—sofantastic!ThemereideaofElinor—Elinor,whomI’veknownsinceshewasachild—actuallydoingsuchamelodramaticthingaspoisoningsomeone.It’squitelaughable,ofcourse!Buthowonearthexplainthattoajury?”
Poirotsaidstolidly:
“YouconsideritquiteimpossiblethatMissCarlisleshouldhavedonesuchathing?”
“Ohquite!Thatgoeswithoutsaying!Elinor’sanexquisitecreature—beautifullypoisedandbalanced—noviolenceinhernature.She’sintellectual,sensitiveandaltogetherdevoidofanimalpassions.Butgettwelvefatheadedfoolsinajurybox,andGodknowswhattheycanbemadetobelieve!Afterall,let’sbereasonable:they’renottheretojudgecharacter;they’retheretosiftevidence.Facts—facts—facts.Andthefactsareunfortunate!”
HerculePoirotnoddedthoughtfully.
Hesaid:
“Youareaperson,Mr.Welman,ofsensibilityandintelligence.ThefactscondemnMissCarlisle.Yourknowledgeofheracquitsher.What,then,reallyhappened?Whatcanhavehappened?”
Roddyspreadouthishandsinexasperation.
“That’sthedevilofitall!Isupposethenursecouldn’thavedoneit?”
“Shewasnevernearthesandwiches—oh,Ihavemadetheinquiriesveryminutely—andshecouldnothavepoisonedtheteawithoutpoisoningherselfaswell.Ihavemadequitesureofthat.Moreover,whyshouldshewishtokillMaryGerrard?”
Roddycriedout:
“WhyshouldanyonewishtokillMaryGerrard?”
“That,”saidPoirot,“seemstobetheunanswerablequestioninthiscase.NoonewishedtokillMaryGerrard.”(Headdedinhisownmind:“ExceptElinorCarlisle.”)“Therefore,thenextsteplogicallywouldseemtobe:MaryGerrardwasnotkilled!Butthat,alas,isnotso.Shewaskilled!”
Headded,slightlymelodramatically:
“Butsheisinhergrave,andoh,Thedifferencetome!”
“Ibegyourpardon,”saidRoddy.
HerculePoirotexplained:
“Wordsworth.Ireadhimmuch.Thoselinesexpress,perhaps,whatyoufeel?”
“I?”
Roddylookedstiffandunapproachable.
Poirotsaid:
“Iapologize—Iapologizedeeply!Itissohard—tobeadetectiveandalsoapukkasahib.Asitissowellexpressedinyourlanguage,therearethingsthatonedoesnotsay.But,alas,adetectiveisforcedtosaythem!Hemustaskquestions:aboutpeople’sprivateaffairs,abouttheirfeelings!”
Roddysaid:
“Surelyallthisisquiteunnecessary?”
Poirotsaidquicklyandhumbly:
“IfImightjustunderstandtheposition?Thenwewillpassfromtheunpleasantsubjectandnotrefertoitagain.Itisfairlywidelyknown,Mr.Welman,thatyou—admiredMaryGerrard?Thatis,Ithink,true?”
Roddygotupandstoodbythewindow.Heplayedwiththeblindtassel.Hesaid:
“Yes.”
“Youfellinlovewithher?”
“Isupposeso.”
“Ah,andyouarenowheartbrokenbyherdeath—”
“I—Isuppose—Imean—well,really,M.Poirot—”
Heturned—anervous,irritable,sensitivecreatureatbay.
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Ifyoucouldjusttellme—justshowmeclearly—thenitwouldbefinishedwith.”
RoddyWelmansatdowninachair.Hedidnotlookattheotherman.Hespokeinaseriesofjerks.
“It’sverydifficulttoexplain.Mustwegointoit?”
Poirotsaid:
“Onecannotalwaysturnasideandpassbyfromtheunpleasantnessesoflife,Mr.Welman!Yousayyousupposeyoucaredforthisgirl.Youarenotsure,then?”
Roddysaid:
“Idon’tknow…Shewassolovely.Likeadream…That’swhatitseemslikenow.Adream!Notreal!Allthat—myseeingherfirst—my—well,myinfatuationforher!Akindofmadness!Andnoweverythingisfinished—gone…asthough—asthoughithadneverhappened.”
Poirotnoddedhishead….
Hesaid:
“Yes,Iunderstand….”
Headded:
“YouwerenotinEnglandyourselfatthetimeofherdeath?”
“No,IwentabroadonJuly9thandreturnedonAugust1st.Elinor’stelegramfollowedmeaboutfromplacetoplace.IhurriedhomeassoonasIgotthenews.”
Poirotsaid:
“Itmusthavebeenagreatshocktoyou.Youhadcaredforthegirlverymuch.”
Roddysaid,andtherewasbitternessandexasperationinhisvoice:
“Whyshouldthesethingshappentoone?It’snotasthoughonewishedthemtohappen!Itiscontrarytoall—toallone’sorderedexpectationoflife!”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Ah,butlifeislikethat!Itdoesnotpermityoutoarrangeandorderitasyouwill.Itwillnotpermityoutoescapeemotion,tolivebytheintellectandbyreason!Youcannotsay,‘Iwillfeelsomuchandnomore.’Life,Mr.Welman,whateverelseitis,isnotreasonable!”
RoderickWelmanmurmured:
“Soitseems….”
Poirotsaid:
“Aspringmorning,agirl’sface—andthewell-orderedsequenceofexistenceisrouted.”
RoddywincedandPoirotwenton:
“Sometimesitislittlemorethanthat—aface.WhatdidyoureallyknowofMaryGerrard,Mr.Welman?”
Roddysaidheavily:
“WhatdidIknow?Solittle;Iseethatnow.Shewassweet,Ithink,andgentle;butreally,Iknownothing—nothingatall…That’swhy,Isuppose,Idon’tmissher….”
Hisantagonismandresentmentweregonenow.Hespokenaturallyandsimply.HerculePoirot,ashehadaknackofdoing,hadpenetratedtheother’sdefences.Roddyseemedtofeelacertainreliefinunburdeninghimself.
Hesaid:
“Sweet—gentle—notveryclever.Sensitive,Ithink,andkind.Shehadarefinementthatyouwouldnotexpecttofindinagirlofherclass.”
“Wasshethekindofgirlwhowouldmakeenemiesunconsciously?”
Roddyshookhisheadvigorously.
“No,no,Ican’timagineanyonedislikingher—reallydislikingher,Imean.Spiteisdifferent.”
Poirotsaidquickly.
“Spite?Sotherewasspite,youthink?”
Roddysaidabsently:
“Musthavebeen—toaccountforthatletter.”
Poirotsaidsharply:
“Whatletter?”
Roddyflushedandlookedannoyed.Hesaid:
“Oh,nothingimportant.”
Poirotrepeated:
“Whatletter?”
“Ananonymousletter.”
Hespokereluctantly.
“Whendiditcome?Towhomwasitwritten?”
RatherunwillinglyRoddyexplained.
HerculePoirotmurmured:
“Itisinteresting,that.CanIseeit,thisletter?”
“Afraidyoucan’t.Asamatteroffact,Iburntit.”
“Now,whydidyoudothat,Mr.Welman?”
Roddysaidratherstiffly:
“Itseemedthenaturalthingtodoatthetime.”
Poirotsaid:
“Andinconsequenceofthisletter,youandMissCarlislewenthurriedlydowntoHunterbury?”
“Wewentdown,yes.Idon’tknowabouthurriedly.”
“Butyouwerealittleuneasy,wereyounot?Perhapseven,alittlealarmed?”
Roddysaidevenmorestiffly:
“Iwon’tadmitthat.”
HerculePoirotcried:
“Butsurelythatwasonlynatural!Yourinheritance—thatwhichwaspromisedyou—wasinjeopardy!Surelyitisnaturalthatyoushouldbeunquietaboutthematter!Money,itisveryimportant!”
“Notasimportantasyoumakeout.”
Poirotsaid:
“Suchunworldlinessisindeedremarkable!”
Roddyflushed.Hesaid:
“Oh,ofcourse,themoneydidmattertous.Weweren’tcompletelyindifferenttoit.Butourmainobjectwasto—toseemyauntandmakesureshewasallright.”
Poirotsaid:
“YouwentdowntherewithMissCarlisle.Atthattimeyouraunthadnotmadeawill.Shortlyafterwardsshehadanotherattackofherillness.Shethenwishedtomakeawill,but,convenientlyforMissCarlisle,perhaps,shediesthatnightbeforethatwillcanbemade.”
“Lookhere,whatareyouhintingat?”
Roddy’sfacewaswrathful.
Poirotansweredhimlikeaflash:
“Youhavetoldme,Mr.Welman,asregardsthedeathofMaryGerrard,thatthemotiveattributedtoElinorCarlisleisabsurd—thatshewas,emphatically,notthatkindofaperson.Butthereisnowanotherinterpretation.ElinorCarlislehadreasontofearthatshemightbedisinheritedinfavourofanoutsider.Theletterhaswarnedher—heraunt’sbrokenmurmuringsconfirmthatfear.Inthehallbelowisanattachécasewithvariousdrugsandmedicalsupplies.Itiseasytoabstractatubeofmorphine.Andafterwards,soIhavelearned,shesitsinthesickroomalonewithherauntwhileyouandthenursesareatdinner….”
Roddycried:
“GoodGod,M.Poirot,whatareyousuggestingnow?ThatElinorkilledAuntLaura?Ofalltheridiculousideas!”
Poirotsaid:
“Butyouknow,doyounot,thatanordertoexhumeMrs.Welman’sbodyhasbeenappliedfor?”
“Yes,Iknow.Buttheywon’tfindanything!”
“Supposetheydo?”
“Theywon’t!”Roddyspokepositively
Poirotshookhishead.
“Iamnotsosure.Andtherewasonlyoneperson,yourealize,whowouldbenefitbyMrs.Welman’sdyingatthatmoment….”
Roddysatdown.Hisfacewaswhiteandhewasshakingalittle.HestaredatPoirot.Thenhesaid:
“Ithought—youwereonherside….”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Whateversideoneison,onemustfacefacts!Ithink,Mr.Welman,thatyouhavesofarpreferredinlifetoavoidfacinganawkwardtruthwheneveritispossible.”
Roddysaid:
“Whyharrowoneselfbylookingontheworstside?”
HerculePoirotrepliedgravely:
“Becauseitissomethingnecessary….”
Hepausedaminuteandthensaid:
“Letusfacethepossibilitythatyouraunt’sdeathmaybefoundtobeduetotheadministrationofmorphine.Whatthen?”
Roddyshookhisheadhelplessly.
“Idon’tknow.”
“Butyoumusttrytothink.Whocouldhavegivenittoher?YoumustadmitthatElinorCarlislehadthebestopportunitytodoso?”
“Whataboutthenurses?”
“Eitherofthemcouldhavedoneso,certainly.ButNurseHopkinswasconcernedaboutthedisappearanceofthetubeatthetimeandmentioneditopenly.Therewasnoneedforhertodoso.Thedeathcertificatehadbeensigned.Whycallattentiontothemissingmorphineifshewereguilty?Itwillprobablybringhercensureforcarelessnessasitis,andifshepoisonedMrs.Welmanitwassurelyidiotictodrawattentiontothemorphine.Besides,whatcouldshegainbyMrs.Welman’sdeath?Nothing.ThesameappliestoNurseO’Brien.Shecouldhaveadministeredmorphine,couldhavetakenitfromNurseHopkins’case;but,again—whyshouldshe?”
Roddyshookhishead.
“Allthat’strueenough.”
Poirotsaid:
“Thenthereisyourself.”
Roddystartedlikeanervoushorse.
“Me?”
“Certainly.Youcouldhaveabstractedthemorphine.YoucouldhavegivenittoMrs.Welman!Youwerealonewithherforashortperiodthatnight.But,again,whyshouldyou?Ifshelivedtomakeawill,itisatleastprobablethatyouwouldhavebeenmentionedinit.Soagain,yousee,thereisnomotive.Onlytwopeoplehadamotive.”
Roddy’seyesbrightened.
“Twopeople?”
“Yes.OnewasElinorCarlisle.”
“Andtheother?”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“Theotherwasthewriterofthatanonymousletter.”
Roddylookedincredulous.
Poirotsaid:
“Somebodywrotethatletter—somebodywhohatedMaryGerrardoratleastdislikedher—somebodywhowas,astheysay,‘onyourside.’Somebody,thatis,whodidnotwantMaryGerrardtobenefitatMrs.Welman’sdeath.Now,haveyouanyidea,Mr.Welman,whothewriterofthatlettercouldbe?”
Roddyshookhishead.
“I’venoideaatall.Itwasanilliterateletter,misspelt,cheap-looking.”
Poirotwavedahand.
“Thereisnothingmuchtothat!Itmighteasilyhavebeenwrittenbyaneducatedpersonwhochosetodisguisethefact.ThatiswhyIwishyouhadtheletterstill.Peoplewhotrytowriteinanuneducatedmannerusuallygivethemselvesaway.”
Roddysaidthoughtfully:
“ElinorandIthoughtitmightbeoneoftheservants.”
“Hadyouanyideawhichofthem?”
“No—noideawhatsoever.”
“Couldit,doyouthink,havebeenMrs.Bishop,thehousekeeper?”
Roddylookedshocked.
“Oh,no,she’samostrespectable,high-and-mightycreature.Writesbeautifullyinvolvedandornateletterswithlongwordsinthem.Besides,I’msureshewouldnever—”
Ashehesitated,Poirotcutin:
“ShedidnotlikeMaryGerrard!”
“Isupposeshedidn’t.Inevernoticedanything,though.”
“Butperhaps,Mr.Welman,youdonotnoticeverymuch?”
Roddysaidslowly:
“Youdon’tthink,M.Poirot,thatmyauntcouldhavetakenthatmorphineherself?”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“Itisanidea,yes.”
Roddysaid:
“Shehatedher—herhelplessness,youknow.Oftensaidshewishedshecoulddie.”
Poirotsaid:
“But,then,shecouldnothaverisenfromherbed,gonedownstairsandhelpedherselftothetubeofmorphinefromthenurse’scase?”
Roddysaidslowly:
“No,butsomebodycouldhavegotitforher.”
“Who?”
“Well,oneofthenurses.”
“No,neitherofthenurses.Theywouldunderstandthedangertothemselvesfartoowell!Thenursesarethelastpeopletosuspect.”
“Then—somebodyelse….”
Hestarted,openedhismouth,shutitagain.
Poirotsaidquietly:
“Youhaverememberedsomething,haveyounot?”
Roddysaiddoubtfully:
“Yes—but—”
“Youwonderifyououghttotellme?”
“Well,yes….”
Poirotsaid,acurioussmiletiltingthecornersofhismouth:
“WhendidMissCarlislesayit?”
Roddydrewadeepbreath.
“ByJove,youareawizard!Itwasinthetraincomingdown.We’dhadthetelegram,youknow,sayingAuntLaurahadhadanotherstroke.Elinorsaidhowterriblysorryshewasforher,howthepoordearhatedbeingill,andthatnowshewouldbemorehelplessstillandthatitwouldbeabsolutehellforher.Elinorsaid,‘Onedoesfeelthatpeopleoughttobesetfreeiftheythemselvesreallywantit.’”
“Andyousaid—what?”
“Iagreed.”
Poirotspokeverygravely:
“Justnow,Mr.Welman,youscoutedthepossibilityofMissCarlislehavingkilledyourauntformonetarygain.DoyoualsoscoutthepossibilitythatshemayhavekilledMrs.Welmanoutofcompassion?”
Roddysaid:
“I—I—no,Ican’t….”
HerculePoirotbowedhishead.
Hesaid:
“Yes,Ithought—Iwassure—thatyouwouldsaythat….”
Seven
IntheofficesofMessrsSeddon,Blatherwick&Seddon,HerculePoirotwasreceivedwithextremecaution,nottosaydistrust.
Mr.Seddon,aforefingerstrokinghiscloselyshavenchin,wasnoncommittalandhisshrewdgreyeyesappraisedthedetectivethoughtfully.
“Yournameisfamiliartome,M.Poirot,ofcourse.ButIamatalosstounderstandyourpositioninthiscase.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Iamacting,Monsieur,intheinterestsofyourclient.”
“Ah—indeed?Andwho—er—engagedyouinthatcapacity?”
“IamhereattherequestofDr.Lord.”
Mr.Seddon’seyebrowsroseveryhigh.
“Indeed!Thatseemstomeveryirregular—veryirregular.Dr.Lord,Iunderstand,hasbeensubpoenaedasawitnessfortheprosecution.”
HerculePoirotshruggedhisshoulders.
“Doesthatmatter?”
Mr.Seddonsaid:
“ThearrangementsforMissCarlisle’sdefenceareentirelyinourhands.Ireallydonotthinkweneedanyoutsideassistanceinthiscase.”
Poirotasked:
“Isthatbecauseyourclient’sinnocencewillbesoeasilyproved?”
Mr.Seddonwinced.Thenhebecamewrathfulinadrylegalfashion.
“That,”hesaid,“isamostimproperquestion.Mostimproper.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Thecaseagainstyourclientisaverystrongone….”
“Ireallyfailtosee,M.Poirot,howyouknowanythingaboutit.”
Poirotsaid:
“AlthoughIamactuallyretainedbyDr.Lord,IhavehereanotefromMr.RoderickWelman.”
Hehandeditoverwithabow.
Mr.Seddonperusedthefewlinesitcontainedandremarkedgrudgingly:
“That,ofcourse,throwsanewcomplexiononthematter.Mr.WelmanhasmadehimselfresponsibleforMissCarlisle’sdefence.Weareactingathisrequest.”
Headdedwithvisibledistaste:
“Ourfirmdoesverylittlein—er—criminalprocedure,butIfeltitmydutytomy—er—lateclient—toundertakethedefenceofherniece.ImaysaywehavealreadybriefedSirEdwinBulmer,K.C.”
Poirotsaid,andhissmilewassuddenlyironic:
“Noexpensewillbespared.Veryrightandproper!”
Lookingoverhisglasses,Mr.Seddonsaid:
“Really,M.Poirot—”
Poirotcutintohisprotest.
“Eloquenceandemotionalappealwillnotsaveyourclient.Itwillneedmorethanthat.”
Mr.Seddonsaiddrily:
“Whatdoyouadvise?”
“Thereisalwaysthetruth.”
“Quiteso.”
“Butinthiscasewillthetruthhelpus?”
Mr.Seddonsaidsharply:
“That,again,isamostimproperremark.”
Poirotsaid:
“TherearecertainquestionstowhichIshouldlikeanswers.”
Mr.Seddonsaidcautiously:
“Icannot,ofcourse,guaranteetoanswerwithouttheconsentofmyclient.”
“Naturally.Iunderstandthat.”Hepausedandthensaid,“HasElinorCarlisleanyenemies?”
Mr.Seddonshowedafaintsurprise.
“AsfarasIknow,none.”
“DidthelateMrs.Welman,atanyperiodofherlife,makeawill?”
“Never.Shealwaysputitoff.”
“HasElinorCarlislemadeawill?”
“Yes.”
“Recently?Sinceheraunt’sdeath?”
“Yes.”
“Towhomhassheleftherproperty?”
“That,M.Poirot,isconfidential.Icannottellyouwithoutauthorizationfrommyclient.”
Poirotsaid:
“ThenIshallhavetointerviewyourclient!”
Mr.Seddonsaidwithacoldsmile:
“That,Ifear,willnotbeeasy.”
Poirotroseandmadeagesture.
“Everything,”hesaid,“iseasytoHerculePoirot.”
Eight
ChiefInspectorMarsdenwasaffable.
“Well,M.Poirot,”hesaid.“Cometosetmerightaboutoneofmycases?”
Poirotmurmureddeprecatingly:
“No,no.Alittlecuriosityonmypart,thatisall.”
“Onlytoohappytosatisfyit.Whichcaseisit?”
“ElinorCarlisle.”
“Oh,yes,girlwhopoisonedMaryGerrard.Comingupfortrialintwoweeks’time.Interestingcase.Shedidintheoldwomantoo,bytheway.Finalreportisn’tinyet,butitseemsthere’snodoubtofit.Morphia.Cold-bloodedbitofgoods.Neverturnedahairatthetimeofherarrestorafter.Givingnothingaway.Butwe’vegotthegoodsonherallright.She’sforit.”
“Youthinkshedidit?”
Marsden,anexperienced,kindlylookingman,noddedhisheadaffirmatively.
“Notadoubtofit.Putthestuffinthetopsandwich.She’sacoolcustomer.”
“Youhavenodoubts?Nodoubtsatall?”
“Oh,no!I’mquitesure.It’sapleasantfeelingwhenyouaresure!Wedon’tlikemakingmistakesanymorethananyoneelsewould.We’renotjustouttogetaconviction,assomepeoplethink.ThistimeIcangoaheadwithaclearconscience.”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“Isee.”
TheScotlandYardmanlookedathimcuriously.
“Isthereanythingontheotherside?”
SlowlyPoirotshookhishead.
“Asyet,no.SofareverythingIhavefoundoutaboutthecasepointstoElinorCarlisle’sbeingguilty.”
InspectorMarsdensaidwithcheerfulcertainty:
“She’sguilty,allright.”
Poirotsaid:
“Ishouldliketoseeher.”
InspectorMarsdensmiledindulgently.Hesaid:
“GotthepresentHomeSecretaryinyourpocket,haven’tyou?Thatwillbeeasyenough.”
Nine
PeterLordsaid:
“Well?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“No,itisnotverywell.”
PeterLordsaidheavily:
“Youhaven’tgotholdofanything?”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“ElinorCarlislekilledMaryGerrardoutofjealousy…ElinorCarlislekilledherauntsoastoinherithermoney…ElinorCarlislekilledherauntoutofcompassion…Myfriend,youmaymakeyourchoice!”
PeterLordsaid:
“You’retalkingnonsense!”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“AmI?”
Lord’sfreckledfacelookedangry.Hesaid:
“Whatisallthis?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Doyouthinkitispossible,that?”
“DoIthinkwhatispossible?”
“ThatElinorCarlislewasunabletobearthesightofheraunt’smiseryandhelpedheroutofexistence.”
“Nonsense!”
“Isitnonsense?Youhavetoldmeyourselfthattheoldladyaskedyoutohelpher.”
“Shedidn’tmeanitseriously.SheknewIwouldn’tdoanythingofthesort.”
“Still,theideawasinhermind.ElinorCarlislemighthavehelpedher.”
PeterLordstrolledupanddown.Hesaidatlast:
“Onecan’tdenythatthatsortofthingispossible.ButElinorCarlisleisalevelheaded,clear-thinkingkindofyoungwoman.Idon’tthinkshe’dbesocarriedawaybypityastolosesightoftherisk.Andshe’drealizeexactlywhattheriskwas.She’dbeliabletostandaccusedofmurder.”
“Soyoudon’tthinkshewoulddoit?”
PeterLordsaidslowly:
“Ithinkawomanmightdosuchathingforherhusband;orforherchild;orforhermother,perhaps.Idon’tthinkshe’ddoitforanaunt,thoughshemightbefondofthataunt.AndIthinkinanycaseshe’donlydoitifthepersoninquestionwasactuallysufferingunbearablepain.”
Poirotsaidthoughtfully:
“Perhapsyouareright.”
Thenheadded:
“DoyouthinkRoderickWelman’sfeelingscouldhavebeensufficientlyworkedupontoinducehimtodosuchathing?”
PeterLordrepliedscornfully:
“Hewouldn’thavetheguts!”
Poirotmurmured:
“Iwonder.Insomeways,moncher,youunderestimatethatyoungman.”
“Oh,he’scleverandintellectualandallthat,Idaresay.”
“Exactly,”saidPoirot.“Andhehascharm,too…Yes,Ifeltthat.”
“Didyou?Ineverhave!”
ThenPeterLordsaidearnestly:
“Lookhere,Poirot,isn’tthereanything?”
Poirotsaid:
“Theyarenotfortunatesofar,myinvestigations!Theyleadalwaysbacktothesameplace.NoonestoodtogainbyMaryGerrard’sdeath.NoonehatedMaryGerrard—exceptElinorCarlisle.Thereisonlyonequestionthatwemightperhapsaskourselves.Wemightsay,perhaps:DidanyonehateElinorCarlisle?”
SlowlyDr.Lordshookhishead.
“NotthatIknowof…Youmean—thatsomeonemighthaveframedherforthecrime?”
Poirotnodded.Hesaid:
“Itisaveryfar-fetchedspeculation,that,andthereisnothingtosupportit…except,perhaps,theverycompletenessofthecaseagainsther.”
Hetoldtheotheroftheanonymousletter.
“Yousee,”hesaid,“thatmakesitpossibletooutlineaverystrongcaseagainsther.Shewaswarnedthatshemightbecompletelycutoutofheraunt’swill—thatthisgirl,astranger,mightgetallthemoney.So,whenherauntinherhaltingspeechwasaskingforalawyer,Elinortooknochances,andsawtoitthattheoldladyshoulddiethatnight!”
PeterLordcried:
“WhataboutRoderickWelman?Hestoodtolose,too!”
Poirotshookhishead.
“No,itwastohisadvantagethattheoldladyshouldmakeawill.Ifshediedintestate,hegotnothing,remember.Elinorwasthenextofkin.”
Lordsaid:
“ButhewasgoingtomarryElinor!”
Poirotsaid,“True.Butrememberthatimmediatelyafterwardstheengagementwasbrokenoff—thatheshowedherclearlythathewishedtobereleasedfromit.”
PeterLordgroanedandheldhishead.Hesaid:
“Itcomesbacktoher,then.Everytime!”
“Yes.Unless….”
Hewassilentforaminute.Thenhesaid:
“Thereissomething….”
“Yes?”
“Something—somelittlepieceofthepuzzlethatismissing.Itissomething—ofthatIamcertain—thatconcernsMaryGerrard.Myfriend,youhearacertainamountofgossip,ofscandal,downhere.Haveyoueverheardanythingagainsther?”
“AgainstMaryGerrard?Hercharacter,youmean?”
“Anything.Somebygonestoryabouther.Someindiscretiononherpart.Ahintofscandal.Adoubtofherhonesty.Amaliciousrumourconcerningher.Anything—anythingatall—butsomethingthatdefinitelyisdamagingtoher….”
PeterLordsaidslowly:
“Ihopeyou’renotgoingtosuggestthatline…Tryingtorakeupthingsaboutaharmlessyoungwomanwho’sdeadandcan’tdefendherself…And,anyway,Idon’tbelieveyoucandoit!”
“ShewaslikethefemaleSirGalahad—ablamelesslife?”
“AsfarasIknow,shewas.Ineverheardanythingelse.”
Poirotsaidgently:
“Youmustnotthink,myfriend,thatIwouldstirthemudwherenomudis…No,no,itisnotlikethatatall.ButthegoodNurseHopkinsisnotanadeptathidingherfeelings.ShewasfondofMary,andthereissomethingaboutMaryshedoesnotwantknown;thatistosay,thereissomethingagainstMarythatsheisafraidIwillfindout.Shedoesnotthinkthatithasanybearingonthecrime.But,then,sheisconvincedthatthecrimewascommittedbyElinorCarlisle,andclearlythisfact,whateveritis,hasnothingtodowithElinor.But,yousee,myfriend,itisimperativethatIshouldknoweverything.ForitmaybethatthereisawrongdonebyMarytosomethirdperson,andinthatcase,thatthirdpersonmighthaveamotivefordesiringherdeath.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Butsurely,inthatcase,NurseHopkinswouldrealizethat,too.”
Poirotsaid:
“NurseHopkinsisquiteanintelligentwomanwithinherlimitations,butherintellectishardlytheequalofmine.Shemightnotsee,butHerculePoirotwould!”
PeterLordsaid,shakinghishead:
“I’msorry.Idon’tknowanything.”
Poirotsaidthoughtfully:
“NomoredoesTedBigland—andhehaslivedhereallhislifeandMary’s.NomoredoesMrs.Bishop;forifsheknewanythingunpleasantaboutthegirl,shewouldnothavebeenabletokeepittoherself!Ehbien,thereisonemorehope.”
“Yes?”
“Iamseeingtheothernurse,NurseO’Brien,today.”
PeterLordsaid,shakinghishead:
“Shedoesn’tknowmuchaboutthispartoftheworld.Shewasonlyhereforamonthortwo.”
Poirotsaid:
“Iamawareofthat.But,myfriend,NurseHopkins,wehavebeentold,hasthelongtongue.Shehasnotgossipedinthevillage,wheresuchtalkmighthavedoneMaryGerrardharm.ButIdoubtifshecouldrefrainfromgivingatleastahintaboutsomethingthatwasoccupyinghermindtoastrangerandacolleague!NurseO’Brienmayknowsomething.”
Ten
NurseO’Brientossedherredheadandsmiledwidelyacrosstheteatableatthelittlemanoppositeher.
Shethoughttoherself:
“It’sthefunnylittlefellowheis—andhiseyesgreenlikeanycat’s,andwithallthatDr.Lordsayinghe’sthecleverone!”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Itisapleasuretomeetsomeonesofullofhealthandvitality.Yourpatients,Iamsure,mustallrecover.”
NurseO’Briensaid:
“I’mnotoneforpullingalongface,andnotmanyofmypatientsdieonme,I’mthankfultosay.”
Poirotsaid:
“Ofcourse,inMrs.Welman’scase,itwasamercifulrelease.”
“Ah!Itwasthat,thepoordear.”HereyeswereshrewdasshelookedatPoirotandasked:
“Isitaboutthatyouwanttotalktome?Iwasafterhearingthatthey’rediggingherup.”
Poirotsaid:
“Youyourselfhadnosuspicionatthetime?”
“Nottheleastintheworld,thoughindeedImighthavehad,withthefaceDr.Lordhadonhimthatmorning,andhimsendingmehere,thereandeverywhereforthingshedidn’tneed!Buthesignedthecertificate,forallthat.”
Poirotbegan,“Hehadhisreasons—”butshetookthewordsoutofhismouth
“Indeedandhewasright.Itdoesadoctornogoodtothinkthingsandoffendthefamily,andthenifhe’swrongit’stheendofhim,andnoonewouldbewishingtocallhiminanymore.Adoctor’sgottobesure!”
Poirotsaid:
“ThereisasuggestionthatMrs.Welmanmighthavecommittedsuicide.”
“She?Andherlyingtherehelpless?Justliftonehand,thatwasallshecoulddo!”
“Someonemighthavehelpedher?”
“Ah!Iseenowwhatyou’remeaning.MissCarlisle,orMr.Welman,ormaybeMaryGerrard?”
“Itwouldbepossible,woulditnot?”
NurseO’Brienshookherhead.Shesaid:
“They’dnotdare—anyofthem!”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“Perhapsnot.”
Thenhesaid:
“WhenwasitNurseHopkinsmissedthetubeofmorphine?”
“Itwasthatverymorning.‘I’msureIhadithere,’shesaid.Verysureshewasatfirst;butyouknowhowitis,afterawhileyourmindgetsconfused,andintheendshemadesureshe’dleftitathome.”
Poirotmurmured:
“Andeventhenyouhadnosuspicion?”
“Nottheleastintheworld!Sure,itneverenteredmyheadforamomentthatthingsweren’tastheyshouldbe.Andevennow’tisonlyasuspiciontheyhave.”
“ThethoughtofthatmissingtubenevercausedeitheryouorNurseHopkinsanuneasymoment?”
“Well,Iwouldn’tsaythat…Idorememberthatitcameintomyhead—andintoNurseHopkins’head,too,Ibelieve—intheBlueTitCafé,wewereatthetime.AndIsawthethoughtpassintohermindfrommine.‘Itcouldn’tbeanyotherwaythanthatIleftitonthemantelpieceanditfellintothedustbin,couldit?’shesays.And‘No,indeed,thatwasthewayofit,’Isaidtoher;andneitherofussayingwhatwasinourmindsandthefearthatwasonus.”
HerculePoirotasked:
“Andwhatdoyouthinknow?”
NurseO’Briensaid:
“Iftheyfindmorphineinherthere’llbelittledoubtwhotookthattube,norwhatitwasusedfor—thoughI’llnotbebelievingshesenttheoldladythesameroadtillit’sprovedthere’smorphineinher.”
Poirotsaid:
“YouhavenodoubtatallthatElinorCarlislekilledMaryGerrard?”
“There’snoquestionofitatall,inmyopinion!Whoelsehadthereasonorthewishtodoit?”
“Thatisthequestion,”saidPoirot.
NurseO’Brienwentondramatically:
“Wasn’tItherethatnightwhentheoldladywastryingtospeak,andMissElinorpromisingherthateverythingshouldbedonedecentlyandaccordingtoherwishes?Anddidn’tIseeherfacelookingafterMaryasshewentdownthestairsoneday,andtheblackhatethatwasonit?’Twasmurdershehadinherheartthatminute.”
Poirotsaid:
“IfElinorCarlislekilledMrs.Welman,whydidshedoit?”
“Why?Forthemoney,ofcourse.Twohundredthousandpounds,noless.That’swhatshegotbyit,andthat’swhyshedidit—ifshedidit.She’sabold,cleveryounglady,withnofearinher,andplentyofbrains.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“IfMrs.Welmanhadlivedtomakeawill,howdoyouthinkshe’dhavelefthermoney?”
“Ah,it’snotformetobesayingthat,”saidNurseO’Brien,betraying,however,everysymptomofbeingabouttodoso.“Butit’smyopinionthateverypennytheoldladyhadwouldhavegonetoMaryGerrard.”
“Why?”saidHerculePoirot.
ThesimplemonosyllableseemedtoupsetNurseO’Brien.
“Why?Isitwhyyou’reasking?Well—I’dsaythatthatwouldbethewayofit.”
Poirotmurmured:
“SomepeoplemightsaythatMaryGerrardhadplayedhercardsverycleverly,thatshehadmanagedsotoingratiateherselfwiththeoldwoman,astomakeherforgetthetiesofbloodandaffection.”
“Theymightthat,”saidNurseO’Brienslowly.
Poirotasked:
“WasMaryGerrardaclever,scheminggirl?”
NurseO’Briensaid,stillratherslowly:
“I’llnotthinkthatofher…Allshedidwasnaturalenough,withnothoughtofscheming.Shewasn’tthatkind.Andthere’sreasonsoftenforthesethingsthatnevergetmadepublic….”
HerculePoirotsaidsoftly:
“Youare,Ithink,averydiscreetwoman,NurseO’Brien.”
“I’mnotonetobetalkingofwhatdoesn’tconcernme.”
Watchingherveryclosely,Poirotwenton:
“YouandNurseHopkins,youhaveagreedtogether,haveyounot,thattherearesomethingswhicharebestnotbroughtoutintothelightofday.”
NurseO’Briensaid:
“Whatwouldyoubemeaningbythat?”
Poirotsaidquickly:
“Nothingtodowiththecrime—orcrimes.Imean—theothermatter.”
NurseO’Briensaid,noddingherhead:
“Whatwouldbetheuseofrakingupmudandanoldstory,andsheadecentelderlywomanwithneverabreathofscandalabouther,anddyingrespectedandlookeduptobyeverybody.”
HerculePoirotnoddedinassent.Hesaidcautiously:
“Asyousay,Mrs.WelmanwasmuchrespectedinMaidensford.”
Theconversationhadtakenanunexpectedturn,buthisfaceexpressednosurpriseorpuzzlement.
NurseO’Brienwenton:
“It’ssolongago,too.Alldeadandforgotten.I’veasoftheartforaromancemyself,andIdosayandIalwayshavesaidthatit’shardforamanwho’sgotawifeinanasylumtobetiedallhislifewithnothingbutdeaththatcanfreehim.”
Poirotmurmured,stillinbewilderment:
“Yes,itishard….”
NurseO’Briensaid:
“DidNurseHopkinstellyouhowherlettercrossedmine?”
Poirotsaidtruthfully:
“Shedidnottellmethat.”
“’Twasanoddcoincidence.Butthere,that’salwaysthewayofit!Onceyouhearaname,maybe,andadayortwolateryou’llcomeacrossitagain,andsoonandsoon.ThatIshouldbeseeingtheselfsamephotographonthepianoandatthesameminuteNurseHopkinswashearingallaboutitfromthedoctor’shousekeeper.”
“That,”saidPoirot,“isveryinteresting.”
Hemurmuredtentatively:
“DidMaryGerrardknow—aboutthis?”
“Who’dbetellingher?”saidNurseO’Brien.“NotI—andnotHopkins.Afterall,whatgoodwoulditbetoher?”
Sheflungupherredheadandgazedathimsteadily.
Poirotsaidwithasigh:
“What,indeed?”
Eleven
ElinorCarlisle….
AcrossthewidthofthetablethatseparatedthemPoirotlookedathersearchingly.
Theywerealonetogether.Throughaglasswallawarderwatchedthem.
Poirotnotedthesensitiveintelligentfacewiththesquare,whiteforehead,andthedelicatemodellingoftheearsandnose.Finelines;aproud,sensitivecreature,showingbreeding,self-restraintand—somethingelse—acapacityforpassion.
Hesaid:
“IamHerculePoirot.IhavebeensenttoyoubyDr.PeterLord.HethinksthatIcanhelpyou.”
ElinorCarlislesaid:
“PeterLord…”Hertonewasreminiscent.Foramomentshesmiledalittlewistfully.Shewentonformally:“Itwaskindofhim,butIdonotthinkthereisanythingyoucando.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Willyouanswermyquestions?”
Shesighed.Shesaid:
“Believeme—really—itwouldbebetternottoaskthem.Iamingoodhands.Mr.Seddonhasbeenmostkind.Iamtohaveaveryfamouscounsel.”
Poirotsaid:
“HeisnotsofamousasIam!”
ElinorCarlislesaidwithatouchofweariness:
“Hehasagreatreputation.”
“Yes,fordefendingcriminals.Ihaveagreatreputation—fordemonstratinginnocence.”
Sheliftedhereyesatlast—eyesofavivid,beautifulblue.TheylookedstraightintoPoirot’s.Shesaid:
“DoyoubelieveIaminnocent?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Areyou?”
Elinorsmiled,anironiclittlesmile.Shesaid:
“Isthatasampleofyourquestions?Itisveryeasy,isn’tit,toanswerYes?”
Hesaidunexpectedly:
“Youareverytired,areyounot?”
Hereyeswidenedalittle.Sheanswered:
“Why,yes—thatmorethananything.Howdidyouknow?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Iknew….”
Elinorsaid:
“Ishallbegladwhenitis—over.”
Poirotlookedatherforaminuteinsilence.Thenhesaid:
“Ihaveseenyour—cousin,shallIcallhimforconvenience?—Mr.RoderickWelman.”
Intothewhiteproudfacethecolourcreptslowlyup.Heknewthenthatonequestionofhiswasansweredwithouthisaskingit.
Shesaid,andhervoiceshookveryslightly:
“You’veseenRoddy?”
Poirotsaid:
“Heisdoingallhecanforyou.”
“Iknow.”
Hervoicewasquickandsoft.
Poirotsaid:
“Ishepoororrich?”
“Roddy?Hehasnotverymuchmoneyofhisown.”
“Andheisextravagant?”
Shesaid,almostabsently:
“Neitherofuseverthoughtitmattered.Weknewthatsomeday….”
Shestopped.
Poirotsaidquickly:
“Youcountedonyourinheritance?Thatisunderstandable.”
Hewenton:
“Youhaveheard,perhaps,theresultoftheautopsyonyouraunt’sbody.Shediedofmorphinepoisoning.”
ElinorCarlislesaidcoldly:
“Ididnotkillher.”
“Didyouhelphertokillherself?”
“DidIhelp—?Oh,Isee.No,Ididnot.”
“Didyouknowthatyouraunthadnotmadeawill?”
“No,Ihadnoideaofthat.”
Hervoicewasflatnow—dull.Theanswerwasmechanical,uninterested.
Poirotsaid:
“Andyouyourself,haveyoumadeawill?”
“Yes.”
“DidyoumakeitthedayDr.Lordspoketoyouaboutit?”
“Yes.”
Againthatswiftwaveofcolour.
Poirotsaid:
“Howhaveyouleftyourfortune,MissCarlisle?”
Elinorsaidquietly:
“IhavelefteverythingtoRoddy—toRoderickWelman.”
Poirotsaid:
“Doesheknowthat?”
Shesaidquickly:
“Certainlynot.”
“Youdidn’tdiscussitwithhim?”
“Ofcoursenot.HewouldhavebeenhorriblyembarrassedandwouldhavedislikedwhatIwasdoingverymuch.”
“Whoelseknowsthecontentsofyourwill?”
“OnlyMr.Seddon—andhisclerks,Isuppose.”
“DidMr.Seddondrawupthewillforyou?”
“Yes.Iwrotetohimthatsameevening—ImeantheeveningofthedayDr.Lordspoketomeaboutit.”
“Didyoupostyourletteryourself?”
“No.Itwentintheboxfromthehousewiththeotherletters.”
“Youwroteit,putitinanenvelope,sealedit,stampeditandputitinthebox—comme?a?Youdidnotpausetoreflect?Toreaditover?”
Elinorsaid,staringathim:
“Ireaditover—yes.Ihadgonetolookforsomestamps.WhenIcamebackwiththem,IjustrereadthelettertobesureIhadputitclearly.”
“Wasanyoneintheroomwithyou?”
“OnlyRoddy.”
“Didheknowwhatyouweredoing?”
“Itoldyou—no.”
“Couldanyonehavereadthatletterwhenyouwereoutoftheroom?”
“Idon’tknow…Oneoftheservants,youmean?IsupposetheycouldhaveiftheyhadchancedtocomeinwhileIwasoutoftheroom.”
“AndbeforeMr.RoderickWelmanenteredit?”
“Yes.”
Poirotsaid:
“Andhecouldhavereadit,too?”
Elinor’svoicewasclearandscornful.Shesaid:
“Icanassureyou,M.Poirot,thatmy‘cousin,’asyoucallhim,doesnotreadotherpeople’sletters.”
Poirotsaid:
“Thatistheacceptedidea,Iknow.Youwouldbesurprisedhowmanypeopledothethingsthat‘arenotdone.’”
Elinorshruggedhershoulders.
Poirotsaidinacasualvoice:
“WasitonthatdaythattheideaofkillingMaryGerrardfirstcametoyou?”
ForthethirdtimecoloursweptoverElinorCarlisle’sface.Thistimeitwasaburningtide.Shesaid:
“DidPeterLordtellyouthat?”
Poirotsaidgently:
“Itwasthen,wasn’tit?Whenyoulookedthroughthewindowandsawhermakingherwill.Itwasthen,wasitnot,thatitstruckyouhowfunnyitwouldbe—andhowconvenient—ifMaryGerrardshouldhappentodie….”
Elinorsaidinalowsuffocatedvoice:
“Heknew—helookedatmeandheknew….”
Poirotsaid:
“Dr.Lordknowsagooddeal…Heisnofool,thatyoungmanwiththefreckledfaceandtheredhair….”
Elinorsaidinalowvoice:
“Isittruethathesentyouto—helpme?”
“Itistrue,Mademoiselle.”
Shesighedandsaid:
“Idon’tunderstand.No,Idon’tunderstand.”
Poirotsaid:
“Listen,MissCarlisle.ItisnecessarythatyoutellmejustwhathappenedthatdaywhenMaryGerrarddied:whereyouwent,whatyoudid;morethanthat,Iwanttoknowevenwhatyouthought.”
Shestaredathim.Thenslowlyaqueerlittlesmilecametoherlips.Shesaid:
“Youmustbeanincrediblysimpleman.Don’tyourealizehoweasyitisformetolietoyou?”
HerculePoirotsaidplacidly:
“Itdoesnotmatter.”
Shewaspuzzled.
“Notmatter?”
“No.Forlies,Mademoiselle,tellalistenerjustasmuchastruthcan.Sometimestheytellmore.Come,now,commence.Youmetyourhousekeeper,thegoodMrs.Bishop.Shewantedtocomeandhelpyou.Youwouldnotlether.Why?”
“Iwantedtobealone.”
“Why?”
“Why?Why?BecauseIwantedto—tothink.”
“Youwantedtoimagine—yes.Andthenwhatdidyoudonext?”
Elinor,herchinraiseddefiantly,said:
“Iboughtsomepasteforsandwiches.”
“Twopots?”
“Two.”
“AndyouwenttoHunterbury.Whatdidyoudothere?”
“Iwentuptomyaunt’sroomandbegantogothroughherthings.”
“Whatdidyoufind?”
“Find?”Shefrowned.“Clothes—oldletters—photographs—jewellery.”
Poirotsaid:
“Nosecrets?”
“Secrets?Idon’tunderstandyou.”
“Thenletusproceed.Whatnext?”
Elinorsaid:
“IcamedowntothepantryandIcutsandwiches….”
Poirotsaidsoftly:
“Andyouthought—what?”
Herblueeyesflushedsuddenly.Shesaid:
“Ithoughtofmynamesake,EleanorofAquitaine….”
Poirotsaid:
“Iunderstandperfectly.”
“Doyou?”
“Oh,yes.Iknowthestory.SheofferedFairRosamund,didshenot,thechoiceofadaggeroracupofpoison.Rosamundchosethepoison….”
Elinorsaidnothing.Shewaswhitenow.
Poirotsaid:
“Butperhaps,thistime,therewastobenochoice…Goon,Mademoiselle,whatnext?”
Elinorsaid:
“IputthesandwichesreadyonaplateandIwentdowntotheLodge.NurseHopkinswasthereaswellasMary.ItoldthemIhadsomesandwichesupatthehouse.”
Poirotwaswatchingher.Hesaidsoftly:
“Yes,andyouallcameuptothehousetogether,didyounot?”
“Yes.We—atethesandwichesinthemorningroom.”
Poirotsaidinthesamesofttone:
“Yes,yes—stillinthedream…Andthen…”
“Then?”Shestared.“Ilefther—standingbythewindow.Iwentoutintothepantry.Itwasstilllikeyousay—inadream…Nursewastherewashingup…Igaveherthepastepot.”
“Yes—yes.Andwhathappenedthen?Whatdidyouthinkofnext?”
Elinorsaiddreamily:
“TherewasamarkonNurse’swrist.ImentioneditandshesaiditwasathornfromtherosetrellisbytheLodge.TherosesbytheLodge…RoddyandIhadaquarrelonce—longago—abouttheWarsoftheRoses.IwasLancasterandhewasYork.Helikedwhiteroses.Isaidtheyweren’treal—theydidn’tevensmell!Ilikedredroses,biganddarkandvelvetyandsmellingofsummer…Wequarrelledinthemostidioticway.Yousee,itallcamebacktome—thereinthepantry—andsomething—somethingbroke—theblackhateI’dhadinmyheart—itwentaway—withrememberinghowweweretogetheraschildren.Ididn’thateMaryanymore.Ididn’twanthertodie….”
Shestopped.
“Butlater,whenwewentbackintothemorningroom,shewasdying….”
Shestopped.Poirotwasstaringatherveryintently.Sheflushedandsaid:
“Willyouaskme—again—didIkillMaryGerrard?”
Poirotrosetohisfeet.Hesaidquickly:
“Ishallaskyou—nothing.TherearethingsIdonotwanttoknow….”
Twelve
Dr.Lordmetthetrainatthestationasrequested.
HerculePoirotalightedfromit.HelookedveryLondonifiedandwaswearingpointedpatentleathershoes.
PeterLordscrutinizedhisfaceanxiously,butHerculePoirotwasgivingnothingaway.
PeterLordsaid:
“I’vedonemybesttogetanswerstoyourquestions.First,MaryGerrardlefthereforLondononJuly10th.Second,Ihaven’tgotahousekeeper—acoupleofgigglinggirlsrunmyhouse.IthinkyoumustmeanMrs.Slattery,whowasRansome’s(mypredecessor’s)housekeeper.Icantakeyoutoherthismorningifyoulike.I’vearrangedthatsheshallbein.”
Poirotsaid:
“Yes,IthinkitwouldbeaswellifIsawherfirst.”
“ThenyousaidyouwantedtogotoHunterbury,Icouldcomewithyouthere.Itbeatsmewhyyouhaven’tbeentherealready.Ican’tthinkwhyyouwouldn’tgowhenyouweredownherebefore.Ishouldhavethoughtthefirstthingtobedoneinacaselikethiswastovisittheplacewherethecrimetookplace.”
Holdinghisheadalittleononeside,HerculePoirotinquired:
“Why?”
“Why?”PeterLordwasratherdisconcertedbythequestion.“Isn’tittheusualthingtodo?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Onedoesnotpractisedetectionwithatextbook!Oneusesone’snaturalintelligence.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Youmightfindaclueofsomesortthere.”
Poirotsighed:
“Youreadtoomuchdetectivefiction.Yourpoliceforceinthiscountryisquiteadmirable.Ihavenodoubtthattheysearchedthehouseandgroundsmostcarefully.”
“ForevidenceagainstElinorCarlisle—notforevidenceinherfavour.”
Poirotsighed:
“Mydearfriend,itisnotamonster—thispoliceforce!ElinorCarlislewasarrestedbecausesufficientevidencewasfoundtomakeoutacaseagainsther—averystrongcase,Imaysay.Itwasuselessformetogoovergroundwhenthepolicehadgoneoveritalready.”
“Butyoudowanttogotherenow?”objectedPeter.
HerculePoirotnoddedhishead.Hesaid:
“Yes—nowitisnecessary.BecausenowIknowexactlywhatIamlookingfor.Onemustunderstandwiththecellsofone’sbrainbeforeoneusesone’seyes.”
“Thenyoudothinktheremightbe—something—therestill?”
Poirotsaidgently:
“Ihavealittleideaweshallfindsomething—yes.”
“SomethingtoproveElinor’sinnocence?”
“Ah,Ididnotsaythat.”
PeterLordstoppeddead.
“Youdon’tmeanyoustillthinkshe’sguilty?”
Poirotsaidgravely:
“Youmustwait,myfriend,beforeyougetananswertothatquestion.”
II
Poirotlunchedwiththedoctorinapleasantsquareroomwithawindowopenontothegarden.
Lordsaid:
“DidyougetwhatyouwantedoutofoldSlattery?”
Poirotnodded.
“Yes.”
“Whatdidyouwantwithher?”
“Gossip!Talkaboutolddays.Somecrimeshavetheirrootsinthepast.Ithinkthisonehad.”
PeterLordsaidirritably:
“Idon’tunderstandawordyouaretalkingabout.”
Poirotsmiled.Hesaid:
“Thisfishisdeliciouslyfresh.”
Lordsaidimpatiently:
“Idaresay.Icaughtitmyselfbeforebreakfastthismorning.Lookhere,Poirot,amItohaveanyideawhatyou’redrivingat?Whykeepmeinthedark?”
Theothershookhishead.
“Becauseasyetthereisnolight.IamalwaysbroughtupshortbythefactthattherewasnoonewhohadanyreasontokillMaryGerrard—exceptElinorCarlisle.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Youcan’tbesureofthat.She’dbeenabroadforsometime,remember.”
“Yes,yes,Ihavemadetheinquiries.”
“You’vebeentoGermanyyourself?”
“Myself,no.”Withaslightchuckleheadded:“Ihavemyspies!”
“Canyoudependonotherpeople?”
“Certainly.Itisnotformetorunhereandthere,doingamateurishlythethingsthatforasmallsumsomeoneelsecandowithprofessionalskill.Icanassureyou,moncher,Ihaveseveralironsonthefire.Ihavesomeusefulassistants—oneofthemaformerburglar.”
“Whatdoyouusehimfor?”
“ThelastthingIhaveusedhimforwasaverythoroughsearchofMr.Welman’sflat.”
“Whatwashelookingfor?”
Poirotsaid:
“Onealwayslikestoknowexactlywhatlieshavebeentoldone.”
“DidWelmantellyoualie?”
“Definitely.”
“Whoelsehasliedtoyou?”
“Everybody,Ithink:NurseO’Brienromantically;NurseHopkinsstubbornly;Mrs.Bishopvenomously.Youyourself—”
“GoodGod!”PeterLordinterruptedhimunceremoniously.“Youdon’tthinkI’veliedtoyou,doyou?”
“Notyet,”Poirotadmitted.
Dr.Lordsankbackinhischair.Hesaid:
“You’readisbelievingsortoffellow,Poirot.”
Thenhesaid:
“Ifyou’vefinished,shallwesetoffforHunterbury?I’vegotsomepatientstoseelater,andthenthere’sthesurgery.”
“Iamatyourdisposal,myfriend.”
Theysetoffonfoot,enteringthegroundsbythebackdrive.Halfwayupittheymetatall,good-lookingyoungfellowwheelingabarrow.HetouchedhiscaprespectfullytoDr.Lord.
“Goodmorning,Horlick.ThisisHorlick,thegardener,Poirot.Hewasworkingherethatmorning.”
Horlicksaid:
“Yes,sir,Iwas.IsawMissElinorthatmorningandtalkedtoher.”
Poirotasked:
“Whatdidshesaytoyou?”
“Shetoldmethehousewasasgoodassold,andthatrathertookmeaback,sir;butMissElinorsaidashowshe’dspeakformetoMajorSomervell,andthatmaybehe’dkeepmeon—ifhedidn’tthinkmetooyoung,perhaps,ashead—seeingashowI’dhadgoodtrainingunderMr.Stephens,here.”
Dr.Lordsaid:
“Didsheseemmuchthesameasusual,Horlick?”
“Why,yes,sir,exceptthatshelookedabitexcitedlike—andasthoughshehadsomethingonhermind.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“DidyouknowMaryGerrard?”
“Oh,yes,sir.Butnotverywell.”
Poirotsaid:
“Whatwasshelike?”
Horlicklookedpuzzled.
“Likesir?Doyoumeantolookat?”
“Notexactly.Imean,whatkindofagirlwasshe?”
“Oh,well,sir,shewasaverysuperiorsortofagirl.Nicespokenandallthat.Thoughtalotofherself,Ishouldsay.Yousee,oldMrs.Welmanhadmadealotoffussoverher.Madeherfatherwild,thatdid.Hewaslikeabearwithasoreheadaboutit.”
Poirotsaid:
“ByallthatI’veheard,hehadnotthebestoftempers,thatoldone?”
“No,indeed,hehadn’t.Alwaysgrumbling,andcrustyastheymakethem.Seldomhadacivilwordforyou.”
Poirotsaid:
“Youwerehereonthatmorning.Whereaboutswereyouworking?”
“Mostlyinthekitchengarden,sir.”
“Youcannotseethehousefromthere?”
“No,sir.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Ifanybodyhadcomeuptothehouse—uptothepantrywindow—youwouldn’thaveseenthem?”
“No,Iwouldn’t,sir.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Whendidyougotoyourdinner?”
“Oneo’clock,sir.”
“Andyoudidn’tseeanything—anymanhangingabout—oracaroutside—anythinglikethat?”
Theman’seyebrowsroseinslightsurprise.
“Outsidethebackgate,sir?Therewasyourcarthere—nobodyelse’s.”
PeterLordcried:
“Mycar:Itwasn’tmycar!IwasoverWithenburydirectionthatmorning.Didn’tgetbacktillaftertwo.”
Horlicklookedpuzzled.
“Imadesureitwasyourcar,sir,”hesaiddoubtfully.
PeterLordsaidquickly:
“Oh,well,itdoesn’tmatter.Goodmorning,Horlick.”
HeandPoirotmovedon.Horlickstaredafterthemforaminuteortwo,thenslowlyresumedhisprogresswiththewheelbarrow.
PeterLordsaidsoftly—butwithgreatexcitement:
“Something—atlast.Whosecarwasitstandinginthelanethatmorning?”
Poirotsaid:
“Whatmakeisyourcar,myfriend?”
“AFordten—sea-green.They’reprettycommon,ofcourse.”
“Andyouaresurethatitwasnotyours?Youhaven’tmistakentheday?”
“Absolutelycertain.IwasoveratWithenbury,camebacklate,snatchedabitoflunch,andthenthecallcamethroughaboutMaryGerrardandIrushedover.”
Poirotsaidsoftly:
“Thenitwouldseem,myfriend,thatwehavecomeuponsomethingtangibleatlast.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Someonewasherethatmorning…someonewhowasnotElinorCarlisle,norMaryGerrard,norNurseHopkins….”
Poirotsaid:
“Thisisveryinteresting.Come,letusmakeourinvestigations.Letussee,forinstance,supposingaman(orwoman)weretowishtoapproachthehouseunseen,howtheywouldsetaboutit.”
Halfwayalongthedriveapathbranchedoffthroughsomeshrubbery.TheytookthisandatacertainturninitPeterLordclutchedPoirot’sarm,pointingtoawindow.
Hesaid:
“That’sthewindowofthepantrywhereElinorCarlislewascuttingthesandwiches.”
Poirotmurmured:
“Andfromhere,anyonecouldseehercuttingthem.Thewindowwasopen,ifIrememberrightly?”
PeterLordsaid:
“Itwaswideopen.Itwasahotday,remember.”
HerculePoirotsaidmusingly:
“Thenifanyonewishedtowatchunseenwhatwasgoingon,somewhereaboutherewouldbeagoodspot.”
Thetwomencastabout.PeterLordsaid:
“There’saplacehere—behindthesebushes.Somestuff’sbeentrampleddownhere.It’sgrownupagainnow,butyoucanseeplainlyenough.”
Poirotjoinedhim.Hesaidthoughtfully:
“Yes,thisisagoodplace.Itisconcealedfromthepath,andthatopeningintheshrubsgivesoneagoodviewofthewindow.Now,whatdidhedo,ourfriendwhostoodhere?Didheperhapssmoke?”
Theybentdown,examiningthegroundandpushingasidetheleavesandbranches
SuddenlyHerculePoirotutteredagrunt
PeterLordstraightenedupfromhisownsearch.
“Whatisit?”
“Amatchbox,myfriend.Anemptymatchbox,troddenheavilyintotheground,soddenanddecayed.”
Withcareanddelicacyhesalvedtheobject.Hedisplayeditatlastonasheetofnotepapertakenfromhispocket.
PeterLordsaid:
“It’sforeign.Mygod!Germanmatches!”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“AndMaryGerrardhadrecentlycomefromGermany!”
PeterLordsaidexultantly:
“We’vegotsomethingnow!Youcan’tdenyit.”
HerculePoirotsaidslowly:
“Perhaps….”
“But,damnitall,man.Whoonearthroundherewouldhavehadforeignmatches?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Iknow—Iknow.”
Hiseyes,perplexedeyes,wenttothegapinthebushesandtheviewofthewindow.
Hesaid:
“Itisnotquitesosimpleasyouthink.Thereisonegreatdifficulty.Doyounotseeityourself?”
“What?Tellme.”
Poirotsighed.
“Ifyoudonotseeforyourself…Butcome,letusgoon.”
Theywentontothehouse.PeterLordunlockedthebackdoorwithakey.
Heledthewaythroughthescullerytothekitchen,throughthat,alongapassagewheretherewasacloakroomononesideandthebutler’spantryontheother.Thetwomenlookedroundthepantry.
Ithadtheusualcupboardswithslidingglassdoorsforglassandchina.TherewasagasringandtwokettlesandcanistersmarkedTeaandCoffeeonashelfabove.Therewasasinkanddrainingboardandapapier-machéwashing-upbowl.Infrontofthewindowwasatable.
PeterLordsaid:
“ItwasonthistablethatElinorCarlislecutthesandwiches.Thefragmentofthemorphinelabelwasfoundinthiscrackinthefloorunderthesink.”
Poirotsaidthoughtfully:
“Thepolicearecarefulsearchers.Theydonotmissmuch.”
PeterLordsaidviolently:
“There’snoevidencethatElinoreverhandledthattube!Itellyou,someonewaswatchingherfromtheshrubberyoutside.ShewentdowntotheLodgeandhesawhischanceandslippedin,uncorkedthetube,crushedsometabletsofmorphinetopowderandputthemintothetopsandwich.
Henevernoticedthathe’dtornabitoffthelabelofthetube,andthatithadfluttereddownthecrack.Hehurriedaway,starteduphiscarandwentoffagain.”
Poirotsighed.
“Andstillyoudonotsee!Itisextraordinaryhowdenseanintelligentmancanbe.”
PeterLorddemandedangrily:
“Doyoumeantosaythatyoudon’tbelievesomeonestoodinthosebusheswatchingthewindow?”
Poirotsaid:
“Yes,Ibelievethat….”
“Thenwe’vegottofindwhoeveritwas!”
Poirotmurmured:
“Weshallnothavetolookfar,Ifancy.”
“Doyoumeanyouknow?”
“Ihaveaveryshrewdidea.”
PeterLordsaidslowly:
“ThenyourminionswhomadeinquiriesinGermanydidbringyousomething….”
HerculePoirotsaid,tappinghisforehead:
“Myfriend,itisallhere,inmyhead…Come,letuslookoverthehouse.”
III
TheystoodatlastintheroomwhereMaryGerrardhaddied.
Thehousehadastrangeatmosphereinit:itseemedalivewithmemoriesandforebodings.
PeterLordflunguponeofthewindows.
Hesaidwithaslightshiver:
“Thisplacefeelslikeatomb….”
Poirotsaid:
“Ifwallscouldspeak…Itisallhere,isitnot,hereinthehouse—thebeginningofthewholestory.”
Hepausedandthensaidsoftly:
“ItwashereinthisroomthatMaryGerrarddied.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Theyfoundhersittinginthatchairbythewindow….”
HerculePoirotsaidthoughtfully:
“Ayounggirl—beautiful—romantic?Didsheschemeandintrigue?Wassheasuperiorpersonwhogaveherselfairs?Wasshegentleandsweet,withnothoughtofintrigue…justayoungthingbeginninglife…agirllikeaflower?…”
“Whatevershewas,”saidPeterLord,“someonewishedherdead.”
HerculePoirotmurmured:
“Iwonder….”
Lordstaredathim.
“Whatdoyoumean?”
Poirotshookhishead.
“Notyet.”
Heturnedabout.
“Wehavebeenallthroughthehouse.Wehaveseenallthatthereistobeseenhere.LetusgodowntotheLodge.”
Hereagainallwasinorder:theroomsdusty,butneatandemptiedofpersonalpossessions.Thetwomenstayedonlyafewminutes.Astheycameoutintothesun,Poirottouchedtheleavesofapillarrosegrowingupatrellis.Itwaspinkandsweet-scented.
Hemurmured:
“Doyouknowthenameofthisrose?ItisZephyrineDrouhin,myfriend.”
PeterLordsaidirritably:
“Whatofit?”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“WhenIsawElinorCarlisle,shespoketomeofroses.ItwasthenthatIbegantosee—notdaylight,butthelittleglimpseoflightthatonegetsinatrainwhenoneisabouttocomeoutofatunnel.Itisnotsomuchdaylight,butthepromiseofdaylight.”
PeterLordsaidharshly:
“Whatdidshetellyou?”
“Shetoldmeofherchildhood,ofplayinghereinthisgarden,andofhowsheandRoderickWelmanwereondifferentsides.Theywereenemies,forhepreferredthewhiteroseofYork—coldandaustere—andshe,soshetoldme,lovedredroses,theredroseofLancaster.Redrosesthathavescentandcolourandpassionandwarmth.Andthat,myfriend,isthedifferencebetweenElinorCarlisleandRoderickWelman.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Doesthatexplain—anything?”
Poirotsaid:
“ItexplainsElinorCarlisle—whoispassionateandproudandwholoveddesperatelyamanwhowasincapableoflovingher….”
PeterLordsaid:
“Idon’tunderstandyou….”
Poirotsaid:
“ButIunderstandher…Iunderstandbothofthem.Nowmyfriend,wewillgobackoncemoretothatlittleclearingintheshrubbery.”
Theywentthereinsilence.PeterLord’sfreckledfacewastroubledandangry.
Whentheycametothespot,Poirotstoodmotionlessforsometime,andPeterLordwatchedhim.
Thensuddenlythelittledetectivegaveavexedsigh.
Hesaid:
“Itissosimple,really.Doyounotsee,myfriend,thefatalfallacyinyourreasoning?Accordingtoyourtheorysomeone,aman,presumably,whohadknownMaryGerrardinGermanycamehereintentonkillingher.Butlook,myfriend,look!Usethetwoeyesofyourbody,sincetheeyesoftheminddonotseemtoserveyou.Whatdoyouseefromhere:awindow,isitnot?Andatthatwindow—agirl.Agirlcuttingsandwiches.Thatistosay,ElinorCarlisle.Butthinkforaminuteofthis:WhatonearthwastotellthewatchingmanthatthosesandwichesweregoingtobeofferedtoMaryGerrard?NooneknewthatbutElinorCarlisle—herself—nobody!NotevenMaryGerrard,norNurseHopkins.
“Sowhatfollows—ifamanstoodherewatching,andifheafterwardswenttothatwindowandclimbedinandtamperedwiththesandwiches?Whatdidhethinkandbelieve?Hethought,hemusthavethought,thatthesandwichesweretobeeatenbyElinorCarlisleherself….”
Thirteen
PoirotknockedatthedoorofNurseHopkins’cottage.SheopenedittohimwithhermouthfullofBathbun.
Shesaidsharply:
“Well,Mr.Poirot,whatdoyouwantnow?”
“Imayenter?”
SomewhatgrudginglyNurseHopkinsdrewbackandPoirotwaspermittedtocrossthethreshold.NurseHopkinswashospitablewiththeteapot,andaminutelaterPoirotwasregardingwithsomedismayacupofinkybeverage.
“Justmade—niceandstrong!”saidNurseHopkins.
Poirotstirredhisteacautiouslyandtookoneheroicsip.
Hesaid:
“HaveyouanyideawhyIhavecomehere?”
“Icouldn’tsay,I’msure,untilyoutellme.Idon’tprofesstobeamindreader.”
“Ihavecometoaskyouforthetruth.”
NurseHopkinsuproseinwrath.
“Andwhat’sthemeaningofthat,Ishouldliketoknow?AtruthfulwomanI’vealwaysbeen.Notonetoshieldmyselfinanyway.Ispokeupaboutthatmissingtubeofmorphineattheinquestwhenmanyaoneinmyplacewouldhavesattightandsaidnothing.ForwellenoughdidIknowthatIshouldgetcensuredforcarelessnessinleavingmycaseabout;and,afterall,it’sathingmighthappentoanybody!Iwasblamedforthat—anditwon’tdomeanygoodinmyprofession,Icantellyou.Butthatdidn’tmakeanydifferencetome!Iknewsomethingthathadabearingonthecase,andsoIspokeout.AndI’llthankyou,Mr.Poirot,tokeepanynastyinsinuationstoyourself!There’snotathingaboutMaryGerrard’sdeaththatIhaven’tbeenopenandaboveboardasdaylightabout,andifyouthinkdifferently,I’dbeobligedifyou’dgivechapterandverseforit!I’veconcealednothing—nothingatall!AndI’mpreparedtotaketheoathandstandupincourtandsayso.”
Poirotdidnotattempttointerrupt.Heknewonlytoowellthetechniqueofdealingwithanangrywoman.HeallowedNurseHopkinstoflareupandsimmerdown.Thenhespoke—quietlyandmildly.
Hesaid:
“Ididnotsuggestthatthereisanythingaboutthecrimewhichyouhavenottold.”
“Thenwhatdidyousuggest,I’dliketoknow?”
“Iaskedyoutotellthetruth—notaboutthedeath,butaboutthelifeofMaryGerrard.”
“Oh!”NurseHopkinsseemedmomentarilytakenaback.Shesaid,“Sothat’swhatyou’regettingat?Butit’sgotnothingtodowiththemurder.”
“Ididnotsaythatithad,Isaidthatyouwerewithholdingknowledgeconcerningher.”
“Whyshouldn’tI—ifit’snothingtodowiththecrime?”
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
“Whyshouldyou?”
NurseHopkins,veryredintheface,said:
“Becauseit’scommondecency!They’realldeadnow—everyoneconcerned.Andit’snobusinessofanyoneelse’s!”
“Ifitisonlysurmise—perhapsnot.Butifyouhaveactualknowledge,thatisdifferent.”
NurseHopkinssaidslowly:
“Idon’tknowexactlywhatyoumean….”
Poirotsaid:
“Iwillhelpyou.IhavehadhintsfromNurseO’BrienandIhavehadalongconversationwithMrs.Slattery,whohasaverygoodmemoryforeventsthathappenedovertwentyyearsago.IwilltellyouexactlywhatIhavelearned.Well,overtwentyyearsagotherewasaloveaffairbetweentwopeople.OneofthemwasMrs.Welman,whohadbeenawidowforsomeyearsandwhowasawomancapableofadeepandpassionatelove.TheotherpartywasSirLewisRycroft,whohadthegreatmisfortunetohaveawifewhowashopelesslyinsane.Thelawinthosedaysgavenopromiseofreliefbydivorce,andLadyRycroft,whosephysicalhealthwasexcellent,mightlivetobeninety.Theliaisonbetweenthosetwopeoplewas,Ithink,guessedat,buttheywerebothdiscreetandcarefultokeepupappearances.ThenSirLewisRycroftwaskilledinaction.”
“Well?”saidNurseHopkins.
“Isuggest,”saidPoirot,“thattherewasachildbornafterhisdeath,andthatthatchildwasMaryGerrard.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Youseemtoknowallaboutit!”
Poirotsaid:
“ThatiswhatIthink.Butitispossiblethatyouhavegotdefiniteproofthatthatisso.”
NurseHopkinssatsilentaminuteortwo,frowning,thenabruptlysherose,wentacrosstheroom,openedadrawerandtookoutanenvelope.ShebroughtitacrosstoPoirot.
Shesaid:
“I’lltellyouhowthiscameintomyhands.Mind,I’dhadmysuspicions.ThewayMrs.Welmanlookedatthegirl,foronething,andthenhearingthegossipontopofit.AndoldGerrardtoldmewhenhewasillthatMarywasn’thisdaughter.
“Well,afterMarydiedIfinishedclearinguptheLodge,andinadraweramongstsomeoftheoldman’sthingsIcameacrossthisletter.Youseewhat’swrittenonit.”
Poirotreadthesuperscriptionwritteninfadedink:
“ForMary—tobesenttoheraftermydeath.”
Poirotsaid:
“Thiswritingisnotrecent?”
“Itwasn’tGerrardwhowrotethat,”explainedNurseHopkins.“ItwasMary’smother,whodiedfourteenyearsago.Shemeantthisforthegirl,buttheoldmankeptitamonghisthingsandsosheneversawit—andI’mthankfulshedidn’t!Shewasabletoholdupherheadtotheend,andshe’dnocausetofeelashamed.”
Shepausedandthensaid:
“Well,itwassealedup,butwhenIfounditI’lladmittoyouthatIopeneditandreaditthenandthere,whichIdaresayIshouldnothavedone.ButMarywasdead,andIguessedmoreorlessatwhatwasinsideitandIdidn’tseethatitwasanyconcernofanyoneelse’s.Allthesame,Ihaven’tlikedtodestroyit,becauseIdidn’tfeelsomehowitwouldberighttodothat.But,there,you’dbetterreadityourself.”
Poirotdrewoutthesheetofpapercoveredinsmallangularwriting:
ThisisthetruthI’vewrittendownhereincaseitshouldeverbeneeded.Iwaslady’smaidtoMrs.WelmanatHunterbury,andverykindtomeshewas.Igotintotrouble,andshestoodbymeandtookmebackintoherservicewhenitwasallover;butthebabydied.MymistressandSirLewisRycroftwerefondofeachother,buttheycouldn’tmarry,becausehehadawifealreadyandshewasinamadhouse,poorlady.HewasafinegentlemananddevotedtoMrs.Welman.Hewaskilled,andshetoldmesoonafterthatshewasgoingtohaveachild.AfterthatshewentuptoScotlandandtookmewithher.Thechildwasbornthere—atArdlochrie.BobGerrard,whohadwashedhishandsofmeandflungElizaGerrard(bornElizaRiley)
HerculePoirotdrewadeepbreathandfoldeduptheletteragain.
NurseHopkinssaidanxiously:
“Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?They’realldeadnow!It’snogoodrakingupthesethings.EveryonelookeduptoMrs.Welmanintheseparts;there’sneverbeenanythingsaidagainsther.Allthisoldscandal—itwouldbecruel.ThesamewithMary.Shewasasweetgirl.Whyshouldanyonehavetoknowshewasabastard?Letthedeadrestinpeaceintheirgraves,that’swhatIsay.”
Poirotsaid:
“Onehastoconsidertheliving.”
NurseHopkinssaid:
“Butthishasgotnothingtodowiththemurder.”
HerculePoirotsaidgravely:
“Itmayhaveagreatdealtodowithit.”
Hewentoutofthecottage,leavingNurseHopkinswithhermouthopen,staringafterhim.
Hehadwalkedsomewaywhenhebecameawareofhesitatingfootstepsjustbehindhim.Hestoppedandturnedround.
ItwasHorlick,theyounggardenerfromHunterbury.Hewaslookingthepictureofembarrassmentandtwistinghiscaproundandroundinhishands.
“Excuseme,sir.CouldIhaveawordwithyou?”
Horlickspokewithakindofgulp.
“Certainly.Whatisit?”
Horlicktwistedthecapevenmorefiercely.Hesaid,avertinghiseyesandlookingthepictureofmiseryandembarrassment:
“It’saboutthatcar.”
“Thecarthatwasoutsidethebackgatethatmorning?”
“Yes,sir.Dr.Lordsaidthismorningthatitwasn’thiscar—butitwas,sir.”
“Youknowthatforafact?”
“Yes,sir.Becauseofthenumber,sir.ItwasMSS2022.Inoticeditparticular—MSS2022.Yousee,weknowitinthevillage,andalwayscallitMissTou-Tou!I’mquitesureofit,sir.”
Poirotsaidwithafaintsmile:
“ButDr.LordsayshewasoveratWithenburythatmorning.”
Horlicksaidmiserably:
“Yes,sir.Iheardhim.Butitwashiscar,sir…I’lltakemyoathonthat.”
Poirotsaidgently:
“Thankyou,Horlick,that’sjustexactlywhatyoumayhavetodo….”
PARTIII
One
Wasitveryhotinthecourt?Orverycold?ElinorCarlislecouldnotbequitesure.Sometimesshefeltburning,asthoughwithfever,andimmediatelyaftersheshivered.
ShehadnotheardtheendoftheProsecutingCounsel’sspeech.Shehadgonebacktothepast—goneslowlythroughthewholebusinessagain,fromthedaywhenthatmiserablelettercametothemomentwhenthatsmooth-facedpoliceofficerhadsaidwithhorriblefluency:
“YouareElinorKatharineCarlisle.IhavehereawarrantforyourarrestuponthechargeofmurderingMaryGerrardbyadministeringpoisontoheronthe27thofJulylast,andImustwarnyouthatanythingyousaywillbetakendowninwritingandmaybeusedasevidenceatyourtrial.”
Horrible,frighteningfluency…Shefeltcaughtupinasmooth-running,well-oiledmachine—inhuman,passionless.
Andnowhereshewas,standinginthedockintheopenglareofpublicity,withhundredsofeyesthatwereneitherimpersonalnorinhuman,feastinguponherandgloating….
Onlythejurydidnotlookather.Embarrassed,theykepttheireyesstudiouslyturnedaway…Shethought:“It’sbecause—soon—theyknowwhatthey’regoingtosay….”
II
Dr.Lordwasgivingevidence.WasthisPeterLord—thatfreckled,cheeryyoungdoctorwhohadbeensokindandsofriendlyatHunterbury?Hewasverystiffnow.Sternlyprofessional.Hisanswerscamemonotonously:HehadbeensummonedbytelephonetoHunterburyHall;toolateforanythingtobedone;MaryGerrardhaddiedafewminutesafterhisarrival;deathconsistent,inhisopinion,withmorphiapoisoninginoneofitslesscommonforms—the“foudroyante”variety.
SirEdwinBulmerrosetocross-examine.
“YouwerethelateMrs.Welman’sregularmedicalattendant?”
“Iwas.”
“DuringyourvisitstoHunterburyinJunelast,youhadoccasiontoseetheaccusedandMaryGerrardtogether?”
“Severaltimes.”
“WhatwouldyousaywasthemanneroftheaccusedtoMaryGerrard?”
“Perfectlypleasantandnatural.”
SirEdwinBulmersaidwithaslightdisdainfulsmile:
“Youneversawanysignsofthis‘jealoushatred’wehaveheardsomuchabout?”
PeterLord,hisjawset,saidfirmly:
“No.”
Elinorthought:
“Buthedid—hedid…Hetoldalieformethere…Heknew…”
PeterLordwassucceededbythepolicesurgeon.Hisevidencewaslonger,moredetailed.Deathwasduetomorphiapoisoningofthe“foudroyante”variety.Wouldhekindlyexplainthatterm?Withsomeenjoymenthedidso.Deathfrommorphinepoisoningmightoccurinseveraldifferentways.Themostcommonwasaperiodofintenseexcitementfollowedbydrowsinessandnarcosis,pupilsofeyescontracted.AnothernotsocommonformhadbeennamedbytheFrench,“foudroyante.”Inthesecasesdeepsleepsupervenedinaveryshorttime—abouttenminutes;thepupilsoftheeyeswereusuallydilated….
III
Thecourthadadjournedandsatagain.Therehadbeensomehoursofexpertmedicaltestimony.
Dr.AlanGarcia,thedistinguishedanalyst,fulloflearnedterms,spokewithgustoofthestomachcontents:Bread,fishpaste,tea,presenceofmorphia…morelearnedtermsandvariousdecimalpoints.Amounttakenbythedeceasedestimatedtobeaboutfourgrains.Fataldosecouldbeaslowasonegrain.
SirEdwinrose,stillbland.
“Ishouldliketogetitquiteclear.Youfoundinthestomachnothingbutbread,butter,fishpaste,teaandmorphia.Therewerenootherfoodstuffs?”
“None.”
“Thatistosay,thedeceasedhadeatennothingbutsandwichesandteaforsomeconsiderabletime?”
“Thatisso.”
“Wasthereanythingtoshowinwhatparticularvehiclethemorphiahadbeenadministered?”
“Idon’tquiteunderstand.”
“Iwillsimplifythatquestion.Themorphiacouldhavebeentakeninthefishpaste,orinthebread,orinthebutteronthebread,orinthetea,orinthemilkthathadbeenaddedtothetea?”
“Certainly.”
“Therewasnospecialevidencethatthemorphiawasinthefishpasteratherthaninanyoftheothermediums?”
“No.”
“And,infact,themorphiamighthavebeentakenseparately—thatistosay,notinanyvehicleatall?Itcouldhavebeensimplyswallowedinitstabletform?”
“Thatisso,ofcourse.”
“SirEdwinsatdown.
SirSamuelre-examined.
“Nevertheless,youareoftheopinionthat,howeverthemorphiawastaken,itwastakenatthesametimeastheotherfoodanddrink?”
“Yes.”
“Thankyou.”
IV
InspectorBrillhadtakentheoathwithmechanicalfluency.Hestoodthere,soldierlyandstolid,reelingoffhisevidencewithpractisedease.
“Summonedtothehouse…Theaccusedsaid,‘Itmusthavebeenbadfishpaste.’…searchofthepremises…onejaroffishpastewashedoutwasstandingonthedrainingboardinthepantry,anotherhalffull…furthersearchofpantrykitchen….”
“Whatdidyoufind?”
“Inacrackbehindthetable,betweenthefloorboards,Ifoundatinyscrapofpaper.”
Theexhibitwenttothejury.
“Whatdidyoutakeittobe?”
“Afragmenttornoffaprintedlabel—suchasareusedonglasstubesofmorphia.”
CounselfortheDefencearosewithleisurelyease.
Hesaid:
“Youfoundthisscrapinacrackintheflooring?”
“Yes.”
“Partofalabel?”
“Yes.”
“Didyoufindtherestofthatlabel?”
“No.”
“Youdidnotfindanyglasstubeoranybottletowhichthatlabelmighthavebeenaffixed?”
“No.”
“Whatwasthestateofthatscrapofpaperwhenyoufoundit?Wasitcleanordirty?”
“Itwasquitefresh.”
“Whatdoyoumean,quitefresh?”
“Therewassurfacedustonitfromtheflooring,butitwasquitecleanotherwise.”
“Itcouldnothavebeenthereforanylengthoftime?”
“No,ithadfounditswaytherequiterecently.”
“Youwouldsay,then,thatithadcomethereontheactualdayyoufoundit—notearlier?”
“Yes.”
WithagruntSirEdwinsatdown.
V
NurseHopkinsinthebox,herfaceredandself-righteous.
Allthesame,Elinorthought,NurseHopkinswasnotsofrighteningasInspectorBrill.ItwastheinhumanityofInspectorBrillthatwassoparalysing.Hewassodefinitelypartofagreatmachine.NurseHopkinshadhumanpassions,prejudices.
“YournameisJessieHopkins?”
“Yes.”
“YouareacertificatedDistrictNurseandyouresideatRoseCottage,Hunterbury?”
“Yes.”
“Wherewereyouonthe28thofJunelast?”
“IwasatHunterburyHall.”
“Youhadbeensentfor?”
“Yes.Mrs.Welmanhadhadastroke—thesecond.IwenttoassistNurseO’Brienuntilasecondnursecouldbefound.”
“Didyoutakeasmallattachécasewithyou?”
“Yes.”
“Tellthejurywhatwasinit.”
“Bandages,dressings,ahypodermicsyringeandcertaindrugs,includingatubeofmorphinehydrochloride.”
“Forwhatpurposewasitthere?”
“Oneofthecasesinthevillagehadtohavehypodermicinjectionsofmorphiamorningandevening.”
“Whatwerethecontentsofthetube?”
“Thereweretwentytablets,eachcontaininghalfgrainmorphinehydrochloride.”
“Whatdidyoudowithyourattachécase?”
“Ilaiditdowninthehall.”
“Thatwasontheeveningofthe28th.Whendidyounexthaveoccasiontolookinthecase?”
“Thefollowingmorningaboutnineo’clock,justasIwaspreparingtoleavethehouse.”
“Wasanythingmissing?”
“Thetubeofmorphinewasmissing.”
“Didyoumentionthisloss?”
“IspokeofittoNurseO’Brien,thenurseinchargeofthepatient.”
“Thiscasewaslyinginthehall,wherepeoplewereinthehabitofpassingtoandfro?”
“Yes.”
SirSamuelpaused.Thenhesaid:
“YouknewthedeadgirlMaryGerrardintimately?”
“Yes.”
“Whatwasyouropinionofher?”
“Shewasaverysweetgirl—andagoodgirl.”
“Wassheofahappydisposition?”
“Veryhappy.”
“Shehadnotroublesthatyouknowof?”
“No.”
“Atthetimeofherdeathwasthereanythingwhatevertoworryherormakeherunhappyaboutthefuture?”
“Nothing.”
“Shewouldhavehadnoreasontohavetakenherownlife?”
“Noreasonatall.”
Itwentonandon—thedamningstory.HowNurseHopkinshadaccompaniedMarytotheLodge,theappearanceofElinor,herexcitablemanner,theinvitationtosandwiches,theplatebeinghandedfirsttoMary.Elinor’ssuggestionthateverythingbewashedup,andherfurthersuggestionthatNurseHopkinsshouldcomeupstairswithherandassistinsortingoutclothes.
TherewerefrequentinterruptionsandobjectionsfromSirEdwinBulmer.
Elinorthought:
“Yes,it’salltrue—andshebelievesit.She’scertainIdidit.Andeverywordshesaysisthetruth—that’swhat’ssohorrible.It’salltrue.”
Oncemore,asshelookedacrossthecourt,shesawthefaceofHerculePoirotregardingherthoughtfully—almostkindly.Seeingherwithtoomuchknowledge….
Thepieceofcardboardwiththescrapoflabelpastedontoitwashandedtothewitness.
“Doyouknowwhatthisis?”
“It’sabitofalabel.”
“Canyoutellthejurywhatlabel?”
“Yes—it’sapartofalabeloffatubeofhypodermictablets.Morphinetabletshalfgrain—liketheoneIlost.”
“Youaresureofthat?”
“OfcourseI’msure.It’soffmytube.”
Thejudgesaid:
“Isthereanyspecialmarkonitbywhichyoucanidentifyitasthelabelofthetubeyoulost?”
“No,mylord,butitmustbethesame.”
“Actually,allyoucansayisthatitisexactlysimilar?”
“Well,yes,that’swhatImean.”
Thecourtadjourned.
Two
Itwasanotherday.
SirEdwinBulmerwasonhisfeetcross-examining.Hewasnotatallblandnow.Hesaidsharply:
“Thisattachécasewe’veheardsomuchabout.OnJune28thitwasleftinthemainhallofHunterburyallnight?”
NurseHopkinsagreed:
“Yes.”
“Ratheracarelessthingtodo,wasn’tit?”
NurseHopkinsflushed.
“Yes,Isupposeitwas.”
“Areyouinthehabitofleavingdangerousdrugslyingaboutwhereanyonecouldgetat’em?”
“No,ofcoursenot.”
“Oh!you’renot?Butyoudiditonthisoccasion?”
“Yes.”
“Andit’safact,isn’tit,thatanybodyinthehousecouldhavegotatthatmorphiaifthey’dwantedto?”
“Isupposeso.”
“Nosupposeaboutit.Itisso,isn’tit?”
“Well—yes.”
“Itwasn’tonlyMissCarlislewhocouldhavegotatit?Anyoftheservantscould.OrDr.Lord.OrMr.RoderickWelman.OrNurseO’Brien.OrMaryGerrardherself.”
“Isupposeso—yes.”
“Itisso,isn’tit?”
“Yes.”
“Wasanyoneawareyou’dgotmorphiainthatcase?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Well,didyoutalkaboutittoanyone?”
“No.”
“So,asamatteroffact,MissCarlislecouldn’thaveknownthattherewasanymorphiathere?”
“Shemighthavelookedtosee.”
“That’sveryunlikely,isn’tit?”
“Idon’tknow,I’msure.”
“Therewerepeoplewho’dbemorelikelytoknowaboutthemorphiathanMissCarlisle.Dr.Lord,forinstance.He’dknow.Youwereadministeringthismorphiaunderhisorders,weren’tyou?”
“Ofcourse.”
“MaryGerrardknewyouhaditthere,too?”
“No,shedidn’t.”
“Shewasofteninyourcottage,wasn’tshe?”
“Notveryoften.”
“Isuggesttoyouthatshewasthereveryfrequently,andthatshe,ofallthepeopleinthehouse,wouldbethemostlikelytoguessthattherewasmorphiainyourcase.”
“Idon’tagree.”
SirEdwinpausedaminute.
“YoutoldNurseO’Brieninthemorningthatthemorphiawasmissing?”
“Yes.”
“Iputittoyouthatwhatyoureallysaidwas:‘Ihaveleftthemorphiaathome.Ishallhavetogobackforit.’”
“No,Ididn’t.”
“Youdidn’tsuggestthatthemorphiahadbeenleftonthemantelpieceinyourcottage?”
“Well,whenIcouldn’tfinditIthoughtthatmusthavebeenwhathadhappened.”
“Infact,youdidn’treallyknowwhatyou’ddonewithit!”
“Yes,Idid.Iputitinthecase.”
“ThenwhydidyousuggestonthemorningofJune29ththatyouhadleftitathome?”
“BecauseIthoughtImighthavedone.”
“Iputittoyouthatyou’reaverycarelesswoman.”
“That’snottrue.”
“Youmakeratherinaccuratestatementssometimes,don’tyou?”
“No,Idon’t.I’mverycarefulwhatIsay.”
“DidyoumakearemarkaboutaprickfromarosetreeonJuly27th—thedayofMaryGerrard’sdeath?”
“Idon’tseewhatthat’sgottodowithit!”
Thejudgesaid:
“Isthatrelevant,SirEdwin?”
“Yes,mylord,itisanessentialpartofthedefence,andIintendtocallwitnessestoprovethatthatstatementwasalie.”
Heresumed:
“DoyoustillsayyouprickedyourwristonarosetreeonJuly27th?”
“Yes,Idid.”
NurseHopkinslookeddefiant.
“Whendidyoudothat?”
“JustbeforeleavingtheLodgeandcominguptothehouseonthemorningofJuly27th.”
SirEdwinsaidsceptically:
“Andwhatrosetreewasthis?”
“AclimbingonejustoutsidetheLodge,withpinkflowers.”
“You’resureofthat?”
“I’mquitesure.”
SirEdwinpausedandthenasked:
“YoupersistinsayingthemorphiawasintheattachécasewhenyoucametoHunterburyonJune28th?”
“Ido.Ihaditwithme.”
“SupposingthatpresentlyNurseO’Briengoesintotheboxandswearsthatyousaidyouhadprobablyleftitathome?”
“Itwasinmycase.I’msureofit.”
SirEdwinsighed.
“Youdidn’tfeelatalluneasyaboutthedisappearanceofthemorphia?”
“Not—uneasy—no.”
“Oh,soyouwerequiteatease,notwithstandingthefactthatalargequantityofadangerousdrughaddisappeared?”
“Ididn’tthinkatthetimeanyonehadtakenit.”
“Isee.Youjustcouldn’trememberforthemomentwhatyouhaddonewithit?”
“Notatall.Itwasinthecase.”
“Twentyhalfgraintablets—thatis,tengrainsofmorphia.Enoughtokillseveralpeople,isn’tit?”
“Yes.”
“Butyouarenotuneasy—andyoudon’tevenreportthelossofficially?”
“Ithoughtitwasallright.”
“Iputittoyouthatifthemorphiahadreallydisappearedthewayitdidyouwouldhavebeenbound,asaconscientiousperson,toreportthelossofficially.”
NurseHopkins,veryredintheface,said:
“Well,Ididn’t.”
“Thatwassurelyapieceofcriminalcarelessnessonyourpart?Youdon’tseemtotakeyourresponsibilitiesveryseriously.Didyouoftenmislaythesedangerousdrugs?”
“Itneverhappenedbefore.”
Itwentonforsomeminutes.NurseHopkins,flustered,redintheface,contradictingherself…aneasypreytoSirEdwin’sskill.
“IsitafactthatonThursday,July6th,thedeadgirl,MaryGerrard,madeawill?”
“Shedid.”
“Whydidshedothat?”
“Becauseshethoughtitwastheproperthingtodo.Andsoitwas.”
“Areyousureitwasn’tbecauseshewasdepressedanduncertainaboutherfuture?”
“Nonsense.”
“Itshowed,though,thattheideaofdeathwaspresentinhermind—thatshewasbroodingonthesubject.”
“Notatall.Shejustthoughtitwastheproperthingtodo.”
“Isthisthewill?SignedbyMaryGerrard,witnessedbyEmilyBiggsandRogerWade,confectioners’assistants,andleavingeverythingofwhichshediedpossessedtoMaryRiley,sisterofElizaRiley?”
“That’sright.”
Itwashandedtothejury.
“Toyourknowledge,hadMaryGerrardanypropertytoleave?”
“Notthen,shehadn’t.”
“Butshewasshortlygoingtohave?”
“Yes.”
“Isitnotafactthataconsiderablesumofmoney—twothousandpounds—wasbeinggiventoMarybyMissCarlisle?”
“Yes.”
“TherewasnocompulsiononMissCarlisletodothis?Itwasentirelyagenerousimpulseonherpart?”
“Shediditofherownfreewill,yes.”
“Butsurely,ifshehadhatedMaryGerrard,asissuggested,shewouldnotofherownfreewillhavehandedovertoheralargesumofmoney.”
“That’sasmaybe.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbythatanswer?”
“Idon’tmeananything.”
“Exactly.Now,hadyouheardanylocalgossipaboutMaryGerrardandMr.RoderickWelman?”
“Hewassweetonher.”
“Haveyouanyevidenceofthat?”
“Ijustknewit,that’sall.”
“Oh—you‘justknewit.’That’snotveryconvincingtothejury,I’mafraid.DidyousayononeoccasionMarywouldhavenothingtodowithhimbecausehewasengagedtoMissElinorandshesaidthesametohiminLondon?”
“That’swhatshetoldme.”
SirSamuelAttenburyre-examined:
“WhenMaryGerrardwasdiscussingwithyouthewordingofthiswill,didtheaccusedlookinthroughthewindow?”
“Yes,shedid.”
“Whatdidshesay?”
“Shesaid,‘Soyou’remakingyourwill,Mary.That’sfunny.’Andshelaughed.Laughedandlaughed.Andit’smyopinion,”saidthewitnessviciously,“thatitwasatthatmomenttheideacameintoherhead.Theideaofmakingawaywiththegirl!She’dmurderinherheartthatveryminute.”
Thejudgespokesharply:
“Confineyourselftoansweringthequestionsthatareaskedyou.Thelastpartofthatansweristobestruckout….”
Elinorthought:
“Howqueer…Whenanyonesayswhat’strue,theystrikeitout….”
Shewantedtolaughhysterically.
II
NurseO’Brienwasinthebox.
“OnthemorningofJune29thdidNurseHopkinsmakeastatementtoyou?”
“Yes.Shesaidshehadatubeofmorphinehydrochloridemissingfromhercase.”
“Whatdidyoudo?”
“Ihelpedhertohuntforit.”
“Butyoucouldnotfindit?”
“No.”
“Toyourknowledge,wasthecaseleftovernightinthehall?”
“Itwas.”
“Mr.WelmanandtheaccusedwerebothstayinginthehouseatthetimeofMrs.Welman’sdeath—thatis,onJune28thto29th?”
“Yes.”
“WillyoutellusofanincidentthatoccurredonJune29th—thedayafterMrs.Welman’sdeath?”
“IsawMr.RoderickWelmanwithMaryGerrard.Hewastellingherhelovedher,andhetriedtokissher.”
“Hewasatthetimeengagedtotheaccused?”
“Yes.”
“Whathappenednext?”
“Marytoldhimtothinkshameofhimself,andhimengagedtoMissElinor!”
“Inyouropinion,whatwasthefeelingoftheaccusedtowardsMaryGerrard?”
“Shehatedher.Shewouldlookafterherasthoughshe’dliketodestroyher.”
SirEdwinjumpedup.
Elinorthought:“Whydotheywrangleaboutit?Whatdoesitmatter?”
SirEdwinBulmercross-examined.
“IsitnotafactthatNurseHopkinssaidshethoughtshehadleftthemorphiaathome?”
“Well,yousee,itwasthisway:After—”
“Kindlyanswermyquestion.Didshenotsaythatshehadprobablyleftthemorphiaathome?”
“Yes.”
“Shewasnotreallyworriedatthetimeaboutit?”
“No,notthen.”
“Becauseshethoughtshehadleftitathome.Sonaturallyshewasnotuneasy.”
“Shecouldn’timagineanyonetakingit.”
“Exactly.Itwasn’ttillafterMaryGerrard’sdeathfrommorphiathatherimaginationgottowork.”
Thejudgeinterrupted:
“Ithink,SirEdwin,thatyouhavealreadybeenoverthatpointwiththeformerwitness.”
“Asyourlordshippleases.”
“Now,regardingtheattitudeoftheaccusedtoMaryGerrard,therewasnoquarrelbetweenthematanytime?”
“Noquarrel,no.”
“MissCarlislewasalwaysquitepleasanttothegirl?”
“Yes.’Twasthewayshelookedather.”
“Yes—yes—yes.Butwecan’tgobythatsortofthing.You’reIrish,Ithink?”
“Iamthat.”
“AndtheIrishhaveratheravividimagination,haven’tthey?”
NurseO’Briencriedexcitedly:
“EverywordI’vetoldyouisthetruth.”
III
Mr.Abbott,thegrocer,inthebox.Flustered—unsureofhimself(slightlythrilled,though,athisimportance).Hisevidencewasshort.Thepurchaseoftwopotsoffishpaste.Theaccusedhadsaid,“There’salotoffoodpoisoningwithfishpaste.”Shehadseemedexcitedandqueer.
Nocross-examination.
Three
OpeningspeechfortheDefence:
“GentlemenoftheJury,Imight,ifIlike,submittoyouthatthereisnocaseagainsttheaccused.TheonusofproofisontheProsecution,andsofar,inmyopinion—and,Ihavenodoubt,yours—theyhaveprovedexactlynothingatall!TheProsecutionaversthatElinorCarlisle,havingobtainedpossessionofmorphine(whicheveryoneelseinthehousehadhadequalopportunityofpurloining,andastowhichthereexistsconsiderabledoubtwhetheritwaseverinthehouseatall),proceedstopoisonMaryGerrard.HeretheProsecutionhasreliedsolelyonopportunity.Ithassoughttoprovemotive,butIsubmitthatthatisjustwhatithasnotbeenabletodo.For,membersofthejury,theregagemententeredintomainlyforfamilyreasons.MissCarlisleandMr.Welmanhadgrownuptogether;theyhadalwaysbeenfondofeachother,andgraduallytheydriftedintoawarmerattachment;butIintendtoprovetoyouitwasatbestaverylukewarmaffair.”
(OhRoddy—Roddy.Alukewarmaffair?)
“Moreover,thisengagementwasbrokenoff,notbyMr.Welman—butbytheprisoner.IsubmittoyouthattheengagementbetweenElinorCarlisleandRoderickWelmanwasenteredintomainlytopleaseoldMrs.Welman.Whenshedied,bothpartiesrealizedthattheirfeelingswerenotstrongenoughtojustifytheminenteringuponmatrimony.Theyremained,however,goodfriends.Moreover,ElinorCarlisle,whohadinheritedheraunt’sfortune,inthekindlinessofhernature,wasplanningtosettleaconsiderablesumofmoneyonMaryGerrard.Andthisisthegirlsheisaccusedofpoisoning!Thethingisfarcical.
“TheonlythingthatthereisagainstElinorCarlisleisthecircumstancesunderwhichthepoisoningtookplace.
“TheProsecutionhassaidineffect:
“NoonebutElinorCarlislecouldhavekilledMaryGerrard.Thereforetheyhavehadtosearchaboutforapossiblemotive.But,asIhavesaidtoyou,theyhavebeenunabletofindanymotivebecausetherewasnone.
“Now,isittruethatnoonebutElinorCarlislecouldhavekilledMaryGerrard?No,itisnot.ThereisthepossibilitythatMaryGerrardcommittedsuicide.ThereisthepossibilitythatsomeonetamperedwiththesandwicheswhileElinorCarlislewasoutofthehouseattheLodge.Thereisathirdpossibility.Itisafundamentallawofevidencethatifitcanbeshownthatthereisanalternativetheorywhichispossibleandconsistentwiththeevidence,theaccusedmustbeacquitted.IproposetoshowyouthattherewasanotherpersonwhohadnotonlyanequalopportunitytopoisonMaryGerrard,butwhohadafarbettermotivefordoingso.Iproposetocallevidencetoshowyouthattherewasanotherpersonwhohadaccesstothemorphine,andwhohadaverygoodmotiveforkillingMaryGerrard,andIcanshowthatthatpersonhadanequallygoodopportunityofdoingso.Isubmittoyouthatnojuryintheworldwillconvictthiswomanofmurderwhenthereisnoevidenceagainstherexceptthatofopportunity,andwhenitcanbeshownthatthereisnotonlyevidenceofopportunityagainstanotherperson,butanoverwhelmingmotive.IshallalsocallwitnesstoprovethattherehasbeendeliberateperjuryonthepartofoneofthewitnessesfortheCrown.ButfirstIwillcalltheprisoner,thatshemaytellyouherownstory,andthatyoumayseeforyourselfhowentirelyunfoundedthechargesagainstherare.”
II
Shehadtakentheoath.ShewasansweringSirEdwin’squestionsinalowvoice.Thejudgeleanedforward.Hetoldhertospeaklouder….
SirEdwinwastalkinggentlyandencouragingly—allthequestionstowhichshehadrehearsedtheanswers.
“YouwerefondofRoderickWelman?”
“Veryfond.Hewaslikeabrothertome—oracousin.Ialwaysthoughtofhimasacousin.”
Theengagement…driftedintoit…verypleasanttomarrysomeoneyouhadknownallyourlife….
“Not,perhaps,whatmightbecalledapassionateaffair?”
(Passionate?Oh,Roddy…)
“Well,no…youseewekneweachothersowell….”
“AfterthedeathofMrs.Welmanwasthereaslightlystrainedfeelingbetweenyou?”
“Yes,therewas.”
“Howdidyouaccountforthis?”
“Ithinkitwaspartlythemoney.”
“Themoney?”
“Yes.Roderickfeltuncomfortable.Hethoughtpeoplemightthinkhewasmarryingmeforthat….”
“TheengagementwasnotbrokenoffonaccountofMaryGerrard?”
“IdidthinkRoderickwasrathertakenwithher,butIdidn’tbelieveitwasanythingserious.”
“Wouldyouhavebeenupsetifithadbeen?”
“Oh,no.Ishouldhavethoughtitratherunsuitable,thatisall.”
“Now,MissCarlisle.DidyouordidyounottakeatubeofmorphinefromNurseHopkins’attachécaseonJune28th?”
“Ididnot.”
“Haveyouatanytimehadmorphineinyourpossession?”
“Never.”
“Wereyouawarethatyouraunthadnotmadeawill?”
“No.Itcameasagreatsurprisetome.”
“DidyouthinkshewastryingtoconveytoyouamessageonthenightofJune28thwhenshedied?”
“IunderstoodthatshehadmadenoprovisionforMaryGerrard,andwasanxioustodoso.”
“Andinordertocarryoutherwishes,youyourselfwerepreparedtosettleasumofmoneyonthegirl?”
“Yes.IwantedtocarryoutAuntLaura’swishes.AndIwasgratefulforthekindnessMaryhadshowntomyaunt.”
“OnJuly26thdidyoucomedownfromLondontoMaidensfordandstayattheKing’sArms?”
“Yes.”
“Whatwasyourpurposeincomingdown?”
“Ihadanofferforthehouse,andthemanwhohadboughtitwantedpossessionasquicklyaspossible.Ihadtolookthroughmyaunt’spersonalthingsandsettlethingsupgenerally.”
“DidyoubuyvariousprovisionsonyourwaytotheHallonJuly27th?”
“Yes.Ithoughtitwouldbeeasiertohaveapicniclunchtherethantocomebacktothevillage.”
“Didyouthengoontothehouse,anddidyousortthroughyouraunt’spersonaleffects?”
“Idid.”
“Andafterthat?”
“Icamedowntothepantryandcutsomesandwiches.IthenwentdowntotheLodgeandinvitedtheDistrictNurseandMaryGerrardtocomeuptothehouse.”
“Whydidyoudothis?”
“IwishedtosavethemahotwalkbacktothevillageandbackagaintotheLodge.”
“Itwas,infact,anaturalandkindlyactiononyourpart.Didtheyaccepttheinvitation?”
“Yes.Theywalkeduptothehousewithme.”
“Wherewerethesandwichesyouhadcut?”
“Ilefttheminthepantryonaplate.”
“Wasthewindowopen?”
“Yes.”
“Anyonecouldhavegotintothepantrywhileyouwereabsent?”
“Certainly.”
“Ifanybodyhadobservedyoufromoutsidewhileyouwerecuttingthesandwiches,whatwouldtheyhavethought?”
“IsupposethatIwaspreparingtohaveapicniclunch.”
“Theycouldnotknow,couldthey,thatanyonewastosharethelunch?”
“No.TheideaofinvitingtheothertwoonlycametomewhenIsawwhataquantityoffoodIhad.”
“Sothatifanyonehadenteredthehouseduringyourabsenceandplacedmorphineinoneofthosesandwiches,itwouldbeyoutheywereattemptingtopoison?”
“Well,yes,itwould.”
“Whathappenedwhenyouhadallarrivedbackatthehouse?”
“Wewentintothemorningroom.Ifetchedthesandwichesandhandedthemtotheothertwo.”
“Didyoudrinkanythingwiththem?”
“Idrankwater.Therewasbeeronatable;butNurseHopkinsandMarypreferredtea.NurseHopkinswentintothepantryandmadeit.ShebroughtitinonatrayandMarypoureditout.”
“Didyouhaveany?”
“No.”
“ButMaryGerrardandNurseHopkinsbothdranktea?”
“Yes.”
“Whathappenednext?”
“NurseHopkinswentandturnedthegasringoff.”
“LeavingyoualonewithMaryGerrard?”
“Yes.”
“Whathappenednext?”
“AfterafewminutesIpickedupthetrayandthesandwichplateandcarriedthemintothepantry.NurseHopkinswasthere,andwewashedthemtogether.”
“DidNurseHopkinshavehercuffsoffatthetime?”
“Yes.Shewaswashingthethings,whileIdriedthem.”
“Didyoumakeacertainremarktoheraboutascratchonherwrist?”
“Iaskedherifshehadprickedherself.”
“Whatdidshereply?”
“Shesaid,‘ItwasathornfromtherosetreeoutsidetheLodge.I’llgetitoutpresently.’”
“Whatwashermanneratthetime?”
“Ithinkshewasfeelingtheheat.Shewasperspiringandherfacewasaqueercolour.”
“Whathappenedafterthat?”
“Wewentupstairs,andshehelpedmewithmyaunt’sthings.”
“Whattimewasitwhenyouwentdownstairsagain?”
“Itmusthavebeenanhourlater.”
“WherewasMaryGerrard?”
“Shewassittinginthemorningroom.Shewasbreathingveryqueerlyandwasinacoma.IrangupthedoctoronNurseHopkins’instructions.Hearrivedjustbeforeshedied.”
SirEdwinsquaredhisshouldersdramatically.
“MissCarlisle,didyoukillMaryGerrard?”
(That’syourcue!Headup,eyesstraight.)
“No!”
III
SirSamuelAttenbury.Asickbeatingatone’sheart.Now—nowshewasatthemercyofanenemy!Nomoregentleness,nomorequestionstowhichsheknewtheanswers!
Buthebeganquitemildly.
“Youwereengagedtobemarried,youhavetoldus,toMr.RoderickWelman?”
“Yes.”
“Youwerefondofhim?”
“Veryfond.”
“IputittoyouthatyouweredeeplyinlovewithRoderickWelmanandthatyouwerewildlyjealousofhisloveforMaryGerrard?”
“No.”(Diditsoundproperlyindignant,that“no?”)
SirSamuelsaidmenacingly:
“Iputittoyouthatyoudeliberatelyplannedtoputthisgirloutoftheway,inthehopethatRoderickWelmanwouldreturntoyou.”
“Certainlynot.”(Disdainful—alittleweary.Thatwasbetter.)
Thequestionswenton.Itwasjustlikeadream…abaddream…anightmare…
Questionafterquestion…horrible,hurtingquestions…Someofthemshewaspreparedfor,sometookherunawares….
Alwaystryingtorememberherpart.Neveroncetoletgo,tosay:
“Yes,Ididhateher…Yes,Ididwantherdead…Yes,allthetimeIwascuttingthesandwichesIwasthinkingofherdying….”
Toremaincalmandcoolandanswerasbrieflyandpassionlesslyaspossible….
Fighting….
Fightingeveryinchoftheway….
Overnow…ThehorriblemanwiththeJewishnosewassittingdown.Andthekindly,unctuousvoiceofSirEdwinBulmerwasaskingafewmorequestions.Easy,pleasantquestions,designedtoremoveanybadimpressionshemighthavemadeundercross-examination….
Shewasbackagaininthedock.Lookingatthejury,wondering….
IV
Roddy.Roddystandingthere,blinkingalittle,hatingitall.Roddy—lookingsomehow—notquitereal.
Butnothing’srealanymore.Everythingiswhirlingroundinadevilishway.Black’swhite,andtopisbottomandeastiswest…AndI’mnotElinorCarlisle;I’m“theaccused.”And,whethertheyhangmeorwhethertheyletmego,nothingwilleverbethesameagain.Iftherewerejustsomething—justonesanethingtoholdonto….
(PeterLord’sface,perhaps,withitsfrecklesanditsextraordinaryairofbeingjustthesameasusual…)
WherehadSirEdwingottonow?
“WillyoutelluswhatwerethestateofMissCarlisle’sfeelingstowardsyou?”
Roddyansweredinhisprecisevoice:
“Ishouldsayshewasdeeplyattachedtome,butcertainlynotpassionatelyinlovewithme.”
“Youconsideredyourengagementsatisfactory?”
“Oh,quite.Wehadagooddealincommon.”
“Willyoutellthejury,Mr.Welman,exactlywhythatengagementwasbrokenoff?”
“Well,afterMrs.Welmandieditpulledusup,Ithink,withabitofashock.Ididn’tliketheideaofmarryingarichwomanwhenImyselfwaspenniless.Actuallytheengagementwasdissolvedbymutualconsent.Wewerebothratherrelieved.”
“Now,willyoutellusjustwhatyourrelationswerewithMaryGerrard?”
(Oh,Roddy,poorRoddy,howyoumusthateallthis!)
“Ithoughtherverylovely.”
“Wereyouinlovewithher?”
“Justalittle.”
“Whenwasthelasttimeyousawher?”
“Letmesee.Itmusthavebeenthe5thor6thofJuly.”
SirEdwinsaid,atouchofsteelinhisvoice:
“Yousawherafterthat,Ithink.”
“No,Iwentabroad—toVeniceandDalmatia.”
“YoureturnedtoEngland—when?”
“WhenIreceivedatelegram—letmesee—onthe1stofAugust,itmusthavebeen.”
“ButyouwereactuallyinEnglandonJuly27th,Ithink.”
“No.”
“Come,now,Mr.Welman.Youareonoath,remember.IsitnotafactthatyourpassportshowsthatyoureturnedtoEnglandonJuly25thandleftitagainonthenightofthe27th?”
SirEdwin’svoiceheldasubtlymenacingnote.Elinorfrowned,suddenlyjerkedbacktoreality.WhywasCounselbullyinghisownwitness?
Roderickhadturnedratherpale.Hewassilentforaminuteortwo,thenhesaidwithaneffort:
“Well—yes,thatisso.”
“DidyougoandseethisgirlMaryGerrardinLondononthe25thatherlodgings?”
“Yes,Idid.”
“Didyouaskhertomarryyou?”
“Er—er—yes.”
“Whatwasheranswer?”
“Sherefused.”
“Youarenotarichman,Mr.Welman?”
“No.”
“Andyouareratherheavilyindebt?”
“Whatbusinessisthatofyours?”
“WereyounotawareofthefactthatMissCarlislehadleftallhermoneytoyouintheeventofherdeath?”
“ThisisthefirstIhaveheardofit.”
“WereyouinMaidensfordonthemorningofJuly27th?”
“Iwasnot.”
SirEdwinsatdown.
CounselfortheProsecutionsaid:
“Yousaythatinyouropiniontheaccusedwasnotdeeplyinlovewithyou.”
“ThatiswhatIsaid.”
“Areyouachivalrousman,Mr.Welman?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”
“Ifaladyweredeeplyinlovewithyouandyouwerenotinlovewithher,wouldyoufeelitincumbentuponyoutoconcealthefact?”
“Certainlynot.”
“Wheredidyougotoschool,Mr.Welman?”
“Eton.”
SirSamuelsaidwithaquietsmile:
“Thatisall.”
V
AlfredJamesWargrave.
“YouarearosegrowerandliveatEmsworth,Berks?”
“Yes.”
“DidyouonOctober20thgotoMaidensfordandexaminearosetreegrowingattheLodgeatHunterburyHall?”
“Idid.”
“Willyoudescribethistree?”
“Itwasaclimbingrose—ZephyrineDrouhin.Itbearsasweetlyscentedpinkflower.Ithasnothorns.”
“Itwouldbeimpossibletoprickoneselfonarosetreeofthisdescription?”
“Itwouldbequiteimpossible.Itisathornlesstree.”
Nocross-examination.
VI
“YouareJamesArthurLittledale.Youareaqualifiedchemistandemployedbythewholesalechemists,Jenkins&Hale?”
“Iam.”
“Willyoutellmewhatthisscrapofpaperis?”
Theexhibitwashandedtohim.
“Itisafragmentofoneofourlabels.”
“Whatkindoflabel?”
“Thelabelweattachtotubesofhypodermictablets.”
“Isthereenoughhereforyoutosaydefinitelywhatdrugwasinthetubetowhichthislabelwasattached?”
“Yes.Ishouldsayquitedefinitelythatthetubeinquestioncontainedhypodermictabletsofapomorphinehydrochloride1/20grain.”
“Notmorphinehydrochloride?”
“No,itcouldnotbethat.”
“Whynot?”
“OnsuchatubethewordMorphineisspeltwithacapitalM.Theendofthelineofthemhere,seenundermymagnifyingglass,showsplainlythatitispartofasmallm,notacapitalM.”
“Pleaseletthejuryexamineitwiththeglass.Haveyoulabelsheretoshowwhatyoumean?”
Thelabelswerehandedtothejury.
SirEdwinresumed:
“Yousaythisisfromatubeofapomorphinehydrochloride?Whatexactlyisapomorphinehydrochloride?”
“TheformulaisC17H17NO2.Itisaderivativeofmorphinepreparedbysaponifyingmorphinebyheatingitwithdilutehydrochloricacidinsealedtubes.Themorphinelosesonemoleculeofwater.”
“Whatarethespecialpropertiesofapomorphine?”
Mr.Littledalesaidquietly:
“Apomorphineisthequickestandmostpowerfulemeticknown.Itactswithinafewminutes.”
“Soifanybodyhadswallowedalethaldoseofmorphineandweretoinjectadoseofapomorphinehypodermicallywithinafewminutes,whatwouldresult?”
“Vomitingwouldtakeplacealmostimmediatelyandthemorphinewouldbeexpelledfromthesystem.”
“Therefore,iftwopeopleweretosharethesamesandwichordrinkfromthesamepotoftea,andoneofthemwerethentoinjectadoseofapomorphinehypodermically,whatwouldbetheresult,supposingthesharedfoodordrinktohavecontainedmorphine?”
“Thefoodordrinktogetherwiththemorphinewouldbevomitedbythepersonwhoinjectedtheapomorphine.”
“Andthatpersonwouldsuffernoillresults?”
“No.”
Therewassuddenlyastirofexcitementincourtandorderforsilencefromthejudge.
VII
“YouareAmeliaMarySedleyandyouresideordinarilyat17CharlesStreet,Boonamba,Auckland?”
“Yes.”
“DoyouknowaMrs.Draper?”
“Yes.Ihaveknownherforovertwentyyears.”
“Doyouknowhermaidenname?”
“Yes.Iwasathermarriage.HernamewasMaryRiley.”
“IssheanativeofNewZealand?”
“No,shecameoutfromEngland.”
“Youhavebeenincourtsincethebeginningoftheseproceedings?”
“Yes,Ihave.”
“HaveyouseenthisMaryRiley—orDraper—incourt?”
“Yes.”
“Wheredidyouseeher?”
“Givingevidenceinthisbox.”
“Underwhatname?”
“JessieHopkins.”
“AndyouarequitesurethatthisJessieHopkinsisthewomanyouknowasMaryRileyorDraper?”
“Notadoubtofit.”
Aslightcommotionatthebackofthecourt.
“WhendidyoulastseeMaryDraper—untiltoday?”
“Fiveyearsago.ShewenttoEngland.”
SirEdwinsaidwithabow:
“Yourwitness.”
SirSamuel,risingwithaslightlyperplexedface,began:
“Isuggesttoyou,Mrs.—Sedley,thatyoumaybemistaken.”
“I’mnotmistaken.”
“Youmayhavebeenmisledbyachanceresemblance.”
“IknowMaryDraperwellenough.”
“NurseHopkinsisacertificatedDistrictNurse.”
“MaryDraperwasahospitalnursebeforehermarriage.”
“Youunderstand,doyounot,thatyouareaccusingaCrownwitnessofperjury?”
“IunderstandwhatI’msaying.”
VIII
“EdwardJohnMarshall,youlivedforsomeyearsinAuckland,NewZealand,andnowresideat14WrenStreet,Deptford?”
“That’sright.”
“DoyouknowMaryDraper?”
“I’veknownherforyearsinNewZealand.”
“Haveyouseenhertodayincourt?”
“Ihave.ShecalledherselfHopkins;butitwasMrs.Draperallright.”
Thejudgeliftedhishead.Hespokeinasmall,clear,penetratingvoice:
“Itisdesirable,Ithink,thatthewitnessJessieHopkinsshouldberecalled.”
Apause,amurmur.
“Yourlordship,JessieHopkinsleftthecourtafewminutesago.”
IX
“HerculePoirot.”
HerculePoirotenteredthebox,tooktheoath,twirledhismoustacheandwaited,withhisheadalittleononeside.Hegavehisnameandaddressandcalling.
“M.Poirot,doyourecognizethisdocument?”
“Certainly.”
“Howdiditoriginallycomeintoyourpossession?”
“ItwasgivenmebytheDistrictNurse,NurseHopkins.”
SirEdwinsaid:
“Withyourpermission,mylord,Iwillreadthisaloud,anditcanthengotothejury.”
Four
ClosingspeechfortheDefence.
“Gentlemenofthejury,theresponsibilitynowrestswithyou.ItisforyoutosayifElinorCarlisleistogoforthfreefromthecourt.If,aftertheevidenceyouhaveheard,youaresatisfiedthatElinorCarlislepoisonedMaryGerrard,thenitisyourdutytopronounceherguilty.
“Butifitshouldseemtoyouthatthereisequallystrongevidence,andperhapsfarstrongerevidenceagainstanotherperson,thenitisyourdutytofreetheaccusedwithoutmoreado.
“Youwillhaverealizedbynowthatthefactsofthecaseareverydifferentfromwhattheyoriginallyappearedtobe.
“Yesterday,afterthedramaticevidencegivenbyM.HerculePoirot,IcalledotherwitnessestoprovebeyondanyreasonabledoubtthatthegirlMaryGerrardwastheillegitimatedaughterofLauraWelman.Thatbeingtrue,itfollows,ashislordshipwilldoubtlessinstructyou,thatMrs.Welman’snextofkinwasnotherniece,ElinorCarlisle,butherillegitimatedaughterwhowentbythenameofMaryGerrard.AndthereforeMaryGerrardatMrs.Welman’sdeathinheritedavastfortune.That,gentlemen,isthecruxofthesituation.AsumintheneighbourhoodoftwohundredthousandpoundswasinheritedbyMaryGerrard.Butsheherselfwasunawareofthefact.ShewasalsounawareofthetrueidentityofthewomanHopkins.Youmaythink,gentlemen,thatMaryRileyorDrapermayhavehadsomeperfectlylegitimatereasonforchanginghernametoHopkins.Ifso,whyhasshenotcomeforwardtostatewhatthereasonwas?
“Allthatwedoknowisthis:ThatatNurseHopkins’instigation,MaryGerrardmadeawillleavingeverythingshehadto‘MaryRiley,sisterofElizaRiley.’WeknowthatNurseHopkins,byreasonofherprofession,hadaccesstomorphineandtoapomorphineandwaswellacquaintedwiththeirproperties.Furthermore,ithasbeenprovedthatNurseHopkinswasnotspeakingthetruthwhenshesaidthatherwristhadbeenprickedbyathornfromathornlessrosetree.Whydidshelie,ifitwerenotthatshewantedhurriedlytoaccountforthemarkjustmadebythehypodermicneedle?Remember,too,thattheaccusedhasstatedonoaththatNurseHopkins,whenshejoinedherinthepantry,waslookingill,andherfacewasofagreenishcolour—comprehensibleenoughifshehadjustbeenviolentlysick.
“Iwillunderlineyetanotherpoint:IfMrs.Welmanhadlivedtwenty-fourhourslonger,shewouldhavemadeawill;andinallprobabilitythatwillwouldhavemadeasuitableprovisionforMaryGerrard,butwouldnothaveleftherthebulkofherfortune,sinceitwasMrs.Welman’sbeliefthatherunacknowledgeddaughterwouldbehappierifsheremainedinanothersphereoflife.
“Itisnotformetopronounceontheevidenceagainstanotherperson,excepttoshowthatthisotherpersonhadequalopportunitiesandafarstrongermotiveforthemurder.
“Lookedatfromthatpointofview,gentlemenofthejury,IsubmittoyouthatthecaseagainstElinorCarlislefallstotheground….”
II
FromMr.JusticeBeddingfield’ssumming-up:
“…Youmustbeperfectlysatisfiedthatthiswomandid,infact,administeradangerousdoseofmorphiatoMaryGerrardonJuly27th.Ifyouarenotsatisfied,youmustacquittheprisoner.
“TheProsecutionhasstatedthattheonlypersonwhohadtheopportunitytoadministerpoisontoMaryGerrardwastheaccused.TheDefencehassoughttoprovethattherewereotheralternatives.ThereisthetheorythatMaryGerrardcommittedsuicide,buttheonlyevidenceinsupportofthattheoryisthefactthatMaryGerrardmadeawillshortlybeforeshedied.Thereisnottheslightestproofthatshewasdepressedorunhappyorinastateofmindlikelytoleadhertotakeherownlife.IthasalsobeensuggestedthatthemorphinemighthavebeenintroducedintothesandwichesbysomeoneenteringthepantryduringthetimethatElinorCarlislewasattheLodge.Inthatcase,thepoisonwasintendedforElinorCarlisle,andMaryGerrard’sdeathwasamistake.ThethirdalternativesuggestedbytheDefenceisthatanotherpersonhadanequalopportunitytoadministermorphine,andthatinthelattercasethepoisonwasintroducedintotheteaandnotintothesandwiches.InsupportofthattheorytheDefencehascalledthewitnessLittledale,whohasswornthatthescrapofpaperfoundinthepantrywaspartofalabelonatubecontainingtabletsofapomorphinehydrochloride,averypowerfulemetic.Youhavehadanexampleofbothtypesoflabelssubmittedtoyou.Inmyview,thepolicewereguiltyofgrosscarelessnessinnotcheckingtheoriginalfragmentmorecloselyandinjumpingtotheconclusionthatitwasamorphinelabel.
“ThewitnessHopkinshasstatedthatsheprickedherwristonarosetreeattheLodge.ThewitnessWargravehasexaminedthattree,andithasnothornsonit.YouhavetodecidewhatcausedthemarkonNurseHopkins’wristandwhysheshouldtellalieaboutit….
“IftheProsecutionhasconvincedyouthattheaccusedandnoothercommittedthecrime,thenyoumustfindtheaccusedguilty.
“IfthealternativetheorysuggestedbytheDefenceispossibleandconsistentwiththeevidence,theaccusedmustbeacquitted.
“Iwillaskyoutoconsidertheverdictwithcourageanddiligence,weighingonlytheevidencethathasbeenputbeforeyou.”
III
Elinorwasbroughtbackintothecourt.
Thejuryfiledin.
“Gentlemenofthejury,areyouagreeduponyourverdict?”
“Yes.”
“Lookupontheprisoneratthebar,andsaywhethersheisguiltyornotguilty.”
“Notguilty….”
Five
Theyhadbroughtheroutbyasidedoor.
Shehadbeenawareoffaceswelcomingher…Roddy…thedetectivewiththebigmoustaches….
ButitwastoPeterLordthatsheturned.
“Iwanttogetaway….”
ShewaswithhimnowinthesmoothDaimler,drivingrapidlyoutofLondon.
Hehadsaidnothingtoher.Shehadsatintheblessedsilence.
Everyminutetakingherfartherandfartheraway.
Anewlife….
Thatwaswhatshewanted….
Anewlife.
Shesaidsuddenly:
“I—Iwanttogosomewherequiet…wheretherewon’tbeanyfaces….”
PeterLordsaidquietly:
“That’sallarranged.You’regoingtoasanatorium.Quietplace.Lovelygardens.Noonewillbotheryou—orgetatyou.”
Shesaidwithasigh:
“Yes—that’swhatIwant….”
Itwasbeingadoctor,shesupposed,thatmadehimunderstand.Heknew—anddidn’tbotherher.Soblessedlypeacefultobeherewithhim,goingawayfromitall,outofLondon…toaplacethatwassafe….
Shewantedtoforget—forgeteverything…Noneofitwasrealanylonger.Itwasallgone,vanished,finishedwith—theoldlifeandtheoldemotions.Shewasanew,strange,defencelesscreature,verycrudeandraw,beginningalloveragain.Verystrangeandveryafraid…
ButitwascomfortingtobewithPeterLord….
TheywereoutofLondonnow,passingthroughsuburbs.
Shesaidatlast:
“Itwasallyou—allyou….”
PeterLordsaid:
“ItwasHerculePoirot.Thefellow’sakindofmagician!”
ButElinorshookherhead.Shesaidobstinately:
“Itwasyou.Yougotholdofhimandmadehimdoit!”
Petergrinned.
“Imadehimdoitallright….”
Elinorsaid:
“DidyouknowIhadn’tdoneit,orweren’tyousure?”
Petersaidsimply:
“Iwasneverquitesure.”
Elinorsaid:
“That’swhyInearlysaid:‘guilty’rightatthebeginning…because,yousee,Ihadthoughtofit…IthoughtofitthatdaywhenIlaughedoutsidethecottage.”
Petersaid:
“Yes,Iknew.”
Shesaidwonderingly:
“Itseemssoqueernow…likeakindofpossession.ThatdayIboughtthepasteandcutthesandwichesIwaspretendingtomyself,Iwasthinking:‘I’vemixedpoisonwiththis,andwhensheeatsshewilldie—andthenRoddywillcomebacktome.’”
PeterLordsaid:
“Ithelpssomepeopletopretendthatsortofthingtothemselves.Itisn’tabadthing,really.Youtakeitoutofyourselfinafantasy.Likesweatingathingoutofyoursystem.”
Elinorsaid:
“Yes,that’strue.Becauseitwent—suddenly!Theblackness,Imean!WhenthatwomanmentionedtherosetreeoutsidetheLodge—itallswungbackinto—intobeingnormalagain….”
Thenwithashivershesaid:
“Afterwardswhenwewentintothemorningroomandshewasdead—dying,atleast—Ifeltthen:Istheremuchdifferencebetweenthinkinganddoingmurder?”
PeterLordsaid:
“Allthedifferenceintheworld!”
“Yes,butisthere?”
“Ofcoursethereis!Thinkingmurderdoesn’treallydoanyharm.Peoplehavesillyideasaboutthat;theythinkit’sthesameasplanningmurder!Itisn’t.Ifyouthinkmurderlongenough,yousuddenlycomethroughtheblacknessandfeelthatit’sallrathersilly!”
Elinorcried:
“Oh!youareacomfortingperson….”
PeterLordsaidratherincoherently:
“Notatall.Justcommonsense.”
Elinorsaid,andthereweresuddenlytearsinhereyes:
“Everynowandthen—incourt—Ilookedatyou.Itgavemecourage.Youlookedso—soordinary.”
Thenshelaughed.“That’srude!”
Hesaid:
“Iunderstand.Whenyou’reinthemiddleofanightmaresomethingordinaryistheonlyhope.Anyway,ordinarythingsarethebest,I’vealwaysthoughtso.”
Forthefirsttimesinceshehadenteredthecarsheturnedherheadandlookedathim.
Thesightofhisfacedidn’thurtherasRoddy’sfacealwayshurther;itgavehernosharppangofpainandpleasuremixed;instead,itmadeherfeelwarmandcomforted.
Shethought:
“Hownicehisfaceis…niceandfunny—and,yes,comforting….”
Theydroveon.
Theycameatlasttoagatewayandadrivethatwoundupwardstillitreachedaquietwhitehouseonthesideofahill.
Hesaid:
“You’llbequitesafehere.Noonewillbotheryou.”
Impulsivelyshelaidherhandonhisarm.
Shesaid:
“You—you’llcomeandseeme?”
“Ofcourse.”
“Often?”
PeterLordsaid:
“Asoftenasyouwantme.”
Shesaid:
“Pleasecome—veryoften….”
Six
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Soyousee,myfriend,theliespeopletellarejustasusefulasthetruth?”
PeterLordsaid:
“Dideveryonetellyoulies?”
HerculePoirotnodded.
“Oh,yes!Foronereasonoranother,youcomprehend.Theonepersontowhomtruthwasanobligationandwhowassensitiveandscrupulousconcerningit—thatpersonwastheonewhopuzzledmemost!”
PeterLordmurmured:
“Elinorherself!”
“Precisely.Theevidencepointedtoherastheguiltyparty.Andsheherself,withhersensitiveandfastidiousconscience,didnothingtodispelthatassumption.Accusingherselfofthewill,ifnotthedeed,shecameveryneartoabandoningadistastefulandsordidfightandpleadingguiltyincourttoacrimeshehadnotcommitted.”
PeterLordbreathedasighofexasperation.
“Incredible.”
Poirotshookhishead.
“Notatall.Shecondemnedherself—becauseshejudgedherselfbyamoreexactingstandardthanordinaryhumanityapplies!”
PeterLordsaidthoughtfully:
“Yes,she’slikethat.”
HerculePoirotwenton:
“FromthemomentthatIstartedmyinvestigationstherewasalwaysthestrongpossibilitythatElinorCarlislewasguiltyofthecrimeofwhichshewasaccused.ButIfulfilledmyobligationstowardsyouandIdiscoveredthatafairlystrongcasecouldbemadeoutagainstanotherperson.”
“NurseHopkins?”
“Nottobeginwith.RoderickWelmanwasthefirstpersontoattractmyattention.Inhiscase,again,westartwithalie.HetoldmethatheleftEnglandonJuly9thandreturnedonAugust1st.ButNurseHopkinshadmentionedcasuallythatMaryGerrardhadrebuffedRoderick.Welman’sadvancesbothinMaidensford‘andagainwhenshesawhiminLondon.’MaryGerrard,youinformedme,wenttoLondononJuly10th—adayafterRoderickWelmanhadleftEngland.WhenthendidMaryGerrardhaveaninterviewwithRoderickWelmaninLondon?Isetmyburglariousfriendtowork,andbyanexaminationofWelman’spassportIdiscoveredthathehadbeeninEnglandfromJuly25thtothe27th.Andhehaddeliberatelyliedaboutit.
“TherehadalwaysbeenthatperiodoftimeinmymindwhenthesandwicheswereonaplateinthepantryandElinorCarlislewasdownattheLodge.ButallalongIrealizedthatinthatcaseElinormusthavebeentheintendedvictim,notMary.HadRoderickWelmananymotiveforkillingElinorCarlisle?Yes,averygoodone.Shehadmadeawillleavinghimherentirefortune;andbyadroitquestioningIdiscoveredthatRoderickWelmancouldhavemadehimselfacquaintedwiththatfact.”
PeterLordsaid:
“Andwhydidyoudecidethathewasinnocent?”
“Becauseofonemorelie.Suchasillystupidnegligiblelittlelie,too.NurseHopkinssaidthatshehadscratchedherwristonarosetree,thatshehadgotathorninit.AndIwentandsawtherosetree,andithadnothorns…SoclearlyNurseHopkinshadtoldalie—andtheliewassosillyandsoseeminglypointlessthatitfocusedmyattentionuponher.
“IbegantowonderaboutNurseHopkins.Uptillthenshehadstruckmeasaperfectlycrediblewitness,consistentthroughout,withastrongbiasagainsttheaccusedarisingnaturallyenoughoutofheraffectionforthedeadgirl.Butnow,withthatsillypointlesslittlelieinmymind,IconsideredNurseHopkinsandherevidenceverycarefully,andIrealizedsomethingthatIhadnotbeencleverenoughtoseebefore.NurseHopkinsknewsomethingaboutMaryGerrardwhichshewasveryanxiousshouldcomeout.”
PeterLordsaidinsurprise:
“Ithoughtitwastheotherwayround?”
“Ostensibly,yes.Shegaveaveryfineperformanceofsomeonewhoknowssomethingandisn’tgoingtotell!ButwhenIthoughtitovercarefullyIrealizedthateverywordshehadsaidonthesubjecthadbeenutteredwithdiametricallytheoppositeendinview.MyconversationwithNurseO’Brienconfirmedthatbelief.HopkinshadusedherverycleverlywithoutNurseO’Brienbeingconsciousofthefact.
“ItwasclearthenthatNurseHopkinshadagameofherowntoplay.Icontrastedthetwolies,herandRoderickWelman’s.Waseitherofthemcapableofaninnocentexplanation?
“InRoderick’scase,Iansweredimmediately:Yes.RoderickWelmanisaverysensitivecreature.Toadmitthathehadbeenunabletokeeptohisplanofstayingabroad,andhadbeencompelledtoslinkbackandhangroundthegirl,whowouldhavenothingtodowithhim,wouldhavebeenmosthurtfultohispride.Sincetherewasnoquestionofhishavingbeennearthesceneofthemurderorofknowinganythingaboutit,hetookthelineofleastresistanceandavoidedunpleasantness(amostcharacteristictrait!)byignoringthathurriedvisittoEnglandandsimplystatingthathereturnedonAugust1stwhenthenewsofthemurderreachedhim.
“NowastoNurseHopkins,couldtherebeaninnocentexplanationofherlie?ThemoreIthoughtofit,themoreextraordinaryitseemedtome.WhyshouldNurseHopkinsfinditnecessarytoliebecauseshehadamarkonherwrist?Whatwasthesignificanceofthatmark?
“Ibegantoaskmyselfcertainquestions.Whodidthemorphinethatwasstolenbelongto?NurseHopkins.WhocouldhaveadministeredthatmorphinetooldMrs.Welman?NurseHopkins.Yes,butwhycallattentiontoitsdisappearance?TherecouldbeonlyoneanswertothatifNurseHopkinswasguilty:becausetheothermurder,themurderofMaryGerrard,wasalreadyplanned,andascapegoathadbeenselected,butthatscapegoatmustbeshowntohavehadachanceofobtainingmorphine
“Certainotherthingsfittedin.TheanonymousletterwrittentoElinor.ThatwastocreatebadfeelingbetweenElinorandMary.TheideadoubtlesswasthatElinorwouldcomedownandobjecttoMary’sinfluenceoverMrs.Welman.ThefactthatRoderickWelmanfellviolentlyinlovewithMarywas,ofcourse,atotallyunforeseencircumstance—butonethatNurseHopkinswasquicktoappreciate.Herewasaperfectmotiveforthescapegoat,Elinor.
“Butwhatwasthereasonforthetwocrimes?WhatmotivecouldtherebeforNurseHopkinstodoawaywithMaryGerrard?Ibegantoseealight—oh,verydimasyet.NurseHopkinshadagooddealofinfluenceoverMary,andoneofthewaysshehadusedthatinfluencewastoinducethegirltomakeawill.ButthewilldidnotbenefitNurseHopkins.ItbenefitedanauntofMary’swholivedinNewZealand.AndthenIrememberedachanceremarkthatsomeoneinthevillagehadmadetome.Thataunthadbeenahospitalnurse.
“Thelightwasnotquitesodimnow.Thepattern—thedesignofthecrime—wasbecomingapparent.Thenextstepwaseasy.IvisitedNurseHopkinsoncemore.Webothplayedthecomedyveryprettily.Intheendsheallowedherselftobepersuadedtotellwhatshehadbeenaimingtotellallalong!Onlyshetellsit,perhaps,justalittlesoonerthanshemeanttodo!Buttheopportunityissogoodthatshecannotresist.And,afterall,thetruthhasgottobeknownsometime.So,withwell-feignedreluctance,sheproducestheletter.Andthen,myfriend,itisnolongerconjecture.Iknow!Thelettergivesheraway.”
PeterLordfrownedandsaid:
“How?”
“Moncher!Thesuperscriptiononthatletterwasasfollows:‘ForMary,tobesenttoheraftermydeath.’ButthegistofthecontentsmadeitperfectlyplainthatMaryGerrardwasnottoknowthetruth.Also,thewordsent(notgiven)ontheenvelopewasilluminating.ItwasnotMaryGerrardtowhomthatletterwaswritten,butanotherMary.Itwastohersister,MaryRiley,inNewZealand,thatElizaRileywrotethetruth.
“NurseHopkinsdidnotfindthatletterattheLodgeafterMaryGerrard’sdeath.Shehadhaditinherpossessionformanyyears.ShereceiveditinNewZealand,whereitwassenttoherafterhersister’sdeath.”
Hepaused.
“Onceonehadseenthetruthwiththeeyesofthemindtherestwaseasy.ThequicknessofairtravelmadeitpossibleforawitnesswhoknewMaryDraperwellinNewZealandtobepresentincourt.”
PeterLordsaid:
“SupposingyouhadbeenwrongandNurseHopkinsandMaryDraperhadbeentwoentirelydifferentpeople?”
Poirotsaidcoldly:
“Iamneverwrong!”
PeterLordlaughed:
HerculePoirotwenton:
“Myfriend,weknowsomethingnowofthiswomanMaryRileyorDraper.ThepoliceofNewZealandwereunabletogetsufficientevidenceforaconviction,buttheyhadbeenwatchingherforsometimewhenshesuddenlyleftthecountry.Therewasapatientofhers,anoldlady,wholefther‘dearNurseRiley’averysnuglittlelegacy,andwhosedeathwassomewhatofapuzzletothedoctorattendingher.MaryDraper’shusbandinsuredhislifeinherfavourforaconsiderablesum,andhisdeathwassuddenandunaccountable.Unfortunatelyforher,thoughhehadmadeoutachequetotheInsuranceCompany,hehadforgottentopostit.Otherdeathsmaylieatherdoor.Itiscertainsheisaremorselessandunscrupulouswoman.
“Onecanimaginethathersister’slettersuggestedpossibilitiestoherresourcefulmind.WhenNewZealandbecametoohot,asyousay,toholdher,andshecametothiscountryandresumedherprofessioninthenameofHopkins(aformercolleagueofhersinhospitalwhodiedabroad),Maidensfordwasherobjective.Shemayperhapshavecontemplatedsomeformofblackmail.ButoldMrs.Welmanwasnotthekindofwomantoallowherselftobeblackmailed,andNurseRiley,orHopkins,verywiselydidnotattemptanythingofthesort.DoubtlessshemadeinquiriesanddiscoveredthatMrs.Welmanwasaverywealthywoman,andsomechancewordofMrs.Welman’smayhaverevealedthefactthattheoldladyhadnotmadeawill.
“So,onthatJuneevening,whenNurseO’BrienretailedtohercolleaguethatMrs.Welmanwasaskingforherlawyer,Hopkinsdidnothesitate.Mrs.Welmanmustdieintestatesothatherillegitimatedaughterwouldinherithermoney.HopkinshadalreadymadefriendswithMaryGerrardandacquiredagooddealofinfluenceoverthegirl.Allthatshehadtodonowwastopersuadethegirltomakeawillleavinghermoneytohermother’ssister;andsheinspiredthewordingofthatwillverycarefully.Therewasnomentionoftherelationship:just‘MaryRiley,sisterofthelateElizaRiley.’Oncethatwassigned,MaryGerrardwasdoomed.Thewomanonlyhadtowaitforasuitableopportunity.Shehad,Ifancy,alreadyplannedthemethodofthecrime,withtheuseoftheapomorphinetosecureherownalibi.ShemayhavemeanttogetElinorandMarytohercottage,butwhenElinorcamedowntotheLodgeandaskedthembothtocomeupandhavesandwichessherealizedatoncethataperfectopportunityhadarisen.ThecircumstancesweresuchthatElinorwaspracticallycertaintobeconvicted.”
PeterLordsaidslowly:
“Ifithadn’tbeenforyou—shewouldhavebeenconvicted.”
HerculePoirotsaidquickly:
“No,itisyou,myfriend,shehastothankforherlife.”
“I?Ididn’tdoanything.Itried—”
Hebrokeoff.HerculePoirotsmiledalittle.
“Maisoui,youtriedveryhard,didyounot?YouwereimpatientbecauseIdidnotseemtoyoutobegettinganywhere.Andyouwereafraid,too,thatshemight,afterall,beguilty.Andso,withgreatimpertinence,youalsotoldmethelies!But,moncher,youwerenotverycleveraboutit.InfutureIadviseyoutosticktothemeaslesandthewhoopingcoughandleavecrimedetectionalone.”
PeterLordblushed.
Hesaid:
“Didyouknow—allthetime?”
Poirotsaidseverely:
“Youleadmebythehandtoaclearingintheshrubs,andyouassistmetofindaGermanmatchboxthatyouhavejustputthere!C’estl’enfantillage!”
PeterLordwinced.
Hegroaned:
“Rubitin!”
Poirotwenton:
“Youconversewiththegardenerandleadhimtosaythathesawyourcarintheroad;andthenyougiveastartandpretendthatitwasnotyourcar.AndyoulookhardatmetomakesurethatIrealizethatsomeone,astranger,musthavebeentherethatmorning.”
“Iwasadamnedfool,”saidPeterLord.
“WhatwereyoudoingatHunterburythatmorning?”
PeterLordblushed.
“Itwasjustsheeridiocy…I—I’dheardshewasdown.Iwentuptothehouseonthechanceofseeingher.Ididn’tmeantospeaktoher.I—Ijustwantedto—well—seeher.FromthepathintheshrubberyIsawherinthepantrycuttingbreadandbutter—”
“CharlotteandthepoetWerther.Continue,myfriend.”
“Oh,there’snothingtotell.Ijustslippedintothebushesandstayedtherewatchinghertillshewentaway.”
Poirotsaidgently:
“DidyoufallinlovewithElinorCarlislethefirsttimeyousawher?”
Therewasalongsilence.
“Isupposeso.”
ThenPeterLordsaid:
“Oh,well,IsupposesheandRoderickWelmanwilllivehappyeverafterwards.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Mydearfriend,yousupposenothingofthesort!”
“Whynot?She’llforgivehimtheMaryGerrardbusiness.Itwasonlyawildinfatuationonhispart,anyway.”
HerculePoirotsaid:
“Itgoesdeeperthanthat…Thereis,sometimes,adeepchasmbetweenthepastandthefuture.Whenonehaswalkedinthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,andcomeoutofitintothesunshine—then,moncher,itisanewlifethatbegins…Thepastwillnotserve….”
Hewaitedaminuteandthenwenton:
“Anewlife…ThatiswhatElinorCarlisleisbeginningnow—anditisyouwhohavegivenherthatlife.”
“No.”
“Yes.Itwasyourdetermination,yourarrogantinsistencethatcompelledmetodoasyouasked.Admitnow,itistoyousheturnsingratitude,isitnot?”
PeterLordsaidslowly:
“Yes,she’sverygrateful—now…Sheaskedmetogoandseeher—often.”
“Yes,sheneedsyou.”
PeterLordsaidviolently:
“Notassheneeds—him!”
HerculePoirotshookhishead.
“SheneverneededRoderickWelman.Shelovedhim,yes,unhappily—evendesperately.”
PeterLord,hisfacesetandgrim,saidharshly:
“Shewillneverlovemelikethat.”
HerculePoirotsaidsoftly:
“Perhapsnot.Butsheneedsyou,myfriend,becauseitisonlywithyouthatshecanbegintheworldagain.”
PeterLordsaidnothing.
HerculePoirot’svoicewasverygentleashesaid:
“Canyounotacceptfacts?ShelovedRoderickWelman.Whatofit?Withyou,shecanbehappy….”
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.
AGATHACHRISTIE?POIROT?SADCYPRESS?.Copyright?1940AgathaChristieLimited(aChorioncompany).Allrightsreserved.
SADCYPRESS?1940.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageand