Sleeping Murder_ Miss Marple’s Last Case

AgathaChristie
SleepingMurder
AMissMarpleMystery
Contents
Cover
TitlePage
1.AHouse
2.Wallpaper
3.“CoverHerFace…”
4.Helen?
5.MurderinRetrospect
6.ExerciseinDetection
7.Dr.Kennedy
8.KelvinHalliday’sDelusion
9.UnknownFactor?
10.ACaseHistory
11.TheMeninHerLife
12.LilyKimble
13.WalterFane
14.EdithPagett
15.AnAddress
16.Mother’sSon
17.RichardErskine
18.Bindweed
19.Mr.KimbleSpeaks
20.TheGirlHelen
21.J.J.Afflick
22.LilyKeepsanAppointment
23.WhichofThem?
24.TheMonkey’sPaws
25.PostscriptatTorquay
AbouttheAuthor
OtherBooksbyAgathaChristie
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
One
AHOUSE
GwendaReedstood,shiveringalittle,onthequayside.
ThedocksandthecustomshedsandallofEnglandthatshecouldsee,weregentlywavingupanddown.
Anditwasinthatmomentthatshemadeherdecision—thedecisionthatwastoleadtosuchverymomentousevents.
Shewouldn’tgobytheboattraintoLondonasshehadplanned.
Afterall,whyshouldshe?Noonewaswaitingforher,nobodyexpectedher.Shehadonlyjustgotoffthatheavingcreakingboat(ithadbeenanexceptionallyroughthreedaysthroughtheBayanduptoPlymouth)andthelastthingshewantedwastogetintoaheavingswayingtrain.Shewouldgotoahotel,anicefirmsteadyhotelstandingongoodsolidground.Andshewouldgetintoanicesteadybedthatdidn’tcreakandroll.Andshewouldgotosleep,andthenextmorning—why,ofcourse—whatasplendididea!ShewouldhireacarandshewoulddriveslowlyandwithouthurryingherselfallthroughtheSouthofEnglandlookingaboutforahouse—anicehouse—thehousethatsheandGileshadplannedsheshouldfind.Yes,thatwasasplendididea.
InthatwayshewouldseesomethingofEngland—oftheEnglandthatGileshadtoldheraboutandwhichshehadneverseen;although,likemostNewZealanders,shecalleditHome.Atthemoment,Englandwasnotlookingparticularlyattractive.Itwasagreydaywithrainimminentandasharpirritatingwindblowing.Plymouth,Gwendathought,asshemovedforwardobedientlyinthequeueforPassportsandCustoms,wasprobablynotthebestofEngland.
Onthefollowingmorning,however,herfeelingswereentirelydifferent.Thesunwasshining.Theviewfromherwindowwasattractive.Andtheuniverseingeneralwasnolongerwavingandwobbling.Ithadsteadieddown.ThiswasEnglandatlastandhereshewas,GwendaReed,youngmarriedwomanoftwenty-one,onhertravels.Giles’sreturntoEnglandwasuncertain.Hemightfollowherinafewweeks.Itmightbeaslongassixmonths.HissuggestionhadbeenthatGwendashouldprecedehimtoEnglandandshouldlookaboutforasuitablehouse.Theyboththoughtitwouldbenicetohave,somewhere,apermanency.Giles’sjobwouldalwaysentailacertainamountoftravelling.SometimesGwendawouldcometoo,sometimestheconditionswouldnotbesuitable.Buttheybothlikedtheideaofhavingahome—someplaceoftheirown.Gileshadinheritedsomefurniturefromanauntrecently,sothateverythingcombinedtomaketheideaasensibleandpracticalone.
SinceGwendaandGileswerereasonablywell-offtheprospectpresentednodifficulties.
Gwendahaddemurredatfirstatchoosingahouseonherown.“Weoughttodoittogether,”shehadsaid.ButGileshadsaidlaughingly:“I’mnotmuchofahandathouses.Ifyoulikeit,Ishall.Abitofagarden,ofcourse,andnotsomebrand-newhorror—andnottoobig.Somewhereonthesouthcoastwasmyidea.Atanyrate,nottoofarinland.”
“Wasthereanyparticularplace?”Gwendaasked.ButGilessaidNo.He’dbeenleftanorphanyoung(theywerebothorphans)andhadbeenpassedaroundtovariousrelationsforholidays,andnoparticularspothadanyparticularassociationforhim.ItwastobeGwenda’shouse—andasforwaitinguntiltheycouldchooseittogether,supposehewereheldupforsixmonths?WhatwouldGwendadowithherselfallthattime?Hangaboutinhotels?No,shewastofindahouseandgetsettledin.
“Whatyoumeanis,”saidGwenda,“doallthework!”
Butshelikedtheideaoffindingahomeandhavingitallready,cosyandlivedin,forwhenGilescameback.
Theyhadbeenmarriedjustthreemonthsandshelovedhimverymuch.
Aftersendingforbreakfastinbed,Gwendagotupandarrangedherplans.ShespentadayseeingPlymouthwhichsheenjoyedandonthefollowingdayshehiredacomfortableDaimlercarandchauffeurandsetoffonherjourneythroughEngland.
Theweatherwasgoodandsheenjoyedhertourverymuch.ShesawseveralpossibleresidencesinDevonshirebutnothingthatshefeltwasexactlyright.Therewasnohurry.Shewouldgoonlooking.Shelearnedtoreadbetweenthelinesofthehouseagents’enthusiasticdescriptionsandsavedherselfacertainnumberoffruitlesserrands.
ItwasonaTuesdayeveningaboutaweeklaterthatthecarcamegentlydownthecurvinghillroadintoDillmouthandontheoutskirtsofthatstillcharmingseasideresort,passedaForSaleboardwhere,throughthetrees,aglimpseofasmallwhiteVictorianvillacouldbeseen.
ImmediatelyGwendafeltathrobofappreciation—almostofrecognition.Thiswasherhouse!Alreadyshewassureofit.Shecouldpicturethegarden,thelongwindows—shewassurethatthehousewasjustwhatshewanted.
Itwaslateintheday,sosheputupattheRoyalClarenceHotelandwenttothehouseagentswhosenameshehadnotedontheboardthefollowingmorning.
Presently,armedwithanordertoview,shewasstandingintheold-fashionedlongdrawingroomwithitstwofrenchwindowsgivingontoaflaggedterraceinfrontofwhichakindofrockeryinterspersedwithfloweringshrubsfellsharplytoastretchoflawnbelow.Throughthetreesatthebottomofthegardentheseacouldbeseen.
Thisismyhouse,thoughtGwenda.It’shome.IfeelalreadyasthoughIknoweverybitofit.
Thedooropenedandatallmelancholywomanwithacoldintheheadentered,sniffing.“Mrs.Hengrave?IhaveanorderfromMessrs.GalbraithandPenderley.I’mafraidit’sratherearlyintheday—”
Mrs.Hengrave,blowinghernose,saidsadlythatthatdidn’tmatteratall.Thetourofthehousebegan.
Yes,itwasjustright.Nottoolarge.Abitold-fashioned,butsheandGilescouldputinanotherbathroomortwo.Thekitchencouldbemodernized.ItalreadyhadanAga,fortunately.Withanewsinkandup-to-dateequipment—
ThroughallGwenda’splansandpreoccupations,thevoiceofMrs.HengravedronedthinlyonrecountingthedetailsofthelateMajorHengrave’slastillness.HalfofGwendaattendedtomakingtherequisitenoisesofcondolence,sympathyandunderstanding.Mrs.Hengrave’speoplealllivedinKent—anxioussheshouldcomeandsettlenearthem…theMajorhadbeenveryfondofDillmouth,secretaryformanyyearsoftheGolfClub,butsheherself…
“Yes…Ofcourse…Dreadfulforyou…Mostnatural…Yes,nursinghomesarelikethat…Ofcourse…Youmustbe….”
AndtheotherhalfofGwendaracedalonginthought:Linencupboardhere,Iexpect…Yes.Doubleroom—niceviewofsea—Gileswilllikethat.Quiteausefullittleroomhere—Gilesmighthaveitasadressingroom…Bathroom—Iexpectthebathhasamahoganysurround—Ohyes,ithas!Howlovely—andstandinginthemiddleofthefloor!Ishan’tchangethat—it’saperiodpiece!
Suchanenormousbath!
Onecouldhaveapplesonthesurround.Andsailboats—andpaintedducks.Youcouldpretendyouwereinthesea…Iknow:we’llmakethatdarkbackspareroomintoacoupleofreallyup-to-dategreenandchromiumbathrooms—thepipesoughttobeallrightoverthekitchen—andkeepthisjustasitis….
“Pleurisy,”saidMrs.Hengrave.“Turningtodoublepneumoniaonthethirdday—”
“Terrible,”saidGwenda.“Isn’tthereanotherbedroomattheendofthispassage?”
Therewas—anditwasjustthesortofroomshehadimagineditwouldbe—almostround,withabigbowwindow.She’dhavetodoitup,ofcourse.Itwasinquitegoodcondition,butwhywerepeoplelikeMrs.Hengravesofondofthatmustard-cum-biscuitshadeofwallpaint?
Theyretracedtheirstepsalongthecorridor.Gwendamurmured,conscientiously,“Six,no,sevenbedrooms,countingthelittleoneandtheattic.”
Theboardscreakedfaintlyunderherfeet.AlreadyshefeltthatitwassheandnotMrs.Hengravewholivedhere!Mrs.Hengravewasaninterloper—awomanwhodiduproomsinmustard-cum-biscuitcolourandlikedafriezeofwisteriainherdrawingroom.Gwendaglanceddownatthetypewrittenpaperinherhandonwhichthedetailsofthepropertyandthepriceaskedweregiven.
InthecourseofafewdaysGwendahadbecomefairlyconversantwithhousevalues.Thesumaskedwasnotlarge—ofcoursethehouseneededacertainamountofmodernization—buteventhen…Andshenotedthewords“Opentooffer.”Mrs.HengravemustbeveryanxioustogotoKentandlivenear“herpeople”….
TheywerestartingdownthestairswhenquitesuddenlyGwendafeltawaveofirrationalterrorsweepoverher.Itwasasickeningsensation,anditpassedalmostasquicklyasitcame.Yetitleftbehinditanewidea.
“Thehouseisn’t—haunted,isit?”demandedGwenda.
Mrs.Hengrave,astepbelow,andhavingjustgottothemomentinhernarrativewhenMajorHengravewassinkingfast,lookedupinanaffrontedmanner.
“NotthatIamawareof,Mrs.Reed.Why—hasanyone—beensayingsomethingofthekind?”
“You’veneverfeltorseenanythingyourself?Nobody’sdiedhere?”
Ratheranunfortunatequestion,shethought,asplitsecondofamomenttoolate,becausepresumablyMajorHengrave—
“MyhusbanddiedintheSt.Monica’sNursingHome,”saidMrs.Hengravestiffly.
“Oh,ofcourse.Youtoldmeso.”
Mrs.Hengravecontinuedinthesameratherglacialmanner:“Inahousewhichwaspresumablybuiltaboutahundredyearsago,therewouldnormallybedeathsduringthatperiod.MissElworthyfromwhommydearhusbandacquiredthishousesevenyearsago,wasinexcellenthealth,andindeedplanningtogoabroadanddomissionarywork,andshedidnotmentionanyrecentdemisesinherfamily.”
GwendahastenedtosoothethemelancholyMrs.Hengravedown.Theywerenowoncemoreinthedrawingroom.Itwasapeacefulandcharmingroom,withexactlythekindofatmospherethatGwendacoveted.Hermomentarypanicjustnowseemedquiteincomprehensible.Whathadcomeoverher?Therewasnothingwrongwiththehouse.
AskingMrs.Hengraveifshecouldtakealookatthegarden,shewentoutthroughthefrenchwindowsontotheterrace
Thereshouldbestepshere,thoughtGwenda,goingdowntothelawn.
Butinsteadtherewasavastuprisingofforsythiawhichatthisparticularplaceseemedtohavegotaboveitselfandeffectuallyshutoutallviewofthesea.
Gwendanoddedtoherself.Shewouldalterallthat.
FollowingMrs.Hengrave,shewentalongtheterraceanddownsomestepsatthefarsideontothelawn.Shenotedthattherockerywasneglectedandovergrown,andthatmostofthefloweringshrubsneededpruning.
Mrs.Hengravemurmuredapologeticallythatthegardenhadbeenratherneglected.Onlyabletoaffordamantwiceaweek.Andquiteoftenheneverturnedup.
Theyinspectedthesmallbutadequatekitchengardenandreturnedtothehouse.Gwendaexplainedthatshehadotherhousestosee,andthatthoughshelikedHillside(whatacommonplacename!)verymuch,shecouldnotdecideimmediately.
Mrs.Hengravepartedfromherwithasomewhatwistfullookandalastlonglingeringsniff.
Gwendareturnedtotheagents,madeafirmoffersubjecttosurveyor’sreportandspenttherestofthemorningwalkingroundDillmouth.Itwasacharmingandold-fashionedlittleseasidetown.Atthefar,“modern”end,therewereacoupleofnew-lookinghotelsandsomeraw-lookingbungalows,butthegeographicalformationofthecoastwiththehillsbehindhadsavedDillmouthfromundueexpansion.
AfterlunchGwendareceivedatelephonecallfromtheagentssayingthatMrs.Hengraveacceptedheroffer.WithamischievoussmileonherlipsGwendamadeherwaytothepostofficeanddespatchedacabletoGiles.
Haveboughtahouse.Love.Gwenda.
“That’llticklehimup,”saidGwendatoherself.“Showhimthatthegrassdoesn’tgrowundermyfeet!”
Two
WALLPAPER
I
AmonthhadpassedandGwendahadmovedintoHillside.Giles’saunt’sfurniturehadcomeoutofstoreandwasarrangedroundthehouse.Itwasgoodqualityold-fashionedstuff.Oneortwoover-largewardrobesGwendahadsold,buttherestfittedinnicelyandwasinharmonywiththehouse.Thereweresmallgaypapiermachétablesinthedrawingroom,
Theso-calledeasychairsGwendahadrelegatedtovariousbedroomsandhadboughttwolargesquashywellsofcomfortforherselfandGilestostandeachsideofthefireplace.Thelargechesterfieldsofawasplacednearthewindows.ForcurtainsGwendahadchosenold-fashionedchintzofpaleeggshellbluewithprimurnsofrosesandyellowbirdsonthem.Theroom,shenowconsidered,wasexactlyright.
Shewashardlysettledyet,sinceshehadworkmeninthehousestill.Theyshouldhavebeenoutbynow,butGwendarightlyestimatedthatuntilsheherselfcameintoresidence,theywouldnotgo.
Thekitchenalterationswerefinished,thenewbathroomsnearlyso.ForfurtherdecoratingGwendawasgoingtowaitawhile.Shewantedtimetosavourhernewhomeanddecideontheexactcolourschemesshewantedforthebedrooms.Thehousewasreallyinverygoodorderandtherewasnoneedtodoeverythingatonce.
InthekitchenaMrs.Cockerwasnowinstalled,aladyofcondescendinggraciousness,inclinedtorepulseGwenda’sover-democraticfriendliness,butwho,onceGwendahadbeensatisfactorilyputinherplace,waswillingtounbend.
Onthisparticularmorning,Mrs.CockerdepositedabreakfasttrayonGwenda’sknees,asshesatupinbed.
“Whenthere’snogentlemaninthehouse,”Mrs.Cockeraffirmed,“aladyprefersherbreakfastinbed.”AndGwendahadbowedtothissupposedlyEnglishenactment.
“Scrambledthismorning,”Mrs.Cockerobserved,referringtotheeggs.“Yousaidsomethingaboutfinnanhaddock,butyouwouldn’tlikeitinthebedroom.Itleavesasmell.I’mgivingittoyouforyoursupper,creamedontoast.”
“Oh,thankyou,Mrs.Cocker.”
Mrs.Cockersmiledgraciouslyandpreparedtowithdraw.
Gwendawasnotoccupyingthebigdoublebedroom.ThatcouldwaituntilGilesreturned.Shehadchoseninsteadtheendroom,theonewiththeroundedwallsandthebowwindow.Shefeltthoroughlyathomeinitandhappy.
Lookingroundhernow,sheexclaimedimpulsively:“Idolikethisroom.”
Mrs.Cockerlookedroundindulgently.
“Itisquaiteanaiceroom,madam,thoughsmall.BythebarsonthewindowIshouldsayithadbeenthenurseryatonetime.”
“Ineverthoughtofthat.Perhapsithas.”
“Ah,well,”saidMrs.Cocker,withimplicationinhervoice,andwithdrew.
“Oncewehaveagentlemaninthehouse,”sheseemedtobesaying,“whoknows?Anurserymaybeneeded.”
Gwendablushed.Shelookedroundtheroom.Anursery?Yes,itwouldbeanicenursery.Shebeganfurnishingitinhermind.Abigdolls’housethereagainstthewall.Andlowcupboardswithtoysinthem.Afireburningcheerfullyinthegrateandatallguardrounditwiththingsairingontherail.Butnotthishideousmustardwall.No,shewouldhaveagaywallpaper.Somethingbrightandcheerful.Littlebunchesofpoppiesalternatingwithbunchesofcornflowers…Yes,thatwouldbelovely.She’dtryandfindawallpaperlikethat.Shefeltsureshehadseenonesomewhere.
Onedidn’tneedmuchfurnitureintheroom.Thereweretwobuilt-incupboards,butoneofthem,acornerone,waslockedandthekeylost.Indeedthewholethinghadbeenpaintedover,sothatitcouldnothavebeenopenedformanyyears.Shemustgetthementoopenitupbeforetheyleft.Asitwas,shehadn’tgotroomforallherclothes.
ShefeltmoreathomeeverydayinHillside.Hearingathroatbeingponderouslyclearedandashortdrycoughthroughtheopenwindow,shehurriedoverherbreakfast.Foster,thetemperamentaljobbinggardener,whowasnotalwaysreliableinhispromises,mustbeheretodayashehadsaidhewouldbe.
Gwendabathed,dressed,putonatweedskirtandasweaterandhurriedoutintothegarden.Fosterwasatworkoutsidethedrawingroomwindow.Gwenda’sfirstactionhadbeentogetapathmadedownthroughtherockeryatthispoint.Fosterhadbeenrecalcitrant,pointingoutthattheforsythiawouldhavetogoandtheweigela,andthemtherelilacs,butGwendahadbeenadamant,andhewasnowalmostenthusiasticabouthistask.
Hegreetedherwithachuckle.
“Lookslikeyou’regoingbacktooldtimes,miss.”(HepersistedincallingGwenda“miss.”)
“Oldtimes?How?”
Fostertappedwithhisspade.
“Icomeontheoldsteps—see,that’swheretheywent—justasyouwant’emnow.Thensomeoneplantedthemoverandcoveredthemup.”
“Itwasverystupidofthem,”saidGwenda.“Youwantavistadowntothelawnandtheseafromthedrawingroomwindow.”
Fosterwassomewhathazyaboutavista—buthegaveacautiousandgrudgingassent.
“Idon’tsay,mindyou,thatitwon’tbeanimprovement…Givesyouaview—andthemshrubsmadeitdarkinthedrawingroom.Stilltheywasgrowingatreat—neverseenahealthierlotofforsythia.Lilacsisn’tmuch,butthemwiglerscostsmoney—andmindyou—they’retoooldtoreplant.”
“Oh,Iknow.Butthisismuch,muchnicer.”
“Well.”Fosterscratchedhishead.“Maybeitis.”
“It’sright,”saidGwenda,noddingherhead.Sheaskedsuddenly,“WholivedherebeforetheHengraves?Theyweren’thereverylong,werethey?”
“Matterofsixyearsorso.Didn’tbelong.Aforethem?TheMissElworthys.Verychurchyfolk.Lowchurch.Missionstotheheathen.Oncehadablackclergymanstayinghere,theydid.Fourof’emtherewas,andtheirbrother—buthedidn’tgetmuchofalook-inwithallthosewomen.Beforethem—nowletmesee,itwasMrs.Findeyson—ah!shewastherealgentry,shewas.Shebelonged.WaslivinghereaforeIwasborn.”
“Didshediehere?”askedGwenda.
“DiedoutinEgyptorsomesuchplace.Buttheybroughtherhome.She’sburieduptochurchyard.Sheplantedthatmagnoliaandthoselabiurnams.Andthosepittispores.Fondofshrubs,shewas.”
Fostercontinued:“Weren’tnoneofthosenewhousesbuiltupalongthehillthen.Countrified,itwas.Nocinemathen.Andnoneofthemnewshops.Orthatthereparadeonthefront!”Histoneheldthedisapprovaloftheagedforallinnovations.“Changes,”hesaidwithasnort.“Nothingbutchanges.”
“Isupposethingsareboundtochange,”saidGwenda.“Andafteralltherearelotsofimprovementsnowadays,aren’tthere?”
“Sotheysay.Iain’tnoticedthem.Changes!”Hegesturedtowardsthemacrocarpahedgeontheleftthroughwhichthegleamofabuildingshowed.“Usedtobethecottagehospital,thatused,”hesaid.“Niceplaceandhandy.Thentheygoesandbuildsagreatplaceneartoamileoutoftown.Twentyminutes’walkifyouwanttogetthereonavisitingday—orthreepenceonthebus.”Hegesturedoncemoretowardsthehedge…“It’sagirls’schoolnow.Movedintenyearsago.Changesallthetime.Peopletakesahousenowadaysandlivesinittenortwelveyearsandthenofftheygoes.Restless.What’sthegoodofthat?Youcan’tdoanyproperplantingunlessyoucanlookwellahead.”
Gwendalookedaffectionatelyatthemagnolia.
“LikeMrs.Findeyson,”shesaid.
“Ah.Shewastheproperkind.Comehereasabride,shedid.Broughtupherchildrenandmarriedthem,buriedherhusband,hadhergrandchildrendowninthesummers,andtookoffintheendwhenshewasnighoneighty.”
Foster’stoneheldwarmapproval.
Gwendawentbackintothehousesmilingalittle.
Sheinterviewedtheworkmen,andthenreturnedtothedrawingroomwhereshesatdownatthedeskandwrotesomeletters.AmongstthecorrespondencethatremainedtobeansweredwasaletterfromsomecousinsofGileswholivedinLondon.AnytimeshewantedtocometoLondontheybeggedhertocomeandstaywiththemattheirhouseinChelsea.
RaymondWestwasawell-known(ratherthanpopular)novelistandhiswifeJoan,Gwendaknew,wasapainter.Itwouldbefuntogoandstaywiththem,thoughprobablytheywouldthinkshewasamostterriblePhilistine.NeitherGilesnorIareabithighbrow,reflectedGwenda.
Asonorousgongboomedpontificallyfromthehall.Surroundedbyagreatdealofcarvedandtorturedblackwood,thegonghadbeenoneofGiles’saunt’sprizedpossessions.Mrs.Cockerherselfappearedtoderivedistinctpleasurefromsoundingitandalwaysgavefullmeasure.Gwendaputherhandstoherearsandgotup.
Shewalkedquicklyacrossthedrawingroomtothewallbythefarwindowandthenbroughtherselfupshortwithanexclamationofannoyance.Itwasthethirdtimeshe’ddonethat.Shealwaysseemedtoexpecttobeabletowalkthroughsolidwallintothediningroomnextdoor.
Shewentbackacrosstheroomandoutintothefronthallandthenroundtheangleofthedrawingroomwallandsoalongtothediningroom.Itwasalongwayround,anditwouldbeannoyinginwinter,forthefronthallwasdraughtyandtheonlycentralheatingwasinthedrawingroomanddiningroomandtwobedroomsupstairs.
Idon’tsee,thoughtGwendatoherselfasshesatdownatthecharmingSherationdiningtablewhichshehadjustboughtatvastexpenseinlieuofAuntLavender’smassivesquaremahoganyone,Idon’tseewhyIshouldn’thaveadoorwaymadethroughfromthedrawingroomtothediningroom.I’lltalktoMr.Simsaboutitwhenhecomesthisafternoon.
Mr.Simswasthebuilderanddecorator,apersuasivemiddle-agedmanwithahuskyvoiceandalittlenotebookwhichhealwaysheldattheready,tojotdownanyexpensiveideathatmightoccurtohispatrons.
Mr.Sims,whenconsulted,waskeenlyappreciative.
“Simplestthingintheworld,Mrs.Reed—andagreatimprovement,ifImaysayso.”
“Woulditbeveryexpensive?”GwendawasbynowalittledoubtfulofMr.Sims’sassentsandenthusiasms.TherehadbeenalittleunpleasantnessovervariousextrasnotincludedinMr.Sims’soriginalestimate.
“Ameretrifle,”saidMr.Sims,hishuskyvoiceindulgentandreassuring.Gwendalookedmoredoubtfulthanever.ItwasMr.Sims’striflesthatshehadlearnttodistrust.Hisstraightforwardestimateswerestudiouslymoderate.
“I’lltellyouwhat,Mrs.Reed,”saidMr.Simscoaxingly,“I’llgetTaylortohavealookwhenhe’sfinishedwiththedressingroomthisafternoon,andthenIcangiveyouanexactidea.Dependswhatthewall’slike.”
Gwendaassented.ShewrotetoJoanWestthankingherforherinvitation,butsayingthatshewouldnotbeleavingDillmouthatpresentsinceshewantedtokeepaneyeontheworkmen.Thenshewentoutforawalkalongthefrontandenjoyedtheseabreeze.Shecamebackintothedrawingroom,andTaylor,Mr.Sims’sleadingworkman,straightenedupfromthecornerandgreetedherwithagrin.
“Won’tbenodifficultyaboutthis,Mrs.Reed,”hesaid.“Beenadoorherebefore,therehas.Somebodyasdidn’twantithasjusthaditplasteredover.”
Gwendawasagreeablysurprised.Howextraordinary,shethought,thatI’vealwaysseemedtofeeltherewasadoorthere.Sherememberedtheconfidentwayshehadwalkedtoitatlunchtime.Andrememberingit,quitesuddenly,shefeltatinyshiverofuneasiness.Whenyoucametothinkofit,itwasreallyratherodd…Whyshouldshehavefeltsosurethattherewasadoorthere?Therewasnosignofitontheoutsidewall.Howhadsheguessed—known—thattherewasadoorjustthere?Ofcourseitwouldbeconvenienttohaveadoorthroughtothediningroom,butwhyhadshealwaysgonesounerringlytothatoneparticularspot?Anywhereonthedividingwallwouldhavedoneequallywell,butshehadalwaysgoneautomatically,thinkingofotherthings,totheoneplacewhereadoorhadactuallybeen.
Ihope,thoughtGwendauneasily,thatI’mnotclairvoyantoranything….
Therehadneverbeenanythingintheleastpsychicabouther.Shewasn’tthatkindofperson.Orwasshe?Thatpathoutsidefromtheterracedownthroughtheshrubberytothelawn.Hadsheinsomewayknownitwastherewhenshewassoinsistentonhavingitmadeinthatparticularplace?
PerhapsIamabitpsychic,thoughtGwendauneasily.Orisitsomethingtodowiththehouse?
WhyhadsheaskedMrs.Hengravethatdayifthehousewashaunted?
Itwasn’thaunted!Itwasadarlinghouse!Therecouldn’tbeanythingwrongwiththehouse.Why,Mrs.Hengravehadseemedquitesurprisedbytheidea.
Orhadtherebeenatraceofreserve,ofwariness,inhermanner?
GoodHeavens,I’mbeginningtoimaginethings,thoughtGwenda.
ShebroughthermindbackwithanefforttoherdiscussionwithTaylor.
“There’soneotherthing,”sheadded.“Oneofthecupboardsinmyroomupstairsisstuck.Iwanttogetitopened.”
Themancameupwithherandexaminedthedoor.
“It’sbeenpaintedovermorethanonce,”hesaid.“I’llgetthementogetitopenforyoutomorrowifthatwilldo.”
GwendaacquiescedandTaylorwentaway.
ThateveningGwendafeltjumpyandnervous.Sittinginthedrawingroomandtryingtoread,shewasawareofeverycreakofthefurniture.Onceortwiceshelookedoverhershoulderandshivered.Shetoldherselfrepeatedlythattherewasnothingintheincidentofthedoorandthepath.Theywerejustcoincidences.Inanycasetheyweretheresultofplaincommonsense.
Withoutadmittingittoherself,shefeltnervousofgoinguptobed.Whenshefinallygotupandturnedoffthelightsandopenedthedoorintothehall,shefoundherselfdreadingtogoupthestairs.Shealmostranuptheminherhaste,hurriedalongthepassageandopenedthedoorofherroom.Onceinsidesheatoncefeltherfearscalmedandappeased.Shelookedroundtheroomaffectionately.Shefeltsafeinhere,safeandhappy.Yes,nowshewashere,shewassafe.(Safefromwhat,youidiot?sheaskedherself.)Shelookedatherpyjamasspreadoutonthebedandherbedroomslippersbelowthem.
Really,Gwenda,youmightbesixyearsold!Yououghttohavebunnyshoes,withrabbitsonthem.
Shegotintobedwithasenseofreliefandwassoonasleep.
Thenextmorningshehadvariousmatterstoseetointhetown.Whenshecamebackitwaslunchtime.
“Themenhavegotthecupboardopeninyourbedroom,madam,”saidMrs.Cockerasshebroughtinthedelicatelyfriedsole,themashedpotatoesandthecreamedcarrots.
“Ohgood,”saidGwenda.
Shewashungryandenjoyedherlunch.Afterhavingcoffeeinthedrawingroom,shewentupstairstoherbedroom.Crossingtheroomshepulledopenthedoorofthecornercupboard.
Thensheutteredasuddenfrightenedlittlecryandstoodstaring.
Theinsideofthecupboardrevealedtheoriginalpaperingofthewall,whichelsewherehadbeendoneoverintheyellowishwallpaint.Theroomhadoncebeengailypaperedinafloraldesign,adesignoflittlebunchesofscarletpoppiesalternatingwithbunchesofbluecornflowers….
II
Gwendastoodtherestaringalongtime,thenshewentshakilyovertothebedandsatdownonit.
Hereshewasinahouseshehadneverbeeninbefore,inacountryshehadnevervisited—andonlytwodaysagoshehadlaininbedimaginingapaperforthisveryroom—andthepapershehadimaginedcorrespondedexactlywiththepaperthathadoncehungonthewalls.
Wildfragmentsofexplanationwhirledroundinherhead.Dunne,ExperimentwithTime—seeingforwardinsteadofback….
Shecouldexplainthegardenpathandtheconnectingdoorascoincidence—buttherecouldn’tbecoincidenceaboutthis.Youcouldn’tconceivablyimagineawallpaperofsuchadistinctivedesignandthenfindoneexactlyasyouhadimaginedit…No,therewassomeexplanationthateludedherandthat—yes,frightenedher.Everynowandthenshewasseeing,notforward,butback—backtosomeformerstateofthehouse.Anymomentshemightseesomethingmore—somethingshedidn’twanttosee…Thehousefrightenedher…Butwasitthehouseorherself?Shedidn’twanttobeoneofthosepeoplewhosawthings….
Shedrewalongbreath,putonherhatandcoatandslippedquicklyoutofthehouse.Atthepostofficeshesentthefollowingtelegram:
West,19AddwaySquareChelseaLondon.MayIchangemymindandcometoyoutomorrowGwenda.
Shesentitreplypaid.
Three
“COVERHERFACE…”
RaymondWestandhiswifedidalltheycouldtomakeyoungGiles’swifefeelwelcome.ItwasnottheirfaultthatGwendafoundthemsecretlyratheralarming.Raymond,withhisoddappearance,ratherlikeapouncingraven,hissweepofhairandhissuddencrescendosofquiteincomprehensibleconversation,leftGwendaround-eyedandnervous.BothheandJoanseemedtotalkalanguageoftheirown.Gwendahadneverbeenplungedinahighbrowatmospherebeforeandpracticallyallitstermswerestrange.
“We’veplannedtotakeyoutoashowortwo,”saidRaymondwhilstGwendawasdrinkingginandratherwishingshecouldhavehadacupofteaafterherjourney.
Gwendabrightenedupimmediately.
“TheBallettonightatSadler’sWells,andtomorrowwe’vegotabirthdaypartyonformyquiteincredibleAuntJane—theDuchessofMalfiwithGielgud,andonFridayyousimplymustseeTheyWalkedwithoutFeet.TranslatedfromtheRussian—absolutelythemostsignificentpieceofdramaforthelasttwentyyears.It’satthelittleWitmoreTheatre.”
Gwendaexpressedherselfgratefulfortheseplansforherentertainment.Afterall,whenGilescamehome,theywouldgotogethertothemusicalshowsandallthat.SheflinchedslightlyattheprospectofTheyWalkedwithoutFeet,butsupposedshemightenjoyit—onlythepointabout“significant”playswasthatyouusuallydidn’t.
“You’lladoremyAuntJane,”saidRaymond.“She’swhatIshoulddescribeasaperfectPeriodPiece.Victoriantothecore.Allherdressingtableshavetheirlegsswathedinchintz.Shelivesinavillage,thekindofvillagewherenothingeverhappens,exactlylikeastagnantpond.”
“Somethingdidhappenthereonce,”hiswifesaiddrily.
“Ameredramaofpassion—crude—nosubtletytoit.”
“Youenjoyeditfrightfullyatthetime,”Joanremindedhimwithaslighttwinkle.
“Isometimesenjoyplayingvillagecricket,”saidRaymond,withdignity.
“Anyway,AuntJanedistinguishedherselfoverthatmurder.”
“Oh,she’snofool.Sheadoresproblems.”
“Problems?”saidGwenda,hermindflyingtoarithmetic.
Raymondwavedahand.
“Anykindofproblem.Whythegrocer’swifetookherumbrellatothechurchsocialonafineevening.Whyagillofpickledshrimpswasfoundwhereitwas.WhathappenedtotheVicar’ssurplice.AllgristtomyAuntJane’smill.Soifyou’veanyprobleminyourlife,putittoher,Gwenda.She’lltellyoutheanswer.”
HelaughedandGwendalaughedtoo,butnotveryheartily.ShewasintroducedtoAuntJane,otherwiseMissMarple,onthefollowingday.MissMarplewasanattractiveoldlady,tallandthin,withpinkcheeksandblueeyes,andagentle,ratherfussymanner.Herblueeyesoftenhadalittletwinkleinthem.
AfteranearlydinneratwhichtheydrankAuntJane’shealth,theyallwentofftoHisMajesty’sTheatre.Twoextramen,anelderlyartistandayoungbarristerwereintheparty.TheelderlyartistdevotedhimselftoGwendaandtheyoungbarristerdividedhisattentionsbetweenJoanandMissMarplewhoseremarksheseemedtoenjoyverymuch.Atthetheatre,however,thisarrangementwasreversed.GwendasatinthemiddleoftherowbetweenRaymondandthebarrister.
Thelightswentdownandtheplaybegan
ItwassuperblyactedandGwendaenjoyeditverymuch.Shehadnotseenverymanyfirst-ratetheatricalproductions.
Theplaydrewtoaclose,cametothatsuprememomentofhorror.Theactor’svoicecameoverthefootlightsfilledwiththetragedyofawarpedandpervertedmentality.
“Coverherface.Mineeyesdazzle,shediedyoung….”
Gwendascreamed.
Shesprangupfromherseat,pushedblindlypasttheothersoutintotheaisle,throughtheexitandupthestairsandsotothestreet.Shedidnotstop,eventhen,buthalfwalked,halfran,inablindpanicuptheHaymarket.
ItwasnotuntilshehadreachedPiccadillythatshenoticedafreetaxicruisingalong,haileditand,gettingin,gavetheaddressoftheChelseahouse.Withfumblingfingersshegotoutmoney,paidthetaxiandwentupthesteps.Theservantwholetheringlancedatherinsurprise.
“You’vecomebackearly,miss.Didn’tyoufeelwell?”
“I—no,yes—I—Ifeltfaint.”
“Wouldyoulikeanything,miss?Somebrandy?”
“No,nothing.I’llgostraightuptobed.”
Sheranupthestairstoavoidfurtherquestions.
Shepulledoffherclothes,leftthemonthefloorinaheapandgotintobed.Shelaythereshivering,herheartpounding,hereyesstaringattheceiling.
Shedidnothearthesoundoffresharrivalsdownstairs,butafteraboutfiveminutesthedooropenedandMissMarplecamein.Shehadtwohot-waterbottlestuckedunderherarmandacupinherhand.
Gwendasatupinbed,tryingtostophershivering.
“Oh,MissMarple,I’mfrightfullysorry.Idon’tknowwhat—itwasawfulofme.Aretheyveryannoyedwithme?”
“Nowdon’tworry,mydearchild,”saidMissMarple.“Justtuckyourselfupwarmlywiththesehot-waterbottles.”
“Idon’treallyneedahot-waterbottle.”
“Ohyes,youdo.That’sright.Andnowdrinkthiscupoftea….”
Itwashotandstrongandfartoofullofsugar,butGwendadrankitobediently.Theshiveringwaslessacutenow.
“Justliedownnowandgotosleep,”saidMissMarple.“You’vehadashock,youknow.We’lltalkaboutitinthemorning.Don’tworryaboutanything.Justgotosleep.”
Shedrewthecoversup,smiled,pattedGwendaandwentout.
DownstairsRaymondwassayingirritablytoJoan:“Whatonearthwasthematterwiththegirl?Didshefeelill,orwhat?”
“MydearRaymond,Idon’tknow,shejustscreamed!Isupposetheplaywasabittoomacabreforher.”
“Well,ofcourseWebsterisabitgrisly.ButIshouldn’thavethought—”HebrokeoffasMissMarplecameintotheroom.“Issheallright?”
“Yes,Ithinkso.She’dhadabadshock,youknow.”
“Shock?JustseeingaJacobeandrama?”
“Ithinktheremustbealittlemoretoitthanthat,”saidMissMarplethoughtfully.
Gwenda’sbreakfastwassentuptoher.Shedranksomecoffeeandnibbledalittlepieceoftoast.Whenshegotupandcamedownstairs,Joanhadgonetoherstudio,RaymondwasshutupinhisworkroomandonlyMissMarplewassittingbythewindow,whichhadaviewovertheriver;shewasbusilyengagedinknitting.
ShelookedupwithaplacidsmileasGwendaentered.
“Goodmorning,mydear.You’refeelingbetter,Ihope.”
“Ohyes,I’mquiteallright.HowIcouldmakesuchanutteridiotofmyselflastnight,Idon’tknow.Arethey—aretheyverymadwithme?”
“Ohno,mydear.Theyquiteunderstand.”
“Understandwhat?”
MissMarpleglancedupoverherknitting.
“Thatyouhadabadshocklastnight.”Sheaddedgently:“Hadn’tyoubettertellmeallaboutit?”
Gwendawalkedrestlesslyupanddown.
“IthinkI’dbettergoandseeapsychiatristorsomeone.”
“ThereareexcellentmentalspecialistsinLondon,ofcourse.Butareyousureitisnecessary?”
“Well—IthinkI’mgoingmad…Imustbegoingmad.”
AnelderlyparlourmaidenteredtheroomwithatelegramonasalverwhichshehandedtoGwenda.
“Theboywantstoknowifthere’sananswer,ma’am?”
Gwendatoreitopen.IthadbeenretelegraphedonfromDillmouth.Shestaredatitforamomentortwouncomprehendingly,thenscreweditintoaball.
“There’snoanswer,”shesaidmechanically.
Themaidlefttheroom.
“Notbadnews,Ihope,dear?”
“It’sGiles—myhusband.He’sflyinghome.He’llbehereinaweek.”
Hervoicewasbewilderedandmiserable.MissMarplegaveagentlelittlecough
“Well—surely—thatisverynice,isn’tit?”
“Isit?WhenI’mnotsureifI’mmadornot?IfI’mmadIoughtnevertohavemarriedGiles.Andthehouseandeverything.Ican’tgobackthere.Oh,Idon’tknowwhattodo.”
MissMarplepattedthesofainvitingly.
“Nowsupposeyousitdownhere,dear,andjusttellmeallaboutit.”
ItwaswithasenseofreliefthatGwendaacceptedtheinvitation.Shepouredoutthewholestory,startingwithherfirstviewofHillsideandgoingontotheincidentsthathadfirstpuzzledherandthenworriedher.
“AndsoIgotratherfrightened,”sheended.“AndIthoughtI’dcomeuptoLondon—getawayfromitall.Only,yousee,Icouldn’tgetawayfromit.Itfollowedme.Lastnight—”sheshuthereyesandgulpedreminiscently.
“Lastnight?”promptedMissMarple.
“Idaresayyouwon’tbelievethis,”saidGwenda,speakingveryfast.“You’llthinkI’mhystericalorqueerorsomething.Ithappenedquitesuddenly,rightattheend.I’denjoyedtheplay.I’dneverthoughtonceofthehouse.Andthenitcame—outoftheblue—whenhesaidthosewords—”
Sherepeatedinalowquiveringvoice:“Coverherface,mineeyesdazzle,shediedyoung.
“Iwasbackthere—onthestairs,lookingdownonthehallthroughthebanisters,andIsawherlyingthere.Sprawledout—dead.Herhairallgoldenandherfaceall—allblue!Shewasdead,strangled,andsomeonewassayingthosewordsinthatsamehorriblegloatingway—andIsawhishands—grey,wrinkled—nothands—monkey’spaws…Itwashorrible,Itellyou.Shewasdead….”
MissMarpleaskedgently:“Whowasdead?”
Theanswercamebackquickandmechanical.
“Helen….”
Four
HELEN?
ForamomentGwendastaredatMissMarple,thenshepushedbackthehairfromherforehead.
“WhydidIsaythat?”shesaid.“WhydidIsayHelen?Idon’tknowanyHelen!”
Shedroppedherhandswithagestureofdespair.
“Yousee,”shesaid,“I’mmad!Iimaginethings!Igoaboutseeingthingsthataren’tthere.Firstitwasonlywallpapers—butnowit’sdeadbodies.SoI’mgettingworse.”
“Nowdon’trushtoconclusions,mydear—”
“Orelseit’sthehouse.Thehouseishaunted—orbewitchedorsomething…Iseethingsthathavehappenedthere—orelseIseethingsthataregoingtohappenthere—andthatwouldbeworse.PerhapsawomancalledHelenisgoingtobemurderedthere…OnlyIdon’tseeifit’sthehousethat’shauntedwhyIshouldseetheseawfulthingswhenIamawayfromit.SoIthinkreallythatitmustbemethat’sgoingqueer.AndI’dbettergoandseeapsychiatristatonce—thismorning.”
“Well,ofcourse,Gwendadear,youcanalwaysdothatwhenyou’veexhaustedeveryotherlineofapproach,butIalwaysthinkmyselfthatit’sbettertoexaminethesimplestandmostcommonplaceexplanationsfirst.Letmegetthefactsquiteclear.Therewerethreedefiniteincidentsthatupsetyou.Apathinthegardenthathadbeenplantedoverbutthatyoufeltwasthere,adoorthathadbeenbrickedup,andawallpaperwhichyouimaginedcorrectlyandindetailwithouthavingseenit?AmIright?”
“Yes.”
“Well,theeasiest,themostnaturalexplanationwouldbethatyouhadseenthembefore.”
“Inanotherlife,youmean?”
“Wellno,dear.Imeantinthislife.Imeanthattheymightbeactualmemories.”
“ButI’veneverbeeninEnglanduntilamonthago,MissMarple.”
“Youarequitesureofthat,mydear?”
“OfcourseI’msure.I’velivednearChristchurchinNewZealandallmylife.”
“Wereyoubornthere?”
“No,IwasborninIndia.MyfatherwasaBritishArmyofficer.MymotherdiedayearortwoafterIwasbornandhesentmebacktoherpeopleinNewZealandtobringup.Thenhehimselfdiedafewyearslater.”
“Youdon’tremembercomingfromIndiatoNewZealand?”
“Notreally.Idoremember,frightfullyvaguely,beingonaboat.Aroundwindowthing—aporthole,Isuppose.Andamaninwhiteuniformwitharedfaceandblueeyes,andamarkonhischin—ascar,Isuppose.HeusedtotossmeupintheairandIrememberbeinghalffrightenedandhalflovingit.Butit’sallveryfragmentary.”
“Doyourememberanurse—oranayah?”
“Notanayah—Nannie.IrememberNanniebecauseshestayedforsometime—untilIwasfiveyearsold.Shecutducksoutofpaper.Yes,shewasontheboat.ShescoldedmewhenIcriedbecausetheCaptainkissedmeandIdidn’tlikehisbeard.”
“Nowthat’sveryinteresting,dear,becauseyouseeyouaremixinguptwodifferentvoyages.Inone,theCaptainhadabeardandintheotherhehadaredfaceandascaronhischin.”
“Yes,”Gwendaconsidered,“IsupposeImustbe.”
“Itseemspossibletome,”saidMissMarple,“thatwhenyourmotherdied,yourfatherbroughtyoutoEnglandwithhimfirst,andthatyouactuallylivedatthishouse,Hillside.You’vetoldme,youknow,thatthehousefeltlikehometoyouassoonasyougotinsideit.Andthatroomyouchosetosleepin,itwasprobablyyournursery—”
“Itwasanursery.Therewerebarsonthewindows.”
“Yousee?Ithadthisprettygaypaperofcornflowersandpoppies.Childrenremembertheirnurserywallsverywell.I’vealwaysrememberedthemauveirisesonmynurserywallsandyetIbelieveitwasrepaperedwhenIwasonlythree.”
“Andthat’swhyIthoughtatonceofthetoys,thedolls’houseandthetoycupboards?”
“Yes.Andthebathroom.Thebathwiththemahoganysurround.Youtoldmethatyouthoughtofsailingducksinitassoonasyousawit.”
Gwendasaidthoughtfully.“It’struethatIseemedtoknowrightawayjustwhereeverythingwas—thekitchenandthelinencupboard.AndthatIkeptthinkingtherewasadoorthroughfromthedrawingroomtothediningroom.Butsurelyit’squiteimpossiblethatIshouldcometoEnglandandactuallybuytheidenticalhouseI’dlivedinlongago?”
“It’snotimpossible,mydear.It’sjustaveryremarkablecoincidence—andremarkablecoincidencesdohappen.Yourhusbandwantedahouseonthesouthcoast,youwerelookingforone,andyoupassedahousethatstirredmemories,andattractedyou.Itwastherightsizeandareasonablepriceandsoyouboughtit.No,it’snottoowildlyimprobable.Hadthehousebeenmerelywhatiscalled(perhapsrightly)ahauntedhouse,youwouldhavereacteddifferently,Ithink.Butyouhadnofeelingofviolenceorrepulsionexcept,soyouhavetoldme,atoneverydefinitemoment,andthatwaswhenyouwerejuststartingtocomedownthestaircaseandlookingdownintothehall.”
SomeofthescaredexpressioncamebackintoGwenda’seyes.
Shesaid:“Youmean—that—thatHelen—thatthat’struetoo?”
MissMarplesaidverygently:“Well,Ithinkso,mydear…Ithinkwemustfacethepositionthatiftheotherthingsarememories,thatisamemorytoo….”
“ThatIreallysawsomeonekilled—strangled—andlyingtheredead?”
“Idon’tsupposeyouknewconsciouslythatshewasstrangled,thatwassuggestedbytheplaylastnightandfitsinwithyouradultrecognitionofwhatablueconvulsedfacemustmean.Ithinkaveryyoungchild,creepingdownthestairs,wouldrealizeviolenceanddeathandevilandassociatethemwithacertainseriesofwords—forIthinkthere’snodoubtthatthemurdereractuallysaidthosewords.Itwouldbeaverysevereshocktoachild.Childrenareoddlittlecreatures.Iftheyarebadlyfrightened,especiallybysomethingtheydon’tunderstand,theydon’ttalkaboutit.Theybottleitup.Seemingly,perhaps,theyforgetit.Butthememoryisstilltheredeepdown.”
Gwendadrewadeepbreath.
“Andyouthinkthat’swhathappenedtome?Butwhydon’tIrememberitallnow?”
“Onecan’tremembertoorder.Andoftenwhenonetriesto,thememorygoesfurtheraway.ButIthinkthereareoneortwoindicationsthatthatiswhatdidhappen.Forinstancewhenyoutoldmejustnowaboutyourexperienceinthetheatrelastnightyouusedaveryrevealingturnofwords.Yousaidyouseemedtobelooking“throughthebanisters”—butnormally,youknow,onedoesn’tlookdownintoahallthroughthebanistersbutoverthem.Onlyachildwouldlookthrough.”
“That’scleverofyou,”saidGwendaappreciatively.
“Theselittlethingsareverysignificant.”
“ButwhowasHelen?”askedGwendainabewilderedway.
“Tellme,mydear,areyoustillquitesureitwasHelen?”
“Yes…It’sfrightfullyodd,becauseIdon’tknowwho‘Helen’is—butatthesametimeIdoknow—ImeanIknowthatitwas‘Helen’lyingthere…HowamIgoingtofindoutmore?”
“Well,IthinktheobviousthingtodoistofindoutdefinitelyifyoueverwereinEnglandasachild,orifyoucouldhavebeen.Yourrelatives—”
Gwendainterrupted.“AuntAlison.Shewouldknow,I’msure.”
“ThenIshouldwritetoherbyairmail.TellhercircumstanceshavearisenwhichmakeitimperativeforyoutoknowifyouhaveeverbeeninEngland.Youwouldprobablygetananswerbyairmailbythetimeyourhusbandarrives.”
“Oh,thankyou,MissMarple.You’vebeenfrightfullykind.AndIdohopewhatyou’vesuggestedistrue.Becauseifso,well,it’squiteallright.Imean,itwon’tbeanythingsupernatural.”
MissMarplesmiled.
“Ihopeitturnsoutaswethink.IamgoingtostaywithsomeoldfriendsofmineintheNorthofEnglandthedayaftertomorrow.IshallbepassingbackthroughLondoninabouttendays.Ifyouandyourhusbandareherethen,orifyouhavereceivedananswertoyourletter,Ishouldbeverycurioustoknowtheresult.”
“Ofcourse,dearMissMarple!Anyway,IwantyoutomeetGiles.He’saperfectpet.Andwe’llhaveagoodpow-wowaboutthewholething.”
Gwenda’sspiritswerefullyrestoredbynow.
MissMarple,however,lookedthoughtful
Five
MURDERINRETROSPECT
I
ItwassometendayslaterthatMissMarpleenteredasmallhotelinMayfair,andwasgivenanenthusiasticreceptionbyyoungMr.andMrs.Reed.
“Thisismyhusband,MissMarple.Giles,Ican’ttellyouhowkindMissMarplewastome.”
“I’mdelightedtomeetyou,MissMarple.IhearGwendanearlypanickedherselfintoalunaticasylum.”
MissMarple’sgentleblueeyessummedupGilesReedfavourably.Averylikeableyoungman,tallandfairwithadisarmingwayofblinkingeverynowandthenoutofanaturalshyness.Shenotedhisdeterminedchinandthesetofhisjaw.
“We’llhaveteainthelittlewaitingroom,thedarkone,”saidGwenda.“Nobodyevercomesthere.AndthenwecanshowMissMarpleAuntAlison’sletter.
“Yes,”sheadded,asMissMarplelookedupsharply.“It’scome,andit’salmostexactlywhatyouthought.”
Teaover,theairmailletterwasspreadoutandread.
DearestGwenda,(MissDandyhadwritten)Iwasmuchdisturbedtohearyouhadhadsomeworryingexperience.Totellyouthetruth,ithadreallyentirelyescapedmymemorythatyouhadactuallyresidedforashorttimeinEnglandasayoungchild.Yourmother,mysisterMegan,metyourfather,MajorHalliday,whenshewasonavisittosomefriendsofoursatthattimestationedinIndia.Theyweremarriedandyouwerebornthere.Abouttwoyearsafteryourbirthyourmotherdied.Itwasagreatshocktousandwewrotetoyourfatherwithwhomwehadcorresponded,butwhomactuallywehadneverseen,begginghimtoentrustyoutoourcare,aswewouldbeonlytoogladtohaveyou,anditmightbedifficultforanArmymanstrandedwithayoungchild.Yourfather,however,refused,andtoldushewasresigningfromtheArmyandtakingyoubackwithhimtoEngland.Hesaidhehopedwewouldatsometimecomeoverandvisithimthere.Iunderstandthatonthevoyagehome,yourfathermetayoungwoman,becameengagedtoher,andmarriedherassoonashegottoEngland.Themarriagewasnot,Igather,ahappyone,andIunderstandtheypartedaboutayearlater.Itwasthenthatyourfatherwrotetousandaskedifwewerestillwillingtogiveyouahome.Ineedhardlytellyou,mydear,howhappyweweretodoso.YouweresentouttousinthechargeofanEnglishnurse,andatthesametimeyourfathersettledthebulkofhisestateuponyouandsuggestedthatyoumightlegallyadoptourname.This,Imaysay,seemedalittlecurioustous,butwefeltthatitwaskindlymeant—andintendedtomakeyoumoreoneofthefamily—wedidnot,however,adoptthatsuggestion.Aboutayearlateryourfatherdiedinanursinghome.Isurmisethathehadalreadyreceivedbadnewsabouthishealthatthetimewhenhesentyououttous.I’mafraidIcannottellyouwhereyoulivedwhilstwithyourfatherinEngland.HisletternaturallyhadtheaddressonitatthetimebutthatisnoweighteenyearsagoandI’mafraidonedoesn’tremembersuchdetails.ItwasintheSouthofEngland,Iknow—andIfancyDillmouthiscorrect.IhadavagueideaitwasDartmouth,butthetwonamesarenotunlike.Ibelieveyourstepmothermarriedagain,butIhavenorecollectionofhername,norevenofherunmarriedname,thoughyourfatherhadmentioneditintheoriginallettertellingofhisremarriage.Wewere,Ithink,alittleresentfulofhismarryingagainsosoon,butofcourseoneknowsthatonboardshiptheinfluenceofpropinquityisverygreat—andhemayalsohavethoughtthatitwouldbeagoodthingonyouraccount.ItseemedstupidofmenottohavementionedtoyouthatyouhadbeeninEnglandevenifyoudidn’trememberthefact,but,asIsay,thewholethinghadfadedfrommymind.Yourmother’sdeathinIndiaandyoursubsequentlycomingtolivewithusalwaysseemedtheimportantpoints.Ihopethisisallclearedupnow?
IdotrustGileswillsoonbeabletojoinyou.Itishardforyoubothbeingpartedatthisearlystage.Allmynewsinmynextletter,asIamsendingthisoffhurriedlyinanswertoyourwire.Yourlovingaunt,AlisonDanby.PS.Youdonotsaywhatyourworryingexperiencewas?
“Yousee,”saidGwenda.“It’salmostexactlyasyousuggested.”
MissMarplesmoothedouttheflimsysheet.
“Yes—yes,indeed.Thecommonsenseexplanation.I’vefound,youknow,thatthatissooftenright.”
“Well,I’mverygratefultoyou,MissMarple,”saidGiles.“PoorGwendawasthoroughlyupset,andImustsayI’dhavebeenratherworriedmyselftothinkthatGwendawasclairvoyantorpsychicorsomething.”
“Itmightbeadisturbingqualityinawife,”saidGwenda.“Unlessyou’vealwaysledathoroughlyblamelesslife.”
“WhichIhave,”saidGiles.
“Andthehouse?Whatdoyoufeelaboutthehouse?”askedMissMarple.
“Oh,that’sallright.We’regoingdowntomorrow.Gilesisdyingtoseeit.”
“Idon’tknowwhetheryourealizeit,MissMarple,”saidGiles,“butwhatitamountstois,thatwe’vegotafirst-classmurdermysteryonourhands.Actuallyonourverydoorstep—ormoreaccuratelyinourfronthall.”
“Ihadthoughtofthat,yes,”saidMissMarpleslowly.
“AndGilessimplylovesdetectivestories,”saidGwenda.
“Well,Imean,itisadetectivestory.Bodyinthehallofabeautifulstrangledwoman.NothingknownofherbutherChristianname.OfcourseIknowit’snearlytwentyyearsago.Therecan’tbeanycluesafterallthistime,butonecanatleastcastabout,andtrytopickupsomeofthethreads.Oh!Idaresayonewon’tsucceedinsolvingtheriddle—”
“Ithinkyoumight,”saidMissMarple.“Evenaftereighteenyears.Yes,Ithinkyoumight.”
“Butatanyrateitwon’tdoanyharmtohavearealgoodtry?”
Gilespaused,hisfacebeaming.
MissMarplemoveduneasily,herfacewasgrave—almosttroubled.
“Butitmightdoagreatdealofharm,”shesaid.“Iwouldadviseyouboth—ohyes,Ireallywouldadviseitverystrongly—toleavethewholethingalone.”
“Leaveitalone?Ourveryownmurdermystery—ifitwasmurder!”
“Itwasmurder,Ithink.Andthat’sjustwhyIshouldleaveitalone.Murderisn’t—itreallyisn’t—athingtotamperwithlightheartedly.”
Gilessaid:“But,MissMarple,ifeverybodyfeltlikethat—”
Sheinterruptedhim.
“Oh,Iknow.Therearetimeswhenitisone’sduty—aninnocentpersonaccused—suspicionrestingonvariousotherpeople—adangerouscriminalatlargewhomaystrikeagain.Butyoumustrealizethatthismurderisverymuchinthepast.Presumablyitwasn’tknownformurder—ifso,youwouldhaveheardfastenoughfromyouroldgardenerorsomeonedownthere—amurder,howeverlongago,isalwaysnews.No,thebodymusthavebeendisposedofsomehow,andthewholethingneversuspected.Areyousure—areyoureallysure,thatyouarewisetodigitallupagain?”
“MissMarple,”criedGwenda,“yousoundreallyconcerned?”
“Iam,mydear.Youaretwoveryniceandcharmingyoungpeople(ifyouwillallowmetosayso).Youarenewlymarriedandhappytogether.Don’t,Ibegofyou,starttouncoverthingsthatmay—well,thatmay—howshallIputit?—thatmayupsetanddistressyou.”
Gwendastaredather.“You’rethinkingofsomethingspecial—ofsomething—whatisityou’rehintingat?”
“Nothinting,dear.Justadvisingyou(becauseI’velivedalongtimeandknowhowveryupsettinghumannaturecanbe)toletwellalone.That’smyadvice:letwellalone.”
“Butitisn’tlettingwellalone.”Giles’svoiceheldadifferentnote,asternernote.“Hillsideisourhouse,Gwenda’sandmine,andsomeonewasmurderedinthathouse,orsowebelieve.I’mnotgoingtostandformurderinmyhouseanddonothingaboutit,evenifitiseighteenyearsago!”
MissMarplesighed.“I’msorry,”shesaid.“Iimaginethatmostyoungmenofspiritwouldfeellikethat.Ievensympathizeandalmostadmireyouforit.ButIwish—oh,Idowish—thatyouwouldn’tdoit.”
II
Onthefollowingday,newswentroundthevillageofSt.MaryMeadthatMissMarplewasathomeagain.ShewasseenintheHighStreetateleveno’clock.ShecalledattheVicarageattenminutestotwelve.ThatafternoonthreeofthegossipyladiesofthevillagecalleduponherandobtainedherimpressionsofthegayMetropolisand,thistributetopolitenessover,themselvesplungedintodetailsofanapproachingbattleoverthefancyworkstallattheFêteandthepositionoftheteatent.
LaterthateveningMissMarplecouldbeseenasusualinhergarden,butforonceheractivitiesweremoreconcentratedonthedepredationsofweedsthanontheactivitiesofherneighbours.Shewasdistraiteatherfrugaleveningmeal,andhardlyappearedtolistentoherlittlemaidEvelyn’sspiritedaccountofthegoings-onofthelocalchemist.Thenextdayshewasstilldistraite,andoneortwopeople,includingtheVicar’swife,remarkeduponit.ThateveningMissMarplesaidthatshedidnotfeelverywellandtooktoherbed.ThefollowingmorningshesentforDr.Haydock.
Dr.HaydockhadbeenMissMarple’sphysician,friendandallyformanyyears.Helistenedtoheraccountofhersymptoms,gaveheranexamination,thensatbackinhischairandwaggledhisstethoscopeather.
“Forawomanofyourage,”hesaid,“andinspiteofthatmisleadingfrailappearance,you’reinremarkablygoodfettle.”
“I’msuremygeneralhealthissound,”saidMissMarple.“ButIconfessIdofeelalittleovertired—alittlerun-down.”
“You’vebeengallivantingabout.LatenightsinLondon.”
“That,ofcourse.IdofindLondonalittletiringnowadays.Andtheair—sousedup.Notlikefreshseasideair.”
“TheairofSt.MaryMeadisniceandfresh.”
“Butoftendampandrathermuggy.Not,youknow,exactlybracing.”
Dr.Haydockeyedherwithadawningofinterest.
“I’llsendyouroundatonic,”hesaidobligingly.
“Thankyou,Doctor.Easton’ssyrupisalwaysveryhelpful.”
“There’snoneedforyoutodomyprescribingforme,woman.”
“Iwonderedif,perhaps,achangeofair—?”
MissMarplelookedquestioninglyathimwithguilelessblueeyes.
“You’vejustbeenawayforthreeweeks.”
“Iknow.ButtoLondonwhich,asyousay,isenervating.AndthenupNorth—amanufacturingdistrict.Notlikebracingseaair.”
Dr.Haydockpackeduphisbag.Thenheturnedround,grinning.
“Let’shearwhyyousentforme,”hesaid.“Justtellmewhatit’stobeandI’llrepeatitafteryou.Youwantmyprofessionalopinionthatwhatyouneedisseaair—”
“Iknewyou’dunderstand,”saidMissMarplegratefully.
“Excellentthing,seaair.You’dbettergotoEastbournerightaway,oryourhealthmaysufferseriously.”
“Eastbourne,Ithink,israthercold.Thedowns,youknow.”
“Bournemouth,then,ortheIsleofWight.”
MissMarpletwinkledathim.
“Ialwaysthinkasmallplaceismuchpleasanter.”
Dr.Haydocksatdownagain.
“Mycuriosityisroused.Whatsmallseasidetownareyousuggesting?”
“Well,IhadthoughtofDillmouth.”
“Prettylittleplace.Ratherdull.WhyDillmouth?”
ForamomentortwoMissMarplewassilent.Theworriedlookhadreturnedtohereyes.Shesaid:“Supposingthatoneday,byaccident,youturnedupafactthatseemedtoindicatethatmanyyearsago—nineteenortwenty—amurderhadoccurred.Thatfactwasknowntoyoualone,nothingofthekindhadeverbeensuspectedorreported.Whatwouldyoudoaboutit?”
“Murderinretrospectinfact?”
“Justexactlythat.”
Haydockreflectedforamoment.
“Therehadbeennomiscarriageofjustice?Nobodyhadsufferedasaresultofthiscrime?”
“Asfarasonecansee,no.”
“Hm.Murderinretrospect.Sleepingmurder.Well,I’lltellyou.I’dletsleepingmurderlie—that’swhatI’ddo.Messingaboutwithmurderisdangerous.Itcouldbeverydangerous.”
“That’swhatI’mafraidof.”
“Peoplesayamurdereralwaysrepeatshiscrimes.That’snottrue.There’satypewhocommitsacrime,managestogetawaywithit,andisdarnedcarefulnevertostickhisneckoutagain.Iwon’tsaytheylivehappilyeverafter—Idon’tbelievethat’strue—therearemanykindsofretribution.Butoutwardlyatleastallgoeswell.PerhapsthatwassointhecaseofMadeleineSmithoragaininthecaseofLizzieBorden.ItwasnotproveninthecaseofMadeleineSmithandLizziewasacquitted—butmanypeoplebelievebothofthosewomenwereguilty.Icouldnameyouothers.Theyneverrepeatedtheircrimes—onecrimegavethemwhattheywantedandtheywerecontent.Butsupposesomedangerhadmenacedthem?Itakeityourkiller,whoeverheorsheis,wasoneofthatkind.Hecommittedacrimeandgotawaywithitandnobodysuspected.Butsupposingsomebodygoespokingabout,diggingintothings,turningupstonesandexploringavenuesandfinally,perhaps,hittingthetarget?What’syourkillergoingtodoaboutit?Juststaytheresmilingwhilethehuntcomesnearerandnearer?No,ifthere’snoprincipleinvolved,I’dsayletitalone.”Herepeatedhisformerphrase:“Letsleepingmurderlie.”
Headdedfirmly:“Andthosearemyorderstoyou.Letthewholethingalone.”
“Butit’snotIwhoaminvolved.It’stwoverydelightfulchildren.Letmetellyou!”
ShetoldhimthestoryandHaydocklistened.
“Extraordinary,”hesaidwhenshehadfinished.“Extraordinarycoincidence.Extraordinarybusinessaltogether.Isupposeyouseewhattheimplicationsare?”
“Oh,ofcourse.ButIdon’tthinkit’soccurredtothemyet.”
“Itwillmeanagooddealofunhappinessandthey’llwishthey’dnevermeddledwiththething.Skeletonsshouldbekeptintheircupboards.Still,youknow,IcanquiteseeyoungGiles’spointofview.Dashitall,Icouldn’tleavethethingalonemyself.Evennow,I’mcurious….”
HebrokeoffanddirectedasternglanceatMissMarple.
“Sothat’swhatyou’redoingwithyourexcusestogettoDillmouth.Mixingyourselfupinsomethingthat’snoconcernofyours.”
“Notatall,Dr.Haydock.ButI’mworriedaboutthosetwo.They’reveryyoungandinexperiencedandmuchtootrustingandcredulous.IfeelIoughttobetheretolookafterthem.”
“Sothat’swhyyou’regoing.Tolookafterthem!Can’tyoueverleavemurderalone,woman?Evenmurderinretrospect?”
MissMarplegaveasmallprimsmile.
“Butyoudothink,don’tyou,thatafewweeksatDillmouthwouldbebeneficialtomyhealth?”
“Morelikelytobetheendofyou,”saidDr.Haydock.“Butyouwon’tlistentome!”
III
Onherwaytocalluponherfriends,ColonelandMrs.Bantry,MissMarplemetColonelBantrycomingalongthedrive,hisguninhishandandhisspanielathisheels.Hewelcomedhercordially.
“Gladtoseeyoubackagain.How’sLondon?”
MissMarplesaidthatLondonwasverywell.Hernephewhadtakenhertoseveralplays.
“Highbrowones,Ibet.Onlycareforamusicalcomedymyself.”
MissMarplesaidthatshehadbeentoaRussianplaythatwasveryinteresting,thoughperhapsalittletoolong.
“Russians!”saidColonelBantryexplosively.HehadoncebeengivenanovelbyDostoievskytoreadinanursinghome.
HeaddedthatMissMarplewouldfindDollyinthegarden.
Mrs.Bantrywasalmostalwaystobefoundinthegarden.Gardeningwasherpassion.Herfavouriteliteraturewasbulbcataloguesandherconversationdealtwithprimulas,bulbs,floweringshrubsandalpinenovelties.MissMarple’sfirstviewofherwasasubstantialposteriorcladinfadedtweed.
Atthesoundofapproachingsteps,Mrs.Bantryreassumedanerectpositionwithafewcreaksandwinces,herhobbyhadmadeherrheumaticky,wipedherhotbrowwithanearth-stainedhandandwelcomedherfriend.
“Heardyouwereback,Jane,”shesaid.“Aren’tmynewdelphiniumsdoingwell?Haveyouseenthesenewlittlegentians?I’vehadabitoftroublewiththem,butIthinkthey’reallsetnow.Whatweneedisrain.It’sbeenterriblydry.”Sheadded,“Esthertoldmeyouwereillinbed.”EstherwasMrs.Bantry’scookandliaisonofficerwiththevillage.“I’mgladtoseeit’snottrue.”
“Justalittleovertired,”saidMissMarple.“Dr.HaydockthinksIneedsomeseaair.I’mratherrun-down.”
“Oh,butyoucouldn’tgoawaynow,”saidMrs.Bantry.“Thisisabsolutelythebesttimeoftheyearinthegarden.Yourbordermustbejustcomingintoflower.”
“Dr.Haydockthinksitwouldbeadvisable.”
“Well,Haydock’snotsuchafoolassomedoctors,”admittedMrs.Bantrygrudgingly.
“Iwaswondering,Dolly,aboutthatcookofyours.”
“Whichcook?Doyouwantacook?Youdon’tmeanthatwomanwhodrank,doyou?”
“No,no,no.Imeantheonewhomadesuchdeliciouspastry.Withahusbandwhowasthebutler.”
“Oh,youmeantheMockTurtle,”saidMrs.Bantrywithimmediaterecognition.“Womanwithadeepmournfulvoicewhoalwayssoundedasthoughshewasgoingtoburstintotears.Shewasagoodcook.Husbandwasafat,ratherlazyman.Arthuralwayssaidhewateredthewhisky.Idon’tknow.Pitythere’salwaysoneofacouplethat’sunsatisfactory.Theygotleftalegacybysomeformeremployerandtheywentoffandopenedaboardinghouseonthesouthcoast.”
“That’sjustwhatIthought.Wasn’titatDillmouth?”
“That’sright.14SeaParade,Dillmouth.”
“IwasthinkingthatasDr.HaydockhassuggestedtheseasideImightgoto—wastheirnameSaunders?”
“Yes.That’sanexcellentidea,Jane.Youcouldn’tdobetter.Mrs.Saunderswilllookafteryouwell,andasit’soutoftheseasonthey’llbegladtogetyouandwon’tchargeverymuch.Withgoodcookingandseaairyou’llsoonpickup.”
“Thankyou,Dolly,”saidMissMarple,“IexpectIshall.”
Six
EXERCISEINDETECTION
I
“Wheredoyouthinkthebodywas?Abouthere?”askedGiles.
HeandGwendawerestandinginthefronthallofHillside.Theyhadarrivedbackthenightbefore,andGileswasnowinfullcry.Hewasaspleasedasasmallboywithhisnewtoy.
“Justabout,”saidGwenda.Sheretreatedupthestairsandpeereddowncritically.“Yes—Ithinkthat’saboutit.”
“Crouchdown,”saidGiles.“You’reonlyaboutthreeyearsold,youknow.”
Gwendacrouchedobligingly.
“Youcouldn’tactuallyseethemanwhosaidthewords?”
“Ican’trememberseeinghim.Hemusthavebeenjustabitfurtherback—yes,there.Icouldonlyseehispaws.”
“Paws.”Gilesfrowned.
“Theywerepaws.Greypaws—nothuman.”
“Butlookhere,Gwenda.Thisisn’takindofMurderintheRueMorgue.Amandoesn’thavepaws.”
“Well,hehadpaws.”
Gileslookeddoubtfullyather.
“Youmusthaveimaginedthatbitafterwards.”
Gwendasaidslowly,“Don’tyouthinkImayhaveimaginedthewholething?Youknow,Giles,I’vebeenthinking.Itseemstomefarmoreprobablethatthewholethingwasadream.Itmighthavebeen.Itwasthesortofdreamachildmighthave,andbeterriblyfrightened,andgoonrememberingabout.Don’tyouthinkreallythat’stheproperexplanation?BecausenobodyinDillmouthseemstohavethefaintestideathattherewaseveramurder,orasuddendeath,oradisappearanceoranythingoddaboutthishouse.”
Gileslookedlikeadifferentkindoflittleboy—alittleboywhohashadhisnicenewtoytakenawayfromhim.
“Isupposeitmighthavebeenanightmare,”headmittedgrudgingly.Thenhisfaceclearedsuddenly.
“No,”hesaid.“Idon’tbelieveit.Youcouldhavedreamtaboutmonkeys’pawsandsomeonedead—butI’mdamnedifyoucouldhavedreamtthatquotationfromTheDuchessofMalfi.”
“Icouldhaveheardsomeonesayitandthendreamtaboutitafterwards.”
“Idon’tthinkanychildcoulddothat.Notunlessyouhearditinconditionsofgreatstress—andifthatwasthecasewe’rebackagainwherewewere—holdon,I’vegotit.Itwasthepawsyoudreamt.Yousawthebodyandheardthewordsandyouwerescaredstiffandthenyouhadanightmareaboutit,andtherewerewavingmonkeys’pawstoo—probablyyouwerefrightenedofmonkeys.”
Gwendalookedslightlydubious—shesaidslowly:“Isupposethatmightbeit….”
“Iwishyoucouldrememberabitmore…Comedownhereinthehall.Shutyoureyes.Think…Doesn’tanythingmorecomebacktoyou?”
“No,itdoesn’t,Giles…ThemoreIthink,thefurtheritallgoesaway…Imean,I’mbeginningtodoubtnowifIeverreallysawanythingatall.PerhapstheothernightIjusthadabrainstorminthetheatre.”
“No.Therewassomething.MissMarplethinksso,too.Whatabout‘Helen’?SurelyyoumustremembersomethingaboutHelen?”
“Idon’trememberanythingatall.It’sjustaname.”
“Itmightn’tevenbetherightname.”
“Yes,itwas.ItwasHelen.”
Gwendalookedobstinateandconvinced.
“Thenifyou’resosureitwasHelen,youmustknowsomethingabouther,”saidGilesreasonably.“Didyouknowherwell?Wasshelivinghere?Orjuststayinghere?”
“ItellyouIdon’tknow.”Gwendawasbeginningtolookstrainedandnervy.
Gilestriedanothertack.
“Whoelsecanyouremember?Yourfather?”
“No.Imean,Ican’ttell.Therewasalwayshisphotograph,yousee.AuntAlisonusedtosay:‘That’syourDaddy.’Idon’trememberhimhere,inthishouse….”
“Andnoservants—nurses—anythinglikethat?”
“No—no.ThemoreItrytoremember,themoreit’sallablank.ThethingsIknowareallunderneath—likewalkingtothatdoorautomatically.Ididn’trememberadoorthere.Perhapsifyouwouldn’tworrymesomuch,Giles,thingswouldcomebackmore.Anyway,tryingtofindoutaboutitallishopeless.It’ssolongago.”
“Ofcourseit’snothopeless—evenoldMissMarpleadmittedthat.”
“Shedidn’thelpuswithanyideasofhowtosetaboutit,”saidGwenda.“AndyetIfeel,fromtheglintinhereye,thatshehadafew.Iwonderhowshewouldhavegoneaboutit.”
“Idon’tsupposeshewouldbelikelytothinkofwaysthatwewouldn’t,”saidGilespositively.“Wemuststopspeculating,Gwenda,andsetaboutthingsinasystematicway.We’vemadeabeginning—I’velookedthroughtheParishregistersofdeaths.There’sno‘Helen’oftherightageamongstthem.Infacttheredoesn’tseemtobeaHelenatallintheperiodIcovered—EllenPugg,ninety-four,wasthenearest.Nowwemustthinkofthenextprofitableapproach.Ifyourfather,andpresumablyyourstepmother,livedinthishouse,theymusteitherhaveboughtitorrentedit.”
“AccordingtoFoster,thegardener,somepeoplecalledElworthyhaditbeforetheHengravesandbeforethemMrs.Findeyson.Nobodyelse.”
“Yourfathermighthaveboughtitandlivedinitforaveryshorttime—andthensolditagain.ButIthinkthatit’smuchmorelikelythatherentedit—probablyrenteditfurnished.Ifso,ourbestbetistogoroundthehouseagents.”
Goingroundthehouseagentswasnotaprolongedlabour.TherewereonlytwohouseagentsinDillmouth.Messrs.Wilkinsonwereacomparativelynewarrival.Theyhadonlyopenedtheirpremiseselevenyearsago.Theydealtmostlywiththesmallbungalowsandnewhousesatthefarendofthetown.Theotheragents,Messrs.GalbraithandPenderley,weretheonesfromwhomGwendahadboughtthehouse.Callinguponthem,Gilesplungedintohisstory.HeandhiswifeweredelightedwithHillsideandwithDillmouthgenerally.Mrs.ReedhadonlyjustdiscoveredthatshehadactuallylivedinDillmouthasasmallchild.Shehadsomeveryfaintmemoriesoftheplace,andhadanideathatHillsidewasactuallythehouseinwhichshehadlivedbutcouldnotbequitecertainaboutit.HadtheyanyrecordofthehousebeinglettoaMajorHalliday?Itwouldbeabouteighteenornineteenyearsago….
Mr.Penderleystretchedoutapologetichands.
“I’mafraidit’snotpossibletotellyou,Mr.Reed.Ourrecordsdonotgobackthatfar—not,thatis,offurnishedorshort-periodlets.VerysorryIcan’thelpyou,Mr.Reed.Asamatteroffactifouroldheadclerk,Mr.Narracott,hadstillbeenalive—hediedlastwinter—hemighthavebeenabletoassistyou.Amostremarkablememory,reallyquiteremarkable.Hehadbeenwiththefirmfornearlythirtyyears.”
“There’snooneelsewhowouldpossiblyremember?”
“Ourstaffisallonthecomparativelyyoungside.OfcoursethereisoldMr.Galbraithhimself.Heretiredsomeyearsago.”
“PerhapsIcouldaskhim?”saidGwenda.
“Well,Ihardlyknowaboutthat…”Mr.Penderleywasdubious.“Hehadastrokelastyear.Hisfacultiesaresadlyimpaired.He’sovereighty,youknow.”
“DoesheliveinDillmouth?”
“Ohyes.AtCalcuttaLodge.AverynicelittlepropertyontheSeatonroad.ButIreallydon’tthink—”
II
“It’sratheraforlornhope,”saidGilestoGwenda.“Butyouneverknow.Idon’tthinkwe’llwrite.We’llgotheretogetherandexertourpersonality.”
CalcuttaLodgewassurroundedbyaneattrimgarden,andthesittingroomintowhichtheywereshownwasalsoneatifslightlyovercrowded.ItsmeltofbeeswaxandRonuk.Itsbrassesshone.Itswindowswereheavilyfestooned.
Athinmiddle-agedwomanwithsuspiciouseyescameintotheroom.
Gilesexplainedhimselfquickly,andtheexpressionofonewhoexpectstohaveavacuumcleanerpushedatherleftMissGalbraith’sface.
“I’msorry,butIreallydon’tthinkIcanhelpyou,”shesaid.“It’ssolongago,isn’tit?”
“Onedoessometimesrememberthings,”saidGwenda.
“OfcourseIshouldn’tknowanythingmyself.Ineverhadanyconnectionwiththebusiness.AMajorHalliday,yousaid?No,IneverremembercomingacrossanyoneinDillmouthofthatname.”
“Yourfathermightremember,perhaps,”saidGwenda.
“Father?”MissGalbraithshookherhead.“Hedoesn’ttakemuchnoticenowadays,andhismemory’sveryshaky.”
Gwenda’seyeswererestingthoughtfullyonaBenaresbrasstableandtheyshiftedtoaprocessionofebonyelephantsmarchingalongthemantelpiece.
“Ithoughthemightremember,perhaps,”shesaid,“becausemyfatherhadjustcomefromIndia.YourhouseiscalledCalcuttaLodge?”
Shepausedinterrogatively.
“Yes,”saidMissGalbraith.“FatherwasoutinCalcuttaforatime.Inbusinessthere.Thenthewarcameandin1920hecameintothefirmhere,butwouldhavelikedtogoback,healwayssays.Butmymotherdidn’tfancyforeignparts—andofcourseyoucan’tsaytheclimate’sreallyhealthy.Well,Idon’tknow—perhapsyou’dliketoseemyfather.Idon’tknowthatit’soneofhisgooddays—”
Sheledthemintoasmallblackstudy.Here,proppedupinabigshabbyleatherchairsatanoldgentlemanwithawhitewalrusmoustache.Hisfacewaspulledslightlysideways.HeeyedGwendawithdistinctapprovalashisdaughtermadetheintroductions.
“Memory’snotwhatitusedtobe,”hesaidinaratherindistinctvoice.“Halliday,yousay?No,Idon’trememberthename.KnewaboyatschoolinYorkshire—butthat’sseventy-oddyearsago.”
“HerentedHillside,wethink,”saidGiles.
“Hillside?WasitcalledHillsidethen?”Mr.Galbraith’sonemovableeyelidsnappedshutandopen.“Findeysonlivedthere.Finewoman.”
“Myfathermighthaverenteditfurnished…He’djustcomefromIndia.”
“India?India,d’yousay?Rememberafellow—Armyman.KnewthatoldrascalMohammedHassanwhocheatedmeoversomecarpets.Hadayoungwife—andababy—littlegirl.”
“Thatwasme,”saidGwendafirmly.
“In—deed—youdon’tsayso!Well,well,timeflies.Nowwhatwashisname?Wantedaplacefurnished—yes—Mrs.FindeysonhadbeenorderedtoEgyptorsomesuchplaceforthewinter—alltomfoolery.Nowwhatwashisname?”
“Halliday,”saidGwenda.
“That’sright,mydear—Halliday.MajorHalliday.Nicefellow.Veryprettywife—quiteyoung—fair-haired,wantedtobenearherpeopleorsomethinglikethat.Yes,verypretty.”
“Whowereherpeople?”
“Noideaatall.Noidea.Youdon’tlooklikeher.”
Gwendanearlysaid,“Shewasonlymystepmother,”butrefrainedfromcomplicatingtheissue.Shesaid,“Whatdidshelooklike?”
UnexpectedlyMr.Galbraithreplied:“Lookedworried.That’swhatshelooked,worried.Yes,verynicefellow,thatMajorchap.InterestedtohearI’dbeenoutinCalcutta.NotlikethesechapsthathaveneverbeenoutofEngland.Narrow—that’swhattheyare.NowI’veseentheworld.Whatwashisname,thatArmychap—wantedafurnishedhouse?”
Hewaslikeaveryoldgramophone,repeatingawornrecord.
“St.Catherine’s.That’sit.TookSt.Catherine’s—sixguineasaweek—whileMrs.FindeysonwasinEgypt.Diedthere,poorsoul.Housewasputupforauction—whoboughtitnow?Elworthys—that’sit—packofwomen—sisters.Changedthename—saidSt.Catherine’swasPopish.VerydownonanythingPopish—Usedtosendouttracts.Plainwomen,allof’em—Tookaninterestinniggers—Sent’emouttrousersandbibles.Verystrongonconvertingtheheathen.”
Hesighedsuddenlyandleantback.
“Longtimeago,”hesaidfretfully.“Can’tremembernames.ChapfromIndia—nicechap…I’mtired,Gladys.I’dlikemytea.”
GilesandGwendathankedhim,thankedhisdaughter,andcameaway.
“Sothat’sproved,”saidGwenda.“MyfatherandIwereatHillside.Whatdowedonext?”
“I’vebeenanidiot,”saidGiles.“SomersetHouse.”
“What’sSomersetHouse?”askedGwenda.
“It’sarecordofficewhereyoucanlookupmarriages.I’mgoingtheretolookupyourfather’smarriage.Accordingtoyouraunt,yourfatherwasmarriedtohissecondwifeimmediatelyonarrivinginEngland.Don’tyousee,Gwenda—itoughttohaveoccurredtousbefore—it’sperfectlypossiblethat‘Helen’mayhavebeenarelationofyourstepmother’s—ayoungsister,perhaps.Anyway,onceweknowwhathersurnamewas,wemaybeabletogetontosomeonewhoknowsaboutthegeneralsetupatHillside.RemembertheoldboysaidtheywantedahouseinDillmouthtobenearMrs.Halliday’speople.Ifherpeoplelivenearherewemaygetsomething.”
“Giles,”saidGwenda.“Ithinkyou’rewonderful.”
III
Gilesdidnot,afterall,finditnecessarytogotoLondon.Thoughhisenergeticnaturealwaysmadehimpronetorushhitherandthitherandtrytodoeverythinghimself,headmittedthatapurelyroutineenquirycouldbedelegated.
Heputthroughatrunkcalltohisoffice.
“Gotit,”heexclaimedenthusiastically,whentheexpectedreplyarrived.
Fromthecoveringletterheextractedacertifiedcopyofamarriagecertificate.
“Hereweare,Gwenda.Friday,Aug.7thKensingtonRegistryOffice.KelvinJamesHallidaytoHelenSpenloveKennedy.”
Gwendacriedoutsharply!
“Helen?”
Theylookedateachother.
Gilessaidslowly:“But—but—itcan’tbeher.Imean—theyseparated,andshemarriedagain—andwentaway.”
“Wedon’tknow,”saidGwenda,“thatshewentaway….”
Shelookedagainattheplainlywrittenname:
HelenSpenloveKennedy.
Helen….
Seven
DR.KENNEDY
I
AfewdayslaterGwenda,walkingalongtheEsplanadeinasharpwind,stoppedsuddenlybesideoneoftheglassshelterswhichathoughtfulCorporationhadprovidedfortheuseofitsvisitors.
“MissMarple?”sheexclaimedinlivelysurprise.
ForindeedMissMarpleitwas,nicelywrappedupinathickfleecycoatandwellwoundroundwithscarves.
“Quiteasurprisetoyou,I’msure,tofindmehere,”saidMissMarplebriskly.“Butmydoctororderedmeawaytotheseasideforalittlechange,andyourdescriptionofDillmouthsoundedsoattractivethatIdecidedtocomehere—especiallyasthecookandbutlerofafriendofminetakeinboarders.”
“Butwhydidn’tyoucomeandseeus?”demandedGwenda.
“Oldpeoplecanberatheranuisance,mydear.Newlymarriedyoungcouplesshouldbelefttothemselves.”ShesmiledatGwenda’sprotest.“I’msureyou’dhavemademeverywelcome.Andhowareyouboth?Andareyouprogressingwithyourmystery?”
“We’rehotonthetrail,”Gwendasaid,sittingbesideher.
Shedetailedtheirvariousinvestigationsuptodate.
“Andnow,”sheended,“we’veputanadvertisementinlotsofpapers—localonesandTheTimesandtheotherbigdailies.We’vejustsaidwillanyonewithanyknowledgeofHelenSpenloveHalliday,néeKennedy,communicateetc.Ishouldthink,don’tyou,thatwe’reboundtogetsomeanswers.”
“Ishouldthinkso,mydear—yes,Ishouldthinkso.”
MissMarple’stonewasplacidasever,buthereyeslookedtroubled.Theyflashedaquickappraisingglanceatthegirlsittingbesideher.Thattoneofdeterminedheartinessdidnotringquitetrue.Gwenda,MissMarplethought,lookedworried.WhatDr.Haydockhadcalled“theimplications”were,perhaps,beginningtooccurtoher.Yes,butnowitwastoolatetogoback….
MissMarplesaidgentlyandapologetically,“Ihavereallybecomemostinterestedinallthis.Mylife,youknow,hassofewexcitements.Ihopeyouwon’tthinkmeveryinquisitiveifIaskyoutoletmeknowhowyouprogress?”
“Ofcoursewe’llletyouknow,”saidGwendawarmly.“Youshallbeinoneverything.Why,butforyou,Ishouldbeurgingdoctorstoshutmeupinaloonybin.Tellmeyouraddresshere,andthenyoumustcomeandhaveadrink—Imean,haveteawithus,andseethehouse.You’vegottoseethesceneofthecrime,haven’tyou?”
Shelaughed,buttherewasaslightlynervyedgetoherlaugh.
WhenshehadgoneonherwayMissMarpleshookherheadverygentlyandfrowned.
II
GilesandGwendascannedthemaileagerlyeveryday,butatfirsttheirhopesweredisappointed.Alltheygotwastwolettersfromprivateenquiryagentswhopronouncedthemselveswillingandskilledtoundertakeinvestigationsontheirbehalf.
“Timeenoughforthemlater,”saidGiles.“Andifwedohavetoemploysomeagency,itwillbeathoroughlyfirst-classfirm,notonethattoutsthroughthemail.ButIdon’treallyseewhattheycoulddothatwearen’tdoing.”
Hisoptimism(orself-esteem)wasjustifiedafewdayslater.Aletterarrived,writteninoneofthoseclearandyetsomewhatillegiblehandwritingsthatstamptheprofessionalman.
GallsHillWoodleighBolton.DearSir,InanswertoyouradvertisementinTheTimes,HelenSpenloveKennedyismysister.Ihavelosttouchwithherformanyyearsandshouldbegladtohavenewsofher.Yoursfaithfully,JamesKennedy,MD
“WoodleighBolton,”saidGiles.“That’snottoofaraway.WoodleighCampiswheretheygoforpicnics.Uponthemoorland.Aboutthirtymilesfromhere.We’llwriteandaskDr.Kennedyifwemaycomeandseehim,orifhewouldprefertocometous.”
AreplywasreceivedthatDr.KennedywouldbepreparedtoreceivethemonthefollowingWednesday;andonthatdaytheysetoff.
WoodleighBoltonwasastragglingvillagesetalongthesideofahill.GallsHillwasthehighesthousejustatthetopoftherise,withaviewoverWoodleighCampandthemoorstowardsthesea
“Ratherableakspot,”saidGwendashivering.
ThehouseitselfwasbleakandobviouslyDr.Kennedyscornedsuchmoderninnovationsascentralheating.Thewomanwhoopenedthedoorwasdarkandratherforbidding.Sheledthemacrosstheratherbarehall,andintoastudywhereDr.Kennedyrosetoreceivethem.Itwasalong,ratherhighroom,linedwithwell-filledbookshelves.
Dr.Kennedywasagrey-hairedelderlymanwithshrewdeyesundertuftedbrows.Hisgazewentsharplyfromonetotheotherofthem.
“Mr.andMrs.Reed?Sithere,Mrs.Reed,it’sprobablythemostcomfortablechair.Now,what’sallthisabout?”
Gileswentfluentlyintotheirprearrangedstory.
HeandhiswifehadbeenrecentlymarriedinNewZealand.TheyhadcometoEngland,wherehiswifehadlivedforashorttimeasachild,andshewastryingtotraceoldfamilyfriendsandconnections.
Dr.Kennedyremainedstiffandunbending.HewaspolitebutobviouslyirritatedbyColonialinsistenceonsentimentalfamilyties.
“Andyouthinkmysister—myhalf-sister—andpossiblymyself—areconnectionsofyours?”heaskedGwenda,civilly,butwithslighthostility.
“Shewasmystepmother,”saidGwenda.“Myfather’ssecondwife.Ican’treallyrememberherproperly,ofcourse.Iwassosmall.MymaidennamewasHalliday.”
Hestaredather—andthensuddenlyasmileilluminatedhisface.Hebecameadifferentperson,nolongeraloof.
“GoodLord,”hesaid.“Don’ttellmethatyou’reGwennie!”
Gwendanoddedeagerly.Thepetname,longforgotten,soundedinherearswithreassuringfamiliarity.
“Yes,”shesaid.“I’mGwennie.”
“Godblessmysoul.Grown-upandmarried.Howtimeflies!Itmustbe—what—fifteenyears—no,ofcourse,muchlongerthanthat.Youdon’trememberme,Isuppose?”
Gwendashookherhead.
“Idon’tevenremembermyfather.Imean,it’sallavaguekindofblur.”
“Ofcourse—Halliday’sfirstwifecamefromNewZealand—Irememberhistellingmeso.Afinecountry,Ishouldthink.”
“It’stheloveliestcountryintheworld—butI’mquitefondofEngland,too.”
“Onavisit—orsettlingdownhere?”Herangthebell.“Wemusthavetea.”
Whenthetallwomancame,hesaid,“Tea,please—and—er—hotbutteredtoast,or—orcake,orsomething.”
Therespectablehousekeeperlookedvenomous,butsaid,“Yes,sir,”andwentout.
“Idon’tusuallygoinfortea,”saidDr.Kennedyvaguely.“Butwemustcelebrate.”
“It’sveryniceofyou,”saidGwenda.“No,we’renotonavisit.We’veboughtahouse.”Shepausedandadded,“Hillside.”
Dr.Kennedysaidvaguely,“Ohyes.InDillmouth.Youwrotefromthere.”
“It’sthemostextraordinarycoincidence,”saidGwenda.“Isn’tit,Giles?”
“Ishouldsayso,”saidGiles.“Reallyquitestaggering.”
“Itwasforsale,yousee,”saidGwenda,andaddedinfaceofDr.Kennedy’sapparentnon-comprehension,“It’sthesamehousewhereweusedtolivelongago.”
Dr.Kennedyfrowned.“Hillside?Butsurely—Ohyes,Ididhearthey’dchangedthename.UsedtobeSt.Somethingorother—ifI’mthinkingoftherighthouse—ontheLeahamptonroad,comingdownintothetown,ontheright-handside?”
“Yes.”
“That’stheone.Funnyhownamesgooutofyourhead.Waitaminute.St.Catherine’s—that’swhatitusedtobecalled.”
“AndIdidlivethere,didn’tI?”Gwendasaid.
“Yes,ofcourseyoudid.”Hestaredather,amused.“Whydidyouwanttocomebackthere?Youcan’tremembermuchaboutit,surely?”
“No.Butsomehow—itfeltlikehome.”
“Itfeltlikehome,”thedoctorrepeated.Therewasnoexpressioninthewords,butGileswonderedwhathewasthinkingabout.
“Soyousee,”saidGwenda,“Ihopedyou’dtellmeaboutitall—aboutmyfatherandHelenand—”sheendedlamely—“andeverything….”
Helookedatherreflectively.
“Isupposetheydidn’tknowverymuch—outinNewZealand.Whyshouldthey?Well,thereisn’tmuchtotell.Helen—mysister—wascomingbackfromIndiaonthesameboatwithyourfather.Hewasawidowerwithasmalldaughter.Helenwassorryforhimorfellinlovewithhim.Hewaslonely,orfellinlovewithher.Difficulttoknowjustthewaythingshappen.TheyweremarriedinLondononarrival,andcamedowntoDillmouthtome.Iwasinpracticethere,then.KelvinHallidayseemedanicechap,rathernervyandrun-down—buttheyseemedhappyenoughtogether—then.”
Hewassilentforamomentbeforehesaid,“However,inlessthanayear,sheranawaywithsomeoneelse.Youprobablyknowthat?”
“Whodidsherunawaywith?”askedGwenda.
Hebenthisshrewdeyesuponher.
“Shedidn’ttellme,”hesaid.“Iwasn’tinherconfidence.I’dseen—couldn’thelpseeing—thattherewasfrictionbetweenherandKelvin.Ididn’tknowwhy.Iwasalwaysastrait-lacedsortoffellow—abelieverinmaritalfidelity.Helenwouldn’thavewantedmetoknowwhatwasgoingon.I’dheardrumours—onedoes—buttherewasnomentionofanyparticularname.TheyoftenhadguestsstayingwiththemwhocamefromLondon,orfromotherpartsofEngland.Iimagineditwasoneofthem.”
“Therewasn’tadivorce,then?”
“Helendidn’twantadivorce.Kelvintoldmethat.That’swhyIimagined,perhapswrongly,thatitwasacaseofsomemarriedman.SomeonewhosewifewasanRCperhaps.”
“Andmyfather?”
“Hedidn’twantadivorce,either.”
Dr.Kennedyspokerathershortly.
“Tellmeaboutmyfather,”saidGwenda.“WhydidhedecidesuddenlytosendmeouttoNewZealand?”
Kennedypausedamomentbeforesaying,“Igatheryourpeopleouttherehadbeenpressinghim.Afterthebreakupofhissecondmarriage,heprobablythoughtitwasthebestthing.”
“Whydidn’thetakemeouttherehimself?”
Dr.Kennedylookedalongthemantelpiecesearchingvaguelyforapipecleaner.
“Oh,Idon’tknow…Hewasinratherpoorhealth.”
“Whatwasthematterwithhim?Whatdidhedieof?”
Thedooropenedandthescornfulhousekeeperappearedwithaladentray.
Therewasbutteredtoastandsomejam,butnocake.WithavaguegestureDr.KennedymotionedGwendatopourout.Shedidso.WhenthecupswerefilledandhandedroundandGwendahadtakenapieceoftoast,Dr.Kennedysaidwithratherforcedcheerfulness:“Tellmewhatyou’vedonetothehouse?Idon’tsupposeI’drecognizeitnow—afteryoutwohavefinishedwithit.”
“We’rehavingalittlefunwithbathrooms,”admittedGiles.
Gwenda,hereyesonthedoctor,said:“Whatdidmyfatherdieof?”
“Icouldn’treallytell,mydear.AsIsay,hewasinratherpoorhealthforawhile,andhefinallywentintoaSanatorium—somewhereontheeastcoast.Hediedabouttwoyearslater.”
“WherewasthisSanatoriumexactly?”
“I’msorry.Ican’tremembernow.AsIsay,Ihaveanimpressionitwasontheeastcoast.”
Therewasdefiniteevasionnowinhismanner.GilesandGwendalookedateachotherforabriefsecond.
Gilessaid,“Atleast,sir,youcantelluswherehe’sburied?Gwendais—naturally—veryanxioustovisithisgrave.”
Dr.Kennedybentoverthefireplace,scrapinginthebowlofhispipewithapenknife.
“Doyouknow,”hesaid,ratherindistinctly,“Idon’treallythinkIshoulddwelltoomuchonthepast.Allthisancestorworship—it’samistake.Thefutureiswhatmatters.Hereyouare,youtwo,youngandhealthywiththeworldinfrontofyou.Thinkforward.Nousegoingaboutputtingflowersonthegraveofsomeonewhom,forallpracticalpurposes,youhardlyknew.”
Gwendasaidmutinously:“Ishouldliketoseemyfather’sgrave.”
“I’mafraidIcan’thelpyou.”Dr.Kennedy’stoneswerepleasantbutcold.“It’salongtimeago,andmymemoryisn’twhatitwas.IlosttouchwithyourfatherafterheleftDillmouth.IthinkhewrotetomeoncefromtheSanatoriumand,asIsay,Ihaveanimpressionitwasontheeastcoast—butIcouldn’treallybesureevenofthat.AndI’venoideaatallofwhereheisburied.”
“Howveryodd,”saidGiles.
“Notreally.Thelinkbetweenus,yousee,wasHelen.IwasalwaysveryfondofHelen.She’smyhalfsisterandverymanyyearsyoungerthanIam,butItriedtobringherupaswellasIcould.Therightschoolsandallthat.Butthere’snogainsayingthatHelen—well,thatsheneverhadastablecharacter.Therewastroublewhenshewasquiteyoungwithaveryundesirableyoungman.Igotheroutofthatsafely.ThensheelectedtogoouttoIndiaandmarryWalterFane.Well,thatwasallright,nicelad,sonofDillmouth’sleadingsolicitor,butfrankly,dullasditchwater.He’dalwaysadoredher,butsheneverlookedathim.Still,shechangedhermindandwentouttoIndiatomarryhim.Whenshesawhimagain,itwasalloff.Shewiredtomeformoneyforherpassagehome.Isentit.Onthewayback,shemetKelvin.TheyweremarriedbeforeIknewaboutit.I’vefelt,shallwesay,apologeticforthatsisterofmine.ItexplainswhyKelvinandIdidn’tkeepuptherelationshipaftershewentaway.”Headdedsuddenly:“Where’sHelennow?Canyoutellme?I’dliketogetintouchwithher.”
“Butwedon’tknow,”saidGwenda.“Wedon’tknowatall.”
“Oh!Ithoughtfromyouradvertisement—”Helookedatthemwithsuddencuriosity.“Tellme,whydidyouadvertise?”
Gwendasaid:“Wewantedtogetintouch—”andstopped.
“Withsomeoneyoucanhardlyremember?”Dr.Kennedylookedpuzzled.
Gwendasaidquickly:“Ithought—ifIcouldgetintouchwithher—she’dtellme—aboutmyfather.”
“Yes—yes—Isee.SorryIcan’tbeofmuchuse.Memorynotwhatitwas.Andit’salongtimeago.”
“Atleast,”saidGiles,“youknowwhatkindofaSanatoriumitwas?Tubercular?”
Dr.Kennedy’sfaceagainlookedsuddenlywooden:“Yes—yes,Iratherbelieveitwas.”
“Thenweoughttobeabletotracethatquiteeasily,”saidGiles.“Thankyouverymuch,sir,forallyou’vetoldus.”
HegotupandGwendafollowedsuit.
“Thankyouverymuch,”shesaid.“AnddocomeandseeusatHillside.”
TheywentoutoftheroomandGwenda,glancingbackoverhershoulder,hadafinalviewofDr.Kennedystandingbythemantelpiece,pullinghisgrizzledmoustacheandlookingtroubled.
“Heknowssomethinghewon’ttellus,”saidGwenda,astheygotintothecar.“There’ssomething—oh,Giles!Iwish—Iwishnowthatwe’dneverstarted….”
Theylookedateachother,andineachmind,unacknowledgedtotheother,thesamefearsprang.
“MissMarplewasright,”saidGwenda.“Weshouldhaveleftthepastalone.”
“Weneedn’tgoanyfurther,”saidGilesuncertainly.“Ithinkperhaps,Gwendadarling,we’dbetternot.”
Gwendashookherhead.
“No,Giles,wecan’tstopnow.Weshouldalwaysbewonderingandimagining.No,we’vegottogoon…Dr.Kennedywouldn’ttellusbecausehewantedtobekind—butthatsortofbusinessisnogood.We’llhavetogoonandfindoutwhatreallyhappened.Evenif—evenif—itwasmyfatherwho…”Butshecouldn’tgoon.
Eight
KELVINHALLIDAY’SDELUSION
TheywereinthegardenonthefollowingmorningwhenMrs.Cockercameoutandsaid:“Excuseme,sir.There’saDoctorKennedyonthetelephone.”
LeavingGwendainconsultationwitholdFoster,Gileswentintothehouseandpickedupthetelephonereceiver.
“GilesReedhere.”
“ThisisDr.Kennedy.I’vebeenthinkingoverourconversationyesterday,Mr.Reed.TherearecertainfactswhichIthinkperhapsyouandyourwifeoughttoknow.WillyoubeathomeifIcomeoverthisafternoon?”
“Certainlyweshall.Whattime?”
“Threeo’clock?”
“Suitsus.”
InthegardenoldFostersaidtoGwenda,“IsthatDr.KennedyasusedtoliveoveratWestCliff?”
“Iexpectso.Didyouknowhim?”
“Ewasallusreckonedtobethebestdoctorhere—notbutwhatDr.Lazenbywasn’tmorepopular.Alwayshadawordandalaughtojollyyoualong,Dr.Lazenbydid.Dr.Kennedywasalwaysshortandabitdry,like—butheknewhisjob.”
“Whendidhegiveuphispractice?”
“Longtimeagonow.Mustbefifteenyearsorso.Hishealthbrokedown,sotheysay.”
GilescameoutofthewindowandansweredGwenda’sunspokenquestion.
“He’scomingoverthisafternoon.”
“Oh.”SheturnedoncemoretoFoster.“DidyouknowDr.Kennedy’ssisteratall?”
“Sister?NotasIremember.Shewasonlyabitofalass.Wentawaytoschool,andthenabroad,thoughIheardshecomebackhereforabitaftershemarried.ButIbelievesherunoffwithsomechap—alwayswildshewas,theysaid.Don’tknowasIeverlaideyesonhermyself.IwasinajobovertoPlymouthforawhile,youknow.”
GwendasaidtoGilesastheywalkedtotheendoftheterrace,“Whyishecoming?”
“We’llknowatthreeo’clock.”
Dr.Kennedyarrivedpunctually.Lookingroundthedrawingroomhesaid:“Seemsoddtobehereagain.”
Thenhecametothepointwithoutpreamble.
“ItakeitthatyoutwoarequitedeterminedtotrackdowntheSanatoriumwhereKelvinHallidaydiedandlearnallthedetailsyoucanabouthisillnessanddeath?”
“Definitely,”saidGwenda.
“Well,youcanmanagethatquiteeasily,ofcourse.SoI’vecometotheconclusionthatitwillbelessshocktoyoutohearthefactsfromme.I’msorrytohavetotellyou,foritwon’tdoyouoranybodyelseabitofgood,anditwillprobablycauseyou,Gwennie,agooddealofpain.Butthereitis.Yourfatherwasn’tsufferingfromtuberculosisandtheSanatoriuminquestionwasamentalhome.”
“Amentalhome?Washeoutofhismind,then?”
Gwenda’sfacehadgoneverywhite.
“Hewasnevercertified.Andinmyopinionhewasnotinsaneinthegeneralmeaningoftheterm.Hehadhadaveryseverenervousbreakdownandsufferedfromcertaindelusionalobsessions.Hewentintothenursinghomeofhisownwillandvolitionandcould,ofcourse,haveleftitatanytimehewantedto.Hisconditiondidnotimprove,however,andhediedthere.”
“Delusionalobsessions?”Gilesrepeatedthewordsquestioningly.“Whatkindofdelusions?”
Dr.Kennedysaiddrily,“Hewasundertheimpressionthathehadstrangledhiswife.”
Gwendagaveastifledcry.Gilesstretchedoutahandquicklyandtookhercoldhandinhis.
Gilessaid,“And—andhadhe?”
“Eh?”Dr.Kennedystaredathim.“No,ofcoursehehadn’t.Noquestionofsuchathing.”
“But—buthowdoyouknow?”Gwenda’svoicecameuncertainly.
“Mydearchild!Therewasneveranyquestionofsuchathing.Helenlefthimforanotherman.He’dbeeninaveryunbalancedconditionforsometime;nervousdreams,sickfancies.Thefinalshocksenthimovertheedge.I’mnotapsychiatristmyself.Theyhavetheirexplanationsforsuchmatters.Ifamanwouldratherhiswifewasdeadthanunfaithful,hecanmanagetomakehimselfbelievethatsheisdead—eventhathehaskilledher.”
Warily,GilesandGwendaexchangedawarningglance.
Gilessaidquietly,“Soyouarequitesurethattherewasnoquestionofhishavingactuallydonewhathesaidhehaddone?”
“Oh,quitesure.IhadtwolettersfromHelen.ThefirstonefromFranceaboutaweekaftershewentawayandoneaboutsixmonthslater.Ohno,thewholethingwasadelusionpureandsimple.”
Gwendadrewadeepbreath.
“Please,”shesaid.“Willyoutellmeallaboutit?”
“I’lltellyoueverythingIcan,mydear.Tobeginwith,Kelvinhadbeeninaratherpeculiarneuroticstateforsometime.Hecametomeaboutit.Saidhehadhadvariousdisquietingdreams.Thesedreams,hesaid,werealwaysthesame,andtheyendedinthesameway—withhisthrottlingHelen.Itriedtogetattherootofthetrouble—theremust,Ithink,havebeensomeconflictinearlychildhood.Hisfatherandmother,apparently,werenotahappycouple…Well,Iwon’tgointoallthat.That’sonlyinterestingtoamedicalman.IactuallysuggestedthatKelvinshouldconsultapsychiatrist,thereareseveralfirst-classchaps—buthewouldn’thearofit—thoughtthatkindofthingwasallnonsense.
“IhadanideathatheandHelenweren’tgettingalongtoowell,butheneverspokeaboutthat,andIdidn’tliketoaskquestions.Thewholethingcametoaheadwhenhewalkedintomyhouseoneevening—itwasaFriday,Iremember,I’djustcomebackfromthehospitalandfoundhimwaitingformeintheconsultingroom;he’dbeenthereaboutaquarterofanhour.AssoonasIcamein,helookedupandsaid,‘I’vekilledHelen.’
“ForamomentIdidn’tknowwhattothink.Hewassocoolandmatter-of-fact.Isaid,‘Youmean—you’vehadanotherdream?’Hesaid,‘Itisn’tadreamthistime.It’strue.She’slyingtherestrangled.Istrangledher.’
“Thenhesaid—quitecoollyandreasonably:‘You’dbettercomebackwithmetothehouse.Thenyoucanringupthepolicefromthere.’Ididn’tknowwhattothink.Igotoutthecaragain,andwedrovealonghere.Thehousewasquietanddark.Wewentuptothebedroom—”
Gwendabrokein,“Thebedroom?”Hervoiceheldpureastonishment.
Dr.Kennedylookedfaintlysurprised.
“Yes,yes,that’swhereitallhappened.Well,ofcoursewhenwegotupthere—therewasnothingatall!Nodeadwomanlyingacrossthebed.Nothingdisturbed—thecoverletsnotevenrumpled.Thewholethinghadbeenanhallucination.”
“Butwhatdidmyfathersay?”
“Oh,hepersistedinhisstory,ofcourse.Hereallybelievedit,yousee.IpersuadedhimtoletmegivehimasedativeandIputhimtobedinthedressingroom.ThenIhadagoodlookround.IfoundanotethatHelenhadleftcrumpledupinthewastepaperbasketinthedrawingroom.Itwasquiteclear.Shehadwrittensomethinglikethis:‘This
“EvidentlyKelvinhadcomein,readhernote,goneupstairs,hadakindofemotionalbrainstormandhadthencomeovertomepersuadedthathehadkilledHelen.
“ThenIquestionedthehousemaid.Itwashereveningoutandshehadcomeinlate.ItookherintoHelen’sroomandshewentthroughHelen’sclothes,etc.Itwasallquiteclear.Helenhadpackedasuitcaseandabagandhadtakenthemawaywithher.Isearchedthehouse,buttherewasnotraceofanythingunusual—certainlynosignofastrangledwoman.
“IhadaverydifficulttimewithKelvininthemorning,butherealizedatlastthatitwasadelusion—oratleasthesaidhedid,andheconsentedtogointoanursinghomefortreatment.
“AweeklaterIgot,asIsay,aletterfromHelen.ItwaspostedfromBiarritz,butshesaidshewasgoingontoSpain.IwastotellKelvinthatshedidnotwantadivorce.Hehadbetterforgetherassoonaspossible.
“IshowedthelettertoKelvin.Hesaidverylittle.Hewasgoingaheadwithhisplans.Hewiredouttohisfirstwife’speopleinNewZealandaskingthemtotakethechild.Hesettleduphisaffairsandhethenenteredaverygoodprivatementalhomeandconsentedtohaveappropriatetreatment.Thattreatment,however,didnothingtohelphim.He
Gwendasaid:“Andyougotanotherletterfromyoursister—afterthatagain?”
“Ohyes.Aboutsixmonthslater.ShewrotefromFlorence—gaveanaddressposterestanteas‘MissKennedy.’ShesaidsherealizedthatperhapsitwasunfairtoKelvinnottohaveadivorce—thoughsheherselfdidnotwantone.IfhewantedadivorceandIwouldletherknow,shewouldseethathehadthenecessaryevidence.ItookthelettertoKelvin.Hesaidatoncethathedidnotwantadivorce.Iwrotetoherandtoldherso.SincethenIhaveneverheardanymore.Idon’tknowwheresheisliving,orindeedifsheisaliveordead.ThatiswhyIwasattractedbyyouradvertisementandhopedthatIshouldgetnewsofher.”
Headdedgently:“I’mverysorryaboutthis,Gwennie.Butyouhadtoknow.Ionlywishyoucouldhaveleftwellalone….”
Nine
UNKNOWNFACTOR?
I
WhenGilescamebackfromseeingDr.Kennedyoff,hefoundGwendasittingwherehehadlefther.Therewasabrightredpatchoneachofhercheeks,andhereyeslookedfeverish.Whenshespokehervoicewasharshandbrittle.
“What’stheoldcatchphrase?Deathormadnesseitherway?That’swhatthisis—deathormadness.”
“Gwenda—darling.”Gileswenttoher—puthisarmroundher.Herbodyfelthardandstiff.
“Whydidn’tweleaveitallalone?Whydidn’twe?Itwasmyownfatherwhostrangledher.Anditwasmyownfather’svoiceIheardsayingthosewords.Nowonderitallcameback—nowonderIwassofrightened.Myownfather.”
“Wait,Gwenda—wait.Wedon’treallyknow—”
“Ofcourseweknow!HetoldDr.Kennedyhehadstrangledhiswife,didn’the?”
“ButKennedyisquitepositivehedidn’t—”
“Becausehedidn’tfindabody.Buttherewasabody—andIsawit.”
“Yousawitinthehall—notthebedroom.”
“Whatdifferencedoesthatmake?”
“Well,it’squeer,isn’tit?WhyshouldHallidaysayhestrangledhiswifeinthebedroomifheactuallystrangledherinthehall?”
“Oh,Idon’tknow.That’sjustaminordetail.”
“I’mnotsosure.Pullyoursocksup,darling.Therearesomeveryfunnypointsaboutthewholesetup.We’lltakeit,ifyoulike,thatyourfatherdidstrangleHelen.Inthehall.Whathappenednext?”
“HewentofftoDr.Kennedy.”
“Andtoldhimhehadstrangledhiswifeinthebedroom,broughthimbackwithhimandtherewasnobodyinthehall—orinthebedroom.Dashitall,therecan’tbeamurderwithoutabody.Whathadhedonewiththebody?”
“PerhapstherewasoneandDr.Kennedyhelpedhimandhusheditallup—onlyofcoursehecouldn’ttellusthat.”
Gilesshookhishead.
“No,Gwenda—Idon’tseeKennedyactingthatway.He’sahardheaded,shrewd,unemotionalScotsman.You’resuggestingthathe’dbewillingtoputhimselfinjeopardyasanaccessoryafterthefact.Idon’tbelievehewould.He’ddohisbestforHallidaybygivingevidenceastohismentalstate—that,yes.Butwhyshouldhestickhisneckouttohushthewholethingup?KelvinHallidaywasn’tanyrelationtohim,noraclosefriend.Itwashisownsisterwhohadbeenkilledandhewasclearlyfondofher—evenifhedidshowslightVictoriandisapprovalofhergayways.It’snot,even,asthoughyouwerehissister’schild.No,Kennedywouldn’tconniveatconcealingmurder.Ifhedid,there’sonlyonepossiblewayhecouldhavesetaboutit,andthatwouldbedeliberatelytogiveadeathcertificatethatshehaddiedofheartfailureorsomething.Isupposehemighthavegotawaywiththat—butweknowdefinitelythathedidn’tdothat.Becausethere’snorecordofherdeathintheParishregisters,andifhehaddoneit,hewouldhavetoldusthathissisterhaddied.Sogoonfromthereandexplain,ifyoucan,whathappenedtothebody.”
“Perhapsmyfatherburieditsomewhere—inthegarden?”
“AndthenwenttoKennedyandtoldhimhe’dmurderedhiswife?Why?Whynotrelyonthestorythatshe’d‘lefthim’?”
Gwendapushedbackherhairfromherforehead.Shewaslessstiffandrigidnow,andthepatchesofsharpcolourwerefading.
“Idon’tknow,”sheadmitted.“Itdoesseemabitscrewynowyou’veputitthatway.DoyouthinkDr.Kennedywastellingusthetruth?”
“Ohyes—I’mprettysureofit.Fromhispointofviewit’saperfectlyreasonablestory.Dreams,hallucinations—finallyamajorhallucination.He’sgotnodoubtthatitwasahallucinationbecause,aswe’vejustsaid,youcan’thaveamurderwithoutabody.That’swherewe’reinadifferentpositionfromhim.Weknowthattherewasabody.”
Hepausedandwenton:“Fromhispointofview,everythingfitsin.Missingclothesandsuitcase,thefarewellnote.Andlater,twolettersfromhissister
Gwendastirred.
“Thoseletters.Howdoweexplainthose?”
“Wedon’t—butwe’vegotto.IfweassumethatKennedywastellingusthetruth(andasIsay,I’mprettysurethathewas),we’vegottoexplainthoseletters.”
“Isupposetheyreallywereinhissister’shandwriting?Herecognizedit?”
“Youknow,Gwenda,Idon’tbelievethatpointwouldarise.It’snotlikeasignatureonadoubtfulcheque.Ifthoseletterswerewritteninareasonablycloseimitationofhissister’swriting,itwouldn’toccurtohimtodoubtthem.He’salreadygotthepreconceivedideathatshe’sgoneawaywithsomeone.Thelettersjustconfirmedthatbelief.Ifhehadneverheardfromheratall—why,thenhemighthavegotsuspicious.Allthesame,therearecertaincuriouspointsaboutthoselettersthatwouldn’tstrikehim,perhaps,butdostrikeme.They’restrangelyanonymous.Noaddressexceptaposterestante.Noindicationofwhothemaninthecasewas.Aclearlystateddeterminationtomakeacleanbreakwithalloldties.WhatImeanis,they’reexactlythekindoflettersamurdererwoulddeviseifhewantedtoallayanysuspicionsonthepartofhisvictim’sfamily.It’stheoldCrippentouchagain.Togettheletterspostedfromabroadwouldbeeasy.”
“Youthinkmyfather—”
“No—that’sjustit—Idon’t.Takeamanwho’sdeliberatelydecidedtogetridofhiswife.Hespreadsrumoursaboutherpossibleunfaithfulness.Hestagesherdeparture—noteleftbehind,clothespackedandtaken.Letterswillbereceivedfromheratcarefullyspacedintervalsfromsomewhereabroad.Actuallyhehasmurderedherquietlyandputher,say,underthecellarfloor.doesn’tdoistorushtohisbrother-in-lawandsayhe’smurderedhiswifeandhadn’ttheybettergotothepolice?Ontheotherhand,ifyourfatherwastheemotionaltypeofkiller,andwasterriblyinlovewithhiswifeandstrangledherinafitoffrenziedjealousy—Othellofashion—(andthatfitsinwiththewordsyouheard)hecertainlydoesn’tpackclothesandarrangeforletterstocome,beforeherushesofftobroadcasthiscrimetoamanwhoisn’tthetypelikelytohushitup.It’sallwrong,Gwenda.Thewholepatterniswrong.”
“Thenwhatareyoutryingtogetat,Giles?”
“Idon’tknow…It’sjustthatthroughoutitall,thereseemstobeanunknownfactor—callhimX.Someonewhohasn’tappearedasyet.Butonegetsglimpsesofhistechnique.”
“X?”saidGwendawonderingly.Thenhereyesdarkened.“You’remakingthatup,Giles.Tocomfortme.”
“IswearI’mnot.Don’tyouseeyourselfthatyoucan’tmakeasatisfactoryoutlinetofitallthefacts?WeknowthatHelenHallidaywasstrangledbecauseyousaw—”
Hestopped.
“GoodLord!I’vebeenafool.Iseeitnow.Itcoverseverything.You’reright.AndKennedy’sright,too.Listen,Gwenda.Helen’spreparingtogoawaywithalover—whothatiswedon’tknow.”
“X?”
Gilesbrushedherinterpolationasideimpatiently.
“She’swrittenhernotetoherhusband—butatthatmomenthecomesin,readswhatshe’swritingandgoeshaywire.Hecrumplesupthenote,slingsitintothewastebasket,andgoesforher.She’sterrified,rushesoutintothehall—hecatchesupwithher,throttlesher—shegoeslimpandhedropsher.Andthen,standingalittlewayfromher,hequotesthosewordsfromTheDuchessofMalfijustasthechildupstairshasreachedthebanistersandispeeringdown.”
“Andafterthat?”
“Thepointis,thatsheisn’tdead.Hemayhavethoughtshewasdead—butshe’smerelysemisuffocated.Perhapsherlovercomesround—afterthefrantichusbandhasstartedforthedoctor’shouseontheothersideofthetown,orperhapssheregainsconsciousnessbyherself.Anyway,assoonasshehascometo,shebeatsit.Beatsitquickly.Andthatexplainseverything.Kelvin’sbeliefthathehaskilledher.Thedisappearanceoftheclothes;packedandtakenawayearlierintheday.Andthesubsequentletterswhichareperfectlygenuine.Thereyouare—thatexplainseverything.”
Gwendasaidslowly,“Itdoesn’texplainwhyKelvinsaidhehadstrangledherinthebedroom.”
“Hewassohetup,hecouldn’tquiterememberwhereithadallhappened.”
Gwendasaid:“I’dliketobelieveyou.Iwanttobelieve…ButIgoonfeelingsure—quitesure—thatwhenIlookeddownshewasdead—quitedead.”
“Buthowcouldyoupossiblytell?Achildofbarelythree.”
Shelookedathimqueerly.
“Ithinkonecantell—betterthanifonewasolder.It’slikedogs—theyknowdeathandthrowbacktheirheadsandhowl.Ithinkchildren—knowdeath….”
“That’snonsense—that’sfantastic.”
Theringofthefrontdoorbellinterruptedhim.Hesaid,“Who’sthat,Iwonder?”
Gwendalookeddismayed.
“Iquiteforgot.It’sMissMarple.Iaskedhertoteatoday.Don’tlet’sgosayinganythingaboutallthistoher.”
II
Gwendawasafraidthatteamightproveadifficultmeal—butMissMarplefortunatelyseemednottonoticethatherhostesstalkedalittletoofastandtoofeverishly,andthathergaietywassomewhatforced.MissMarpleherselfwasgentlygarrulous—shewasenjoyingherstayinDillmouthsomuchand—wasn’titexciting?—somefriendsoffriendsofhershadwrittentofriendsoftheirsinDillmouth,andasaresultshehadreceivedsomeverypleasantinvitationsfromthelocalresidents.
“Onefeelssomuchlessofanoutsider,ifyouknowwhatImean,mydear,ifonegetstoknowsomeofthepeoplewhohavebeenestablishedhereforyears.Forinstance,IamgoingtoteawithMrs.Fane—sheisthewidowoftheseniorpartnerinthebestfirmofsolicitorshere.Quiteanold-fashionedfamilyfirm.Hersoniscarryingitonnow.”
Thegentlegossipingvoicewenton.Herlandladywassokind—andmadehersocomfortable—“andreallydeliciouscooking.ShewasforsomeyearswithmyoldfriendMrs.Bantry—althoughshedoesnotcomefromthispartoftheworldherself—herauntlivedhereformanyyearsandsheandherhusbandusedtocomehereforholidays—sosheknowsagreatdealofthelocalgossip.Doyoufindyourgardenersatisfactory,bytheway?Ihearthatheisconsideredlocallyasratherascrimshanker—moretalkthanwork.”
“Talkandteaishisspeciality,”saidGiles.“Hehasaboutfivecupsofteaaday.Butheworkssplendidlywhenwearelooking.”
“Comeoutandseethegarden,”saidGwenda.
Theyshowedherthehouseandthegarden,andMissMarplemadethepropercomments.IfGwendahadfearedhershrewdobservationofsomethingamiss,thenGwendawaswrong.ForMissMarpleshowednocognizanceofanythingunusual.
Yet,strangelyenough,itwasGwendawhoactedinanunpredictablemanner.SheinterruptedMissMarpleinthemidstofalittleanecdoteaboutachildandaseashelltosaybreathlesslytoGiles:
“Idon’tcare—I’mgoingtotellher….”
MissMarpleturnedherheadattentively.Gilesstartedtospeak,thenstopped.Finallyhesaid,“Well,it’syourfuneral,Gwenda.”
AndsoGwendapoureditallout.TheircallonDr.Kennedyandhissubsequentcallonthemandwhathehadtoldthem.
“ThatwaswhatyoumeantinLondon,wasn’tit?”Gwendaaskedbreathlessly.“Youthought,then,that—thatmyfathermightbeinvolved?”
MissMarplesaidgently,“Itoccurredtomeasapossibility—yes.‘Helen’mightverywellbeayoungstepmother—andinacaseof—er—strangling,itissooftenahusbandwhoisinvolved.”
MissMarplespokeasonewhoobservesnaturalphenomenawithoutsurpriseoremotion.
“Idoseewhyyouurgedustoleaveitalone,”saidGwenda.“Oh,andIwishnowwehad.Butonecan’tgoback.”
“No,”saidMissMarple,“onecan’tgoback.”
“Andnowyou’dbetterlistentoGiles.He’sbeenmakingobjectionsandsuggestions.”
“AllIsayis,”saidGiles,“thatitdoesn’tfit.”
Andlucidly,clearly,hewentoverthepointsashehadpreviouslyoutlinedthemtoGwenda.
Thenheparticularizedhisfinaltheory
“Ifyou’llonlyconvinceGwendathatthat’stheonlywayitcouldhavebeen.”
MissMarple’seyeswentfromhimtoGwendaandbackagain.
“Itisaperfectlyreasonablehypothesis,”shesaid.“Butthereisalways,asyouyourselfpointedout,Mr.Reed,thepossibilityofX.”
“X!”saidGwenda.
“Theunknownfactor,”saidMissMarple.“Someone,shallwesay,whohasn’tappearedyet—butwhosepresence,behindtheobviousfacts,canbededuced.”
“We’regoingtotheSanatoriuminNorfolkwheremyfatherdied,”saidGwenda.“Perhapswe’llfindoutsomethingthere.”
Ten
ACASEHISTORY
I
SaltmarshHousewassetpleasantlyaboutsixmilesinlandfromthecoast.IthadagoodtrainservicetoLondonfromthefive-miles-distanttownofSouthBenham.
GilesandGwendawereshownintoalargeairysittingroomwithcretonnecoverspatternedwithflowers.Averycharming-lookingoldladywithwhitehaircameintotheroomholdingaglassofmilk.Shenoddedtothemandsatdownnearthefireplace.HereyesrestedthoughtfullyonGwendaandpresentlysheleanedforwardtowardsherandspokeinwhatwasalmostawhisper.
“Isityourpoorchild,mydear?”
Gwendalookedslightlytakenaback.Shesaiddoubtfully:“No—no.Itisn’t.”
“Ah,Iwondered.”Theoldladynoddedherheadandsippedhermilk.Thenshesaidconversationally,“Halfpastten—that’sthetime.It’salwaysathalfpastten.Mostremarkable.”Sheloweredhervoiceandleanedforwardagain.
“Behindthefireplace,”shebreathed.“Butdon’tsayItoldyou.”
Atthismoment,awhiteuniformedmaidcameintotheroomandrequestedGilesandGwendatofollowher.
TheywereshownintoDr.Penrose’sstudy,andDr.Penroserosetogreetthem.
Dr.Penrose,Gwendacouldnothelpthinking,lookedalittlemadhimself.Helooked,forinstance,muchmadderthantheniceoldladyinthedrawingroom—butperhapspsychiatristsalwayslookedalittlemad.
“Ihadyourletter,andDr.Kennedy’s,”saidDr.Penrose.“AndI’vebeenlookingupyourfather’scasehistory,Mrs.Reed.Irememberedhiscasequitewell,ofcourse,butIwantedtorefreshmymemorysothatIshouldbeinapositiontotellyoueverythingyouwantedtoknow.Iunderstandthatyouhaveonlyrecentlybecomeawareofthefacts?”
GwendaexplainedthatshehadbeenbroughtupinNewZealandbyhermother’srelationsandthatallshehadknownaboutherfatherwasthathehaddiedinanursinghomeinEngland.
Dr.Penrosenodded.“Quiteso.Yourfather’scase,Mrs.Reed,presentedcertainratherpeculiarfeatures.”
“Suchas?”Gilesasked.
“Well,theobsession—ordelusion—wasverystrong.MajorHalliday,thoughclearlyinaverynervousstate,wasmostemphaticandcategoricalinhisassertionthathehadstrangledhissecondwifeinafitofjealousrage.Agreatmanyoftheusualsignsinthesecaseswereabsent,andIdon’tmindtellingyoufrankly,Mrs.Reed,thathaditnotbeenforDr.Kennedy’sassurancethatMrs.Hallidaywasactuallyalive,Ishouldhavebeenprepared,atthattime,totakeyourfather’sassertionatitsfacevalue.”
“Youformedtheimpressionthathehadactuallykilledher?”Gilesasked.
“Isaid‘atthattime.’Later,Ihadcausetorevisemyopinion,asMajorHalliday’scharacterandmentalmakeupbecamemorefamiliartome.Yourfather,Mrs.Reed,wasmostdefinitelynotaparanoiactype.Hehadnodelusionsofpersecution,noimpulsesofviolence.Hewasagentle,kindly,andwell-controlledindividual.Hewasneitherwhattheworldcallsmad,norwashedangeroustoothers.ButhedidhavethisobstinatefixationaboutMrs.Halliday’sdeathandtoaccountforitsoriginIamquiteconvincedwehavetogobackalongway—tosomechildishexperience.ButIadmitthatallmethodsofanalysisfailedtogiveustherightclue.Breakingdownapatient’sresistancetoanalysisissometimesaverylongbusiness.Itmaytakeseveralyears.Inyourfather’scase,thetimewasinsufficient.”
Hepaused,andthen,lookingupsharply,said:“Youknow,Ipresume,thatMajorHallidaycommittedsuicide.”
“Ohno!”criedGwenda.
“I’msorry,Mrs.Reed.Ithoughtyouknewthat.Youareentitled,perhaps,toattachsomeblametousonthataccount.Iadmitthatpropervigilancewouldhavepreventedit.ButfranklyIsawnosignofMajorHalliday’sbeingasuicidaltype.Heshowednotendencytomelancholia—nobroodingordespondency.Hecomplainedofsleeplessnessandmycolleagueallowedhimacertainamountofsleepingtablets.Whilstpretendingtotakethem,heactuallykeptthemuntilhehadaccumulatedasufficientamountand—”
Hespreadouthishands.
“Washesodreadfullyunhappy?”
“No.Idonotthinkso.Itwasmore,Ishouldjudge,aguiltcomplex,adesireforapenaltytobeexacted.Hehadinsistedatfirst,youknow,oncallinginthepolice,andthoughpersuadedoutofthat,andassuredthathehadactuallycommittednocrimeatall,heobstinatelyrefusedtobewhollyconvinced.Yetitwasprovedtohimoverandoveragain,andhehadtoadmit,thathehadnorecollectionofcommittingtheactualact.”Dr.Penroseruffledoverthepapersinfrontofhim.“Hisaccountoftheeveninginquestionnevervaried.Hecameintothehouse,hesaid,anditwasdark.Theservantswereout.Hewentintothediningroom,asheusuallydid,pouredhimselfoutadrinkanddrankit,thenwentthroughtheconnectingdoorintothedrawingroom.Afterthatherememberednothing—nothingatall,untilhewasstandinginhisbedroomlookingdownathiswifewhowasdead—strangled.Heknewhehaddoneit—”
Gilesinterrupted.“Excuseme,Dr.Penrose,butwhydidheknowhehaddoneit?”
“Therewasnodoubtinhismind.Forsomemonthspasthehadfoundhimselfentertainingwildandmelodramaticsuspicions.Hetoldme,forinstance,thathehadbeenconvincedhiswifewasadministeringdrugstohim.Hehad,ofcourse,livedinIndia,andthepracticeofwivesdrivingtheirhusbandsinsanebydaturapoisoningoftencomesupthereinthenativecourts.Hehadsufferedfairlyoftenfromhallucinations,withconfusionoftimeandplace.Hedeniedstrenuouslythathesuspectedhiswifeofinfidelity,butneverthelessIthinkthatthatwasthemotivatingpower.Itseemsthatwhatactuallyoccurredwasthathewentintothedrawingroom,readthenotehiswifeleftsayingshewasleavinghim,andthathiswayofeludingthisfactwastopreferto‘kill’her.Hencethehallucination.”
“Youmeanhecaredforherverymuch?”askedGwenda.
“Obviously,Mrs.Reed.”
“Andhenever—recognized—thatitwasahallucination?”
“Hehadtoacknowledgethatitmustbe—buthisinnerbeliefremainedunshaken.Theobsessionwastoostrongtoyieldtoreason.Ifwecouldhaveuncoveredtheunderlyingchildishfixation—”
Gwendainterrupted.Shewasuninterestedinchildishfixations.
“Butyou’requitesure,yousay,thathe—thathedidn’tdoit?”
“Oh,ifthatiswhatisworryingyou,Mrs.Reed,youcanputitrightoutofyourhead.KelvinHalliday,howeverjealoushemayhavebeenofhiswife,wasemphaticallynotakiller.”
Dr.Penrosecoughedandpickedupasmallshabbyblackbook.
“Ifyouwouldlikethis,Mrs.Reed,youaretheproperpersontohaveit.Itcontainsvariousjottingssetdownbyyourfatherduringthetimehewashere.Whenweturnedoverhiseffectstohisexecutor(actuallyafirmofsolicitors),Dr.McGuire,whowasthenSuperintendent,retainedthisaspartofthecasehistory.Yourfather’scase,youknow,appearsinDr.McGuire’sbook—onlyunderinitials,ofcourse.Mr.K.H.Ifyouwouldlikethisdiary—”
Gwendastretchedoutherhandeagerly.
“Thankyou,”shesaid.“Ishouldlikeitverymuch.”
II
InthetrainonthewaybacktoLondon,Gwendatookouttheshabbylittleblackbookandbegantoread.
Sheopeneditatrandom.
KelvinHallidayhadwritten:
Isupposethesedoctorwallahsknowtheirbusiness…Itallsoundssuchpoppycock.WasIinlovewithmymother?DidIhatemyfather?Idon’tbelieveawordofit…Ican’thelpfeelingthisisasimplepolicecase—criminalcourt—notacrazyloonybinmatter.Andyet—someofthesepeoplehere—sonatural,soreasonable—justlikeeveryoneelse—exceptwhenyousuddenlycomeacrossthekink.Verywell,then,itseemsthatI,too,haveakink….I’vewrittentoJames…urgedhimtocommunicatewithHelen…Lethercomeandseemeinthefleshifshe’salive…Hesayshedoesn’tknowwheresheis…that’sbecauseheknowsthatshe’sdeadandthatIkilledher…he’sagoodfellow,butI’mnotdeceived…Helenisdead….WhendidIbegintosuspecther?Alongtimeago…SoonafterwecametoDillmouth…Hermannerchanged…Shewasconcealingsomething…Iusedtowatchher…Yes,andsheusedtowatchme….Didshegivemedrugsinmyfood?Thosequeerawfulnightmares.Notordinarydreams…livingnightmares…Iknowitwasdrugs…Onlyshecouldhavedonethat…Why?…There’ssomeman…Somemanshewasafraidof….Letmebehonest.Isuspected,didn’tI,thatshehadalover?Therewassomeone—Iknowtherewassomeone—Shesaidasmuchtomeontheboat…Someoneshelovedandcouldn’tmarry…Itwasthesameforbothofus…Icouldn’tforgetMegan…HowlikeMeganlittleGwennielookssometimes.HelenplayedwithGwenniesosweetlyontheboat…Helen…Youaresolovely,Helen….IsHelenalive?OrdidIputmyhandsroundherthroatandchokethelifeoutofher?IwentthroughthediningroomdoorandIsawthenote—proppeduponthedesk,andthen—andthen—allblack—justblackness.Butthere’snodoubtaboutit…Ikilledher…ThankGodGwennie’sallrightinNewZealand.They’regoodpeople.They’llloveherforMegan’ssake.Megan—Megan,howIwishyouwerehere….It’sthebestway…Noscandal…Thebestwayforthechild.Ican’tgoon.Notyearafteryear.Imusttaketheshortwayout.Gwenniewillneverknowanythingaboutallthis.She’llneverknowherfatherwasamurderer….
TearsblindedGwenda’seyes.ShelookedacrossatGiles,sittingoppositeher.ButGiles’seyeswererivetedontheoppositecorner.
AwareofGwenda’sscrutiny,hemotionedfaintlywithhishead.
Theirfellowpassengerwasreadinganeveningpaper.Ontheoutsideofit,clearlypresentedtotheirviewwasamelodramaticcaption:Whowerethemeninherlife?
Slowly,Gwendanoddedherhead.Shelookeddownatthediary.
Therewassomeone—Iknowtherewassomeone….Eleven
THEMENINHERLIFE
I
MissMarplecrossedSeaParadeandwalkedalongForeStreet,turningupthehillbytheArcade.Theshopshereweretheold-fashionedones.Awoolandartneedleworkshop,aconfectioner,aVictorian-lookingLadies’OutfitterandDraperandothersofthesamekind.
MissMarplelookedinatthewindowoftheartneedleworkshop.Twoyoungassistantswereengagedwithcustomers,butanelderlywomanatthebackoftheshopwasfree.
MissMarplepushedopenthedoorandwentin.Sheseatedherselfatthecounterandtheassistant,apleasantwomanwithgreyhair,asked,“WhatcanIdoforyou,madam?”
MissMarplewantedsomepalebluewooltoknitababy’sjacket.Theproceedingswereleisurelyandunhurried.Patternswerediscussed,MissMarplelookedthroughvariouschildren’sknittingbooksandinthecourseofitdiscussedhergreat-nephewsandnieces.Neithershenortheassistantdisplayedimpatience.TheassistanthadattendedtocustomerssuchasMissMarpleformanyyears.Shepreferredthesegentle,gossipy,ramblingoldladiestotheimpatient,ratherimpoliteyoungmotherswhodidn’tknowwhattheywantedandhadaneyeforthecheapandshowy.
“Yes,”saidMissMarple.“Ithinkthatwillbeveryniceindeed.AndIalwaysfindStorklegsoreliable.Itreallydoesn’tshrink.IthinkI’lltakeanextratwoounces.”
Theassistantremarkedthatthewindwasverycoldtoday,asshewrappeduptheparcel.
“Yes,indeed,InoticeditasIwascomingalongthefront.Dillmouthhaschangedagooddeal.Ihavenotbeenherefor,letmesee,nearlynineteenyears.”
“Indeed,madam?Thenyouwillfindalotofchanges.TheSuperbwasn’tbuiltthen,Isuppose,northeSouthviewHotel?”
“Ohno,itwasquiteasmallplace.Iwasstayingwithfriends…AhousecalledSt.Catherine’s—perhapsyouknowit?OntheLeahamptonroad.”
ButtheassistanthadonlybeeninDillmouthamatteroftenyears.
MissMarplethankedher,tooktheparcel,andwentintothedraper’snextdoor.Here,again,sheselectedanelderlyassistant.Theconversationranmuchonthesamelines,toanaccompanimentofsummervests.Thistime,theassistantrespondedpromptly.
“ThatwouldbeMrs.Findeyson’shouse.”
“Yes—yes.ThoughthefriendsIknewhaditfurnished.AMajorHallidayandhiswifeandababygirl.”
“Ohyes,madam.Theyhaditforaboutayear,Ithink.”
“Yes.HewashomefromIndia.Theyhadaverygoodcook—shegavemeawonderfulrecipeforbakedapplepudding—andalso,Ithink,forgingerbread.Ioftenwonderwhatbecameofher.”
“IexpectyoumeanEdithPagett,madam.She’sstillinDillmouth.She’sinservicenow—atWindrushLodge.”
“Thenthereweresomeotherpeople—theFanes.Alawyer,Ithinkhewas!”
“OldMr.Fanediedsomeyearsago—youngMr.Fane,Mr.WalterFane,liveswithhismother.Mr.WalterFanenevermarried.He’stheseniorpartnernow.”
“Indeed?IhadanideaMr.WalterFanehadgoneouttoIndia—tea-plantingorsomething.”
“Ibelievehedid,madam.Asayoungman.Buthecamehomeandwentintothefirmafteraboutayearortwo.Theydoallthebestbusinessroundhere—they’reveryhighlythoughtof.Averynicequietgentleman,Mr.WalterFane.Everybodylikeshim.”
“Why,ofcourse,”exclaimedMissMarple.“HewasengagedtoMissKennedy,wasn’the?AndthenshebrokeitoffandmarriedMajorHalliday.”
“That’sright,madam.ShewentouttoIndiatomarryMr.Fane,butitseemsasshechangedhermindandmarriedtheothergentlemaninstead.”
Afaintlydisapprovingnotehadenteredtheassistant’svoice.
MissMarpleleanedforwardandloweredhervoice.
“IwasalwayssosorryforpoorMajorHalliday(Iknewhismother)andhislittlegirl.Iunderstandhissecondwifelefthim.Ranwaywithsomeone.Aratherflightytype,I’mafraid.”
“Regularflibbertigibbet,shewas.Andherbrotherthedoctor,suchaniceman.Didmyrheumatickneeaworldofgood.”
“Whomdidsherunawaywith?Ineverheard.”
“ThatIcouldn’ttellyou,madam.Somesaiditwasoneofthesummervisitors.ButIknowMajorHallidaywasquitebrokenup.HelefttheplaceandIbelievehishealthgaveway.Yourchange,madam.”
MissMarpleacceptedherchangeandherparcel.
“Thankyousomuch,”shesaid.“Iwonderif—EdithPagett,didyousay—stillhasthatnicerecipeforgingerbread?Ilostit—orrathermycarelessmaidlostit—andI’msofondofgoodgingerbread.”
“Iexpectso,madam.Asamatteroffacthersisterlivesnextdoorhere,marriedtoMr.Mountford,theconfectioner.EdithusuallycomesthereonherdaysoutandI’msureMrs.Mountfordwouldgiveheramessage.”
“That’saverygoodidea.Thankyousomuchforallthetroubleyou’vetaken.”
“Apleasure,madam,Iassureyou.”
MissMarplewentoutintothestreet.
“Aniceold-fashionedfirm,”shesaidtoherself.“Andthosevestsarereallyverynice,soitisn’tasthoughIhadwastedanymoney.”Sheglancedatthepaleblueenamelwatchthatsheworepinnedtoonesideofherdress.“JustfiveminutestogobeforemeetingthosetwoyoungthingsattheGingerCat.Ihopetheydidn’tfindthingstooupsettingattheSanatorium.”
II
GilesandGwendasattogetheratacornertableattheGingerCat.Thelittleblacknotebooklayonthetablebetweenthem.
MissMarplecameinfromthestreetandjoinedthem.
“Whatwillyouhave,MissMarple?Coffee?”
“Yes,thankyou—no,notcakes,justasconeandbutter.”
Gilesgavetheorder,andGwendapushedthelittleblackbookacrosstoMissMarple.
“Firstyoumustreadthat,”shesaid,“andthenwecantalk.It’swhatmyfather—whathewrotehimselfwhenhewasatthenursinghome.Oh,butfirstofall,justtellMissMarpleexactlywhatDr.Penrosesaid,Giles.”
Gilesdidso.ThenMissMarpleopenedthelittleblackbookandthewaitressbroughtthreecupsofweakcoffee,andasconeandbutter,andaplateofcakes.GilesandGwendadidnottalk.TheywatchedMissMarpleassheread.
Finallysheclosedthebookandlaiditdown.Herexpressionwasdifficulttoread.Therewas,Gwendathought,angerinit.Herlipswerepressedtightlytogether,andhereyesshoneverybrightly,unusuallyso,consideringherage.
“Yes,indeed,”shesaid.“Yes,indeed!”
Gwendasaid:“Youadvisedusonce—doyouremember?—nottogoon.Icanseewhyyoudid.Butwedidgoon—andthisiswherewe’vegotto.Onlynow,itseemsasthoughwe’dgottoanotherplacewhereonecould—ifoneliked—stop…Doyouthinkweoughttostop?Ornot?”
MissMarpleshookherheadslowly.Sheseemedworried,perplexed.
“Idon’tknow,”shesaid.“Ireallydon’tknow.Itmightbebettertodoso,muchbettertodoso.Becauseafterthislapseoftimethereisnothingthatyoucando—nothing,Imean,ofaconstructivenature.”
“Youmeanthatafterthislapseoftime,thereisnothingwecanfindout?”askedGiles.
“Ohno,”saidMissMarple.“Ididn’tmeanthatatall.Nineteenyearsisnotsuchalongtime.Therearepeoplewhowouldrememberthings,whocouldanswerquestions—quitealotofpeople.Servantsforinstance.Theremusthavebeenatleasttwoservantsinthehouseatthetime,andanurse,andprobablyagardener.Itwillonlytaketimeandalittletroubletofindandtalktothesepeople.Asamatteroffact,I’vefoundoneofthemalready.Thecook.No,itwasn’tthat.Itwasmorethequestionofwhatpracticalgoodyoucanaccomplish,andI’dbeinclinedtosaytothat—None.Andyet….”
Shestopped:“Thereisayet…I’malittleslowinthinkingthingsout,butIhaveafeelingthatthereissomething—something,perhaps,notverytangible—thatwouldbeworthtakingrisksfor—eventhatoneshouldtakerisksfor—butIfinditdifficulttosayjustwhatthatis….”
Gilesbegan“Itseemstome—”andstopped.
MissMarpleturnedtohimgratefully.
“Gentlemen,”shesaid,“alwaysseemtobeabletotabulatethingssoclearly.I’msureyouhavethoughtthingsout.”
“I’vebeenthinkingthingsout,”saidGiles.“Anditseemstomethattherearejusttwoconclusionsonecancometo.OneisthesameasIsuggestedbefore.HelenHallidaywasn’tdeadwhenGwenniesawherlyinginthehall.Shecameto,andwentawaywithherlover,whoeverhewas.Thatwouldstillfitthefactsasweknowthem.ItwouldsquarewithKelvinHalliday’srootedbeliefthathehadkilledhiswife,anditwouldsquarewiththemissingsuitcaseandclothesandwiththenotethatDr.Kennedyfound.Butitleavescertainpointsunaccountedfor.Itdoesn’texplainwhyKelvinwasconvincedhestrangledhiswifeinthebedroom.Anditdoesn’tcovertheone,tomymind,reallystaggeringquestion—whereisHelenHallidaynow?BecauseitseemstomeagainstallreasonthatHelenshouldneverhavebeenheardoforfromagain.Grantthatthetwolettersshewrotearegenuine,whathappenedafterthat?Whydidsheneverwriteagain?Shewasonaffectionatetermswithherbrother,he’sobviouslydeeplyattachedtoherandalwayshasbeen.Hemightdisapproveofherconduct,butthatdoesn’tmeanthatheexpectednevertohearfromheragain.Andifyouaskme,thatpointhasobviouslybeenworryingKennedyhimself.Let’ssayheacceptedatthetimeabsolutelythestoryhe’stoldus.Hissister’sgoingoffandKelvin’sbreakdown.Buthedidn’texpectnevertohearfromhissisteragain.Ithink,astheyearswenton,andhedidn’thear,andKelvinHallidaypersistedinhisdelusionandfinallycommittedsuicide,thataterribledoubtbegantocreepupinhismind.SupposingthatKelvin’sstorywastrue?ThatheactuallyhadkilledHelen?There’snowordfromher—andsurelyifshehaddiedsomewhereabroad,wordwouldhavecometohim?Ithinkthatexplainshiseagernesswhenhesawouradvertisement.Hehopedthatitmightleadtosomeaccountofwhereshewasorwhatshehadbeendoing.I’msureit’sabsolutelyunnaturalforsomeonetodisappearas—ascompletelyasHelenseemstohavedone.That,initself,ishighlysuspicious.”
“Iagreewithyou,”saidMissMarple.“Butthealternative,Mr.Reed?”
Gilessaidslowly,“I’vebeenthinkingoutthealternative.It’sprettyfantastic,youknow,andevenratherfrightening.Becauseitinvolves—howcanIputit—akindofmalevolence….”
“Yes,”saidGwenda.“Malevolenceisjustright.Even,Ithink,somethingthatisn’tquitesane…”Sheshivered.
“Thatisindicated,Ithink,”saidMissMarple.“Youknow,there’sagreatdealof—well,queernessabout—morethanpeopleimagine.Ihaveseensomeofit….”
Herfacewasthoughtful.
“Therecan’tbe,yousee,anynormalexplanation,”saidGiles.“I’mtakingnowthefantastichypothesisthatKelvinHallidaydidn’tkillhiswife,butgenuinelythoughthehaddoneso.That’swhatDr.Penrose,whoseemsadecentsortofbloke,obviouslywantstothink.HisfirstimpressionofHallidaywasthattherewasamanwhohadkilledhiswifeandwantedtogivehimselfuptothepolice.ThenhehadtotakeKennedy’swordforitthatthatwasn’tso,sohehadperforcetobelievethatHallidaywasavictimofacomplexorafixationorwhateverthejargonis—buthedidn’treallylikethatsolution.He’shadagoodexperienceofthetypeandHallidaydidn’tsquarewithit.However,onknowingHallidaybetterhebecamequitegenuinelysurethatHallidaywasnotthetypeofmanwhowouldstrangleawomanunderanyprovocation.Soheacceptedthefixationtheory,butwithmisgivings.Andthatreallymeansthatonlyonetheorywillbysomeoneelse.Inotherwords,we’vecometoX.
“Goingoverthefactsverycarefully,I’dsaythatthathypothesisisatleastpossible.Accordingtohisownaccount,Hallidaycameintothehousethatevening,wentintothediningroom,tookadrinkasheusuallydid—andthenwentintothenextroom,sawanoteonthedeskandhadablackout—”
GilespausedandMissMarplenoddedherheadinapproval.Hewenton:
“Sayitwasn’tablackout—thatitwasjustsimplydope—knock-outdropsinthewhisky.Thenextstepisquiteclear,isn’tit?XhadstrangledHeleninthehall,butafterwardshetookherupstairsandarrangedherartisticallyasacrimepassionelonthebed,andthat’swhereKelviniswhenhecomesto;andthepoordevil,whomayhavebeensufferingfromjealousywhereshe’sconcerned,thinksthathe’sdoneit.Whatdoeshedonext?Goesofftofindhisbrother-in-law—ontheothersideofthetownandonfoot.AndthatgivesXtimetodohisnexttrick.Packandremoveasuitcaseofclothesandalsoremovethebody—thoughwhathedidwiththebody,”Gilesendedvexedly,“beatsmecompletely.”
“Itsurprisesmeyoushouldsaythat,Mr.Reed,”saidMissMarple.“Ishouldsaythatthatproblemwouldpresentfewdifficulties.Butdopleasegoon.”
“WhoWereTheMenInHerLife?”quotedGiles.“Isawthatinanewspaperaswecamebackinthetrain.Itsetmewondering,becausethat’sreallythecruxofthematter,isn’tit?IfthereisanX,aswebelieve,allweknowabouthimisthathemusthavebeencrazyabouther—literallycrazyabouther.”
“Andsohehatedmyfather,”saidGwenda.“Andhewantedhimtosuffer.”
“Sothat’swherewecomeupagainstit,”saidGiles.“WeknowwhatkindofagirlHelenwas—”hehesitated.
“Manmad,”suppliedGwenda.
MissMarplelookedupsuddenlyasthoughtospeak,andthenstopped.
“—andthatshewasbeautiful.Butwe’venocluetowhatothermentherewereinherlifebesidesherhusband.Theremayhavebeenanynumber.”
MissMarpleshookherhead.
“Hardlythat.Shewasquiteyoung,youknow.Butyouarenotquiteaccurate,Mr.Reed.Wedoknowsomethingaboutwhatyouhavetermed‘themeninherlife.’Therewasthemanshewasgoingouttomarry—”
“Ahyes—thelawyerchap?Whatwashisname?”
“WalterFane,”saidMissMarple.
“Yes.Butyoucan’tcounthim.HewasoutinMalayaorIndiaorsomewhere.”
“Butwashe?Hedidn’tremainatea-planter,youknow,”MissMarplepointedout.“Hecamebackhereandwentintothefirm,andisnowtheseniorpartner.”
Gwendaexclaimed:“Perhapshefollowedherbackhere?”
“Hemayhavedone.Wedon’tknow.”
Gileswaslookingcuriouslyattheoldlady.
“Howdidyoufindallthisout?”
MissMarplesmiledapologetically.
“I’vebeengossipingalittle.Inshops—andwaitingforbuses.Oldladiesaresupposedtobeinquisitive.Yes,onecanpickupquitealotoflocalnews.”
“WalterFane,”saidGilesthoughtfully.“Helenturnedhimdown.Thatmayhaverankledquitealot.Didheevermarry?”
“No,”saidMissMarple.“Heliveswithhismother.I’mgoingtoteathereattheendoftheweek.”
“There’ssomeoneelseweknowabout,too,”saidGwendasuddenly.“Youremembertherewassomebodyshegotengagedto,orentangledwith,whensheleftschool—someoneundesirable,Dr.Kennedysaid.Iwonderjustwhyhewasundesirable….”
“That’stwomen,”saidGiles.“Eitherofthemmayhavehadagrudge,mayhavebrooded…Perhapsthefirstyoungmanmayhavehadsomeunsatisfactorymentalhistory.”
“Dr.Kennedycouldtellusthat,”saidGwenda.“Onlyit’sgoingtobealittledifficultaskinghim.Imean,it’sallverywellformetogoalongandaskfornewsofmystepmotherwhomIbarelyremember.Butit’sgoingtotakeabitofexplainingifIwanttoknowaboutherearlyloveaffairs.Itseemsratherexcessiveinterestinastepmotheryouhardlyknew.”
“Thereareprobablyotherwaysoffindingout,”saidMissMarple.“Ohyes,Ithinkwithtimeandpatience,wecangathertheinformationwewant.”
“Anyway,we’vegottwopossibilities,”saidGiles.
“Wemight,Ithink,inferathird,”saidMissMarple.“Itwouldbe,ofcourse,apurehypothesis,butjustified,Ithink,bytheturnofevents.”
GwendaandGileslookedatherinslightsurprise.
“Itisjustaninference,”saidMissMarple,turningalittlepink.“HelenKennedywentouttoIndiatomarryyoungFane.Admittedlyshewasnotwildlyinlovewithhim,butshemusthavebeenfondofhim,andquitepreparedtospendherlifewithhim.Yetassoonasshegetsthere,shebreaksofftheengagementandwiresherbrothertosendhermoneytogethome.Nowwhy?”
“Changedhermind,Isuppose,”saidGiles.
BothMissMarpleandGwendalookedathiminmildcontempt.
“Ofcourseshechangedhermind,”saidGwenda.“Weknowthat.WhatMissMarplemeansis—why?”
“Isupposegirlsdochangetheirminds,”saidGilesvaguely.
“Undercertaincircumstances,”saidMissMarple.
Herwordsheldallthepointedinnuendothatelderlyladiesareabletoachievewiththeminimumofactualstatement.
“Somethinghedid—”Gileswassuggestingvaguely,whenGwendachippedinsharply.
“Ofcourse,”shesaid.“Anotherman!”
SheandMissMarplelookedateachotherwiththeassuranceofthoseadmittedtoafreemasonryfromwhichmenwereexcluded.
Gwendaaddedwithcertainty:“Ontheboat!Goingout!”
“Propinquity,”saidMissMarple.
“Moonlightontheboatdeck,”saidGwenda.“Allthatsortofthing.Only—itmusthavebeenserious—notjustaflirtation.”
“Ohyes,”saidMissMarple,“Ithinkitwasserious.”
“Ifso,whydidn’tshemarrythechap?”demandedGiles.
“Perhapshedidn’treallycareforher,”Gwendasaidslowly.Thenshookherhead.“No,IthinkinthatcaseshewouldstillhavemarriedWalterFane.Oh,ofcourse,I’mbeingstupid.Marriedman.”
ShelookedtriumphantlyatMissMarple.
“Exactly,”saidMissMarple.“That’showIshouldreconstructit.Theyfellinlove,probablydesperatelyinlove.Butifhewasamarriedman—withchildren,perhaps—andprobablyanhonourabletype—well,thatwouldbetheendofit.”
“Onlyshecouldn’tgoonandmarryWalterFane,”saidGwenda.“Soshewiredherbrotherandwenthome.Yes,thatallfits.Andontheboathome,shemetmyfather….”
Shepaused,thinkingitout.
“Notwildlyinlove,”shesaid.“Butattracted…andthentherewasme.Theywerebothunhappy…andtheyconsoledeachother.Myfathertoldheraboutmymother,andperhapsshetoldhimabouttheotherman…Yes—ofcourse—”Sheflickedoverthepagesofthediary.
“Iknewtherewassomeone—shesaidasmuchtomeontheboat—someoneshelovedandcouldn’tmarry.
Yes—that’sit.Helenandmyfatherfelttheywerealike—andtherewasmetobelookedafter,andshethoughtshecouldmakehimhappy—andsheeventhought,perhaps,thatshe’dbequitehappyherselfintheend.”
Shestopped,noddedviolentlyatMissMarple,andsaidbrightly:“That’sit.”
Gileswaslookingexasperated.
“Really,Gwenda,youmakeawholelotofthingsupandpretendthattheyactuallyhappened.”
“Theydidhappen.Theymusthavehappened.AndthatgivesusathirdpersonforX.”
“Youmean—?”
“Themarriedman.Wedon’tknowwhathewaslike.Hemayn’thavebeenniceatall.Hemayhavebeenalittlemad.Hemayhavefollowedherhere—”
“You’vejustplacedhimasgoingouttoIndia.”
“Well,peoplecancomebackfromIndia,can’tthey?WalterFanedid.Itwasnearlyayearlater.Idon’tsaythismandidcomeback,butIsayhe’sapossibility.Youkeepharpingonwhothemenwereinherlife.Well,we’vegotthreeofthem.WalterFane,andsomeyoungmanwhosenamewedon’tknow,andamarriedman—”
“Whomwedon’tknowexists,”finishedGiles.
“We’llfindout,”saidGwenda.“Won’twe,MissMarple?”
“Withtimeandpatience,”saidMissMarple,“wemayfindoutagreatdeal.Nowformycontribution.Asaresultofaveryfortunatelittleconversationinthedraper’stoday,IhavediscoveredthatEdithPagettwhowascookatSt.Catherine’satthetimeweareinterestedin,isstillinDillmouth.Hersisterismarriedtoaconfectionerhere.Ithinkitwouldbequitenatural,Gwenda,foryoutowanttoseeher.Shemaybeabletotellusagooddeal.”
“That’swonderful,”saidGwenda.“I’vethoughtofsomethingelse,”sheadded.“I’mgoingtomakeanewwill.Don’tlooksograve,Giles,Ishallstillleavemymoneytoyou.ButIshallgetWalterFanetodoitforme.”
“Gwenda,”saidGiles.“Dobecareful.”
“Makingawill,”saidGwenda,“isamostnaturalthingtodo.AndthelineofapproachI’vethoughtupisquitegood.Anyway,Iwanttoseehim.Iwanttoseewhathe’slike,andifIthinkthatpossibly—”
Sheleftthesentenceunfinished.
“Whatsurprisesme,”saidGiles,“isthatnooneelseansweredthatadvertisementofours—thisEdithPagett,forexample—”
MissMarpleshookherhead.
“Peopletakealongtimetomakeuptheirmindsaboutathinglikethatinthesecountrydistricts,”shesaid.“They’resuspicious.Theyliketothinkthingsover.”
Twelve
LILYKIMBLE
LilyKimblespreadacoupleofoldnewspapersonthekitchentableinreadinessfordrainingthechippedpotatoeswhichwerehissinginthepan.Hummingtunelesslyapopularmelodyofthedaysheleanedforwardaimlesslystudyingthenewsprintspreadoutbeforeher.
Thensuddenlyshestoppedhummingandcalled:“Jim—Jim.Listenhere,willyou?”
JimKimble,anelderlymanoffewwords,waswashingatthescullerysink.Toanswerhiswife,heusedhisfavouritemonosyllable.
“Ar?”saidJimKimble.
“It’sapieceinthepaper.WillanyonewithanyknowledgeofHelenSpenloveHalliday,néeKennedy,communicatewithMessrs.ReedandHardy,SouthamptonRow!SeemstometheymightbemeaningMrs.HallidayasIwasinservicewithatSt.Catherine’s.TookitfromMrs.Findeyson,theydid,sheand’er’usband.HernamewasHelenrightenough—Yes,andshewassistertoDr.Kennedy,himasalwayssaidIoughttohavehadmyadenoidsout.”
TherewasamomentarypauseasMrs.Kimbleadjustedthefryingchipswithanexperttouch.JimKimblewassnortingintotherollertowelashedriedhisface.
“Course,it’sanoldpaper,this,”resumedMrs.Kimble.Shestudieditsdate.“Nighonaweekormoreold.Wonderwhatit’sallabout?Thinkasthere’sanymoneyinit,Jim?”
Mr.Kimblesaid,“Ar,”noncommittally
“Mightbeawillorsomething,”speculatedhiswife.“Powerfullotoftimeago.”
“Ar.”
“Eighteenyearsormore,Ishouldn’twonder…Wonderwhatthey’rerakingitallupfornow?Youdon’tthinkitcouldbepolice,doyou,Jim?
“Whatever?”askedMr.Kimble.
“Well,youknowwhatIalwaysthought,”saidMrs.Kimblemysteriously.“Toldyouatthetime,Idid,whenwewaswalkingout.Pretendingthatshe’dgoneoffwithafeller.That’swhattheysay,husbands,whentheydotheirwivesin.Dependuponit,itwasmurder.That’swhatIsaidtoyouandwhatIsaidtoEdie,butEdieshewouldn’thaveitatanyprice.Nevernoimagination,Ediehadn’t.Thoseclothesshewassupposedtohavetookawaywithher—well,theyweren’tright,ifyouknowwhatImean.Therewasasuitcasegoneandabag,andenoughclothestofill’em,buttheywasn’tright,thoseclothes.Andthat’swhenIsaidtoEdie,‘Dependuponit,’Isaid,‘themaster’smurderedherandputherinthecellar.’Onlynotreallythecellar,becausethatLayonee,theSwissnurse,shesawsomething.Outofthewindow.Cometothecinemaalongofme,shedid,thoughshewasn’tsupposedtoleavethenursery—butthere,Isaid,thechildneverwakesup—goodasgoldshewas,always,inherbedatnight.‘Andmadamnevercomesuptothenurseryintheevening,’Isays.‘Nobodywillknowifyouslipoutwithme.’Soshedid.Andwhenwegotintherewaseversuchaschemozzlegoingon.Doctorwasthereandthemasterillandsleepinginthedressingroom,andthedoctorlookingafterhim,anditwasthenheaskedmeabouttheclothes,anditseemedallrightatthetime.Ithoughtshe’dgoneoffallrightwiththatfellowshewassokeenon—andhimamarriedman,too—andEdiesaidshedidhopeandpraywewouldn’tbemixedupinanydivorcecase.Whatwashisnamenow?Ican’tremember.BeganwithanM—orwasitanR?Blessus,yourmemorydoesgo.”
Mr.Kimblecameinfromthesculleryandignoringallmattersoflessermomentdemandedifhissupperwasready.
“I’lljustdrainthechips…Wait,I’llgetanotherpaper.Betterkeepthisone.’Twouldn’tbelikelytobepolice—notafterallthistime.Maybeit’slawyers—andmoneyinit.Itdoesn’tsaysomethingtoyouradvantage…butitmightbeallthesame…WishIknewwhoIcouldaskaboutit.ItsayswritetosomeaddressinLondon—butI’mnotsureI’dliketodoathinglikethat…nottoalotofpeopleinLondon…Whatdoyousay,Jim?”
“Ar,”saidMr.Kimble,hungrilyeyeingthefishandchips.
Thediscussionwaspostponed.
Thirteen
WALTERFANE
I
GwendalookedacrossthebroadmahoganydeskatMr.WalterFane.
Shesawarathertired-lookingmanofaboutfifty,withagentle,nondescriptface.Thesortofman,Gwendathought,thatyouwouldfinditalittledifficulttorecollectifyouhadjustmethimcasually…Amanwho,inmodernphrase,lackedpersonality.Hisvoice,whenhespoke,wasslowandcarefulandpleasant.Probably,Gwendadecided,averysoundlawyer.
Shestoleaglanceroundtheoffice—theofficeoftheseniorpartnerofthefirm.ItsuitedWalterFane,shedecided.Itwasdefinitelyold-fashioned,thefurniturewasshabby,butwasmadeofgoodsolidVictorianmaterial.Thereweredeedboxespiledupagainstthewalls—boxeswithrespectableCountynamesonthem.SirJohnVavasour-Trench.LadyJessup.Arthurffoulkes,Esq.Deceased.
Thebigsashwindows,thepanesofwhichwereratherdirty,lookedintoasquarebackyardflankedbythesolidwallsofaseventeenth-centuryadjoininghouse.Therewasnothingsmartoruptodateanywhere,buttherewasnothingsordideither.Itwassuperficiallyanuntidyofficewithitspiled-upboxes,anditslittereddesk,anditsrowoflawbooksleaningcrookedlyonashelf—butitwasactuallytheofficeofsomeonewhoknewexactlywheretolayhishanduponanythinghewanted.
ThescratchingofWalterFane’spenceased.Hesmiledhisslow,pleasantsmile.
“Ithinkthat’sallquiteclear,Mrs.Reed,”hesaid.“Averysimplewill.Whenwouldyouliketocomeinandsignit?”
Gwendasaidwheneverheliked.Therewasnoparticularhurry.
“We’vegotahousedownhere,youknow,”shesaid.“Hillside.”
WalterFanesaid,glancingdownathisnotes,“Yes,yougavemetheaddress….”
Therewasnochangeintheeventenorofhisvoice.
“It’saverynicehouse,”saidGwenda.“Weloveit.”
“Indeed?”WalterFanesmiled.“Isitonthesea?”
“No,”saidGwenda.“Ibelievethenamehasbeenchanged.ItusedtobeSt.Catherine’s.”
Mr.Fanetookoffhispince-nez.Hepolishedthemwithasilkhandkerchief,lookingdownatthedesk.
“Ohyes,”hesaid.“OntheLeahamptonroad?”
HelookedupandGwendathoughthowdifferentpeoplewhohabituallywearglasseslookwithoutthem.Hiseyes,averypalegrey,seemedstrangelyweakandunfocussed.
Itmakeshiswholefacelook,thoughtGwenda,asthoughheisn’treallythere
WalterFaneputonthepince-nezagain.Hesaidinhispreciselawyer’svoice,“Ithinkyousaidyoudidmakeawillontheoccasionofyourmarriage?”
“Yes.ButI’dleftthingsinittovariousrelativesinNewZealandwhohavediedsince,soIthoughtitwouldbesimplerreallytomakeanewonealtogether—especiallyaswemeantolivepermanentlyinthiscountry.”
WalterFanenodded.
“Yes,quiteasoundviewtotake.Well,Ithinkthisisallquiteclear,Mrs.Reed.Perhapsifyoucomeinthedayaftertomorrow?Willeleveno’clocksuityou?”
“Yes,thatwillbequiteallright.”
GwendarosetoherfeetandWalterFanerosealso.
Gwendasaid,withexactlythelittlerushshehadrehearsedbeforehand,“I—Iaskedspeciallyforyou,becauseIthink—ImeanIbelieve—thatyouonceknewmy—mymother.”
“Indeed?”WalterFaneputalittleadditionalsocialwarmthintohismanner.“Whatwashername?”
“Halliday.MeganHalliday.Ithink—I’vebeentold—thatyouwereonceengagedtoher?”
Aclockonthewallticked.One,two,onetwo,onetwo.
Gwendasuddenlyfeltherheartbeatingalittlefaster.WhataveryquietfaceWalterFanehad.Youmightseeahouselikethat—ahousewithalltheblindspulleddown.Thatwouldmeanahousewithadeadbodyinit.(Whatidioticthoughtsyoudohave,Gwenda!)
WalterFane,hisvoiceunchanged,unruffled,said,“No,Ineverknewyourmother,Mrs.Reed.ButIwasonceengaged,forashortperiod,toHelenKennedywhoafterwardsmarriedMajorHallidayashissecondwife.”
“Oh,Isee.Howstupidofme.I’vegotitallwrong.ItwasHelen—mystepmother.Ofcourseit’salllongbeforeIremember.Iwasonlyachildwhenmyfather’ssecondmarriagebrokeup.ButIheardsomeonesaythatyou’doncebeenengagedtoMrs.HallidayinIndia—andIthoughtofcourseitwasmyownmother—becauseofIndia,Imean…MyfathermetherinIndia.”
“HelenKennedycameouttoIndiatomarryme,”saidWalterFane.“Thenshechangedhermind.Ontheboatgoinghomeshemetyourfather.”
Itwasaplainunemotionalstatementoffact.Gwendastillhadtheimpressionofahousewiththeblindsdown.
“I’msosorry,”shesaid.“HaveIputmyfootinit?”
WalterFanesmiled—hisslow,pleasantsmile.Theblindswereup.
“It’snineteenortwentyyearsago,Mrs.Reed,”hesaid.“One’syouthfultroublesandfolliesdon’tmeanmuchafterthatspaceoftime.SoyouareHalliday’sbabydaughter.Youknow,don’tyou,thatyourfatherandHelenactuallylivedhereinDillmouthforawhile?”
“Ohyes,”saidGwenda,“that’sreallywhywecamehere.Ididn’trememberitproperly,ofcourse,butwhenwehadtodecidewherewe’dliveinEngland,IcametoDillmouthfirstofall,toseewhatitwasreallylike,andIthoughtitwassuchanattractiveplacethatIdecidedthatwe’dparkourselvesrighthereandnowhereelse.Andwasn’titluck?We’veactuallygotthesamehousethatmypeoplelivedinlongago.”
“Irememberthehouse,”saidWalterFane.Againhegavethatslow,pleasantsmile.“Youmaynotrememberme,Mrs.Reed,butIratherimagineIusedtogiveyoupiggybacksonce.”
Gwendalaughed.
“Didyoureally?Thenyou’requiteanoldfriend,aren’tyou?Ican’tpretendIrememberyou—butthenIwasonlyabouttwoandahalforthree,Isuppose…WereyoubackonleavefromIndiaorsomethinglikethat?”
“No,I’dchuckedIndiaforgood.Iwentouttotrytea-planting—butthelifedidn’tsuitme.Iwascutouttofollowinmyfather’sfootstepsandbeaprosyunadventurouscountrysolicitor.I’dpassedallmylawexamsearlier,soIsimplycamebackandwentstraightintothefirm.”Hepausedandsaid,“I’vebeenhereeversince.”
Againtherewasapauseandherepeatedinalowervoice,“Yes—eversince….”
Buteighteenyears,thoughtGwenda,isn’treallysuchalongtimeasallthat….
Then,withachangeofmanner,heshookhandswithherandsaid,“Sinceweseemtobeoldfriends,youreallymustbringyourhusbandtoteawithmymotheroneday.I’llgethertowritetoyou.Inthemeanwhile,eleveno’clockonThursday?”
Gwendawentoutoftheofficeanddownthestairs.Therewasacobwebintheangleofthestairway.Inthemiddleofthewebwasapale,rathernondescriptspider.Itdidn’tlook,Gwendathought,likearealspider.Notthefatjuicykindofspiderwhocaughtfliesandatethem.Itwasmorelikeaghostofaspider.RatherlikeWalterFane,infact
II
Gilesmethiswifeontheseafront.
“Well?”heasked.
“HewashereinDillmouthatthetime,”saidGwenda.“BackfromIndia,Imean.Becausehegavemepiggybacks.Buthecouldn’thavemurderedanyone—notpossibly.He’smuchtooquietandgentle.Verynice,really,butthekindofpersonyouneverreallynotice.Youknow,theycometoparties,butyounevernoticewhentheyleave.Ishouldthinkhewasfrightfullyuprightandallthat,anddevotedtohismother,andwithalotofvirtues.Butfromawoman’spointofview,terriblydull.Icanseewhyhedidn’tcutanyicewithHelen.Youknow,anicesafepersontomarry—butyoudon’treallywantto.”
“Poordevil,”saidGiles.“AndIsupposehewasjustcrazyabouther.”
“Oh,Idon’tknow…Ishouldn’tthinkso,really.Anyway,I’msurehewouldn’tbeourmalevolentmurderer.He’snotmyideaofamurdereratall.”
“Youdon’treallyknowalotaboutmurderers,though,doyou,mysweet?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Well—IwasthinkingaboutquietLizzieBorden—onlythejurysaidshedidn’tdoit.AndWallace,aquietmanwhomthejuryinsisteddidkillhiswife,thoughthesentencewasquashedonappeal.AndArmstrongwhoeverybodysaidforyearswassuchakindunassumingfellow.Idon’tbelievemurderersareeveraspecialtype.”
“Ireallycan’tbelievethatWalterFane—”
Gwendastopped.
“Whatisit?”
“Nothing.”
ButshewasrememberingWalterFanepolishinghiseyeglassesandthequeerblindstareofhiseyeswhenshehadfirstmentionedSt.Catherine’s.
“Perhaps,”shesaiduncertainly,“hewascrazyabouther….”
Fourteen
EDITHPAGETT
Mrs.Mountford’sbackparlourwasacomfortableroom.Ithadaroundtablecoveredwithacloth,andsomeold-fashionedarmchairsandastern-lookingbutunexpectedlywell-sprungsofaagainstthewall.Therewerechinadogsandotherornamentsonthemantelpiece,andaframedcolouredrepresentationofthePrincessElizabethandMargaretRose.OnanotherwallwastheKinginNavaluniform,andaphotographofMr.Mountfordinagroupofotherbakersandconfectioners.TherewasapicturemadewithshellsandawatercolourofaverygreenseaatCapri.Therewereagreatmanyotherthings,noneofthemwithanypretensionstobeautyorthehigherlife;butthenetresultwasahappy,cheerfulroomwherepeoplesatroundandenjoyedthemselveswhenevertherewastimetodoso.
Mrs.Mountford,néePagett,wasshortandroundanddarkhairedwithafewgreystreaksinthedark.Hersister,EdithPagett,wastallanddarkandthin.Therewashardlyanygreyinherhairthoughshewasataguessroundaboutfifty.
“Fancynow,”EdithPagettwassaying.“LittleMissGwennie.Youmustexcuseme,m’am,speakinglikethat,butitdoestakeoneback.Youusedtocomeintomykitchen,asprettyascouldbe.‘Winnies,’youusedtosay.‘Winnies.’Andwhatyoumeantwasraisins—thoughwhyyoucalledthemwinniesismorethanIcansay.ButraisinswaswhatyoumeantandraisinsitwasIusedtogiveyou,sultanas,thatis,onaccountofthestones.”
Gwendastaredhardattheuprightfigureandtheredcheeksandblackeyes,tryingtoremember—toremember—butnothingcame.Memorywasaninconvenientthing.
“IwishIcouldremember—”shebegan
“It’snotlikelythatyouwould.Justatinylittlemite,that’sallyouwere.Nowadaysnobodyseemstowanttogoinahousewherethere’schildren.Ican’tseeit,myself.Childrengivelifetoahouse,that’swhatIfeel.Thoughnurserymealsarealwaysliabletocauseabitoftrouble.ButifyouknowwhatImean,m’am,that’sthenurse’sfault,notthechild’s.Nursesarenearlyalwaysdifficult—traysandwaitinguponandonethingandanother.DoyourememberLayoneeatall,MissGwennie?Excuseme,Mrs.Reed,Ishouldsay.”
“Léonie?Wasshemynurse?”
“Swissgirl,shewas.Didn’tspeakEnglishverywell,andverysensitiveinherfeelings.UsedtocryalotifLilysaidsomethingtoupsether.Lilywashouse-parlourmaid.LilyAbbott.Ayounggirlandpertinherwaysandabitflighty.ManyagameLilyusedtohavewithyou,MissGwennie.Playpeep-bothroughthestairs.”
Gwendagaveaquickuncontrollableshiver.
Thestairs…
Thenshesaidsuddenly,“IrememberLily.Sheputabowonthecat.”
“Therenow,fancyyourememberingthat!Onyourbirthdayitwas,andLilyshewasallforit,Thomasmusthaveabowon.Tookoneoffthechocolatebox,andThomaswasmadaboutit.Ranoffintothegardenandrubbedthroughthebushesuntilhegotitoff.Catsdon’tliketricksbeingplayedonthem.”
“Ablackandwhitecat.”
“That’sright.PooroldTommy.Caughtmicesomethingbeautiful.Arealpropermouser.”EdithPagettpausedandcoughedprimly.“Excusemerunningonlikethis,m’am.Buttalkingbringstheolddaysback.Youwantedtoaskmesomething?”
“Ilikehearingyoutalkabouttheolddays,”saidGwenda.“That’sjustwhatIwanttohearabout.Yousee,IwasbroughtupbyrelationsinNewZealandandofcoursetheycouldnevertellmeanythingabout—aboutmyfather,andmystepmother.She—shewasnice,wasn’tshe?”
“Veryfondofyou,shewas.Ohyes,sheusedtotakeyoudowntothebeachandplaywithyouinthegarden.Shewasquiteyoungherself,youunderstand.Nothingbutagirl,really.Ioftenusedtothinksheenjoyedthegamesasmuchasyoudid.Youseeshe’dbeenanonlychild,inamannerofspeaking.Dr.Kennedy,herbrother,wasyearsandyears
MissMarple,sittingbackagainstthewall,askedgently,“You’velivedinDillmouthallyourlife,haven’tyou?”
“Ohyes,madam.Fatherhadthefarmupbehindthehill—Rylandsitwasalwayscalled.He’dnosons,andMothercouldn’tcarryonafterhedied,soshesolditandboughtthelittlefancyshopattheendoftheHighStreet.Yes,I’velivedhereallmylife.”
“AndIsupposeyouknowallabouteveryoneinDillmouth?”
“Well,ofcourseitusedtobeasmallplace,then.ThoughthereusedalwaystobealotofsummervisitorsaslongasIcanremember.Butnicequietpeoplewhocamehereeveryyear,notthesetrippersandcharabancswehavenowadays.Goodfamiliestheywere,who’dcomebacktothesameroomsyearafteryear.”
“Isuppose,”saidGiles,“thatyouknewHelenKennedybeforeshewasMrs.Halliday?”
“Well,Iknewofher,sotospeak,andImayhaveseenherabout.ButIdidn’tknowherproperuntilIwentintoservicethere.”
“Andyoulikedher,”saidMissMarple
EdithPagettturnedtowardsher.
“Yes,madam,Idid,”shesaid.Therewasatraceofdefianceinhermanner.“Nomatterwhatanybodysays.Shewasasniceascouldbetomealways.I’dneverhavebelievedshe’ddowhatshediddo.Tookmybreathaway,itdid.Although,mindyou,therehadbeentalk—”
ShestoppedratherabruptlyandgaveaquickapologeticglanceatGwenda.
Gwendaspokeimpulsively.
“Iwanttoknow,”shesaid.“Pleasedon’tthinkIshallmindanythingyousay.Shewasn’tmyownmother—”
“That’strueenough,m’am.”
“Andyousee,weareveryanxiousto—tofindher.Shewentawayfromhere—andsheseemstohavebeenquitelostsightof.Wedon’tknowwheresheislivingnow,orevenifsheisalive.Andtherearereasons—”
ShehesitatedandGilessaidquickly,“Legalreasons.Wedon’tknowwhethertopresumedeathor—orwhat.”
“Oh,Iquiteunderstand,sir.Mycousin’shusbandwasmissing—afterYpresitwas—andtherewasalotoftroubleaboutpresumingdeathandthat.Realvexingitwasforher.Naturally,sir,ifthereisanythingIcantellyouthatwillhelpinanyway—itisn’tasifyouwerestrangers.MissGwendaandher‘winnies.’Sofunnyyouusedtosayit.”
“That’sverykindofyou,”saidGiles.“So,ifyoudon’tmind,I’lljustfireaway.Mrs.Hallidaylefthomequitesuddenly,Iunderstand?”
“Yes,sir,itwasagreatshocktoallofus—andespeciallytotheMajor,poorman.Hecollapsedcompletely.”
“I’mgoingtoaskyourightout—haveyouanyideawhothemanwasshewentawaywith?”
EdithPagettshookherhead.
“That’swhatDr.Kennedyaskedme—andIcouldn’ttellhim.Lilycouldn’teither.AndofcoursethatLayonee,beingaforeigner,didn’tknowathingaboutit.”
“Youdidn’tknow,”saidGiles.“Butcouldyoumakeaguess?Nowthatit’sallsolongago,itwouldn’tmatter—eveniftheguessisallwrong.Youmust,surely,havehadsomesuspicion.”
“Well,wehadoursuspicions…butmindyou,itwasn’tmorethansuspicions.AndasfarasI’mconcerned,Ineversawanythingatall.ButLilywho,asItoldyou,wasasharpkindofgirl,Lilyhadherideas—hadhadthemforalongtime.‘Markmywords,’sheusedtosay.‘Thatchap’ssweetonher.Onlygottoseehimlookingatherasshepoursoutthetea.Anddoeshiswifelookdaggers!’”
“Isee.Andwhowasthe—er—chap?”
“NowI’mafraid,sir,Ijustdon’trememberhisname.Notafteralltheseyears.ACaptain—Esdale—no,thatwasn’tit—Emery—no.IhaveakindoffeelingitbeganwithanE.OritmighthavebeenH.Ratheranunusualkindofname.ButI’venevereventhoughtofitforsixteenyears.HeandhiswifewerestayingattheRoyalClarence.”
“Summervisitors?”
“Yes,butIthinkthathe—ormaybebothofthem—hadknownMrs.Hallidaybefore.Theycametothehousequiteoften.Anyway,accordingtoLilyhewassweetonMrs.Halliday.”
“Andhiswifedidn’tlikeit.”
“No,sir…Butmindyou,Ineverbelievedforamomentthattherewasanythingwrongaboutit.AndIstilldon’tknowwhattothink.”
Gwendaasked,“Weretheystillhere—attheRoyalClarence—when—whenHelen—mystepmotherwentaway?”
“AsfarasIrecollecttheywentawayjustaboutthesametime,adayearlieroradaylater—anyway,itwascloseenoughtomakepeopletalk.ButIneverheardanythingdefinite.Itwasallkeptveryquietifitwasso.Quiteaninedays’wonderMrs.Hallidaygoingofflikethat,sosudden.Butpeopledidsayshe’dalwaysbeenflighty—notthatIeversawanythingofthekindmyself.Iwouldn’thavebeenwillingtogotoNorfolkwiththemifI’dthoughtthat.”
Foramomentthreepeoplestaredatherintently.ThenGilessaid,“Norfolk?WeretheygoingtoNorfolk?”
“Yes,sir.They’dboughtahousethere.Mrs.Hallidaytoldmeaboutthreeweeksbefore—beforeallthishappened.SheaskedmeifI’dcomewiththemwhentheymoved,andIsaidIwould.Afterall,I’dneverbeenawayfromDillmouth,andIthoughtperhapsI’dlikeachange—seeingasIlikedthefamily.”
“IneverheardtheyhadboughtahouseinNorfolk,”saidGiles.
“Well,it’sfunnyyoushouldsaythat,sir,becauseMrs.Hallidayseemedtowantitkeptveryquiet.Sheaskedmenottospeakaboutittoanyoneatall—soofcourseIdidn’t.Butshe’dbeenwantingtogoawayfromDillmouthforsometime.She’dbeenpressingMajorHallidaytogo,buthelikeditatDillmouth.IevenbelievehewrotetoMrs.FindeysonwhomSt.Catherine’sbelongedto,askingifshe’dconsidersellingit.ButMrs.Hallidaywasdeadagainstit.SheseemedtohaveturnedrightagainstDillmouth.It’salmostasthoughshewasafraidtostopthere.”
Thewordscameoutquitenaturally,yetatthesoundofthemthethreepeoplelisteningagainstiffenedtoattention.
Gilessaid,“Youdon’tthinkshewantedtogotoNorfolktobenearthis—themanwhosenameyoucan’tremember?”
EdithPagettlookeddistressed.
“Ohindeed,sir,Iwouldn’tliketothinkthat.AndIdon’tthinkit,notforamoment.BesidesIdon’tthinkthat—Iremembernow—theycamefromupNorthsomewhere,thatladyandgentlemandid.Northumberland,Ithinkitwas.Anyway,theylikedcomingsouthforaholidaybecauseitwassomilddownhere.”
Gwendasaid:“Shewasafraidofsomething,wasn’tshe?Orofsomeone?Mystepmother,Imean.”
“Idoremember—nowthatyousaythat—”
“Yes?”
“Lilycameintothekitchenoneday.She’dbeendustingthestairs,andshesaid,‘Ructions!’shesaid.Shehadaverycommonwayoftalkingsometimes,Lilyhad,soyoumustexcuseme.
“SoIaskedherwhatshemeantandshesaidthatthemissushadcomeinfromthegardenwiththemasterintothedrawingroomandthedoortothehallbeingopen,Lilyheardwhattheysaid.
“‘I’mafraidofyou,’that’swhatMrs.Hallidayhadsaid.
“‘Andshesoundedscaredtoo,’Lilysaid.‘I’vebeenafraidofyouforalongtime.You’remad.You’renotnormal.Goawayandleavemealone.Youmustleavemealone.I’mfrightened.Ithink,underneath,I’vealwaysbeenfrightenedofyou.’
“Somethingofthatkind—ofcourseIcan’tsaynowtotheexactwords.ButLily,shetookitveryseriously,andthat’swhy,afteritallhappened,she—”
EdithPagettstoppeddead.Acuriousfrightenedlookcameoverherface.
“Ididn’tmean,I’msure—”shebegan.“Excuseme,madam,mytonguerunsawaywithme.”
Gilessaidgently:“Pleasetellus,Edith.It’sreallyimportant,yousee,thatweshouldknow.It’sallalongtimeagonow,butwe’vegottoknow.”
“Icouldn’tsay,I’msure,”saidEdithhelplessly.
MissMarpleasked:“WhatwasitLilydidn’tbelieve—ordidbelieve?”
EdithPagettsaidapologetically:“Lilywasalwaysonetogetideasinherhead.Inevertooknonoticeofthem.Shewasalwaysoneforgoingtothepicturesandshegotalotofsillymelodramaticideasthatway.Shewasoutatthepicturesthenightithappened—andwhat’smoreshetookLayoneewithher—andverywrongthatwas,andItoldherso.‘Oh,that’sallright,’shesaid.‘It’snotleavingthechildaloneinthehouse.You’redowninthekitchenandthemasterandthemissuswillbeinlaterandanywaythatchildneverwakesonceshe’sofftosleep.’Butitwaswrong,andItoldherso,thoughofcourseIneverknewaboutLayoneegoingtillafterwards.IfIhad,I’dhaverunuptoseeshe—you,Imean,MissGwenda—werequiteallright.Youcan’thearathingfromthekitchenwhenthebaizedoor’sshut.”
EdithPagettpausedandthenwenton:“Iwasdoingsomeironing.TheeveningpassedeversoquickandthefirstthingIknewDr.KennedycameoutinthekitchenandaskedmewhereLilywasandIsaiditwashernightoffbutshe’dbeinanyminutenowandsureenoughshecameinthatveryminuteandhetookherupstairstothemistress’sroom.Wantedtoknowifshe’dtakenanyclothesawaywithher,andwhat.SoLilylookedaboutandtoldhimandthenshecomedowntome.Allagogshewas.‘She’shookedit,’shesaid.‘Goneoffwithsomeone.Themaster’sallin.Hadastrokeorsomething.Apparentlyit’sbeenaterribleshocktohim.Morefoolhe.Heoughttohaveseenitcoming.’‘Youshouldn’tspeaklikethat,’Isaid.‘Howdoyouknowshe’sgoneoffwithanybody?Maybeshehadatelegramfromasickrelation.’‘Sickrelationmyfoot,’Lilysays(alwaysacommonwayofspeaking,asIsaid).‘Sheleftanote.’‘Who’sshegoneoffwith?’Isaid.‘Whodoyouthink?’Lilysaid.‘NotlikelytobeMr.SobersidesFane,forallhissheep’seyesandthewayhefollowsherroundlikeadog.’SoIsaid,‘Youthinkit’sCaptain—whateverhisnamewas.’Andshesaid,‘He’smybet.Unlessit’sourmysterymanintheflashycar.’(That’sjustasillyjokewehad.)AndIsaid,‘Idon’tbelieveit.NotMrs.Halliday.Shewouldn’tdoathinglikethat.’AndLilysays,‘Well,itseemsshe’sdoneit.’
“Allthiswasatfirst,youunderstand.Butlateron,upinourbedroom,Lilywokemeup.‘Lookhere,’shesays.‘It’sallwrong.’‘What’swrong?’Isaid.Andshesaid,‘Thoseclothes.’‘Whateverareyoutalkingabout?’Isaid.‘Listen,Edie,’shesaid.‘Iwentthroughherclothesbecausethedoctoraskedmeto.Andthere’sasuitcasegoneandenoughtofillit—butthey’rethewrongthings.’‘Whatdoyoumean?’Isaid.AndLilysaid,‘Shetookaneveningdress,hergreyandsilver—butshedidn’ttakehereveningbeltandbrassière,northeslipthatgoeswithit,andshetookhergoldbrocadeeveningshoes,notthesilverstrapones.Andshetookhergreentweed—whichsheneverwearsuntillateonintheautumn,butshedidn’ttakethatfancypulloverandshetookherlaceblousesthatsheonlywearswithatownsuit.Ohandherundies,too,theywereajoblot.Youmarkmywords,Edie,’Lilysaid.‘She’snotgoneawayatall.Themaster’sdoneherin.’
“Well,thatmademewideawake.Isatrightupandaskedherwhatonearthshewastalkingabout.
“‘JustlikeitwasintheNewsoftheWorldlastweek,’Lilysays.‘Themasterfoundshe’dbeencarryingonandhekilledherandputherdowninthecellarandburiedherunderthefloor.You’dneverhearanythingbecauseit’sunderthefronthall.That’swhathe’sdone,andthenhepackedasuitcasetomakeitlookasthoughshe’dgoneaway.Butthat’swheresheis—underthecellarfloor.Sheneverleftthishousealive.’Igaveherapieceofmymindthen,sayingsuchawfulthings.ButI’lladmitIslippeddowntothecellarthenextmorning.Butthere,itwasalljustasusualandnothingdisturbedandnodiggingbeendone—andIwentandtoldLilyshe’djustbeenmakingafoolofherself,butshestucktoitasthemasterhaddoneherin.‘Remember,’shesays,‘shewasscaredtodeathofhim.Iheardhertellinghimso.’‘Andthat’sjustwhereyou’rewrong,mygirl,’Isaid,‘becauseitwasn’tthemasteratall.Justafteryou’dtoldme,thatday,Ilookedoutofthewindowandtherewasthemastercomingdownthehillwithhisgolfclubs,soitcouldn’thavebeenhimwhowaswiththemistressinthedrawingroom.Itwassomeoneelse.’”
Thewordsechoedlingeringlyinthecomfortablecommonplacesittingroom.
Gilessaidsoftlyunderhisbreath,“Itwassomeoneelse….”
Fifteen
ANADDRESS
TheRoyalClarencewastheoldesthotelinthetown.Ithadamellowbowfrontedfa?adeandanold-worldatmosphere.Itstillcateredforthetypeoffamilywhocameforamonthtotheseaside.
MissNarracottwhopresidedbehindthereceptiondeskwasafull-bosomedladyofforty-sevenwithanold-fashionedstyleofhairdressing.
SheunbenttoGileswhomheraccurateeyesummedupas“oneofournicepeople.”AndGiles,whohadareadytongueandapersuasivewaywithhimwhenheliked,spunaverygoodtale.Hehadabetonwithhiswife—abouthergodmother—andwhethershehadstayedattheRoyalClarenceeighteenyearsago.Hiswifehadsaidthattheycouldneversettlethedisputebecauseofcoursealltheoldregisterswouldbethrownawaybythistime,buthehadsaidNonsense.AnestablishmentliketheRoyalClarencewouldkeepitsregisters.Theymustgobackforahundredyears.
“Well,notquitethat,Mr.Reed.ButwedokeepallouroldVisitors’Booksasweprefertocallthem.Veryinterestingnamesinthem,too.Why,theKingstayedhereoncewhenhewasPrinceofWales,andPrincessAdlemarofHolstein-Rotzusedtocomeeverywinterwithherlady-in-waiting.Andwe’vehadsomeveryfamousnovelists,too,andMr.Dovey,theportrait-painter.”
Gilesrespondedinsuitablefashionwithinterestandrespectandinduecoursethesacredvolumefortheyearinquestionwasbroughtoutandexhibitedtohim.
Havingfirsthadvariousillustriousnamespointedouttohim,heturnedthepagestothemonthofAugust.
Yes,heresurelywastheentryhewasseeking.
MajorandMrs.SetounErskine,AnstellManor,Daith,Northumberland,July27th—August17th.
“IfImaycopythisout?”
“Ofcourse,Mr.Reed.Paperandink—Oh,youhaveyourpen.Excuseme,Imustjustgobacktotheouteroffice.”
Shelefthimwiththeopenbook,andGilessettowork.
OnhisreturntoHillsidehefoundGwendainthegarden,bendingovertheherbaceousborder.
Shestraightenedherselfandgavehimaquickglanceofinterrogation.
“Anyluck?”
“Yes,Ithinkthismustbeit.”
Gwendasaidsoftly,readingthewords:“AnstellManor,Daith,Northumberland.Yes,EdithPagettsaidNorthumberland.Iwonderifthey’restilllivingthere—”
“We’llhavetogoandsee.”
“Yes—yes,itwouldbebettertogo—when?”
“Assoonaspossible.Tomorrow?We’lltakethecaranddriveup.ItwillshowyoualittlemoreofEngland.”
“Supposethey’redead—orgoneawayandsomebodyelseislivingthere?”
Gilesshruggedhisshoulders.
“Thenwecomebackandgoonwithourotherleads.I’vewrittentoKennedy,bytheway,andaskedhimifhe’llsendmethoselettersHelenwroteaftershewentaway—ifhe’sstillgotthem—andaspecimenofherhandwriting.”
“Iwish,”saidGwenda,“thatwecouldgetintouchwiththeotherservant—withLily—theonewhoputthebowonThomas—”
“Funnyyoursuddenlyrememberingthat,Gwenda.”
“Yes,wasn’tit?IrememberTommy,too.Hewasblackwithwhitepatchesandhehadthreelovelykittens.”
“What?Thomas?”
“Well,hewascalledThomas—butactuallyheturnedouttobeThomasina.Youknowwhatcatsare.ButaboutLily—Iwonderwhat’sbecomeofher?EdithPagettseemstohavelostsightofherentirely.Shedidn’tcomefromroundhere—andafterthebreakupatSt.Catherine’sshetookaplaceinTorquay.Shewroteonceortwicebutthatwasall.Edithsaidshe’dheardshe’dgotmarriedbutshedidn’tknowwhoto.Ifwecouldgetholdofherwemightlearnalotmore.”
“AndfromLéonie,theSwissgirl.”
“Perhaps—butshewasaforeignerandwouldn’tcatchontomuchofwhatwenton.Youknow,Idon’trememberheratall.No,it’sLilyIfeelwouldbeuseful.Lilywasthesharpone…Iknow,Giles,let’sputinanotheradvertisement—anadvertisementforher—LilyAbbott,hernamewas.”
“Yes,”saidGiles.“Wemighttrythat.Andwe’lldefinitelygonorthtomorrowandseewhatwecanfindoutabouttheErskines.”
Sixteen
MOTHER’SSON
“Down,Henry,”saidMrs.Fanetoanasthmaticspanielwhoseliquideyesburnedwithgreed.“Anotherscone,MissMarple,whilethey’rehot?”
“Thankyou.Suchdeliciousscones.Youhaveanexcellentcook.”
“Louisaisnotbad,really.Forgetful,likeallofthem.Andnovarietyinherpuddings.Tellme,howisDorothyYarde’ssciaticanowadays?Sheusedtobeamartyrtoit.Largelynerves,Isuspect.”
MissMarplehastenedtoobligewithdetailsoftheirmutualacquaintance’sailments.Itwasfortunate,shethought,thatamongsthermanyfriendsandrelationsscatteredoverEngland,shehadmanagedtofindawomanwhoknewMrs.FaneandwhohadwrittenexplainingthataMissMarplewasatpresentinDillmouth,andwoulddearEleanorbeverykindandaskhertosomething.
EleanorFanewasatall,commandingwomanwithasteelygreyeye,crispwhitehair,andababypinkandwhitecomplexionwhichmaskedthefactthattherewasnobaby-likesoftnesswhateverabouther.
TheydiscussedDorothy’sailmentsorimaginedailmentsandwentontoMissMarple’shealth,theairofDillmouth,andthegeneralpoorconditionofmostoftheyoungergeneration.
“Notmadetoeattheircrustsaschildren,”Mrs.Fanepronounced.“Noneofthatallowedinmynursery.”
“Youhavemorethanoneson?”askedMissMarple.
“Three.Theeldest,Gerald,isinSingaporeintheFarEastBank.RobertisintheArmy.”Mrs.Fanesniffed.“MarriedaRomanCatholic,”shesaidwithsignificance.“Youknowwhatthatmeans!AllthechildrenbroughtupasCatholics.WhatRobert’sfatherwouldhavesaid,Idon’tknow.Myhusbandwasverylowchurch.IhardlyeverhearfromRobertnowadays.HetakesexceptiontosomeofthethingsIhavesaidtohimpurelyforhisowngood.Ibelieveinbeingsincereandsayingexactlywhatonethinks.Hismarriagewas,inmyopinion,agreatmisfortune.Hemaypretendtobehappy,poorboy—butIcan’tfeelthatitisatallsatisfactory.”
“Youryoungestsonisnotmarried,Ibelieve?”
Mrs.Fanebeamed.
“No,Walterlivesathome.Heisslightlydelicate—alwayswasfromachild—andIhavealwayshadtolookafterhishealthverycarefully.(Hewillbeinpresently.)Ican’ttellyouwhatathoughtfulanddevotedsonheis.Iamreallyaveryluckywomantohavesuchason.”
“Andhehasneverthoughtofmarrying?”enquiredMissMarple.
“Walteralwayssayshereallycannotbebotheredwiththemodernyoungwoman.Theydon’tappealtohim.HeandIhavesomuchincommonthatI’mafraidhedoesn’tgooutasmuchasheshould.HereadsThackeraytomeintheevenings,andweusuallyhaveagameofpicquet.Walterisarealhomebird.”
“Howverynice,”saidMissMarple.“Hashealwaysbeeninthefirm?SomebodytoldmethatyouhadasonwhowasoutinCeylon,asatea-planter,butperhapstheygotitwrong.”
AslightfrowncameoverMrs.Fane’sface.Sheurgedwalnutcakeuponherguestandexplained.
“Thatwasasaveryyoungman.Oneofthoseyouthfulimpulses.Aboyalwayslongstoseetheworld.Actually,therewasagirlatthebottomofit.Girlscanbesounsettling.”
“Ohyes,indeed.Myownnephew,Iremember—”
Mrs.Faneswepton,ignoringMissMarple’snephew.SheheldthefloorandwasenjoyingtheopportunitytoreminiscetothissympatheticfriendofdearDorothy’s.
“Amostunsuitablegirl—asseemsalwaystobetheway.Oh,Idon’tmeananactressoranythinglikethat.Thelocaldoctor’ssister—morelikehisdaughter,really,yearsyounger—andthepoormanwithnoideahowtobringherup.Menaresohelpless,aren’tthey?Sheranquitewild,entangledherselffirstwithayoungmanintheoffice—amereclerk—andaveryunsatisfactorycharacter,too.Theyhadtogetridofhim.Repeatedconfidentialinformation.Anyway,thisgirl,HelenKennedy,was,Isuppose,verypretty.Ididn’tthinkso.Ialwaysthoughtherhairwastouchedup.ButWalter,poorboy,fellverymuchinlovewithher.AsIsay,quiteunsuitable,nomoneyandnoprospects,andnotthekindofgirlonewantedasadaughter-in-law.Still,whatcanamotherdo?Walterproposedtoherandsherefusedhim,andthenhegotthissillyideaintohisheadofgoingouttoIndiaandbeingatea-planter.Myhusbandsaid,“Lethimgo,”thoughofcoursehewasverydisappointedHehadbeenlookingforwardtohavingWalterwithhiminthefirmandWalterhadpassedallhislawexamsandeverything.Still,thereitwas.Really,thehavoctheseyoungwomencause!”
“Oh,Iknow.Mynephew—”
OnceagainMrs.FanesweptoverMissMarple’snephew.
“SothedearboywentouttoAssamorwasitBangalore—reallyIcan’trememberafteralltheseyears.AndIfeltmostupsetbecauseIknewhishealthwouldn’tstandit.Andhehadn’tbeenoutthereayear(doingverywell,too.Walterdoeseverythingwell)than—wouldyoubelieveit?—thisimpudentchitofagirlchangeshermindandwritesoutthatshe’dliketomarryhimafterall.”
“Dear,dear.”MissMarpleshookherhead.
“Getstogetherhertrousseau,booksherpassage—andwhatdoyouthinkthenextmoveis?”
“Ican’timagine.”MissMarpleleanedforwardinraptattention.
“Hasaloveaffairwithamarriedman,ifyouplease.Ontheboatgoingout.Amarriedmanwiththreechildren,Ibelieve.AnywaythereisWalteronthequaytomeetherandthefirstthingshedoesistosayshecan’tmarryhimafterall.Don’tyoucallthatawickedthingtodo?”
“Oh,Idoindeed.Itmighthavecompletelydestroyedyourson’sfaithinhumannature.”
“Itshouldhaveshownhertohiminhertruecolours.Butthere,thattypeofwomangetsawaywithanything.”
“Hedidn’t—”MissMarplehesitated—“resentheraction?Somemenwouldhavebeenterriblyangry.”
“Walterhasalwayshadwonderfulself-control.HoweverupsetandannoyedWaltermaybeoveranything,henevershowsit.”
MissMarplepeeredatherspeculatively.Hesitantly,sheputoutafeeler.
“Thatisbecauseitgoesreallydeep,perhaps?Oneisreallyastonishedsometimes,withchildren.Asuddenoutburstfromsomechildthatonehasthoughtdidn’tcareatall.Asensitivenaturethatcan’texpressitselfuntilit’sdrivenabsolutelybeyondendurance.”
“Ah,it’sverycuriousyoushouldsaythat,MissMarple.Iremembersowell.GeraldandRobert,youknow,bothhot-temperedandalwaysapttofight.Quitenatural,ofcourse,forhealthyboys—”
“Oh,quitenatural.”
“AnddearWalter,alwayssoquietandpatient.Andthen,oneday,Robertgotholdofhismodelaeroplane—he’dbuiltituphimselfwithdaysofwork—sopatientandcleverwithhisfingers—andRobert,whowasadearhigh-spiritedboybutcareless,smashedit.AndwhenIcameintotheschoolroomtherewasRobertdownonthefloorandWalterattackinghimwiththepoker,he’dpracticallyknockedhimout—andIsimplyhadallIcoulddotodragWalteroffhim.Hekeptrepeating.‘Hediditonpurpose—hediditonpurpose.I’mgoingtokillhim.’Youknow,Iwasquitefrightened.Boysfeelthingssointensely,dotheynot?”
“Yes,indeed,”saidMissMarple.Hereyeswerethoughtful.
Sherevertedtotheformertopic.
“Andsotheengagementwasfinallybrokenoff.Whathappenedtothegirl?”
“Shecamehome.Hadanotherloveaffaironthewayback,andthistimemarriedtheman.Awidowerwithonechild.Amanwhohasjustlosthiswifeisalwaysafairtarget—helpless,poorfellow.Shemarriedhimandtheysettleddownhereinahousetheothersideofthetown—St.Catherine’s—nextdoortothehospital.Itdidn’tlast,ofcourse—shelefthimwithintheyear.Wentoffwithsomemanorother.”
“Dear,dear!”MissMarpleshookherhead.“Whataluckyescapeyoursonhad!”
“That’swhatIalwaystellhim.”
“Anddidhegiveuptea-plantingbecausehishealthwouldn’tstandit?”
AslightfrownappearedonMrs.Fane’sbrow.
“Thelifewasn’treallycongenialtohim,”shesaid.“Hecamehomeaboutsixmonthsafterthegirldid.”
“Itmusthavebeenratherawkward,”venturedMissMarple.“Iftheyoungwomanwasactuallylivinghere.Inthesametown—”
“Walterwaswonderful,”saidWalter’smother.“Hebehavedexactlyasthoughnothinghadhappened.Ishouldhavethoughtmyself(indeedIsaidsoatthetime)thatitwouldbeadvisabletomakeacleanbreak—afterall,meetingscouldonlybeawkwardforbothparties.ButWalterinsistedongoingoutofhiswaytobefriendly.Heusedtocallatthehouseinthemostinformalfashion,andplaywiththechild—Rathercurious,bytheway,thechild’scomebackhere.She’sgrown-upnow,withahusband.CameintoWalter’sofficetomakeherwilltheotherday.Reed,that’shernamenow.Reed.”
“Mr.andMrs.Reed!Iknowthem.Suchaniceunaffectedyoungcouple.Fancythatnow—andsheisactuallythechild—”
“Thefirstwife’schild.ThefirstwifediedoutinIndia.PoorMajor—I’veforgottenhisname—Hallway—somethinglikethat—wascompletelybrokenupwhenthatminxlefthim.Whytheworstwomenshouldalwaysattractthebestmenissomethinghardtofathom!”
“Andtheyoungmanwhowasoriginallyentangledwithher?Aclerk,Ithinkyousaid,inyourson’soffice.Whathappenedtohim?”
“Didverywellforhimself.HerunsalotofthoseCoachTours.DaffodilCoaches.Afflick’sDaffodilCoaches.Paintedbrightyellow.It’savulgarworldnowadays.”
“Afflick?”saidMissMarple.
“JackieAfflick.Anastypushingfellow.Alwaysdeterminedtogeton,Iimagine.ProbablywhyhetookupwithHelenKennedyinthefirstplace.Doctor’sdaughterandallthat—thoughtitwouldbetterhissocialposition.”
“AndthisHelenhasnevercomebackagaintoDillmouth?”
“No.Goodriddance.Probablygonecompletelytothebadbynow.IwassorryforDr.Kennedy.Nothisfault.Hisfather’ssecondwifewasafluffylittlething,yearsyoungerthanhewas.Heleninheritedherwildbloodfromher,Iexpect.I’vealwaysthought—”
Mrs.Fanebrokeoff.
“HereisWalter.”Hermother’searhaddistinguishedcertainwell-knownsoundsinthehall.ThedooropenedandWalterFanecamein.
“ThisisMissMarple,myson.Ringthebell,son,andwe’llhavesomefreshtea.”
“Don’tbother,Mother.Ihadacup.”
“Ofcoursewewillhavefreshtea—andsomescones,Beatrice,”sheaddedtotheparlourmaidwhohadappearedtotaketheteapot.
“Yes,madam.”
Withaslow,likeablesmileWalterFanesaid:“Mymotherspoilsme,I’mafraid.”
MissMarplestudiedhimasshemadeapoliterejoinder.
Agentlequiet-lookingperson,slightlydiffidentandapologeticinmanner—colourless.Averynondescriptpersonality.Thedevotedtypeofyoungmanwhomwomenignoreandonlymarrybecausethemantheylovedoesnotreturntheiraffection.Walter,whoisAlwaysThere.PoorWalter,hismother’sdarling…LittleWalterFanewhohadattackedhisolderbrotherwithapokerandhadtriedtokillhim….
MissMarplewondered.
Seventeen
RICHARDERSKINE
I
AnstellManorhadableakaspect.Itwasawhitehouse,setagainstabackgroundofbleakhills.Awindingdriveledupthroughdenseshrubbery.
GilessaidtoGwenda,“Whyhavewecome?Whatcanwepossiblysay?”
“We’vegotitworkedout.”
“Yes—sofarasthatgoes.It’sluckythatMissMarple’scousin’ssister’saunt’sbrother-in-laworwhateveritwaslivesnearhere…Butit’safarstepfromasocialcalltoaskingyourhostabouthisbygoneloveaffairs.”
“Andsuchalongtimeago.Perhaps—perhapshedoesn’tevenrememberher.”
“Perhapshedoesn’t.Andperhapsthereneverwasaloveaffair.”
“Giles,arewemakingunutterablefoolsofourselves?”
“Idon’tknow…SometimesIfeelthat.Idon’tseewhywe’reconcerningourselveswithallthis.Whatdoesitmatternow?”
“Solongafter…Yes,Iknow…MissMarpleandDr.Kennedybothsaid,“Leaveitalone.”Whydon’twe,Giles?Whatmakesusgoon?Isither?”
“Her?”
“Helen.IsthatwhyIremember?Ismychildishmemorytheonlylinkshe’sgotwithlife—withtruth?IsitHelenwho’susingme—andyou—sothatthetruthwillbeknown?”
“Youmean,becauseshediedaviolentdeath—?”
“Yes.Theysay—bookssay—thatsometimestheycan’trest….”
“Ithinkyou’rebeingfanciful,Gwenda.”
“PerhapsIam.Anyway,wecan—choose.Thisisonlyasocialcall.There’snoneedforittobeanythingmore—unlesswewantittobe—”
Gilesshookhishead.
“Weshallgoon.Wecan’thelpourselves.”
“Yes—you’reright.Allthesame,Giles,IthinkI’mratherfrightened—”
II
“Lookingforahouse,areyou?”saidMajorErskine.
HeofferedGwendaaplateofsandwiches.Gwendatookone,lookingupathim.RichardErskinewasasmallman,fivefootnineorso.Hishairwasgreyandhehadtired,ratherthoughtfuleyes.Hisvoicewaslowandpleasantwithaslightdrawl.Therewasnothingremarkableabouthim,buthewas,Gwendathought,definitelyattractive…Hewasactuallynotnearlyasgood-lookingasWalterFane,butwhereasmostwomenwouldpassFanewithoutasecondglance,theywouldnotpassErskine.Fanewasnondescript.Erskine,inspiteofhisquietness,hadpersonality.Hetalkedofordinarythingsinanordinarymanner,buttherewassomething—thatsomethingthatwomenarequicktorecognizeandtowhichtheyreactinapurelyfemaleway.AlmostunconsciouslyGwendaadjustedherskirt,tweakedatasidecurl,retouchedherlips.NineteenyearsagoHelenKennedycouldhavefalleninlovewiththisman.Gwendawasquitesureofthat.
Shelookeduptofindherhostess’seyesfulluponher,andinvoluntarilysheflushed.Mrs.ErskinewastalkingtoGiles,butshewaswatchingGwendaandherglancewasbothappraisingandsuspicious.JanetErskinewasatallwoman,hervoicewasdeep—almostasdeepasaman’s.Herbuildwasathletic,sheworeawell-cuttweedwithbigpockets.Shelookedolderthanherhusband,but,Gwendadecided,wellmightnotbeso.Therewasacertainhaggardnessaboutherface.Anunhappy,hungrywoman,thoughtGwenda.
IbetshegiveshimHell,shesaidtoherself.
Aloudshecontinuedtheconversation.
“House-huntingisterriblydiscouraging,”shesaid.“Houseagents’descriptionsarealwaysglowing—andthen,whenyouactuallygetthere,theplaceisquiteunspeakable.”
“You’rethinkingofsettlingdowninthisneighbourhood?”
“Well—thisisoneoftheneighbourhoodswethoughtof.Reallybecauseit’snearHadrian’sWall.GileshasalwaysbeenfascinatedbyHadrian’sWall.Yousee—itsoundsratherodd,Iexpect,toyou—butalmostanywhereinEnglandisthesametous.MyownhomeisinNewZealandandIhaven’tanytieshere.AndGileswastakeninbydifferentauntsfordifferentholidaysandsohasn’tanyparticulartieseither.Theonethingwedon’twantistobetoonearLondon.Wewanttherealcountry.”
Erskinesmiled.
“You’llcertainlyfinditrealcountryallroundhere.It’scompletelyisolated.Ourneighboursarefewandfarbetween.”
Gwendathoughtshedetectedanundercurrentofbleaknessinthepleasantvoice.Shehadasuddenglimpseofalonelylife—ofshortdarkwinterdayswiththewindwhistlinginthechimneys—thecurtainsdrawn—shutin—shutinwiththatwomanwiththehungry,unhappyeyes—andneighboursfewandfarbetween.
Thenthevisionfaded.Itwassummeragain,withthefrenchwindowsopentothegarden—withthescentofrosesandthesoundsofsummerdriftingin.
Shesaid:“Thisisanoldhouse,isn’tit?”
Erskinenodded.
“QueenAnne.Mypeoplehavelivedherefornearlythreehundredyears.”
“It’salovelyhouse.Youmustbeveryproudofit.”
“It’sratherashabbyhousenow.Taxationmakesitdifficulttokeepanythingupproperly.However,nowthechildrenareoutintheworld,theworststrainisover.”
“Howmanychildrenhaveyou?”
“Twoboys.One’sintheArmy.Theother’sjustcomedownfromOxford.He’sgoingintoapublishingfirm.”
HisglancewenttothemantelpieceandGwenda’seyesfollowedhis.Therewasaphotographthereoftwoboys—presumablyabouteighteenandnineteen,takenafewyearsago,shejudged.Therewasprideandaffectioninhisexpression.
“They’regoodlads,”hesaid,“thoughIsayitmyself.”
“Theylookawfullynice,”saidGwenda
“Yes,”saidErskine.“Ithinkit’sworthit—really.Makingsacrificesforone’schildren,Imean,”headdedinanswertoGwenda’senquiringlook.
“Isuppose—often—onehastogiveupagooddeal,”saidGwenda.
“Agreatdealsometimes….”
Againshecaughtadarkundercurrent,butMrs.Erskinebrokein,sayinginherdeepauthoritativevoice,“Andyouarereallylookingforahouseinthispartoftheworld?I’mafraidIdon’tknowofanythingatallsuitableroundhere.”
Andwouldn’ttellmeifyoudid,thoughtGwenda,withafaintspurtofmischief.Thatfoolisholdwomanisactuallyjealous,shethought.JealousbecauseI’mtalkingtoherhusbandandbecauseI’myoungandattractive!
“Itdependshowmuchofahurryyou’rein,”saidErskine.
“Nohurryatallreally,”saidGilescheerfully.“Wewanttobesureoffindingsomethingwereallylike.Atthemomentwe’vegotahouseinDillmouth—onthesouthcoast.”
MajorErskineturnedawayfromtheteatable.Hewenttogetacigaretteboxfromatablebythewindow.
“Dillmouth,”saidMrs.Erskine.Hervoicewasexpressionless.Hereyeswatchedthebackofherhusband’shead.
“Prettylittleplace,”saidGiles.“Doyouknowitatall?”
Therewasamoment’ssilence,thenMrs.Erskinesaidinthatsameexpressionlessvoice,“Wespentafewweeksthereonesummer—many,manyyearsago.Wedidn’tcareforit—foundittoorelaxing.”
“Yes,”saidGwenda.“That’sjustwhatwefind.GilesandIfeelwe’dprefermorebracingair.”
Erskinecamebackwiththecigarettes.HeofferedtheboxtoGwenda.
“You’llfinditbracingenoughroundhere,”hesaid.Therewasacertaingrimnessinhisvoice.
Gwendalookedupathimashelightedhercigaretteforher.
“DoyourememberDillmouthatallwell?”sheaskedartlessly.
Hislipstwitchedinwhatsheguessedtobeasuddenspasmofpain.Inanoncommittalvoiceheanswered,“Quitewell,Ithink.Westayed—letmesee—attheRoyalGeorge—no,RoyalClarenceHotel.”
“Ohyes,that’stheniceold-fashionedone.Ourhouseisquitenearthere.Hillsideit’scalled,butitusedtobecalledSt.—St.—Mary’s,wasit,Giles?”
“St.Catherine’s,”saidGiles.
Thistimetherewasnomistakingthereaction.Erskineturnedsharplyaway,Mrs.Erskine’scupclatteredonhersaucer.
“Perhaps,”shesaidabruptly,“youwouldliketoseethegarden.”
“Ohyes,please.”
Theywentoutthroughthefrenchwindows.Itwasawell-kept,well-stockedgarden,withalongborderandflaggedwalks.ThecareofitwasprincipallyMajorErskine’s,soGwendagathered.Talkingtoheraboutroses,aboutherbaceousplants,Erskine’sdark,sadfacelitup.Gardeningwasclearlyhisenthusiasm.
Whentheyfinallytooktheirleave,andweredrivingawayinthecar,Gilesaskedhesitantly,“Didyou—didyoudropit?”
Gwendanodded.
“Bythesecondclumpofdelphiniums.”Shelookeddownatherfingerandtwistedtheweddingringonitabsently.
“Andsupposingyouneverfinditagain?”
“Well,it’snotmyrealengagementring.Iwouldn’triskthat.”
“I’mgladtohearit.”
“I’mverysentimentalaboutthatring.Doyourememberwhatyousaidwhenyouputitonmyfinger?AgreenemeraldbecauseIwasanintriguinggreen-eyedlittlecat.”
“Idaresay,”saidGilesdispassionately,“thatourpeculiarformofendearmentsmightsoundoddtosomeoneof,say,MissMarple’sgeneration.”
“Iwonderwhatshe’sdoingnow,thedearoldthing.Sittinginthesunonthefront?”
“Uptosomething—ifIknowher!Pokinghere,orpryingthere,oraskingafewquestions.Ihopeshedoesn’tasktoomanyoneofthesedays.”
“It’squiteanaturalthingtodo—foranoldlady,Imean.It’snotasnoticeableasthoughwedidit.”
Giles’sfacesoberedagain.
“That’swhyIdon’tlike—”Hebrokeoff.“It’syouhavingtodoitthatImind.Ican’tbearthefeelingthatIsitathomeandsendyououttodothedirtywork.”
Gwendaranafingerdownhisworriedcheek.
“Iknow,darling,Iknow.Butyoumustadmit,it’stricky.It’simpertinenttocatechizeamanabouthispastloveaffairs—butit’sthekindofimpertinenceawomancanjustgetawaywith—ifshe’sclever.AndImeantobeclever.”
“Iknowyou’reclever.ButifErskineisthemanwearelookingfor—”
Gwendasaidmeditatively:“Idon’tthinkheis.”
“Youmeanwe’rebarkingupthewrongtree?”
“Notentirely.IthinkhewasinlovewithHelenallright.Buthe’snice,Giles,awfullynice.Notthestranglingkindatall.”
“Youhaven’tanawfullotofexperienceofthestranglingkind,haveyou,Gwenda?”
“No.ButI’vegotmywoman’sinstinct.”
“Idaresaythat’swhatastrangler’svictimsoftensay.No,Gwenda,jokingapart,dobecareful,won’tyou?”
“Ofcourse.Ifeelsosorryforthepoorman—thatdragonofawife.Ibethe’shadamiserablelife.”
“She’sanoddwoman…Ratheralarmingsomehow.”
“Yes,quitesinister.Didyouseehowshewatchedmeallthetime?”
“Ihopetheplanwillgooffallright.”
III
Theplanwasputintoexecutionthefollowingmorning.
Giles,feeling,asheputit,ratherlikeashadydetectiveinadivorcesuit,tookuphispositionatapointofvantageoverlookingthefrontgateofAnstellManor.AbouthalfpastelevenhereportedtoGwendathatallhadgonewell.Mrs.ErskinehadleftinasmallAustincar,clearlyboundforthemarkettownthreemilesaway.Thecoastwasclear.
Gwendadroveuptothefrontdoorandrangthebell.SheaskedforMrs.Erskineandwastoldshewasout.ShethenaskedforMajorErskine.MajorErskinewasinthegarden.HestraightenedupfromoperationsonaflowerbedasGwendaapproached.
“I’msosorrytobotheryou,”saidGwenda.“ButIthinkImusthavedroppedaringsomewhereouthereyesterday.IknowIhaditwhenwecameoutfromtea.It’sratherloose,butIcouldn’tbeartoloseitbecauseit’smyengagementring.”
Thehuntwassoonunderway.Gwendaretracedherstepsofyesterday,triedtorecollectwhereshehadstoodandwhatflowersshehadtouched.Presentlytheringcametolightnearalargeclumpofdelphiniums.Gwendawasprofuseinherrelief.
“AndnowcanIgetyouadrink,Mrs.Reed?Beer?Aglassofsherry?Orwouldyouprefercoffee,orsomethinglikethat?”
“Idon’twantanything—no,really.Justacigarette—thanks.”
ShesatdownonabenchandErskinesatdownbesideher.
Theysmokedforafewminutesinsilence.Gwenda’sheartwasbeatingratherfast.Notwowaysaboutit.Shehadtotaketheplunge.
“Iwanttoaskyousomething,”shesaid.“Perhapsyou’llthinkitterriblyimpertinentofme.ButIwanttoknowdreadfully—andyou’reprobablytheonlypersonwhocouldtellme.Ibelieveyouwereonceinlovewithmystepmother.”
Heturnedanastonishedfacetowardsher.
“Withyourstepmother?”
“Yes.HelenKennedy.HelenHallidayasshebecameafterwards.”
“Isee.”Themanbesideherwasveryquiet.Hiseyeslookedoutacrossthesunlitlawnunseeingly.Thecigarettebetweenhisfingerssmouldered.Quietashewas,Gwendasensedaturmoilwithinthattautfigure,thearmofwhichtouchedherown.
Asthoughansweringsomequestionhehadputtohimself,Erskinesaid:“Letters,Isuppose.”
Gwendadidnotanswer.
“Ineverwrotehermany—two,perhapsthree.Shesaidshehaddestroyedthem—butwomenneverdodestroyletters,dothey?Andsotheycameintoyourhands.Andyouwanttoknow.”
“Iwanttoknowmoreabouther.Iwas—veryfondofher.AlthoughIwassuchasmallchildwhen—shewentaway.”
“Shewentaway?”
“Didn’tyouknow?”
Hiseyes,candidandsurprised,methers.
“I’venonewsofher,”hesaid,“since—sincethatsummerinDillmouth.”
“Thenyoudon’tknowwheresheisnow?”
“HowshouldI?It’syearsago—years.Allfinishedanddonewith.Forgotten.”
“Forgotten?”
Hesmiledratherbitterly.
“No,perhapsnotforgotten…You’reveryperceptive,Mrs.Reed.Buttellmeabouther.She’snot—dead,isshe?”
Asmallcoldwindsprangupsuddenly,chilledtheirnecksandpassed.
“Idon’tknowifsheisdeadornot,”saidGwenda.“Idon’tknowanythingabouther.Ithoughtperhapsyoumightknow?”
Shewentonasheshookhishead:“Yousee,shewentawayfromDillmouththatsummer.Quitesuddenlyoneevening.Withouttellinganyone.Andshenevercameback.”
“AndyouthoughtImighthaveheardfromher?”
“Yes.”
Heshookhishead.
“No.Neveraword.Butsurelyherbrother—doctorchap—livesinDillmouth.Hemustknow.Orishedeadtoo?”
“No,he’salive.Buthedoesn’tknoweither.Yousee—theyallthoughtshewentaway—withsomebody.”
Heturnedhisheadtolookather.Deepsorrowfuleyes.
“Theythoughtshewentawaywithme?”
“Well,itwasapossibility.”
“Wasitapossibility?Idon’tthinkso.Itwasneverthat.Orwerewefools—conscientiousfoolswhopassedupourchanceofhappiness?”
Gwendadidnotspeak.AgainErskineturnedhisheadandlookedather.
“Perhapsyou’dbetterhearaboutit.Thereisn’treallyverymuchtohear.ButIwouldn’tlikeyoutomisjudgeHelen.WemetonaboatgoingouttoIndia.Oneofthechildrenhadbeenill,andmywifewasfollowingonthenextboat.HelenwasgoingouttomarryamanintheWoodsandForestsorsomethingofthatkind.Shedidn’tlovehim.Hewasjustanoldfriend,niceandkind,andshewantedtogetawayfromhomewhereshewasn’thappy.Wefellinlove.”
Hepaused.
“Alwaysabaldkindofstatement.Butitwasn’t—Iwanttomakethatquiteclear—justtheusualshipboardloveaffair.Itwasserious.Wewereboth—well—shatteredbyit.Andtherewasn’tanythingtobedone.Icouldn’tletJanetandthechildrendown.HelensawitthesamewayasIdid.IfithadbeenonlyJanet—butthereweretheboys.Itwasallhopeless.Weagreedtosaygood-byeandtryandforget.”
Helaughed,ashortmirthlesslaugh.
“Forget?Ineverforgot—notforonemoment.LifewasjustalivingHell.Icouldn’tstopthinkingaboutHelen….
“Well,shedidn’tmarrythechapshehadbeengoingouttomarry.Atthelastmoment,shejustcouldn’tfaceit.ShewenthometoEnglandandonthewayhomeshemetthisotherman—yourfather,Isuppose.Shewrotetomeacoupleofmonthslatertellingmewhatshehaddone.Hewasveryunhappyoverthelossofhiswife,shesaid,andtherewasachild.Shethoughtthatshecouldmakehimhappyandthatitwasthebestthingtodo.ShewrotefromDillmouth.AbouteightmonthslatermyfatherdiedandIcameintothisplace.IsentinmypapersandcamebacktoEngland.Wewantedafewweeks’holidayuntilwecouldgetintothishouse.MywifesuggestedDillmouth.Somefriendhadmentioneditasaprettyplaceandquiet.Shedidn’tknow,ofcourse,aboutHelen.Canyouimaginethetemptation?Toseeheragain.Toseewhatthismanshehadmarriedwaslike.”
Therewasashortsilence,thenErskinesaid:
“WecameandstayedattheRoyalClarence.Itwasamistake.SeeingHelenagainwasHell…Sheseemedhappyenough,onthewhole—Ididn’tknowwhethershecaredstill,orwhethershedidn’t…Perhapsshe’dgotoverit.Mywife,Ithink,suspectedsomething…She’s—she’saveryjealouswoman—alwayshasbeen.”
Headdedbrusquely,“That’sallthereistoit.WeleftDillmouth—”
“OnAugust17th,”saidGwenda.
“Wasthatthedate?Probably.Ican’trememberexactly.”
“ItwasaSaturday,”saidGwenda.
“Yes,you’reright.IrememberJanetsaiditmightbeacrowdeddaytotravelnorth—butIdon’tthinkitwas….”
“Pleasetryandremember,MajorErskine.Whenwasthelasttimeyousawmystepmother—Helen?”
Hesmiled,agentle,tiredsmile.
“Idon’tneedtotryveryhard.Isawhertheeveningbeforeweleft.Onthebeach.I’dstrolleddownthereafterdinner—andshewasthere.Therewasnooneelseabout.Iwalkedupwithhertoherhouse.Wewentthroughthegarden—”
“Whattime?”
“Idon’tknow…Nineo’clock,Isuppose.”
“Andyousaidgood-bye?”
“Andwesaidgood-bye.”Againhelaughed.“Oh,notthekindofgood-byeyou’rethinkingof.Itwasverybrusqueandcurt.Helensaid:‘Pleasegoawaynow.Goquickly.I’drathernot—’Shestoppedthen—andI—Ijustwent.”
“Backtothehotel?”
“Yes,yes,eventually.Iwalkedalongwayfirst—rightoutintothecountry.”
Gwendasaid,“It’sdifficultwithdates—aftersomanyyears.ButIthinkthatthatwasthenightshewentaway—anddidn’tcomeback.”
“Isee.AndasIandmywifeleftthenextday,peoplegossipedandsaidshe’dgoneawaywithme.Charmingmindspeoplehave.”
“Anyway,”saidGwendabluntly,“shedidn’tgoawaywithyou?”
“GoodLord,no,therewasneveranyquestionofsuchathing.”
“Thenwhydoyouthink,”askedGwenda,“thatshewentaway?”
Erskinefrowned.Hismannerchanged,becameinterested.
“Isee,”hesaid.“Thatisabitofaproblem.Shedidn’t—er—leaveanyexplanation?”
Gwendaconsidered.Thenshevoicedherownbelief.
“Idon’tthinksheleftanywordatall.Doyouthinkshewentawaywithsomeoneelse?”
“No,ofcourseshedidn’t.”
“Youseemrathersureaboutthat.”
“Iamsure.”
“Thenwhydidshego?”
“Ifshewentoff—suddenly—likethat—Icanonlyseeonepossiblereason.Shewasrunningawayfromme.”
“Fromyou?”
“Yes.Shewasafraid,perhaps,thatI’dtrytoseeheragain—thatI’dpesterher.ShemusthaveseenthatIwasstill—crazyabouther…Yes,thatmusthavebeenit.”
“Itdoesn’texplain,”saidGwenda,“whyshenevercameback.Tellme,didHelensayanythingtoyouaboutmyfather?Thatshewasworriedabouthim?Or—orafraidofhim?Anythinglikethat?”
“Afraidofhim?Why?OhIsee,youthoughthemighthavebeenjealous.Washeajealousman?”
“Idon’tknow.HediedwhenIwasachild.”
“Oh,Isee.No—lookingback—healwaysseemednormalandpleasant.HewasfondofHelen,proudofher—Idon’tthinkmore.No,Iwastheonewhowasjealousofhim.”
“Theyseemedtoyoureasonablyhappytogether?”
“Yes,theydid.Iwasglad—andyet,atthesametime,ithurt,toseeit…No,Helenneverdiscussedhimwithme.AsItellyou,wewerehardlyeveralone,neverconfidentialtogether.Butnowthatyouhavementionedit,IdorememberthinkingthatHelenwasworried….”
“Worried?”
“Yes.Ithoughtperhapsitwasbecauseofmywife—”Hebrokeoff.“Butitwasmorethanthat.”
HelookedagainsharplyatGwenda.
“Wassheafraidofherhusband?Washejealousofothermenwhereshewasconcerned?”
“Youseemtothinknot.”
“Jealousyisaveryqueerthing.Itcanhideitselfsometimessothatyou’dneversuspectit.”Hegaveashortquickshiver.“Butitcanbefrightening—veryfrightening….”
“AnotherthingIwouldliketoknow—”Gwendabrokeoff.
Acarhadcomeupthedrive.MajorErskinesaid,“Ah,mywifehascomebackfromshopping.”
Inamoment,asitwere,hebecameadifferentperson.Histonewaseasyyetformal,hisfaceexpressionless.Aslighttremorbetrayedthathewasnervous.
Mrs.Erskinecamestridingroundthecornerofthehouse.
Herhusbandwenttowardsher.
“Mrs.Reeddroppedoneofherringsinthegardenyesterday,”hesaid.
Mrs.Erskinesaidabruptly:“Indeed?”
“Goodmorning,”saidGwenda.“Yes,luckilyIhavefoundit.”
“That’sveryfortunate.”
“Oh,itis.Ishouldhavehatedtoloseit.Well,Imustbegoing.”
Mrs.Erskinesaidnothing.MajorErskinesaid:“I’llseeyoutoyourcar.”
HestartedtofollowGwendaalongtheterrace.Hiswife’svoicecamesharply.
“Richard.IfMrs.Reedwillexcuseyou,thereisaveryimportantcall—”
Gwendasaidhastily,“Oh,that’squiteallright.Pleasedon’tbother.”
Sheranquicklyalongtheterraceandroundthesideofthehousetothedrive
Thenshestopped.Mrs.ErskinehaddrawnuphercarinsuchawaythatGwendadoubtedwhethershecouldgetherowncarpastanddownthedrive.Shehesitated,thenslowlyretracedherstepstotheterrace.
Justshortofthefrenchwindowsshestoppeddead.Mrs.Erskine’svoice,deepandresonant,camedistinctlytoherears.
“Idon’tcarewhatyousay.Youarrangedit—arrangedityesterday.YoufixeditupwiththatgirltocomeherewhilstIwasinDaith.You’realwaysthesame—anyprettygirl.Iwon’tstandit,Itellyou.Iwon’tstandit.”
Erskine’svoicecutin—quiet,almostdespairing.
“Sometimes,Janet,Ireallythinkyou’reinsane.”
“I’mnottheonewho’sinsane.It’syou!Youcan’tleavewomenalone.”
“Youknowthat’snottrue,Janet.”
“Itistrue!Evenlongago—intheplacewherethisgirlcomesfrom—Dillmouth.Doyoudaretellmethatyouweren’tinlovewiththatyellow-hairedHallidaywoman?”
“Canyouneverforgetanything?Whymustyougoonharpingonthesethings?Yousimplyworkyourselfupand—”
“It’syou!Youbreakmyheart…Iwon’tstandit,Itellyou!Iwon’tstandit!Planningassignations!Laughingatmebehindmyback!Youdon’tcareforme—you’venevercaredforme.I’llkillmyself!I’llthrowmyselfoveracliff—IwishIweredead—”
“Janet—Janet—forGod’ssake….”
Thedeepvoicehadbroken.Thesoundofpassionatesobbingfloatedoutintothesummerair.
Ontip-toeGwendacreptawayandroundintothedriveagain.Shecogitatedforamoment,thenrangthefrontdoorbell
“Iwonder,”shesaid,“ifthereisanyonewho—er—couldmovethiscar.Idon’tthinkIcangetout.”
Theservantwentintothehouse.Presentlyamancameroundfromwhathadbeenthestableyard.HetouchedhiscaptoGwenda,gotintotheAustinanddroveitintotheyard.GwendagotintohercaranddroverapidlybacktothehotelwhereGileswaswaitingforher.
“Whatatimeyou’vebeen,”hegreetedher.“Getanything?”
“Yes.Iknowallaboutitnow.It’sreallyratherpathetic.HewasterriblyinlovewithHelen.”
Shenarratedtheeventsofthemorning.
“Ireallythink,”sheended,“thatMrs.Erskineisabitinsane.Shesoundedquitemad.Iseenowwhathemeantbyjealousy.Itmustbeawfultofeellikethat.Anyway,weknownowthatErskinewasn’tthemanwhowentawaywithHelen,andthatheknowsnothingaboutherdeath.Shewasalivethateveningwhenhelefther.”
“Yes,”saidGiles.“Atleast—that’swhathesays.”
Gwendalookedindignant.
“That,”repeatedGilesfirmly,“iswhathesays.”
Eighteen
BINDWEED
MissMarplebentdownontheterraceoutsidethefrenchwindowanddealtwithsomeinsidiousbindweed.Itwasonlyaminorvictory,sincebeneaththesurfacethebindweedremainedinpossessionasalways.Butatleastthedelphiniumsknewatemporarydeliverance.
Mrs.Cockerappearedinthedrawingroomwindow.
“Excuseme,madam,butDr.Kennedyhascalled.HeisanxioustoknowhowlongMr.andMrs.Reedwillbeaway,andItoldhimIcouldn’ttakeituponmyselftosayexactly,butthatyoumightknow.ShallIaskhimtocomeouthere?”
“Oh.Oh,yesplease,Mrs.Cocker.”
Mrs.CockerreappearedshortlyafterwardswithDr.Kennedy.
Ratherflutteringly,MissMarpleintroducedherself.
“—andIarrangedwithdearGwendathatIwouldcomeroundanddoalittleweedingwhileshewasaway.Ithink,youknow,thatmyyoungfriendsarebeingimposeduponbytheirjobbinggardener,Foster.Hecomestwiceaweek,drinksagreatmanycupsoftea,doesalotoftalking,andnot—sofarasIcansee—verymuchwork.”
“Yes,”saidDr.Kennedyratherabsently.“Yes.They’reallalike—allalike.”
MissMarplelookedathimappraisingly.HewasanoldermanthanshehadthoughtfromtheReeds’descriptionofhim.Prematurelyold,sheguessed.Helooked,too,bothworriedandunhappy.Hestoodthere,hisfingerscaressingthelong,pugnaciouslineofhisjaw.
“They’vegoneaway,”hesaid.“Doyouknowforhowlong?”
“Oh,notforlong.TheyhavegonetovisitsomefriendsintheNorthofEngland.Youngpeopleseemtomesorestless,alwaysdashingabouthereandthere.”
“Yes,”saidDr.Kennedy.“Yes—that’strueenough.”
Hepausedandthensaidratherdiffidently,“YoungGilesReedwroteandaskedmeforsomepapers—er—letters,ifIcouldfindthem—”
Hehesitated,andMissMarplesaidquietly,“Yoursister’sletters?”
Heshotheraquick,shrewdglance.
“So—you’reintheirconfidence,areyou?Arelation?”
“Onlyafriend,”saidMissMarple.“Ihaveadvisedthemtothebestofmycapacity.Butpeopleseldomtakeadvice…Apity,perhaps,butthereitis….”
“Whatwasyouradvice?”heaskedcuriously.
“Toletsleepingmurderlie,”saidMissMarplefirmly.
Dr.Kennedysatdownheavilyonanuncomfortablerusticseat.
“That’snotbadlyput,”hesaid.“I’mfondofGwennie.Shewasanicesmallchild.Ishouldjudgethatshe’sgrownuptobeaniceyoungwoman.I’mafraidthatshe’sheadingfortrouble.”
“Therearesomanykindsoftrouble,”saidMissMarple.
“Eh?Yes—yes—trueenough.”
Hesighed.Thenhesaid,“GilesReedwroteandaskedmeifIcouldlethimhavemysister’sletters,writtenaftershelefthere—andalsosomeauthenticspecimenofherhandwriting.”Heshotakeenglanceather.“Youseewhatthatmeans?”
MissMarplenodded.“Ithinkso.”
“They’reharkingbacktotheideathatKelvinHalliday,whenhesaidhehadstrangledhiswife,wasspeakingneithermorenorlessthanthetruth.TheybelievethatthelettersmysisterHelenwroteaftershewentawayweren’twrittenbyheratall—thattheywereforgeries.Theybelievethatsheneverleftthishousealive.”
MissMarplesaidgently,“Andyouarenot,bynow,soverysureyourself?”
“Iwasatthetime.”Kennedystillstaredaheadofhim.“Itseemedabsolutelyclear.PurehallucinationonKelvin’spart.Therewasnobody,asuitcaseandclothesweretaken—whatelsecouldIthink?”
“Andyoursisterhadbeen—recently—rather—ahem—”MissMarplecougheddelicately—“interestedin—inacertaingentleman?”
Dr.Kennedylookedather.Therewasdeeppaininhiseyes.
“Ilovedmysister,”hesaid,“butIhavetoadmitthat,withHelen,therewasalwayssomemanintheoffing.Therearewomenwhoaremadethatway—theycan’thelpit.”
“Itallseemedcleartoyouatthetime,”saidMissMarple.“Butitdoesnotseemsoclearnow.Why?”
“Because,”saidKennedywithfrankness,“itseemsincredibletomethat,ifHelenisstillalive,shehasnotcommunicatedwithmealltheseyears.Inthesameway,ifsheisdead,itisequallystrangethatIhavenotbeennotifiedofthefact.Well—”
Hegotup.Hetookapacketfromhispocket.
“HereisthebestIcando.ThefirstletterIreceivedfromHelenImusthavedestroyed.Icanfindnotraceofit.ButIdidkeepthesecondone—theonethatgavetheposterestanteaddress.Andhere,forcomparison,istheonlybitofHelen’shandwritingI’vebeenabletofind.It’salistofbulbs,etc.,forplanting.Acopythatshehadkeptofsomeorder.Thehandwritingoftheorderandtheletterlookaliketome,butthenI’mnoexpert.I’llleavethemhereforGilesandGwendawhentheyreturn.It’sprobablynotworthforwarding.”
“Ohno,Ibelievetheyexpecttoreturntomorrow—orthenextday.”
Thedoctornodded.Hestood,lookingalongtheterrace,hiseyesstillabsent.Hesaidsuddenly,“Youknowwhat’sworryingme?IfKelvinHallidaydidkillhiswife,hemusthaveconcealedthebodyorgotridofitinsomeway—andthatmeans(Idon’tknowwhatelseitcanmean)thathisstorytomewasacleverlymade-uptale—thathe’dalreadyhiddenasuitcasefullofclothestogivecolourtotheideathatHelenhadgoneaway—thathe’devenarrangedforletterstoarrivefromabroad…Itmeans,infact,thatitwasacold-bloodedpremeditatedmurder.LittleGwenniewasanicechild.Itwouldbebadenoughforhertohaveafatherwho’saparanoiac,butit’stentimesworsetohaveafatherwho’sadeliberatemurderer.”
Heswungroundtotheopenwindow.MissMarplearrestedhisdeparturebyaswiftquestion.
“Whowasyoursisterafraidof,Dr.Kennedy?”
Heturnedbacktoherandstared.
“Afraidof?Noone,asfarasIknow.”
“Ionlywondered…PrayexcusemeifIamaskingindiscreetquestions—buttherewasayoungman,wasn’tthere?—Imean,someentanglement—whenshewasveryyoung.SomebodycalledAfflick,Ibelieve.”
“Oh,that.Sillybusinessmostgirlsgothrough.Anundesirableyoungfellow,shifty—andofcoursenotherclass,notherclassatall.Hegotintotroublehereafterwards.”
“Ijustwonderedifhecouldhavebeen—revengeful.”
Dr.Kennedysmiledrathersceptically.
“Oh,Idon’tthinkitwentdeep.Anyway,asIsay,hegotintotroublehere,andlefttheplaceforgood.”
“Whatsortoftrouble?”
“Oh,nothingcriminal.Justindiscretions.Blabbedabouthisemployer’saffairs.”
“AndhisemployerwasMr.WalterFane?”
Dr.Kennedylookedalittlesurprised.
“Yes—yes—nowyousayso,Iremember,hedidworkinFaneandWatchman’s.Notarticled.Justanordinaryclerk.”
Justanordinaryclerk?MissMarplewondered,asshestoopedagaintothebindweed,afterDr.Kennedyhadgone….
Nineteen
MR.KIMBLESPEAKS
“Idunno,I’msure,”saidMrs.Kimble.
Herhusband,drivenintospeechbywhatwasneithermorenorlessthananoutrage,becamevocal.
Heshovedhiscupforward.
“Whatyouthinkingof,Lily?”hedemanded.“Nosugar!”
Mrs.Kimblehastilyremediedtheoutrage,andthenproceededtoelaborateonherowntheme.
“Thinkingaboutthisadvert,Iam,”shesaid.“LilyAbbott,itsays,plainasplain.And“formerlyhouse-parlourmaidatSt.Catherine’sDillmouth.”That’sme,allright.”
“Ar,”agreedMr.Kimble.
“Afteralltheseyears—youmustagreeit’sodd,Jim.”
“Ar,”saidMr.Kimble.
“Well,whatamIgoingtodo,Jim?”
“Leaveitbe.”
“Supposethere’smoneyinit?”
TherewasagurglingsoundasMr.Kimbledrainedhisteacuptofortifyhimselfforthementaleffortofembarkingonalongspeech.Hepushedhiscupalongandprefacedhisremarkswithalaconic:“More.”Thenhegotunderway.
“Youwentonalotatonetimeaboutwhat’appenedatSt.Catherine’s.Ididn’ttakemuchaccountofit—reckonedasitwasmostlyfoolishness—women’schatter.Maybeitwasn’t.Maybesomethingdid’appen.Ifsoit’spolicebusinessandyoudon’twanttobemixedupinit.Alloveranddonewith,ain’tit?Youleavewellalone,mygirl.”
“Allverywelltosaythat.Itmaybemoneyashasbeenleftmeinawill.MaybeMrs.Halliday’saliveallthetimeandnowshe’sdeadandleftmesomethingin’erwill.”
“Leftyousomethingin’erwill?Whatfor?Ar!”saidMr.Kimble,revertingtohisfavouritemonosyllabletoexpressscorn.
“Evenifit’spolice…Youknow,Jim,there’sabigrewardsometimesforanyoneascangiveinformationtocatchamurderer.”
“Andwhatcouldyougive?Allyouknowyoumadeupyourselfinyourhead!”
“That’swhatyousay.ButI’vebeenthinking—”
“Ar,”saidMr.Kimbledisgustedly.
“Well,Ihave.EversinceIsawthatfirstpieceinthepaper.MaybeIgotthingsabitwrong.ThatLayonee,shewasabitstupidlikeallforeigners,couldn’tunderstandproperwhatyousaidtoher—andherEnglishwassomethingawful.Ifshedidn’tmeanwhatIthoughtshemeant…I’vebeentryingtorememberthenameofthatman…Nowifitwashimshesaw…RememberthatpictureItoldyouabout?SecretLover.Eversoexciting.Theytrackedhimdownintheendthroughhiscar.Fiftythousanddollarshepaidthegaragemantoforgethefilledupwithpetrolthatnight.Dunnowhatthatisinpounds…Andtheotheronewasthere,too,andthehusbandcrazywithjealousy.Allmadabouther,theywere.Andintheend—”
Mr.Kimblepushedbackhischairwithagratingsound.Herosetohisfeetwithslowandponderousauthority.Preparatorytoleavingthekitchen,hedeliveredanultimatum—theultimatumofamanwho,thoughusuallyinarticulate,hadacertainshrewdness.
“Youleavethewholethingalone,mygirl,”hesaid.“Orelse,likelyasnot,you’llbesorry.”
Hewentintothescullery,putonhisboots(Lilywasparticularaboutherkitchenfloor)andwentout.
Lilysatonatthetable,hersharpfoolishlittlebrainworkingthingsout.Ofcourseshecouldn’texactlygoagainstwhatherhusbandsaid,butallthesame…Jimwassohidebound,sostick-in-the-mud.Shewishedtherewassomebodyelseshecouldask.Someonewhowouldknowallaboutrewardsandthepoliceandwhatitallmeant.Pitytoturnupachanceofgoodmoney.
Thatwirelessset…thehomeperm…thatcherry-colouredcoatinRussell’s(eversosmart)…even,maybe,awholeJacobeansuiteforthesittingroom….
Eager,greedy,shortsighted,shewentondreaming…WhatexactlyhadLayoneesaidallthoseyearsago?
Thenanideacametoher.Shegotupandfetchedthebottleofink,thepen,andapadofwritingpaper.
“KnowwhatI’lldo,”shesaidtoherself.“I’llwritetothedoctor,Mrs.Halliday’sbrother.He’lltellmewhatIoughttodo—ifhe’salivestill,thatis.Anyway,it’sonmyconscienceInevertoldhimaboutLayonee—oraboutthatcar.”
TherewassilenceforsometimeapartfromthelaboriousscratchingofLily’spen.Itwasveryseldomthatshewrotealetterandshefoundthecompositionofitaconsiderableeffort.
Howeveritwasdoneatlastandsheputitintoanenvelopeandsealeditup.
Butshefeltlesssatisfiedthanshehadexpected.TentoonethedoctorwasdeadorhadgoneawayfromDillmouth.
Wasthereanyoneelse?
Whatwasthename,now,ofthatfellow?
Ifshecouldonlyrememberthat….
Twenty
THEGIRLHELEN
GilesandGwendahadjustfinishedbreakfastonthemorningaftertheirreturnfromNorthumberlandwhenMissMarplewasannounced.Shecameratherapologetically.
“I’mafraidthisisaveryearlycall.NotathingIaminthehabitofdoing.ButtherewassomethingIwantedtoexplain.”
“We’redelightedtoseeyou,”saidGiles,pullingoutachairforher.“Dohaveacupofcoffee.”
“Ohno,no,thankyou—nothingatall.Ihavebreakfastedmostadequately.Nowletmeexplain.Icameinwhilstyouwereaway,asyoukindlysaidImight,todoalittleweeding—”
“Angelicofyou,”saidGwenda.
“Anditreallydidstrikemethattwodaysaweekisnotquiteenoughforthisgarden.InanycaseIthinkFosteristakingadvantageofyou.Toomuchteaandtoomuchtalk.Ifoundoutthathecouldn’tmanageanotherdayhimself,soItookituponmyselftoengageanothermanjustforonedayaweek—Wednesdays—today,infact.”
Gileslookedathercuriously.Hewasalittlesurprised.Itmightbekindlymeant,butMissMarple’sactionsavoured,veryfaintly,ofinterference.Andinterferencewasunlikeher.
Hesaidslowly:“Foster’sfartooold,Iknow,forreallyhardwork.”
“I’mafraid,Mr.Reed,thatManningisevenolder.Seventy-five,hetellsme.Butyousee,Ithoughtemployinghim,justforafewodddays,mightbequiteanadvantageousmove,becauseheused,manyyearsago,tobeemployedatDr.Kennedy’s.ThenameoftheyoungmanHelengotengagedtowasAfflick,bytheway.”
“MissMarple,”saidGiles,“Imalignedyouinthought.Youareagenius.YouknowI’vegotthosespecimensofHelen’shandwritingfromKennedy?”
“Iknow.Iwasherewhenhebroughtthem.”
“I’mpostingthemofftoday.Igottheaddressofagoodhandwritingexpertlastweek.”
“Let’sgointothegardenandseeManning,”saidGwenda.
Manningwasabent,crabbed-lookingoldmanwitharheumyandslightlycunningeye.Thepaceatwhichhewasrakingapathacceleratednoticeablyashisemployersdrewnear.
“Morning,sir.Morning,m’am.TheladysaidashowyoucoulddowithalittleextrahelpofaWednesday.I’llbepleased.Shamefulneglected,thisplacelooks.”
“I’mafraidthegarden’sbeenallowedtorundownforsomeyears.”
“Ithasthat.Rememberit,Ido,inMrs.Findeyson’stime.Apictureitwere,then.Veryfondofhergardenshewas,Mrs.Findeyson.”
Gilesleanedeasilyagainstaroller.Gwendasnippedoffsomeroseheads.MissMarple,retreatingalittleupstage,benttothebindweed.OldManningleantonhisrake.Allwassetforaleisurelymorningdiscussionofoldtimesandgardeninginthegoodolddays.
“Isupposeyouknowmostofthegardensroundhere,saidGilesencouragingly.
“Ar,Iknowthisplacemoderatewell,Ido.Andthefanciespeoplewentinfor.Mrs.Yule,upatNiagra,shehadayewhedgeusedtobeclippedlikeasquirrel.Silly,Ithoughtit.Peacocksisonethingandsquirrelsisanother.ThenColonelLampard,hewasagreatmanforbegonias—lovelybedsofbegoniasheusedtohave.Beddingoutnow,that’sgoingoutoffashion.Iwouldn’tliketotellyouhowoftenI’vehadtofillupbedsinthefrontlawnsandturf’emoverinthelastsixyears.Seemspeopleain’tgotnoeyeforgeraniumsandanicebitoflobeliaedgingnomore.”
“YouworkedatDr.Kennedy’s,didn’tyou?”
“Ar.Longtimeago,thatwere.Musthavebeen1920andon.He’smovednow—givenup.YoungDr.Brent’supatCrosbyLodgenow.Funnyideas,hehas—littlewhitetabletsandsoon.Vittapinshecalls’em.”
“IsupposeyourememberMissHelenKennedy,thedoctor’ssister.”
“Ar,IrememberMissHelenrightenough.Prettymaid,shewas,withherlongyellowhair.Thedoctorsetalotofstorebyher.Comebackandlivedinthisveryhousehere,shedid,aftershewasmarried.ArmygentlemanfromIndia.”
“Yes,”saidGwenda.“Weknow.”
“Ar.Idid’ear—Saturdaynightitwas—asyouandyour’usbandwassomekindofrelations.Prettyasapicter,MissHelenwas,whenshefirstcomebackfromschool.Fulloffun,too.Wantingtogoeverywhere—dancesandtennisandallthat.’Adtomarkthetenniscourt,I’ad—hadn’tbeenusedfornightwentyyears,I’dsay.Andtheshrubsovergrowingitcruel.’Adtocut’emback,Idid.Andgetalotofwhitewashandmarkoutthelines.Lotofworkitmade—andintheendhardlyplayedon.FunnythingIalwaysthoughtthatwas.”
“Whatwasafunnything?”askedGiles
“Businesswiththetenniscourt.Someonecomealongonenight—andcutittoribbons.Justtoribbonsitwas.Spite,asyoumightsay.Thatwaswhatitwas—nastybitofspite.”
“Butwhowoulddoathinglikethat?”
“That’swhatthedoctorwantedtoknow.Properputoutaboutithewas—andIdon’tblamehim.Justpaidforit,hehad.Butnoneofuscouldtellwho’ddoneit.Weneverdidknow.Andhesaidhewasn’tgoingtogetanother—quiteright,too,forifit’sspiteonetime,itwouldbespiteagain.ButMissHelen,shewasrareandputout.Shedidn’thavenoluck,MissHelendidn’t.Firstthatnet—andthenherbadfoot.”
“Abadfoot?”askedGwenda.
“Yes—felloverascraperorsomesuchandcutit.Notmuchmorethanagraze,itseemed,butitwouldn’theal.Fairworriedaboutit,thedoctorwas.Hewasdressingitandtreatingit,butitdidn’tgetwell.Irememberhimsaying‘Ican’tunderstandit—theremusthavebeensomethingspectic—orsomewordlikethat—onthatscraper.Andanyway,’hesays,‘whatwasthescraperdoingoutinthemiddleofthedrive?’Becausethat’swhereitwaswhenMissHelenfelloverit,walkinghomeonadarknight.Thepoormaid,thereshewas,missinggoingtodancesandsittingaboutwithherfootup.Seemedasthoughtherewasnothingbutbadluckforher.”
Themomenthadcome,Gilesthought.Heaskedcasually,“DoyouremembersomebodycalledAfflick?”
“Ar.YoumeanJackieAfflick?AswasinFaneandWatchman’soffice?”
“Yes.Wasn’theafriendofMissHelen’s?”
“Thatwerejustabitofnonsense.Doctorputastoptoitandquiterighttoo.Hewasn’tanyclass,JackieAfflick.Andhewasthekindthat’stoosharpbyhalf.Cutthemselvesintheend,thatkinddo.Butheweren’therelong.Gothimselfintohotwater.Goodriddance.Usdon’twantthelikesofheinDillmouth.Goandbesmartsomewhereelse,that’swhathewerewelcometodo.”
Gwendasaid:“Washeherewhenthattennisnetwascutup?”
“Ar.Iseewhatyou’rethinking.Buthewouldn’tdoasenselessthinglikethat.Heweresmart,JackieAfflickwere.Whoeverdidthatitwasjustspite.”
“WasthereanybodywhohadadownonMissHelen?Whowouldbelikelytofeelspiteful?”
OldManningchuckledsoftly.
“Someoftheyoungladiesmighthavefeltspitefulallright.NotapatchonMissHelentolookat,mostof’emweren’t.No,I’dsaythatwasdonejustinfoolishness.Sometrampwithagrudge.”
“WasHelenveryupsetaboutJackieAfflick?”askedGwenda.
“Don’tthinkasMissHelencaredmuchaboutanyoftheyoungfellows.Justlikedtoenjoyherself,that’sall.Verydevotedsomeofthemwere—youngMr.WalterFane,forone.Usedtofollowherroundlikeadog.”
“Butshedidn’tcareforhimatall?”
“NotMissHelen.Justlaughed—that’sallshedid.Wentabroadtoforeignparts,hedid.Buthecomebacklater.Toponeinthefirmheisnow.Nevermarried.Idon’tblamehim.Womencausesalotoftroubleinaman’slife.”
“Areyoumarried?”askedGwenda.
“Buriedtwo,Ihave,”saidoldManning.“Ar,well,Ican’tcomplain.SmokemepipeinpeacewhereIlikesnow.”
Intheensuingsilence,hepickeduphisrakeagain.
GilesandGwendawalkedbackupthepathtowardsthehouseandMissMarpledesistingfromherattackonbindweedjoinedthem.
“MissMarple,”saidGwenda.“Youdon’tlookwell.Isthereanything—”
“It’snothing,mydear.”Theoldladypausedforamomentbeforesayingwithastrangekindofinsistence,“Youknow,Idon’tlikethatbitaboutthetennisnet.Cuttingittoribbons.Eventhen—”
Shestopped.Gileslookedathercuriously.
“Idon’tquiteunderstand—”hebegan.
“Don’tyou?Itseemssohorriblyplaintome.Butperhapsit’sbetterthatyoushouldn’tunderstand.Andanyway—perhapsIamwrong.NowdotellmehowyougotoninNorthumberland.”
Theygaveheranaccountoftheiractivities,andMissMarplelistenedattentively.
“It’sreallyallverysad,”saidGwenda.“Quitetragic,infact.”
“Yes,indeed.Poorthing—poorthing.”
“That’swhatIfelt.Howthatmanmustsuffer—”
“He?Ohyes.Yes,ofcourse.”
“Butyoumeant—”
“Well,yes—Iwasthinkingofher—ofthewife.Probablyverydeeplyinlovewithhim,andhemarriedherbecauseshewassuitable,orbecausehewassorryforher,orforoneofthosequitekindlyandsensiblereasonsthatmenoftenhave,andwhichareactuallysoterriblyunfair.”
“Iknowahundredwaysoflove,Andeachonemakesthelovedonerue,”
quotedGilessoftly.
MissMarpleturnedtohim.
“Yes,thatissotrue.Jealousy,youknow,isusuallynotanaffairofcauses.Itismuchmore—howshallIsay?—fundamentalthanthat.Basedontheknowledgethatone’sloveisnotreturned.Andsoonegoesonwaiting,watching,expecting…thatthelovedonewillturntosomeoneelse.Which,again,invariablyhappens.SothisMrs.Erskinehasmadelifeahellforherhusband,andhe,withoutbeingabletohelpit,hasmadelifeahellforher.ButIthinkshehassufferedmost.Andyet,youknow,Idaresayheisreallyquitefondofher.”
“Hecan’tbe,”criedGwenda.
“Oh,mydear,youareveryyoung.Hehasneverlefthiswife,andthatmeanssomething,youknow.”
“Becauseofthechildren.Becauseitwashisduty.”
“Thechildren,perhaps,”saidMissMarple.“ButImustconfessthatgentlemendonotseemtometohaveagreatregardfordutyinsofarastheirwivesareconcerned—publicserviceisanothermatter.”
Gileslaughed.
“Whatawonderfulcynicyouare,MissMarple.”
“Ohdear,Mr.Reed,Idohopenotthat.Onealwayshashopeforhumannature.”
“Istilldon’tfeelitcanhavebeenWalterFane,”saidGwendathoughtfully.“AndI’msureitwasn’tMajorErskine.InfactIknowitwasn’t.”
“One’sfeelingsarenotalwaysreliableguides,”saidMissMarple.“Themostunlikelypeopledothings—quiteasensationtherewasinmyownlittlevillagewhentheTreasureroftheChristmasClubwasfoundtohaveputeverypennyofthefundsonahorse.Hedisapprovedofhorseracingandindeedanykindofbettingorgambling.HisfatherhadbeenaTurfAgentandhadtreatedhismotherverybadly—so,intellectuallyspeaking,hewasquitesincere.ButhechancedonedaytobemotoringnearNewmarketandsawsomehorsestraining.Andthenitallcameoverhim—blooddoestell.”
“TheantecedentsofbothWalterFaneandRichardErskineseemabovesuspicion,”saidGilesgravelybutwithaslightamusedtwisttohismouth.“Butthenmurderisbywayofbeinganamateurcrime.”
“Theimportantthingis,”saidMissMarple,“thattheywerethere.Onthespot.WalterFanewashereinDillmouth.MajorErskine,byhisownaccount,mustactuallyhavebeenwithHelenHallidayveryshortlybeforeherdeath—andhedidnotreturntohishotelforsometimethatnight.”
“Buthewasquitefrankaboutit.He—”
Gwendabrokeoff.MissMarplewaslookingatherveryhard.
“Ionlywanttoemphasize,”saidMissMarple,“theimportanceofbeingonthespot.”Shelookedfromonetotheotherofthem.
Thenshesaid,“IthinkyouwillhavenotroubleinfindingoutJ.J.Afflick’saddress.AsproprietoroftheDaffodilCoaches,itshouldbeeasyenough.”
Gilesnodded.“I’llgetontoit.Probablyinthetelephonedirectory.”Hepaused.“Youthinkweshouldgoandseehim?”
MissMarplewaitedforamomentortwo,thenshesaid:“Ifyoudo—youmustbeverycareful.Rememberwhatthatoldgardenerjustsaid—JackieAfflickissmart.Please—pleasebecareful….”
Twenty-one
J.J.AFFLICK
I
J.J.Afflick,DaffodilCoaches,Devon&DorsetTours,etc.hadtwonumberslistedinthetelephonebook.AnofficeaddressinExeterandaprivateaddressontheoutskirtsofthattown.
Anappointmentwasmadeforthefollowingday.
JustasGilesandGwendawereleavinginthecar,Mrs.Cockerranoutandgesticulated.Gilesputonthebrakeandstopped.
“It’sDr.Kennedyonthetelephone,sir.”
Gilesgotoutandranback.Hepickedupthereceiver.
“GilesReedhere.”
“Morning.I’vejustreceivedratheranoddletter.FromawomancalledLilyKimble.I’vebeenrackingmybrainstorememberwhosheis.Thoughtofapatientfirst—thatputmeoffthescent.ButIratherfancyshemustbeagirlwhowasinserviceonceatyourhouse.House-parlourmaidatthetimeweknowof.I’malmostsurehernamewasLily,thoughIdon’trecollectherlastname.”
“TherewasaLily.Gwendaremembersher.Shetiedabowonthecat.”
“Gwenniemusthaveaveryremarkablememory.”
“Oh,shehas.”
“Well,I’dliketohaveawordwithyouaboutthisletter—notoverthephone.WillyoubeinifIcomeover?”
“We’rejustonourwaytoExeter.Wecoulddropinonyou,ifyouprefer,sir.It’sallonourway.”
“Good.That’lldosplendidly.”
“Idon’tliketotalktoomuchaboutallthisoverthephone,”explainedthedoctorwhentheyarrived.“Ialwayshaveanideathelocalexchangeslistenin.Here’sthewoman’sletter.”
Hespreadtheletteronthetable.Itwaswrittenoncheaplinedpaperinanuneducatedhand.
Dearsir(LilyKimblehadwritten)I’dbegratefulifyoucouldgivemeadviseabouttheenclosedwoticutoutofpaper.Ibeenthinkinganditalkeditoverwithmr.Kimble,butidon’tknowwotsbesttodoaboutit.Doyouthinkasitmeansmoneyorarewardbecosicoulddowiththemoneyimsurebutwoodntwantthepoliceoranythinglikethat,ioftenhavbeenthinkingaboutthatnitewenmrs.Hallidaywentawayandidon’tthinksirsheeverdidbecostheclotheswaswrong.ithortatfirstthemasterdoneitbutnowimnotsosurebecosofthecarisawoutofthewindow.Aposhcaritwasandiseenitbeforebutiwoodntliketodoanythingwithoutaskingyoufirstifitwasallriteandnotpolicebecosineverhavbeenmixedupwithpoliceandmr.Kimblewoodntlikeit.Icouldcomeandseeyousirifimaynextthursdayasitsmarketdayandmr.Kimblewillbeout.idbeverygratefulifyoucould.yoursrespectfully,LilyKimble.
“ItwasaddressedtomyoldhouseinDillmouth,”saidKennedy,“andforwardedontomehere.Thecuttingisyouradvertisement.”
“It’swonderful,”saidGwenda.“ThisLily—yousee—shedoesn’tthinkitwasmyfatherwhodidit!”
Shespokewithjubilation.Dr.Kennedylookedatherwithtired,kindlyeyes.
“Goodforyou,Gwennie,”hesaidgently.“Ihopeyou’reright.NowthisiswhatIthinkwe’dbetterdo.I’llanswerherletterandtellhertocomehereonThursday.Thetrainconnectionisquitegood.BychangingatDillmouthJunctionshecangethereshortlyafter4.30.Ifyoutwowillcomeoverthatafternoon,wecantackleheralltogether.”
“Splendid,”saidGiles.Heglancedathiswatch.“Comeon,Gwenda,wemusthurry.We’vegotanappointment,”heexplained.“WithMr.AfflickoftheDaffodilCoaches,and,sohetoldus,he’sabusyman.”
“Afflick?”Kennedyfrowned.“Ofcourse!DevonToursinDaffodilCoaches,horriblegreatbutter-colouredbrutes.Butthenameseemedfamiliarinsomeotherway.”
“Helen,”saidGwenda.
“Mygoodness—notthatchap?”
“Yes.”
“Buthewasamiserablelittlerat.Sohe’scomeupintheworld?”
“Willyoutellmesomething,sir?”saidGiles.“YoubrokeupsomefunnybusinessbetweenhimandHelen.Wasthatsimplybecauseofhis—well,socialposition?”
Dr.Kennedygavehimadryglance.
“I’mold-fashioned,youngman.Inthemoderngospel,onemanisasgoodasanother.Thatholdsmorally,nodoubt.ButI’mabelieverinthefactthatthereisastateoflifeintowhichyouareborn—andIbelieveyou’rehappieststayinginit.Besides,”headded,“Ithoughtthefellowwasawrong’un.Asheprovedtobe.”
“Whatdidhedoexactly?”
“ThatIcan’tremembernow.Itwasacase,asfarasIcanrecall,ofhistryingtocashinonsomeinformationobtainedthroughhisemploymentwithFane.Someconfidentialmatterrelatingtooneoftheirclients.”
“Washe—soreabouthisdismissal?”
Kennedygavehimasharpglanceandsaidbriefly:“Yes.”
“Andtherewasn’tanyotherreasonatallforyourdislikinghisfriendshipwithyoursister?Youdidn’tthinkhewas—well—oddinanyway.”
“Sinceyouhavebroughtthematterup,Iwillansweryoufrankly.Itseemedtome,especiallyafterhisdismissalfromhisemployment,thatJackieAfflickdisplayedcertainsignsofanunbalancedtemperament.Incipientpersecutionmania,infact.Butthatdoesnotseemtohavebeenborneoutbyhissubsequentriseinlife.”
“Whodismissedhim?WalterFane?”
“IhavenoideaifWalterFanewasconcerned.Hewasdismissedbythefirm.”
“Andhecomplainedthathehadbeenvictimized?”
Kennedynodded.
“Isee…Well,wemustdrivelikethewind.TillThursday,sir.”
II
Thehousewasnewlybuilt.ItwasofSnowcrete,heavilycurved,withabigexpanseofwindow.Theywereshowninthroughanopulenthalltoastudy,halfofwhichwastakenupbyabigchromium-plateddesk.
GwendamurmurednervouslytoGiles,“Really,Idon’tknowwhatweshouldhavedonewithoutMissMarple.Weleanuponherateveryturn.FirstherfriendsinNorthumberlandandnowherVicar’swife’sBoys’ClubAnnualOuting.”
GilesraisedanadmonitoryhandasthedooropenedandJ.J.Afflicksurgedintotheroom.
Hewasastoutmanofmiddleage,dressedinaratherviolentlycheckedsuit.Hiseyesweredarkandshrewd,hisfacerubicundandgood-natured.Helookedlikethepopularideaofasuccessfulbookmaker.
“Mr.Reed?Goodmorning.Pleasedtomeetyou.”
GilesintroducedGwenda.Shefeltherhandtakeninaratherover-zealousgrip
“AndwhatcanIdoforyou,Mr.Reed?”
Afflicksatdownbehindhishugedesk.Heofferedcigarettesfromanonyxbox.
GilesentereduponthesubjectoftheBoys’ClubOuting.Oldfriendsofhisrantheshow.Hewasanxioustoarrangeforacoupleofdays’touringinDevon
Afflickrepliedpromptlyinabusinesslikemanner—quotingpricesandmakingsuggestions.Buttherewasafaintlypuzzledlookonhisface.
Finallyhesaid:“Well,that’sallclearenough,Mr.Reed,andI’llsendyoualinetoconfirmit.Butthisisstrictlyofficebusiness.Iunderstoodfrommyclerkthatyouwantedaprivateappointmentatmyprivateaddress.”
“Wedid,Mr.Afflick.TherewereactuallytwomattersonwhichIwantedtoseeyou.We’vedisposedofone.Theotherisapurelyprivatematter.Mywifehereisveryanxioustogetintouchwithherstepmotherwhomshehasnotseenformanyyears,andwewonderedifyoucouldpossiblyhelpus.”
“Well,ifyoutellmethelady’sname—IgatherthatI’macquaintedwithher?”
“Youwereacquaintedwithheratonetime.HernameisHelenHallidayandbeforehermarriageshewasMissHelenKennedy.”
Afflicksatquitestill.Hescreweduphiseyesandtiltedhischairslowlybackwards.
“HelenHalliday—Idon’trecall…HelenKennedy….”
“FormerlyofDillmouth,”saidGwenda.
ThelegsofAfflick’schaircamedownsharply.
“Gotit,”hesaid.“Ofcourse.”Hisroundrubicundfacebeamedwithpleasure.“LittleHelenKennedy!Yes,Irememberher.Butit’salongtimeago.Mustbetwentyyears.”
“Eighteen.”
“Isitreally?Timeflies,asthesayinggoes.ButI’mafraidyou’regoingtobedisappointed,Mrs.Reed.Ihaven’tseenanythingofHelensincethattime.Neverheardofher,even.”
“Ohdear,”saidGwenda.“That’sverydisappointing.Wedidsohopeyoucouldhelp.”
“What’sthetrouble?”Hiseyesflickeredquicklyfromonefacetoanother.“Quarrel?Lefthome?Matterofmoney?”
Gwendasaid:“Shewentaway—suddenly—fromDillmouth—eighteenyearsagowith—withsomeone.”
JackieAfflicksaidamusedly:“Andyouthoughtshemighthavegoneawaywithme?Nowwhy?”
Gwendaspokeboldly:“Becauseweheardthatyou—andshe—hadonce—been—well,fondofeachother.”
“MeandHelen?Oh,buttherewasnothinginthat.Justaboyandgirlaffair.Neitherofustookitseriously.”Headdeddrily,“Weweren’tencouragedtodoso.”
“Youmustthinkusdreadfullyimpertinent,”beganGwenda,butheinterruptedher.
“What’stheodds?I’mnotsensitive.YouwanttofindacertainpersonandyouthinkImaybeabletohelp.Askmeanythingyouplease—I’venoughttoconceal.”Helookedatherthoughtfully.“Soyou’reHalliday’sdaughter?”
“Yes.Didyouknowmyfather?”
Heshookhishead.
“IdroppedintoseeHelenoncewhenIwasoveratDillmouthonbusiness.I’dheardshewasmarriedandlivingthere.Shewascivilenough—”hepaused—“butshedidn’taskmetostaytodinner.No,Ididn’tmeetyourfather.”
Hadthere,Gwendawondered,beenatraceofrancourinthat“Shedidn’taskmetostaytodinner?”
“Didshe—ifyouremember—seemhappy?”
Afflickshruggedhisshoulders.
“Happyenough.Butthere,it’salongtimeago.I’dhaverememberedifshe’dlookedunhappy.”
Headdedwithwhatseemedaperfectlynaturalcuriosity:“Doyoumeantosayyou’veneverheardanythingofhersinceDillmoutheighteenyearsago?”
“Nothing.”
“No—letters?”
“Thereweretwoletters,”saidGiles.“Butwehavesomereasontothinkthatshedidn’twritethem.”
“Youthinkshedidn’twritethem?”Afflickseemedfaintlyamused.“Soundslikeamysteryontheflicks.”
“That’sratherwhatitseemsliketous.”
“Whataboutherbrother,thedoctorchap,doesn’theknowwheresheis?”
“No.”
“Isee.Regularmystery,isn’tit?Whynotadvertise?”
“Wehave.”
Afflicksaidcasually:“Looksasthoughshe’sdead.Youmightn’thaveheard.”
Gwendashivered.
“Cold,Mrs.Reed?”
“No.IwasthinkingofHelendead.Idon’tliketothinkofherdead.”
“You’rerightthere.Idon’tliketothinkofitmyself.Stunninglooksshehad.”
Gwendasaidimpulsively:“Youknewher.Youknewherwell.I’veonlygotachild’smemoryofher.Whatwasshelike?Whatdidpeoplefeelabouther?Whatdidyoufeel?”
Helookedatherforamomentortwo.
“I’llbehonestwithyou,Mrs.Reed.Believeitornot,asyoulike.Iwassorryforthekid.”
“Sorry?”Sheturnedapuzzledstareonhim.
“Justthat.Thereshewas—justhomefromschool.Longingforabitoffunlikeanygirlmight,andtherewasthatstiffmiddle-agedbrotherofherswithhisideasaboutwhatagirlcoulddoandcouldn’tdo.Nofunatall,thatkidhadn’t.Well,Itookheraboutabit—showedherabitoflife.Iwasn’treallykeenonherandshewasn’treallykeenonme.Shejustlikedthefunofbeingadaredevil.Thenofcoursetheyfoundoutweweremeetingandheputastoptoit.Don’tblamehim,really.Cutaboveme,shewas.Weweren’tengagedoranythingofthatkind.Imeanttomarrysometime—butnottillIwasagoodbitolder.AndImeanttogetonandtofindawifewho’dhelpmegeton.Helenhadn’tanymoney,anditwouldn’thavebeenasuitablematchinanyway.Wewerejustgoodfriendswithabitofflirtationthrownin.”
“Butyoumusthavebeenangrywiththedoctor—”
GwendapausedandAfflicksaid:“Iwasriled,Iadmit.Youdon’tfancybeingtoldyou’renotgoodenough.Butthere,it’snogoodbeingthin-skinned.”
“Andthen,”saidGiles,“youlostyourjob.”
Afflick’sfacewasnotquitesopleasant.
“Fired,Iwas.OutofFaneandWatchman’s.AndI’veaverygoodideawhowasresponsibleforthat.”
“Oh?”Gilesmadehistoneinterrogative,butAfflickshookhishead.
“I’mnotsayinganything.I’vemyownideas.Iwasframed—that’sall—andI’veaveryfairideaofwhodidit.Andwhy!”Thecoloursuffusedhischeeks.“Dirtywork,”hesaid.“Spyingonaman—layingtrapsforhim—lyingabouthim.Oh,I’vehadmyenemiesallright.ButI’veneverletthemgetmedown.I’vealwaysgivenasgoodasIgot.AndIdon’tforget.”
Hestopped.Suddenlyhismannerchangedbackagain.Hewasgenialoncemore.
“SoIcan’thelpyou,I’mafraid.AlittlebitoffunbetweenmeandHelen—thatwasall.Itdidn’tgodeep.”
Gwendastaredathim.Itwasaclearenoughstory—butwasittrue?shewondered.Somethingjarred—itcametothesurfaceofhermindwhatthatsomethingwas.
“Allthesame,”shesaid,“youlookedherupwhenyoucametoDillmouthlater.”
Helaughed.
“You’vegotmethere,Mrs.Reed.Yes,Idid.WantedtoshowherperhapsthatIwasn’tdownandoutjustbecausealong-facedlawyerhadpushedmeoutofhisoffice.IhadanicebusinessandIwasdrivingaposhcarandI’ddoneverywellformyself.”
“Youcametoseehermorethanonce,didn’tyou?”
Hehesitatedamoment.
“Twice—perhapsthreetimes.Justdroppedin.”Henoddedwithsuddenfinality.“SorryIcan’thelpyou.”
Gilesgotup.
“Wemustapologizefortakingupsomuchofyourtime.”
“That’sallright.Quiteachangetotalkaboutoldtimes.”
Thedooropenedandawomanlookedinandapologizedswiftly.
“Oh,I’msosorry—Ididn’tknowyouhadanyone—”
“Comein,mydear,comein.Meetmywife.ThisisMr.andMrs.Reed.”
Mrs.Afflickshookhands.Shewasatall,thin,depressed-lookingwoman,dressedinratherunexpectedlywell-cutclothes.
“Beentalkingoveroldtimes,wehave,”saidMr.Afflick.“OldtimesbeforeImetyou,Dorothy.”
Heturnedtothem.
“Metmywifeonacruise,”hesaid.“Shedoesn’tcomefromthispartoftheworld.CousinofLordPolterham’s,sheis.”
Hespokewithpride—thethinwomanflushed.
“They’reverynice,thesecruises,”saidGiles.
“Veryeducational,”saidAfflick.“Now,Ididn’thaveanyeducationtospeakof.”
“IalwaystellmyhusbandwemustgoononeofthoseHelleniccruises,”saidMrs.Afflick.
“Notime.I’mabusyman.”
“Andwemustn’tkeepyou,”saidGiles.“Good-byeandthankyou.You’llletmeknowaboutthequotationfortheouting?”
Afflickescortedthemtothedoor.Gwendaglancedbackoverhershoulder.Mrs.Afflickwasstandinginthedoorwayofthestudy.Herface,fastenedonherhusband’sback,wascuriouslyandratherunpleasantlyapprehensive.
GilesandGwendasaidgood-byeagainandwenttowardstheircar.
“Bother,I’veleftmyscarf,”saidGwenda.
“You’realwaysleavingsomething,”saidGiles.
“Don’tlookedmartyred.I’llgetit.”
Sheranbackintothehouse.ThroughtheopendoorofthestudysheheardAfflicksayloudly:“Whatdoyouwanttocomebuttinginfor?Neveranysense.”
“I’msorry,Jackie.Ididn’tknow.Whoarethosepeopleandwhyhavetheyupsetyouso?”
“Theyhaven’tupsetme.I—”HestoppedashesawGwendastandinginthedoorway.
“Oh,Mr.Afflick,didIleaveascarf?”
“Scarf?No,Mrs.Reed,it’snothere.”
“Stupidofme.Itmustbeinthecar.”
Shewentoutagain.
Gileshadturnedthecar.Drawnupbythekerbwasalargeyellowlimousineresplendentwithchromium.
“Somecar,”saidGiles.
“‘Aposhcar,’”saidGwenda.“Doyouremember,Giles?EdithPagettwhenshewastellinguswhatLilysaid?LilyhadputhermoneyonCaptainErskine,not‘ourmysterymanintheflashycar.’Don’tyousee,themysterymanintheflashycarwasJackieAfflick?”
“Yes,”saidGiles.“AndinherlettertothedoctorLilymentioneda‘poshcar.’”
Theylookedateachother.
“Hewasthere—‘onthespot,’asMissMarplewouldsay—onthatnight.OhGiles,IcanhardlywaituntilThursdaytohearwhatLilyKimblesays.”
“Supposeshegetscoldfeetanddoesn’tturnupafterall?”
“Oh,she’llcome.Giles,ifthatflashycarwastherethatnight—”
“Thinkitwasayellowperillikethis?”
“Admiringmybus?”Mr.Afflick’sgenialvoicemadethemjump.Hewasleaningovertheneatlyclippedhedgebehindthem.“LittleButtercup,that’swhatIcallher.I’vealwayslikedanicebitofbodywork.Hitsyouintheeye,doesn’tshe?”
“Shecertainlydoes,”saidGiles.
“Fondofflowers,Iam,”saidMr.Afflick.“Daffodils,buttercups,calceolarias—they’reallmyfancy.Here’syourscarf,Mrs.Reed.Ithadslippeddownbehindthetable.Good-bye.Pleasedtohavemetyou.”
“Doyouthinkhehearduscallinghiscarayellowperil?”askedGwendaastheydroveaway.
“Oh,Idon’tthinkso.Heseemedquiteamiable,didn’the?”
Gileslookedslightlyuneasy.
“Ye-es—butIdon’tthinkthatmeansmuch…Giles,thatwifeofhis—she’sfrightenedofhim,Isawherface.”
“What?Thatjovialpleasantchap?”
“Perhapsheisn’tsojovialandpleasantunderneath…Giles,Idon’tthinkIlikeMr.Afflick…Iwonderhowlonghe’dbeentherebehinduslisteningtowhatweweresaying…Justwhatdidwesay?”
“Nothingmuch,”saidGiles.
Buthestilllookeduneasy.
Twenty-two
LILYKEEPSANAPPOINTMENT
I
“Well,I’mdamned,”exclaimedGiles.
Hehadjusttornopenaletterthathadarrivedbytheafter-lunchpostandwasstaringincompleteastonishmentatitscontents.
“What’sthematter?”
“It’sthereportofthehandwritingexperts.”
Gwendasaideagerly:“Andshedidn’twritethatletterfromabroad?”
“That’sjustit,Gwenda.Shedid.”
Theystaredateachother.
Gwendasaidincredulously:“Thenthoselettersweren’tafake.Theyweregenuine.Helendidgoawayfromthehousethatnight.Andshedidwritefromabroad.Andshewasn’tstrangledatall?”
Gilessaidslowly:“Itseemsso.Butitreallyisveryupsetting.Idon’tunderstandit.Justaseverythingseemstobepointingtheotherway.”
“Perhapstheexpertsarewrong?”
“Isupposetheymightbe.Buttheyseemquiteconfident.Gwenda,Ireallydon’tunderstandasinglethingaboutallthis.Havewebeenmakingthemostcolossalidiotsofourselves?”
“Allbasedonmysillybehaviouratthetheatre?Itellyouwhat,Giles,let’scallroundonMissMarple.We’llhavetimebeforewegettoDr.Kennedy’satfourthirty.”
MissMarple,however,reactedratherdifferentlyfromthewaytheyhadexpected.Shesaiditwasveryniceindeed.
“ButdarlingMissMarple,”saidGwenda,“whatdoyoumeanbythat?”
“Imean,mydear,thatsomebodyhasn’tbeenascleverastheymighthavebeen.”
“Buthow—inwhatway?”
“Slippedup,”saidMissMarple,noddingherheadwithsatisfaction.
“Buthow?”
“Well,dearMr.Reed,surelyyoucanseehowitnarrowsthefield.”
“AcceptingthefactthatHelenactuallywrotetheletters—doyoumeanthatshemightstillhavebeenmurdered?”
“ImeanthatitseemedveryimportanttosomeonethatthelettersshouldactuallybeinHelen’shandwriting.”
“Isee…AtleastIthinkIsee.TheremustbecertainpossiblecircumstancesinwhichHelencouldhavebeeninducedtowritethoseparticularletters…Thatwouldnarrowthingsdown.Butwhatcircumstancesexactly?”
“Oh,comenow,Mr.Reed.You’renotreallythinking.It’sperfectlysimple,really.”
Gileslookedannoyedandmutinous.
“It’snotobvioustome,Icanassureyou.”
“Ifyou’djustreflectalittle—”
“Comeon,Giles,”saidGwenda.“We’llbelate.”
TheyleftMissMarplesmilingtoherself.
“Thatoldwomanannoysmesometimes,”saidGiles.“Idon’tknownowwhatthehellshewasdrivingat.”
TheyreachedDr.Kennedy’shouseingoodtime.
Thedoctorhimselfopenedthedoortothem.
“I’veletmyhousekeepergooutfortheafternoon,”heexplained.“Itseemedtobebetter.”
Heledthewayintothesittingroomwhereateatraywithcupsandsaucers,breadandbutterandcakeswasready.
“Cupoftea’sagoodmove,isn’tit?”heaskedratheruncertainlyofGwenda.“PutthisMrs.Kimbleathereaseandallthat.”
“You’reabsolutelyright,”saidGwenda.
“Nowwhataboutyoutwo?ShallIintroduceyoustraightaway?Orwillitputheroff?”
Gwendasaidslowly:“Countrypeopleareverysuspicious.Ibelieveitwouldbebetterifyoureceivedheralone.”
“Ithinksotoo,”saidGiles.
Dr.Kennedysaid,“Ifyouweretowaitintheroomnextdoor,andifthiscommunicatingdoorwereslightlyajar,youwouldbeabletohearwhatwenton.Underthecircumstancesofthecase,Ithinkthatyouwouldbejustified.”
“Isupposeit’seavesdropping,butIreallydon’tcare,”saidGwenda.
Dr.Kennedysmiledfaintlyandsaid:“Idon’tthinkanyethicalprincipleisinvolved.Idonotpropose,inanycase,togiveapromiseofsecrecy—thoughIamwillingtogivemyadviceifIamaskedforit.”
Heglancedathiswatch.
“ThetrainisdueatWoodleighRoadatfourthirty-five.Itshouldarriveinafewminutesnow.Thenitwilltakeheraboutfiveminutestowalkupthehill.”
Hewalkedrestlesslyupanddowntheroom.Hisfacewaslinedandhaggard.
“Idon’tunderstand,”hesaid.“Idon’tunderstandintheleastwhatitallmeans.IfHelenneverleftthathouse,ifherletterstomewereforgeries.”Gwendamovedsharply—butGilesshookhisheadather.Thedoctorwenton:“IfKelvin,poorfellow,didn’tkillher,thenwhatonearthdidhappen?”
“Somebodyelsekilledher,”saidGwenda.
“Butmydearchild,ifsomebodyelsekilledher,whyonearthshouldKelvininsistthathehaddoneso?”
“Becausehethoughthehad.Hefoundherthereonthebedandhethoughthehaddoneit.Thatcouldhappen,couldn’tit?”
Dr.Kennedyrubbedhisnoseirritably.
“HowshouldIknow?I’mnotapsychiatrist.Shock?Nervousconditionalready?Yes,Isupposeit’spossible.ButwhowouldwanttokillHelen?”
“Wethinkoneofthreepeople,”saidGwenda.
“Threepeople?Whatthreepeople?NobodycouldhaveanypossiblereasonforkillingHelen—unlesstheywerecompletelyofftheirheads.She’dnoenemies.Everybodylikedher.”
Hewenttothedeskdrawerandfumbledthroughitscontents.
Heheldoutafadedsnapshot.Itshowedatallschoolgirlinagymtunic,herhairtiedback,herfaceradiant.Kennedy,ayounger,happy-lookingKennedy,stoodbesideher,holdingaterrierpuppy.
“I’vebeenthinkingalotaboutherlately,”hesaidindistinctly.“FormanyyearsIhadn’tthoughtaboutheratall—almostmanagedtoforget…NowIthinkaboutherallthetime.That’syourdoing.”
Hiswordssoundedalmostaccusing.
“Ithinkit’sherdoing,”saidGwenda.
Hewheeledroundonhersharply.
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Justthat.Ican’texplain.Butit’snotreallyus.It’sHelenherself.”
Thefaintmelancholyscreamofanenginecametotheirears.Dr.Kennedysteppedoutofthewindowandtheyfollowedhim.Atrailofsmokeshoweditselfretreatingslowlyalongthevalley.
“Theregoesthetrain,”saidKennedy.
“Comingintothestation?”
“No,leavingit.”Hepaused.“She’llbehereanyminutenow.”
ButtheminutespassedandLilyKimbledidnotcome.
II
LilyKimblegotoutofthetrainatDillmouthJunctionandwalkedacrossthebridgetothesidingwherethelittlelocaltrainwaswaiting.Therewerefewpassengers—ahalf-dozenatmost.ItwasaslacktimeofdayandinanycaseitwasmarketdayatHelchester.
Presentlythetrainstarted—puffingitswayimportantlyalongawindingvalley.TherewerethreestopsbeforetheterminusatLonsburyBay:NewtonLangford,MatchingsHalt(forWoodleighCamp)andWoodleighBolton.
LilyKimblelookedoutofthewindowwitheyesthatdidnotseethelushcountryside,butsawinsteadaJacobeansuiteupholsteredinjadegreen….
ShewastheonlypersontoalightatthetinystationofMatchingsHalt.Shegaveupherticketandwentoutthroughthebookingoffice.Alittlewayalongtheroadasignpostwith“ToWoodleighCamp”indicatedafootpathleadingupasteephill.
LilyKimbletookthefootpathandwalkedbrisklyuphill.Thepathskirtedthesideofawood,ontheothersidethehillrosesteeplycoveredwithheatherandgorse.
SomeonesteppedoutfromthetreesandLilyKimblejumped.
“My,youdidgivemeastart,”sheexclaimed.“Iwasn’texpectingtomeetyouhere.”
“Gaveyouasurprise,didI?I’vegotanothersurpriseforyou.”
Itwasverylonelyinamongthetrees.Therewasnoonetohearacryorastruggle.Actuallytherewasnocryandthestrugglewasverysoonover.
Awood-pigeon,disturbed,flewoutofthewood….
III
“Whatcanhavebecomeofthewoman?”demandedDr.Kennedyirritably.
Thehandsoftheclockpointedtotenminutestofive.
“Couldshehavelostherwaycomingfromthestation?”
“Igaveherexplicitdirections.Inanycaseit’squitesimple.Turntotheleftwhenshegotoutofthestationandthentakethefirstroadtotheright.AsIsay,it’sonlyafewminutes’walk.”
“Perhapsshe’schangedhermind,”saidGiles.
“Itlookslikeit.”
“Ormissedthetrain,”suggestedGwenda.
Kennedysaidslowly,“No,Ithinkit’smorelikelythatshedecidednottocomeafterall.Perhapsherhusbandsteppedin.Allthesecountrypeoplearequiteincalculable.”
Hewalkedupanddowntheroom.
Thenhewenttothetelephoneandaskedforanumber.
“Hullo?Isthatthestation?ThisisDr.Kennedyspeaking.Iwasexpectingsomeonebythefourthirty-five.Middle-agedcountrywoman.Didanyoneasktobedirectedtome?Or—whatdoyousay?”
TheotherswerenearenoughtohearthesoftlazyaccentofWoodleighBolton’soneporter.
“Don’tthinkastherecouldbeanyoneforyou,Doctor.Weren’tnostrangersonthefourthirty-five.Mr.NarracottsfromMeadows,andJohnnieLawes,andoldBenson’sdaughter.Weren’tnootherpassengersatall.”
“Soshechangedhermind,”saidDr.Kennedy.“Well,Icanofferyoutea.Thekettle’son.I’llgooutandmakeit.”
Hereturnedwiththeteapotandtheysatdown.
“It’sonlyatemporarycheck,”hesaidmorecheerfully.“We’vegotheraddress.We’llgooverandseeher,perhaps.”
Thetelephonerangandthedoctorgotuptoanswer.
“Dr.Kennedy?”
“Speaking.”
“ThisisInspectorLast,Longfordpolicestation.WereyouexpectingawomancalledLilyKimble—Mrs.LilyKimble—tocalluponyouthisafternoon?”
“Iwas.Why?Hastherebeenanaccident?”
“Notwhatyou’dcallanaccidentexactly.She’sdead.Wefoundaletterfromyouonthebody.That’swhyIrangyouup.CanyoumakeitconvenienttocomealongtoLongfordpolicestationassoonaspossible?”
“I’llcomeatonce.”
IV
“Nowlet’sgetthisquiteclear,”InspectorLastwassaying.
HelookedfromKennedytoGilesandGwendawhohadaccompaniedthedoctor.Gwendawasverypaleandheldherhandstightlyclaspedtogether.“YouwereexpectingthiswomanbythetrainthatleavesDillmouthJunctionatfour-five?AndgetstoWoodleighBoltonatfourthirty-five?”
Dr.Kennedynodded.
InspectorLastlookeddownattheletterhehadtakenfromthedeadwoman’sbody.Itwasquiteclear.
DearMrs.Kimble(Dr.Kennedyhadwritten)Ishallbegladtoadviseyoutothebestofmypower.AsyouwillseefromtheheadingofthisletterInolongerliveinDillmouth.IfyouwilltakethetrainleavingCoombeleighat3.30,changeatDillmouthJunction,andcomebytheLonsburyBaytraintoWoodleighBolton,myhouseisonlyafewminutes’walk.Turntotheleftasyoucomeoutofthestation,thentakethefirstroadontheright.Myhouseisattheendofitontheright.Thenameisonthegate.Yourstruly,JamesKennedy.
“Therewasnoquestionofhercomingbyanearliertrain?”
“Anearliertrain?”Dr.Kennedylookedastonished.
“Becausethat’swhatshedid.SheleftCoombeleigh,notatthreethirtybutatonethirty—caughtthetwo-fivefromDillmouthJunctionandgotout,notatWoodleighBolton,butatMatchingsHalt,thestationbeforeit.”
“Butthat’sextraordinary!”
“Wassheconsultingyouprofessionally,Doctor?”
“No.Iretiredfrompracticesomeyearsago.”
“That’swhatIthought.Youknewherwell?”
Kennedyshookhishead.
“Ihadn’tseenherfornearlytwentyyears.”
“Butyou—er—recognizedherjustnow?”
Gwendashivered,butdeadbodiesdidnotaffectadoctorandKennedyrepliedthoughtfully:“UnderthecircumstancesitishardtosayifIrecognizedherornot.Shewasstrangled,Ipresume?”
“Shewasstrangled.ThebodywasfoundinacopseashortwayalongthetrackleadingfromMatchingsHalttoWoodleighCamp.ItwasfoundbyahikercomingdownfromtheCampatabouttenminutestofour.Ourpolicesurgeonputsthetimeofdeathatbetweentwofifteenandthreeo’clock.Presumablyshewaskilledshortlyaftersheleftthestation
“NowwhydidshegetoutatMatchingsHalt?Didshemistakethestation?Ihardlythinkso.Inanycaseshewastwohoursearlyforherappointmentwithyou,andhadnotcomebythetrainyousuggested,althoughshehadyourletterwithher.
“Nowjustwhatwasherbusinesswithyou,Doctor?”
Dr.KennedyfeltinhispocketandbroughtoutLily’sletter.
“Ibroughtthiswithme.TheenclosedcuttingandtheinsertionputinthelocalpaperbyMr.andMrs.Reedhere.”
InspectorLastreadLilyKimble’sletterandtheenclosure.ThenhelookedfromDr.KennedytoGilesandGwenda.
“CanIhavethestorybehindallthis?Itgoesbackalongway,Igather?”
“Eighteenyears,”saidGwenda.
Piecemeal,withadditions,andparentheses,thestorycameout.InspectorLastwasagoodlistener.Heletthethreepeopleinfrontofhimtellthingsintheirownway.Kennedywasdry,andfactual,Gwendawasslightlyincoherent,buthernarrativehadimaginativepower.Gilesgave,perhaps,themostvaluablecontribution.Hewasclearandtothepoint,withlessreservethanKennedy,andwithmorecoherencethanGwenda.Ittookalongtime.
ThenInspectorLastsighedandsummedup.
“Mrs.HallidaywasDr.Kennedy’ssisterandyourstepmother,Mrs.Reed.Shedisappearedfromthehouseyouareatpresentlivingineighteenyearsago.LilyKimble(whosemaidennamewasAbbott)wasaservant(house-parlourmaid)inthehouseatthetime.ForsomereasonLilyKimbleinclines(afterthepassageofyears)tothetheorythattherewas
Hepaused.
“Theseareallinterestingbutsomewhatunrelatedfacts.Thecrucialpointseemstobe,isMrs.Hallidayaliveordead?Ifdead,whendidshedie?AndwhatdidLilyKimbleknow?”
“Itseems,onthefaceofit,thatshemusthaveknownsomethingratherimportant.Soimportantthatshewaskilledinordertopreventhertalkingaboutit.”
Gwendacried,“Buthowcouldanyonepossiblyknowshewasgoingtotalkaboutit—exceptus?”
InspectorLastturnedhisthoughtfuleyesonher.
“Itisasignificantpoint,Mrs.Reed,thatshetookthetwo-fiveinsteadofthefour-fivetrainfromDillmouthJunction.Theremustbesomereasonforthat.Also,shegotoutatthestationbeforeWoodleighBolton.Why?Itseemspossibletomethat,afterwritingtothedoctor,shewrotetosomeoneelse,suggestingarendezvousatWoodleighCamp,perhaps,andthatsheproposedafterthatrendezvous,ifitwasunsatisfactory,togoontoDr.Kennedyandaskhisadvice.Itispossiblethatshehadsuspicionsofsomedefiniteperson,andshemayhavewrittentothatpersonhintingatherknowledgeandsuggestingarendezvous.”
“Blackmail,”saidGilesbluntly.
“Idon’tsupposeshethoughtofitthatway,”saidInspectorLast.“Shewasjustgreedyandhopeful—andalittlemuddledaboutwhatshecouldgetoutofitall.We’llsee.Maybethehusbandcantellusmore.”
V
“Warnedher,Idid,”saidMr.Kimbleheavily.“‘Don’thavenoughttodowithit,’themweremywords.Wentbehindmyback,shedid.Thoughtassheknewbest.ThatwereLilyallover.Toosmartbyhalf.”
QuestioningrevealedthatMr.Kimblehadlittletocontribute.
LilyhadbeeninserviceatSt.Catherine’sbeforehemetherandstartedwalkingoutwithher.Fondofthepictures,shewas,andtoldhimthatlikelyasnot,she’dbeeninahousewherethere’dbeenamurder.
“Didn’tpaymuchaccount,Ididn’t.Allimagination,Ithought.Nevercontentwithplainfact,Lilywasn’t.Longrigmaroleshetoldme,aboutthemasterdoinginthemissusandmaybeputtingthebodyinthecellar—andsomethingaboutaFrenchgirlwhathadlookedoutofthewindowandseensomethingorsomebody.‘Don’tyoupaynoattentiontoforeigners,mygirl,’Isaid.‘Oneandallthey’reliars.Notlikeus.’Andwhensherunonaboutit,Ididn’tlistenbecause,markyou,shewasworkingitallupoutofnothing.Likedabitofcrime,Lilydid.UsedtotaketheSundayNewswhatwasrunningaseriesaboutFamousMurderers.Fullofit,shewas,andifshelikedtothinkshe’dbeeninahousewheretherewasamurder,well,thinkingdon’thurtnobody.Butwhenshewasonatmeaboutansweringthisadvertisement—‘Youleaveitalone,’Isaystoher.‘It’snogoodstirringuptrouble.’Andifshe’ddoneasItelledher,she’dbealivetoday.”
Hethoughtforamomentortwo.
“Ar,”hesaid.“She’dbealiverightnow.Toosmartbyhalf,thatwasLily.”
Twenty-three
WHICHOFTHEM?
GilesandGwendahadnotgonewithInspectorLastandDr.KennedytointerviewMr.Kimble.Theyarrivedhomeaboutseveno’clock.Gwendalookedwhiteandill.Dr.KennedyhadsaidtoGiles:“Givehersomebrandyandmakehereatsomething,thengethertobed.She’shadabadshock.”
“It’ssoawful,Giles,”Gwendakeptsaying.“Soawful.Thatsillywoman,makinganappointmentwiththemurderer,andgoingalongsoconfidently—tobekilled.Likeasheeptotheslaughter.”
“Well,don’tthinkaboutit,darling.Afterall,wedidknowtherewassomeone—akiller.”
“No,wedidn’t.Notakillernow.Imean,itwasthen—eighteenyearsago.Itwasn’t,somehow,quitereal…Itmightallhavebeenamistake.”
“Well,thisprovesthatitwasn’tamistake.Youwererightallthetime,Gwenda.”
GileswasgladtofindMissMarpleatHillside.SheandMrs.CockerbetweenthemfussedoverGwendawhorefusedbrandybecauseshesaiditalwaysremindedherofChannelsteamers,butacceptedsomehotwhiskyandlemon,andthen,coaxedbyMrs.Cocker,satdownandateanomelette.
Gileswouldhavetalkeddeterminedlyofotherthings,butMissMarple,withwhatGilesadmittedtobesuperiortactics,discussedthecrimeinagentlealoofmanner.
“Verydreadful,mydear,”shesaid.“Andofcourseagreatshock,butinteresting,onemustadmit.AndofcourseIamsooldthatdeathdoesn’tshockmeasmuchasitdoesyou—onlysomethinglingeringandpainfullikecancerreallydistressesme.ThereallyvitalthingisthatthisprovesdefinitelyandbeyondanypossibledoubtthatpooryoungHelenHallidaywaskilled.We’vethoughtsoallalongandnowweknow.”
“Andaccordingtoyouweoughttoknowwherethebodyis,”saidGiles.“Thecellar,Isuppose.”
“No,no,Mr.Reed.YourememberEdithPagettsaidshewentdownthereonthemorningafterbecauseshewasdisturbedbywhatLilyhadsaid,andshefoundnosignsofanythingofthekind—andtherewouldbesigns,youknow,ifsomebodywasreallylookingforthem.”
“Thenwhathappenedtoit?Takenawayinacarandthrownoveracliffintothesea?”
“No.Comenow,mydears,whatstruckyoufirstofallwhenyoucamehere—struckyou,Gwenda,Ishouldsay.Thefactthatfromthedrawingroomwindow,youhadnoviewdowntothesea.Whereyoufelt,veryproperly,thatstepsshouldleaddowntothelawn—therewasinsteadaplantationofshrubs.Thesteps,youfoundsubsequently,hadbeenthereoriginally,buthadatsometimebeentransferredtotheendoftheterrace.Whyweretheymoved?”
Gwendastaredatherwithdawningcomprehension.
“Youmeanthatthat’swhere—”
“Theremusthavebeenareasonformakingthechange,andtheredoesn’treallyseemtobeasensibleone.Itis,frankly,astupidplacetohavestepsdowntothelawn.Butthatendoftheterraceisaveryquietplace—it’snotoverlookedfromthehouseexceptbyonewindow—thewindowofthenursery,onthefirstfloor.Don’tyousee,thatifyouwanttoburyabodytheearthwillbedisturbedandtheremustbeareasonforitsbeingdisturbed.Thereasonwasthatithadbeendecidedtomovethestepsfrominfrontofthedrawingroomtotheendoftheterrace.I’velearntalreadyfromDr.KennedythatHelenHallidayandherhusbandwereverykeenonthegarden,anddidalotofworkinit.Thedailygardenertheyemployedusedmerelytocarryouttheirorders,andifhearrivedtofindthatthischangewasinprogressandsomeoftheflagshadalreadybeenmoved,hewouldonlyhavethoughtthattheHallidayshadstartedontheworkwhenhewasn’tthere.Thebody,ofcourse,couldhavebeenburiedateitherplace,butwecanbequitecertain,Ithink,thatitisactuallyburiedattheendoftheterraceandnotinfrontofthedrawingroomwindow.”
“Whycanwebesure?”askedGwenda.
“BecauseofwhatpoorLilyKimblesaidinherletter—thatshechangedhermindaboutthebodybeinginthecellarbecauseofwhatLéoniesawwhenshelookedoutofthewindow.Thatmakesitveryclear,doesn’tit?TheSwissgirllookedoutofthenurserywindowatsometimeduringthenightandsawthegravebeingdug.Perhapssheactuallysawwhoitwasdiggingit.”
“Andneversaidanythingtothepolice?”
“Mydear,therewasnoquestionatthetimeofacrimehavingoccurred.Mrs.Hallidayhadrunawaywithalover—thatwasallthatLéoniewouldgrasp.Sheprobablycouldn’tspeakmuchEnglishanyway.ShedidmentiontoLily,perhapsnotatthetime,butlater,acuriousthingshehadobservedfromherwindowthatnight,andthatstimulatedLily’sbeliefinacrimehavingoccurred.ButI’venodoubtthatEdithPagetttoldLilyofffortalkingnonsense,andtheSwissgirlwouldacceptherpointofviewandwouldcertainlynotwishtobemixed-upwiththepolice.Foreignersalwaysseemtobeparticularlynervousaboutthepolicewhentheyareinastrangecountry.SoshewentbacktoSwitzerlandandverylikelyneverthoughtofitagain.”
Gilessaid:“Ifshe’salivenow—ifshecanbetraced—”
MissMarplenoddedherhead.“Perhaps.”
Gilesdemanded:“Howcanwesetaboutit?”
MissMarplesaid:“Thepolicewillbeabletodothatmuchbetterthanyoucan.”
“InspectorLastiscomingoverheretomorrowmorning.”
“ThenIthinkIshouldtellhim—aboutthesteps.”
“AndaboutwhatIsaw—orthinkIsaw—inthehall?”askedGwendanervously
“Yes,dear.You’vebeenverywisetosaynothingofthatuntilnow.Verywise.ButIthinkthetimehascome.”
Gilessaidslowly:“Shewasstrangledinthehall,andthenthemurderercarriedherupstairsandputheronthebed.KelvinHallidaycamein,passedoutwithdopedwhisky,andinhisturnwascarriedupstairstothebedroom.Hecameto,andthoughthehadkilledher.Themurderermusthavebeenwatchingsomewherenearathand.WhenKelvinwentofftoDr.Kennedy’s,themurderertookawaythebody,probablyhiditintheshrubberyattheendoftheterraceandwaiteduntileverybodyhadgonetobedandwaspresumablyasleep,beforehedugthegraveandburiedthebody.Thatmeanshemusthavebeenhere,hangingaboutthehouse,prettywellallthatnight?”
MissMarplenodded.
“Hehadtobe—onthespot.Irememberyoursayingthatthatwasimportant.We’vegottoseewhichofourthreesuspectsfitsinbestwiththerequirements.We’lltakeErskinefirst.Nowhedefinitelywasonthespot.ByhisownadmissionhewalkedupherewithHelenKennedyfromthebeachatroundaboutnineo’clock.Hesaidgood-byetoher.Butdidhesaygood-byetoher?Let’ssayinsteadthathestrangledher.”
“Butitwasalloverbetweenthem,”criedGwenda.“Longago.HesaidhimselfthathewashardlyeveralonewithHelen.”
“Butdon’tyousee,Gwenda,thatthewaywemustlookatitnow,wecan’tdependonanythinganyonesays.”
“NowI’msogladtohearyousaythat,”saidMissMarple.“BecauseI’vebeenalittleworried,youknow,bythewayyoutwohaveseemedwillingtoaccept,asactualfact,allthethingsthatpeoplehavetoldyou.I’mafraidIhaveasadlydistrustfulnature,but,especiallyinamatterofmurder,Imakeitaruletotakenothingthatistoldtomeastrue,unlessitischecked.Forinstance,itdoesseemquitecertainthatLilyKimblementionedtheclothespackedandtakenawayinasuitcasewerenottheonesHelenHallidaywouldherselfhavetaken,becausenotonlydidEdithPagetttellusthatLilysaidsotoher,butLilyherselfmentionedthefactinherlettertoDr.Kennedy.Sothatisonefact.Dr.KennedytoldusthatKelvinHallidaybelievedthathiswifewassecretlydrugginghim,andKelvinHallidayinhisdiaryconfirmsthat—sothereisanotherfact—andaverycuriousfactitis,don’tyouthink?However,wewillnotgointothatnow.
“ButIwouldliketopointoutthatagreatmanyoftheassumptionsyouhavemadehavebeenbaseduponwhathasbeentoldyou—possiblytoldyouveryplausibly.”
Gilesstaredhardather.
Gwenda,hercolourrestored,sippedcoffee,andleanedacrossthetable.
Gilessaid:“Let’scheckupnowonwhatthreepeoplehavesaidtous.TakeErskinefirst.Hesays—”
“You’vegotadownonhim,”saidGwenda.“It’swasteoftimegoingonabouthim,becausenowhe’sdefinitelyoutofit.Hecouldn’thavekilledLilyKimble.”
Gileswentonimperturbly:“HesaysthathemetHelenontheboatgoingouttoIndiaandtheyfellinlove,butthathecouldn’tbringhimselftoleavehiswifeandchildren,andthattheyagreedtheymustsaygood-bye.Supposeitwasn’tquitelikethat.SupposehefelldesperatelyinlovewithHelen,andthatitwasshewhowouldn’trunoffwithhim.Supposinghethreatenedthatifshemarriedanyoneelsehewouldkillher.”
“Mostimprobable,”saidGwenda.
“Thingslikethatdohappen.Rememberwhatyouoverheardhiswifesaytohim.Youputitalldowntojealousy,butitmayhavebeentrue.Perhapsshehashadaterribletimewithhimwherewomenareconcerned—hemaybealittlebitofasexmaniac.”
“Idon’tbelieveit.”
“No,becausehe’sattractivetowomen.Ithink,myself,thatthereissomethingalittlequeeraboutErskine.However,let’sgoonwithmycaseagainsthim.HelenbreaksoffherengagementtoFaneandcomeshomeandmarriesyourfatherandsettlesdownhere.Andthensuddenly,Erskineturnsup.Hecomesdownostensiblyonasummerholidaywithhiswife.That’sanoddthingtodo,really.HeadmitshecameheretoseeHelenagain.Nowlet’stakeitthatErskinewasthemaninthedrawingroomwithherthatdaywhenLilyoverheardhersayshewasafraidofhim.‘I’mafraidofyou—I’vealwaysbeenafraidofyou—Ithinkyou’remad.’
“And,becauseshe’safraid,shemakesplanstogoandliveinNorfolk,butshe’sverysecretiveaboutit.Nooneistoknow.Nooneistoknow,thatis,untiltheErskineshaveleftDillmouth.Sofarthatfits.Nowwecometothefatalnight.WhattheHallidaysweredoingearlierthateveningwedon’tknow—”
MissMarplecoughed.
“Asamatteroffact,IsawEdithPagettagain.Sheremembersthattherewasearlysupperthatnight—seveno’clock—becauseMajorHallidaywasgoingtosomemeeting—GolfClub,shethinksitwas,orsomeParishmeeting.Mrs.Hallidaywentoutaftersupper.”
“Right.HelenmeetsErskine,byappointment,perhaps,onthebeach.Heisleavingthefollowingday.Perhapsherefusestogo.HeurgesHelentogoawaywithhim.Shecomesbackhereandhecomeswithher.Finally,inafitoffrenzyhestranglesher.Thenextbitisaswehavealreadyagreed.He’sslightlymad,hewantsKelvinHallidaytobelievehewhohaskilledher.Later,Erskineburiesthebody.Youremember,hetoldGwendathathedidn’tgobacktothehoteluntilverylatebecausehewaswalkingaboutDillmouth.”
“Onewonders,”saidMissMarple,“whathiswifewasdoing?”
“Probablyfrenziedwithjealousy,”saidGwenda.“Andgavehimhellwhenhedidgetin.”
“That’smyreconstruction,”saidGiles.“Andit’spossible.”
“Buthecouldn’thavekilledLilyKimble,”saidGwenda,“becausehelivesinNorthumberland.Sothinkingabouthimisjustwasteoftime.Let’stakeWalterFane.”
“Right.WalterFaneistherepressedtype.Heseemsgentleandmildandeasilypushedaround.ButMissMarplehasbroughtusonevaluablebitoftestimony.WalterFanewasonceinsucharagethathenearlykilledhisbrother.Admittedlyhewasachildatthetime,butitwasstartlingbecausehehadalwaysseemedofsuchagentleforgivingnature.Anyway,WalterFanefallsinlovewithHelenHalliday.Notmerelyinlove,he’scrazyabouther.Shewon’thavehimandhegoesofftoIndia.Latershewriteshimthatshewillcomeoutandmarryhim.Shestarts.Thencomesthesecondblow.Shearrivesandpromptlyjiltshim.Shehas‘metsomeoneontheboat.’ShegoeshomeandmarriesKelvinHalliday.PossiblyWalterFanethinksthatKelvinHallidaywastheoriginalcauseofherturninghimdown.Hebroods,nursesacrazyjealoushateandcomeshome.Hebehavesinamostforgiving,friendlymanner,isoftenatthishouse,hasbecomeapparentlyatamecataroundthehouse,thefaithfulDobbin.ButperhapsHelenrealizesthatthisisn’ttrue.Shegetsaglimpseofwhatisgoingonbelowthesurface.Perhaps,longago,shesensedsomethingdisturbinginquietyoungWalterFane.Shesaystohim,‘IthinkI’vealwaysbeenafraidofyou.’Shemakesplans,secretly,togorightawayfromDillmouthandliveinNorfolk.Why?Becauseshe’safraidofWalterFane.
“Nowwecomeagaintothefatalevening.Here,we’renotonverysureground.Wedon’tknowwhatWalterFanewasdoingthatnight,andIdon’tseeanyprobabilityofeverfindingout.ButhefulfilsMissMarple’srequirementofbeing‘onthespot’totheextentoflivinginahousethatisonlytwoorthreeminutes’walkaway.Hemayhavesaidhewasgoingtobedearlywithaheadache,orshuthimselfintohisstudywithworktodo—somethingofthatkind.Hecouldhavedoneallthethingswe’vedecidedthemurdererdiddo,andIthinkthathe’sthemostlikelyofthethreetohavemademistakesinpackingasuitcase.Hewouldn’tknowenoughaboutwhatwomenweartodoitproperly.”
“Itwasqueer,”saidGwenda.“InhisofficethatdayIhadanoddsortoffeelingthathewaslikeahousewithitsblindspulleddown…andIevenhadafancifulideathat—thattherewassomeonedeadinthehouse.”
ShelookedatMissMarple.
“Doesthatseemverysillytoyou?”sheasked.
“No,mydear.Ithinkthatperhapsyouwereright.”
“Andnow,”saidGwenda,“wecometoAfflick.Afflick’sTours.JackieAfflickwhowasalwaystoosmartbyhalf.ThefirstthingagainsthimisthatDr.Kennedybelievedhehadincipientpersecutionmania.Thatis—hewasneverreallynormal.He’stoldusabouthimselfandHelen—butwe’llagreenowthatthatwasallapackoflies.Hedidn’tjustthinkshewasacutekid—hewasmadly,passionatelyinlovewithher.Butshewasn’tinlovewithhim.Shewasjustamusingherself.Shewasmanmad,asMissMarplesays.”
“No,dear.Ididn’tsaythat.Nothingofthekind.”
“Well,anymphomaniacifyouprefertheterm.Anyway,shehadanaffairwithJackieAfflickandthenwantedtodrophim.Hedidn’twanttobedropped.Herbrothergotheroutofherscrape,butJackieAfflickneverforgaveorforgot.Helosthisjob—accordingtohimthroughbeingframedbyWalterFane.Thatshowsdefinitesignsofpersecutionmania.”
“Yes,”agreedGiles.“Butontheotherhand,ifitwastrue,it’sanotherpointagainstFane—quiteavaluablepoint.”
Gwendawenton.
“Helengoesabroad,andheleavesDillmouth.Butheneverforgetsher,andwhenshereturnstoDillmouth,married,hecomesoverandvisitsher.Hesaidfirstofall,hecameonce,butlateron,headmitsthathecamemorethanonce.And,ohGiles,don’tyouremember?EdithPagettusedaphraseabout‘ourmysterymaninaflashycar.’Yousee,hecameoftenenoughtomaketheservantstalk.ButHelentookpainsnottoaskhimtoameal—nottolethimmeetKelvin.Perhapsshewasafraidofhim.Perhaps—”
Gilesinterrupted.
“Thismightcutbothways.SupposingHelenwasinlovewithhim—thefirstmansheeverwasinlovewith,andsupposingshewentonbeinginlovewithhim.Perhapstheyhadanaffairtogetherandshedidn’tletanyoneknowaboutit.Butperhapshewantedhertogoawaywithhim,andbythattimeshewastiredofhim,andwouldn’tgo,andso—andso—hekilledher.Andalltherestofit.LilysaidinherlettertoDr.Kennedytherewasaposhcarstandingoutsidethatnight.ItwasJackieAfflick’scar.JackieAfflickwas‘onthespot,’too.
“It’sanassumption,”saidGiles.“Butitseemstomeareasonableone.ButthereareHelen’sletterstobeworkedintoourreconstruction.I’vebeenpuzzlingmybrainstothinkofthe‘circumstances,’asMissMarpleputit,underwhichshecouldhavebeeninducedtowritethoseletters.Itseemstomethattoexplainthem,we’vegottoadmitthatsheactuallyhadalover,andthatshewasexpectingtogoawaywithhim.We’lltestourthreepossiblesagain.Erskinefirst.Saythathestillwasn’tpreparedtoleavehiswifeorbreakuphishome,butthatHelenhadagreedtoleaveKelvinHallidayandgosomewherewhereErskinecouldcomeandbewithherfromtimetotime.ThefirstthingwouldbetodisarmMrs.Erskine’ssuspicions,soHelenwritesacoupleofletterstoreachherbrotherinduecoursewhichwilllookasthoughshehasgoneabroadwithsomeone.Thatfitsinverywellwithherbeingsomysteriousaboutwhothemaninquestionis.”
“Butifshewasgoingtoleaveherhusbandforhim,whydidhekillher?”askedGwenda.
“Perhapsbecauseshesuddenlychangedhermind.Decidedthatshedidreallycareforherhusbandafterall.Hejustsawredandstrangledher.Then,hetooktheclothesandsuitcaseandusedtheletters.That’saperfectlygoodexplanationcoveringeverything.”
“ThesamemightapplytoWalterFane.Ishouldimaginethatscandalmightbeabsolutelydisastroustoacountrysolicitor.HelenmighthaveagreedtogosomewherenearbywhereFanecouldvisitherbutpretendthatshehadgoneabroadwithsomeoneelse.Lettersallpreparedandthen,asyousuggested,shechangedhermind.Walterwentmadandkilledher.”
“WhataboutJackieAfflick?”
“It’smoredifficulttofindareasonfortheletterswithhim.Ishouldn’timaginethatscandalwouldaffecthim.PerhapsHelenwasafraid,notofhim,butofmyfather—andsothoughtitwouldbebettertopretendshe’dgoneabroad—orperhapsAfflick’swifehadthemoneyatthattime,andhewantedhermoneytoinvestinhisbusiness.Ohyes,therearelotsofpossibilitiesfortheletters.”
“Whichonedoyoufancy,MissMarple?”askedGwenda.“Idon’treallythinkWalterFane—butthen—”
Mrs.Cockerhadjustcomeintoclearawaythecoffeecups.
“Therenow,madam,”shesaid.“Iquiteforgot.AllthisaboutapoorwomanbeingmurderedandyouandMr.Reedmixedupinit,notatalltherightthingforyou,madam,justnow.Mr.Fanewasherethisafternoon,askingforyou.Hewaitedquitehalfanhour.Seemedtothinkyouwereexpectinghim.”
“Howstrange,”saidGwenda.“Whattime?”
“Itmusthavebeenaboutfouro’clockorjustafter.Andthen,afterthat,therewasanothergentleman,cameinagreatbigyellowcar.Hewaspositiveyouwereexpectinghim.Wouldn’ttakenoforananswer.Waitedtwentyminutes.Iwonderedifyou’dhadsomeideaofateapartyandforgottenit.”
“No,”saidGwenda.“Howodd.”
“Let’sringupFanenow,”saidGiles.“Hewon’thavegonetobed.”
Hesuitedtheactiontotheword.
“Hullo,isthatFanespeaking?GilesReedhere.Ihearyoucameroundtoseeusthisafternoon—What?—No—no,I’msureofit—no,howveryodd.Yes,Iwonder,too.”
Helaiddownthereceiver.
“Here’sanoddthing.Hewasrungupinhisofficethismorning.Amessageleftwouldhecomeroundandseeusthisafternoon.Itwasveryimportant.”
GilesandGwendastaredateachother.ThenGwendasaid,“RingupAfflick.”
AgainGileswenttothetelephone,foundthenumberandrangthrough.Ittookalittlelonger,butpresentlyhegottheconnection.
“Mr.Afflick?GilesReed,I—”
Herehewasobviouslyinterruptedbyaflowofspeechfromtheotherend.
Atlasthewasabletosay:
“Butwedidn’t—no,Iassureyou—nothingofthekind—Yes—yes,Iknowyou’reabusyman.Iwouldn’thavedreamedof—Yes,butlookhere,whowasitrangyou—aman?—No,Itellyouitwasn’tme.No—no,Isee.Well,Iagree,it’squiteextraordinary.”
Hereplacedthereceiverandcamebacktothetable.
“Well,thereitis,”hesaid.“Somebody,amanwhosaidhewasme,rangupAfflickandaskedhimtocomeoverhere.Itwasurgent—bigsumofmoneyinvolved.”
Theylookedateachother.
“Itcouldhavebeeneitherofthem,”saidGwenda.“Don’tyousee,Giles?EitherofthemcouldhavekilledLilyandcomeonhereasanalibi.”
“Hardlyanalibi,dear,”putinMissMarple.
“Idon’tmeanquiteanalibi,butanexcuseforbeingawayfromtheiroffice.WhatImeanis,oneofthemisspeakingthetruthandoneislying.Oneofthemranguptheotherandaskedhimtocomehere—tothrowsuspiciononhim—butwedon’tknowwhich.It’saclearissuenowbetweenthetwoofthem.FaneorAfflick.Isay—JackieAfflick.”
“IthinkWalterFane,”saidGiles.
TheybothlookedatMissMarple.
Sheshookherhead.
“There’sanotherpossibility,”shesaid.
“Ofcourse.Erskine.”
Gilesfairlyranacrosstothetelephone.
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”askedGwenda.
“PutthroughatrunkcalltoNorthumberland.”
“OhGiles—youcan’treallythink—”
“We’vegottoknow.Ifhe’sthere—hecan’thavekilledLilyKimblethisafternoon.Noprivateaeroplanesorsillystufflikethat.”
Theywaitedinsilenceuntilthetelephonebellrang.
Gilespickedupthereceiver.
“YouwereaskingforapersonalcalltoMajorErskine.Goahead,please.MajorErskineiswaiting.”
Clearinghisthroatnervously,Gilessaid,“Er—Erskine?GilesReedhere—Reed,yes.”
HecastasuddenagonizedglanceatGwendawhichsaidasplainlyaspossible,“WhatthehelldoIsaynow?”
Gwendagotupandtookthereceiverfromhim.
“MajorErskine?ThisisMrs.Reedhere.We’veheardof—ofahouse.LinscottBrake.Is—isit—doyouknowanythingaboutit?It’ssomewherenearyou,Ibelieve.”
Erskine’svoicesaid:“LinscottBrake?No,Idon’tthinkI’veeverheardofit.What’sthepostaltown?”
“It’sterriblyblurred,”saidGwenda.“Youknowthoseawfultypescriptsagentssendout.ButitsaysfifteenmilesfromDaithsowethought—”
“I’msorry.Ihaven’theardofit.Wholivesthere?”
“Oh,it’sempty.Butnevermind,actuallywe’ve—we’vepracticallysettledonahouse.I’msosorrytohavebotheredyou.Iexpectyouwerebusy.”
“No,notatall.Atleastonlybusydomestically.Mywife’saway.Andourcookhadtogoofftohermother,soI’vebeendealingwithdomesticroutine.I’mafraidI’mnotmuchofahandatit.Betterinthegarden.”
“I’dalwaysratherdogardeningthanhousework.Ihopeyourwifeisn’till?”
“Ohno,shewascalledawaytoasister.She’llbebacktomorrow.”
“Well,goodnight,andsosorrytohavebotheredyou.”
Sheputdownthereceiver.
“Erskineisoutofit,”shesaidtriumphantly.“Hiswife’sawayandhe’sdoingallthechores.Sothatleavesitbetweenthetwoothers.Doesn’tit,MissMarple?”
MissMarplewaslookinggrave.
“Idon’tthink,mydears,”shesaid,“thatyouhavegivenquiteenoughthoughttothematter.Ohdear—Iamreallyveryworried.IfonlyIknewexactlywhattodo….”
Twenty-four
THEMONKEY’SPAWS
I
Gwendaleanedherelbowsonthetableandcuppedherchininherhandswhilehereyesroameddispassionatelyovertheremainsofahastylunch.Presentlyshemustdealwiththem,carrythemouttothescullery,washup,putthingsaway,seewhattherewouldbe,later,forsupper.
Buttherewasnowildhurry.Shefeltsheneededalittletimetotakethingsin.Everythinghadbeenhappeningtoofast.
Theeventsofthemorning,whenshereviewedthem,seemedtobechaoticandimpossible.Everythinghadhappenedtooquicklyandtooimprobably.
InspectorLasthadappearedearly—athalfpastnine.WithhimhadcomeDetectiveInspectorPrimerfromheadquartersandtheChiefConstableoftheCounty.Thelatterhadnotstayedlong.ItwasInspectorPrimerwhowasnowinchargeofthecaseofLilyKimbledeceasedandalltheramificationsarisingtherefrom.
ItwasInspectorPrimer,amanwithadeceptivelymildmannerandagentleapologeticvoice,whohadaskedherifitwouldinconvenienceherverymuchifhismendidsomedigginginthegarden.
Fromthetoneofhisvoice,itmighthavebeenacaseofgivinghismensomehealthfulexercise,ratherthanofseekingforadeadbodywhichhadbeenburiedforeighteenyears.
Gileshadspokenupthen.Hehadsaid:“Ithink,perhaps,wecouldhelpyouwithasuggestionortwo.”
AndhetoldtheInspectorabouttheshiftingofthestepsleadingdowntothelawn,andtooktheInspectoroutontotheterrace.
TheInspectorhadlookedupatthebarredwindowonthefirstflooratthecornerofthehouseandhadsaid:“Thatwouldbethenursery,Ipresume.”
AndGilessaidthatitwould.
ThentheInspectorandGileshadcomebackintothehouse,andtwomenwithspadeshadgoneoutintothegarden,andGiles,beforetheInspectorcouldgetdowntoquestions,hadsaid:
“Ithink,Inspector,youhadbetterhearsomethingthatmywifehassofarnotmentionedtoanyoneexceptmyself—and—er—oneotherperson.”
Thegentle,rathercompellinggazeofInspectorPrimercametorestonGwenda.Itwasfaintlyspeculative.Hewasaskinghimself,Gwendathought:“Isthisawomanwhocanbedependedupon,orisshethekindwhoimaginesthings?”
Sostronglydidshefeelthis,thatshestartedinadefensiveway:“Imayhaveimaginedit.PerhapsIdid.Butitseemsawfullyreal.”
InspectorPrimersaidsoftlyandsoothingly:
“Well,Mrs.Reed,let’shearaboutit.”
AndGwendahadexplained.Howthehousehadseemedfamiliartoherwhenshefirstsawit.Howshehadsubsequentlylearnedthatshehad,infact,livedthereasachild.Howshehadrememberedthenurserywallpaper,andtheconnectingdoor,andthefeelingshehadhadthatthereoughttobestepsdowntothelawn.
InspectorPrimernodded.HedidnotsaythatGwenda’schildishrecollectionswerenotparticularlyinteresting,butGwendawonderedwhetherhewerethinkingit.
Thenshenervedherselftothefinalstatement.Howshehadsuddenlyremembered,whensittinginatheatre,lookingthroughthebanistersatHillsideandseeingadeadwomaninthehall.
“Withablueface,strangled,andgoldenhair—anditwasHelen—Butitwassostupid,Ididn’tknowatallwhoHelenwas.”
“Wethinkthat—”Gilesbegan,butInspectorPrimer,withunexpectedauthority,helduparestraininghand.
“PleaseletMrs.Reedtellmeinherownwords.”
AndGwendahadstumbledon,herfaceflushed,withInspectorPrimergentlyhelpingherout,usingadexteritythatGwendadidnotappreciateasthehighlytechnicalperformanceitwas.
“Webster?”hesaidthoughtfully.“Hm,DuchessofMalfi.Monkey’spaws?”
“Butthatwasprobablyanightmare,”saidGiles.
“Please,Mr.Reed.”
“Itmayallhavebeenanightmare,”saidGwenda.
“No,Idon’tthinkitwas,”saidInspectorPrimer.“ItwouldbeveryhardtoexplainLilyKimble’sdeath,unlessweassumethattherewasawomanmurderedinthishouse.”
Thatseemedsoreasonableandalmostcomforting,thatGwendahurriedon.
“Anditwasn’tmyfatherwhomurderedher.Itwasn’t,really.EvenDr.Penrosesayshewasn’ttherighttype,andthathecouldn’thavemurderedanybody.AndDr.Kennedywasquitesurehehadn’tdoneit,butonlythoughthehad.Soyouseeitwassomeonewhowantedittoseemasthoughmyfatherhaddoneit,andwethinkweknowwho—atleastit’soneoftwopeople—”
“Gwenda,”saidGiles.“Wecan’treally—”
“Iwonder,Mr.Reed,”saidtheInspector,“ifyouwouldmindgoingoutintothegardenandseeinghowmymenaregettingon.TellthemIsentyou.”
HeclosedthefrenchwindowsafterGilesandlatchedthemandcamebacktoGwenda.
“Nowjusttellmeallyourideas,Mrs.Reed.Nevermindiftheyareratherincoherent.”
AndGwendahadpouredoutallherandGiles’sspeculationsandreasonings,andthestepstheyhadtakentofindoutalltheycouldaboutthethreemenwhomighthavefiguredinHelenHalliday’slife,andthefinalconclusionstheyhadcometo—andhowbothWalterFaneandJ.J.Afflickhadbeenrungup,asthoughbyGiles,andhadbeensummonedtoHillsidetheprecedingafternoon.
“Butyoudosee,don’tyou,Inspector—thatoneofthemmightbelying?”
Andinagentle,rathertiredvoice,theInspectorsaid:“That’soneoftheprincipaldifficultiesinmykindofwork.Somanypeoplemaybelying.Andsomanypeopleusuallyare…Thoughnotalwaysforthereasonsthatyou’dthink.Andsomepeopledon’tevenknowthey’relying.”
“DoyouthinkI’mlikethat?”Gwendaaskedapprehensively.
AndtheInspectorhadsmiledandsaid:“Ithinkyou’reaverytruthfulwitness,Mrs.Reed.”
“AndyouthinkI’mrightaboutwhomurderedher?”
TheInspectorsighedandsaid:“It’snotaquestionofthinking—notwithus.It’saquestionofcheckingup.Whereeverybodywas,whataccounteverybodygivesoftheirmovements.Weknowaccuratelyenough,towithintenminutesorso,whenLilyKimblewaskilled.Betweentwotwentyandtwoforty-five.Anyonecouldhavekilledherandthencomeonhereyesterdayafternoon.Idon’tsee,myself,anyreasonforthosetelephonecalls.Itdoesn’tgiveeitherofthepeopleyoumentionanalibiforthetimeofthemurder.”
“Butyouwillfindout,won’tyou,whattheyweredoingatthetime?Betweentwotwentyandtwoforty-five.Youwillaskthem.”
InspectorPrimersmiled.
“Weshallaskallthequestionsnecessary,Mrs.Reed,youmaybesureofthat.Allingoodtime.There’snogoodinrushingthings.You’vegottoseeyourwayahead.”
Gwendahadasuddenvisionofpatienceandquietunsensationalwork.Unhurried,remorseless….
Shesaid:“Isee…yes.Becauseyou’reprofessional.AndGilesandIarejustamateurs.Wemightmakealuckyhit—butwewouldn’treallyknowhowtofollowitup.”
“Somethingofthekind,Mrs.Reed.”
TheInspectorsmiledagain.Hegotupandunfastenedthefrenchwindows.Then,justashewasabouttostepthroughthem,hestopped.Rather,Gwendathought,likeapointingdog.
“Excuseme,Mrs.Reed.Thatladywouldn’tbeaMissJaneMarple,wouldshe?”
Gwendahadcometostandbesidehim.AtthebottomofthegardenMissMarplewasstillwagingalosingwarwithbindweed.
“Yes,that’sMissMarple.She’sawfullykindinhelpinguswiththegarden.”
“MissMarple,”saidtheInspector.“Isee.”
AndasGwendalookedathimenquiringlyandsaid,“She’sratheradear,”hereplied:
“She’saverycelebratedlady,isMissMarple.GottheChiefConstablesofatleastthreecountiesinherpocket.She’snotgotmyChiefyet,butIdaresaythatwillcome.SoMissMarple’sgotherfingerinthispie.”
“She’smadeanawfullotofhelpfulsuggestions,”saidGwenda.
“Ibetshehas,”saidtheInspector.“WasithersuggestionwheretolookforthedeceasedMrs.Halliday?”
“ShesaidthatGilesandIoughttoknowquitewellwheretolook,”saidGwenda.“Anditdidseemstupidofusnottohavethoughtofitbefore.”
TheInspectorgaveasoftlittlelaugh,andwentdowntostandbyMissMarple.Hesaid:“Idon’tthinkwe’vebeenintroduced,MissMarple.ButyouwerepointedouttomeoncebyColonelMelrose.”
MissMarplestoodup,flushedandgraspingahandfulofclinginggreen.
“Ohyes.DearColonelMelrose.Hehasalwaysbeenmostkind.Eversince—”
“EversinceachurchwardenwasshotintheVicar’sstudy.Quiteawhileago.Butyou’vehadothersuccessessincethen.AlittlepoisonpentroubledownnearLymstock.”
“Youseemtoknowquitealotaboutme,Inspector—”
“Primer,mynameis.Andyou’vebeenbusyhere,Iexpect.”
“Well,ItrytodowhatIcaninthegarden.Sadlyneglected.Thisbindweed,forinstance,suchnastystuff.Itsroots,”saidMissMarple,lookingveryearnestlyattheInspector,“godownundergroundalongway.Averylongway—theyrunalongunderneaththesoil.”
“Ithinkyou’rerightaboutthat,”saidtheInspector.“Alongwaydown.Alongwayback…thismurder,Imean.Eighteenyears.”
“Andperhapsbeforethat,”saidMissMarple.“Runningunderground…Andterriblyharmful,Inspector,squeezingthelifeoutoftheprettygrowingflowers….”
Oneofthepoliceconstablescamealongthepath.Hewasperspiringandhadasmudgeofearthonhisforehead.
“We’vecometo—something,sir.Looksasthoughit’sherallright.”
II
Anditwasthen,Gwendareflected,thatthenightmarishqualityofthedayhadbegun.Gilescomingin,hisfaceratherpale,saying:“It’s—she’sthereallright,Gwenda.”
Thenoneoftheconstableshadtelephonedandthepolicesurgeon,ashort,bustlingman,hadarrived.
AnditwasthenthatMrs.Cocker,thecalmandimperturbableMrs.Cocker,hadgoneoutintothegarden—notled,asmighthavebeenexpected,byghoulishcuriosity,butsolelyinthequestofculinaryherbsforthedishshewaspreparingforlunch.AndMrs.Cocker,whosereactiontothenewsofamurderontheprecedingdayhadbeenshockedcensureandananxietyfortheeffectuponGwenda’shealth(forMrs.Cockerhadmadeuphermindthatthenurseryupstairswastobetenantedaftertheduenumberofmonths),hadwalkedstraightinuponthegruesomediscovery,andhadbeenimmediately“takenqueer”toanalarmingextent.
“Toohorrible,madam.BonesisathingInevercouldabide.Notskeletonbones,asonemightsay.Andhereinthegarden,justbythemintandall.Andmyheart’sbeatingatsucharate—palpitations—Icanhardlygetmybreath.AndifImightmakesobold,justathimblefulofbrandy….”
AlarmedbyMrs.Cocker’sgaspsandherashycolour,Gwendahadrushedtothesideboard,pouredoutsomebrandyandbroughtittoMrs.Cockertosip.
AndMrs.Cockerhadsaid:“That’sjustwhatIneeded,madam—”when,quitesuddenly,hervoicehadfailed,andshehadlookedsoalarming,thatGwendahadscreamedforGiles,andGileshadyelledtothepolicesurgeon.
“Andit’sfortunateIwasonthespot,”thelattersaidafterwards.“Itwastouchandgoanyway.Withoutadoctor,thatwomanwouldhavediedthenandthere.”
AndthenInspectorPrimerhadtakenthebrandydecanter,andthenheandthedoctorhadgoneintoahuddleoverit,andInspectorPrimerhadaskedGwendawhensheandGileshadlasthadanybrandyoutofit.
Gwendasaidshethoughtnotforsomedays.They’dbeenaway—upNorth,andthelastfewtimesthey’dhadadrink,they’dhadgin.“ButInearlyhadsomebrandyyesterday,”saidGwenda.“OnlyitmakesmethinkofChannelsteamers,soGilesopenedanewbottleofwhisky.”
“Thatwasveryluckyforyou,Mrs.Reed.Ifyou’ddrunkbrandyyesterday,Idoubtifyouwouldbealivetoday.”
“Gilesnearlydranksome—butintheendhehadwhiskywithme.”
Gwendashivered.
Evennow,aloneinthehouse,withthepolicegoneandGilesgonewiththemafterahastylunchscratchedupoutoftins(sinceMrs.Cockerhadbeenremovedtohospital),Gwendacouldhardlybelieveinthemorningturmoilofevents.
Onethingstoodoutclearly:thepresenceinthehouseyesterdayofJackieAfflickandWalterFane.Eitherofthemcouldhavetamperedwiththebrandy,andwhatwasthepurposeofthetelephonecallsunlessitwastoaffordoneorotherofthemtheopportunitytopoisonthebrandydecanter?GwendaandGileshadbeengettingtoonearthetruth.Orhadathirdpersoncomeinfromoutside,throughtheopendiningroomwindowperhaps,whilstsheandGileshadbeensittinginDr.Kennedy’shousewaitingforLilyKimbletokeepherappointment?Athirdpersonwhohadengineeredthetelephonecallstosteersuspicionontheothertwo?
Butathirdperson,Gwendathought,didn’tmakesense.Forathirdperson,surely,wouldhavetelephonedtoonlyoneofthetwomen.Athirdpersonwouldhavewantedonesuspect,nottwo.Andanyway,whocouldthethirdpersonbe?ErskinehaddefinitelybeeninNorthumberland.No,eitherWalterFanehadtelephonedtoAfflickandhadpretendedtobetelephonedtohimself.OrelseAfflickhadtelephonedFane,andhadmadethesamepretenceofreceivingasummons.Oneofthosetwo,andthepolice,whowereclevererandhadmoreresourcesthansheandGileshad,wouldfindoutwhich.Andinthemeantimebothofthosemenwouldbewatched.Theywouldn’tbeableto—totryagain.
AgainGwendashivered.Ittookalittlegettingusedto—theknowledgethatsomeonehadtriedtokillyou.“Dangerous,”MissMarplehadsaidlongago.ButsheandGileshadnotreallytakentheideaofdangerseriously.EvenafterLilyKimblehadbeenkilled,itstillhadn’toccurredtoherthatanyonewouldtryandkillherandGiles.JustbecausesheandGilesweregettingtoonearthetruthofwhathadhappenedeighteenyearsago.Workingoutwhatmusthavehappenedthen—andwhohadmadeithappen.
WalterFaneandJackieAfflick….
Which?
Gwendaclosedhereyes,seeingthemafreshinthelightofhernewknowledge.
QuietWalterFane,sittinginhisoffice—thepalespiderinthecentreofitsweb.Soquiet,soharmless-looking.Ahousewithitsblindsdown.Someonedeadinthehouse.Someonedeadeighteenyearsago—butstillthere.HowsinisterthequietWalterFaneseemednow.WalterFanewhohadonceflunghimselfmurderouslyuponhisbrother.WalterFanewhomHelenhadscornfullyrefusedtomarry,oncehereathome,andonceagaininIndia.Adoublerebuff.Adoubleignominy.WalterFane,soquiet,sounemotional,whocouldexpresshimself,perhaps,onlyinsuddenmurderousviolence—as,possibly,quietLizzieBordenhadoncedone….
Gwendaopenedhereyes.Shehadconvincedherself,hadn’tshe,thatWalterFanewastheman?
Onemight,perhaps,justconsiderAfflick.Withhereyesopen,notshut.
Hisloudchecksuit,hisdomineeringmanner—justtheoppositetoWalterFane—nothingrepressedorquietaboutAfflick.Butpossiblyhehadputthatmanneronbecauseofaninferioritycomplex.Itworkedthatway,expertssaid.Ifyouweren’tsureofyourself,youhadtoboastandassertyourself,andbeoverbearing.TurneddownbyHelenbecausehewasn’tgoodenoughforher.Thesorefestering,notforgotten.Determinationtogetonintheworld.Persecution.Everyoneagainsthim.Dischargedfromhisemploymentbyafakedchargemadeupbyan“enemy.”SurelythatdidshowthatAfflickwasn’tnormal.Andwhatafeelingofpoweramanlikethatwouldgetoutofkilling.Thatgood-natured,jovialfaceofhis,itwasacruelfacereally.Hewasacruelman—andhisthinpalewifeknewitandwasafraidofhim.LilyKimblehadthreatenedhimandLilyKimblehaddied.GwendaandGileshadinterfered—thenGwendaandGilesmustdie,too,andhewouldinvolveWalterFanewhohadsackedhimlongago.Thatfittedinverynicely.
Gwendashookherself,cameoutofherimaginings,andreturnedtopracticality.Gileswouldbehomeandwanthistea.Shemustclearawayandwashuplunch.
Shefetchedatrayandtookthethingsouttothekitchen.Everythinginthekitchenwasexquisitelyneat.Mrs.Cockerwasreallyatreasure.
Bythesideofthesinkwasapairofsurgicalrubbergloves.Mrs.Cockeralwaysworeapairforwashingup.Herniece,whoworkedinahospital,gotthematareducedprice.
Gwendafittedthemonoverherhandsandbegantowashupthedishes.Shemightaswellkeepherhandsnice.
Shewashedtheplatesandputthemintherack,washedanddriedtheotherthingsandputeverythingneatlyaway.
Then,stilllostinthought,shewentupstairs.Shemightaswell,shethought,washoutthosestockingsandajumperortwo.She’dkeepthegloveson.
Thesethingswereintheforefrontofhermind.Butsomewhere,underneaththem,somethingwasnaggingather.
WalterFaneorJackieAfflick,shehadsaid.Oneortheotherofthem.Andshehadmadeoutquiteagoodcaseagainsteitherofthem.Perhapsthatwaswhatreallyworriedher.Because,strictlyspeaking,itwouldbemuchmoresatisfactoryifyoucouldonlymakeoutagoodcaseagainstoneofthem.Oneoughttobesure,bynow,which.AndGwendawasn’tsure.
Ifonlytherewassomeoneelse…Buttherecouldn’tbeanyoneelse.BecauseRichardErskinewasoutofit.RichardErskinehadbeeninNorthumberlandwhenLilyKimblewaskilledandwhenthebrandyinthedecanterhadbeentamperedwith.Yes,RichardErskinewasrightoutofit.
Shewasgladofthat,becauseshelikedRichardErskine.RichardErskinewasattractive,veryattractive.Howsadforhimtobemarriedtothatmegalithofawomanwithhersuspiciouseyesanddeepbassvoice.Justlikeaman’svoice….
Likeaman’svoice….
Theideaflashedthroughhermindwithaqueermisgiving.
Aman’svoice…CouldithavebeenMrs.Erskine,notherhusband,whohadrepliedtoGilesonthetelephonelastnight?
No—no,surelynot.No,ofcoursenot.SheandGileswouldhaveknown.Andanyway,tobeginwith,Mrs.Erskinecouldhavehadnoideaofwhowasringingup.No,ofcourseitwasErskinespeaking,andhiswife,ashesaid,wasaway.
Hiswifewasaway…
Surely—no,thatwasimpossible…CouldithavebeenMrs.Erskine?Mrs.Erskine,driveninsanebyjealousy?Mrs.ErskinetowhomLilyKimblehadwritten?WasitawomanLéoniehadseeninthegardenthatnightwhenshelookedoutofthewindow?
Therewasasuddenbanginthehallbelow.Somebodyhadcomeinthroughthefrontdoor.
Gwendacameoutfromthebathroomontothelandingandlookedoverthebanisters.ShewasrelievedtoseeitwasDr.Kennedy.Shecalleddown:
“I’mhere.”
Herhandswereheldoutinfrontofher—wet,glistening,aqueerpinkishgrey—theyremindedherofsomething….
Kennedylookedup,shadinghiseyes.
“Isthatyou,Gwennie?Ican’tseeyourface…Myeyesaredazzled—”
AndthenGwendascreamed….
Lookingatthosesmoothmonkey’spawsandhearingthatvoiceinthehall—
“Itwasyou,”shegasped.“Youkilledher…killedHelen…I—knownow.Itwasyou…allalong…You….”
Hecameupthestairstowardsher.Slowly.Lookingupather.
“Whycouldn’tyouleavemealone?”hesaid.“Whydidyouhavetomeddle?Whydidyouhavetobring—Her—back?JustwhenI’dbeguntoforget—toforget.Youbroughtherbackagain—Helen—myHelen.Bringingitallupagain.IhadtokillLily—nowI’llhavetokillyou.LikeIkilledHelen…Yes,likeIkilledHelen….”
Hewascloseuponhernow—hishandsouttowardsher—reaching,sheknew,forherthroat.Thatkind,quizzicalface—thatnice,ordinary,elderlyface—thesamestill,butfortheeyes—theeyeswerenotsane….
Gwendaretreatedbeforehim,slowly,thescreamfrozeninherthroat.Shehadscreamedonce.Shecouldnotscreamagain.Andifshedidscreamnoonewouldhear.
Becausetherewasnooneinthehouse—notGiles,andnotMrs.Cocker,notevenMissMarpleinthegarden.Nobody.Andthehousenextdoorwastoofarawaytohearifshescreamed.Andanyway,shecouldn’tscream…Becauseshewastoofrightenedtoscream.Frightenedofthosehorriblereachinghands….
Shecouldbackawaytothenurserydoorandthen—andthen—thosehandswouldfastenroundherthroat….
Apitifullittlestifledwhimpercamefrombetweenherlips.
Andthen,suddenly,Dr.Kennedystoppedandreeledbackasajetofsoapywaterstruckhimbetweentheeyes.Hegaspedandblinkedandhishandswenttohisface.
“Sofortunate,”saidMissMarple’svoice,ratherbreathless,forshehadrunviolentlyupthebackstairs,“thatIwasjustsyringingthegreenflyoffyourroses.”
Twenty-five
POSTSCRIPTATTORQUAY
“But,ofcourse,dearGwenda,Ishouldneverhavedreamedofgoingawayandleavingyoualoneinthehouse,”saidMissMarple.“Iknewtherewasaverydangerouspersonatlarge,andIwaskeepinganunobtrusivewatchfromthegarden.”
“Didyouknowitwas—him—allalong?”askedGwenda.
Theywereallthree,MissMarple,GwendaandGiles,sittingontheterraceoftheImperialHotelatTorquay.
“Achangeofscene,”MissMarplehadsaid,andGileshadagreed,wouldbethebestthingforGwenda.SoInspectorPrimerhadconcurredandtheyhaddriventoTorquayforthwith.
MissMarplesaidinanswertoGwenda’squestion,“Well,hedidseemindicated,mydear.Althoughunfortunatelytherewasnothinginthewayofevidencetogoupon.Justindications,nothingmore.”
Lookingathercuriously,Gilessaid,“ButIcan’tseeanyindicationseven.”
“Ohdear,Giles,think.Hewasonthespot,tobeginwith.”
“Onthespot?”
“Butcertainly.WhenKelvinHallidaycametohimthatnighthehadjustcomebackfromthehospital.Andthehospital,atthattime,asseveralpeopletoldus,wasactuallynextdoortoHillside,orSt.Catherine’sasitwasthencalled.Sothat,asyousee,putshimintherightplaceattherighttime.Andthentherewereahundredandonelittlesignificantfacts.HelenHallidaytoldRichardErskineshehadgoneouttomarryWalterFanebecauseshewasn’thappyathome.Nothappy,thatis,livingwithherbrother.Yetherbrotherwasbyallaccountsdevotedtoher.Sowhywasn’tshehappy?Mr.Afflicktoldyouthat‘hewassorryforthepoorkid.’Ithinkthathewasabsolutelytruthfulwhenhesaidthat.Hewassorryforher.WhydidshehavetogoandmeetyoungAfflickinthatclandestineway?Admittedlyshewasnotwildlyinlovewithhim.Wasitbecauseshecouldn’tmeetyoungmenintheordinarynormalway?Herbrotherwas‘strict’and‘old-fashioned.’Itisvaguelyreminiscent,isitnot,ofMr.BarrettofWimpoleStreet?”
Gwendashivered.
“Hewasmad,”shesaid.“Mad.”
“Yes,”saidMissMarple.“Hewasn’tnormal.Headoredhishalf-sister,andthataffectionbecamepossessiveandunwholesome.Thatkindofthinghappensoftenerthanyou’dthink.Fatherswhodon’twanttheirdaughterstomarry—oreventomeetyoungmen.LikeMr.Barrett.IthoughtofthatwhenIheardaboutthetennisnet.”
“Thetennisnet?”
“Yes,thatseemedtomeverysignificant.Thinkofthatgirl,youngHelen,cominghomefromschool,andeagerforallayounggirlwantsoutoflife,anxioustomeetyoungmen—toflirtwiththem—”
“Alittlesex-crazy.”
“No,”saidMissMarplewithemphasis.“Thatisoneofthewickedestthingsaboutthiscrime.Dr.Kennedydidn’tonlykillherphysically.Ifyouthinkbackcarefully,you’llseethattheonlyevidenceforHelenKennedy’shavingbeenmanmadorpractically—whatisthewordyouused,dear?ohyes,anymphomaniac—cameactuallyfromDr.Kennedyhimself.Ithink,myself,thatshewasaperfectlynormalyounggirlwhowantedtohavefunandagoodtimeandflirtalittleandfinallysettledownwiththemanofherchoice—nomorethanthat.Andseewhatstepsherbrothertook.Firsthewasstrictandold-fashionedaboutallowingherliberty.Then,whenshewantedtogivetennisparties—amostnormalandharmlessdesire—hepretendedtoagreeandthenonenightsecretlycutthetennisnettoribbons—averysignificantandsadisticaction.Then,sinceshecouldstillgoouttoplaytennisortodances,hetookadvantageofagrazedfootwhichhetreated,toinfectitsothatitwouldn’theal.Ohyes,Ithinkhedidthat…infact,I’msureofit.
“Mindyou.Idon’tthinkHelenrealizedanyofallthis.SheknewherbrotherhadadeepaffectionforherandIdon’tthinksheknewwhyshefeltuneasyandunhappyathome.ButshedidfeellikethatandatlastshedecidedtogoouttoIndiaandmarryyoungFanesimplyinordertogetaway.Togetawayfromwhat?Shedidn’tknow.Shewastooyoungandguilelesstoknow.SoshewentofftoIndiaandonthewayshemetRichardErskineandfellinlovewithhim.Thereagain,shebehavednotlikeasex-crazygirl,butlikeadecentandhonourablegirl.Shedidn’turgehimtoleavehiswife.Sheurgedhimnottodoso.ButwhenshesawWalterFanesheknewthat
“Onthewayhomeshemetyourfather—andanotherwayofescapeshoweditself.Thistimeitwasonewithgoodprospectofhappiness.
“Shedidn’tmarryyourfatherunderfalsepretences,Gwenda.Hewasrecoveringfromthedeathofadearlylovedwife.Shewasgettingoveranunhappyloveaffair.Theycouldbothhelpeachother.IthinkitissignificantthatsheandKelvinHallidayweremarriedinLondonandthenwentdowntoDillmouthtobreakthenewstoDr.Kennedy.ShemusthavehadsomeinstinctthatthatwouldbeawiserthingtodothantogodownandbemarriedinDillmouth,whichordinarilywouldhavebeenthenormalthingtodo.Istillthinkshedidn’tknowwhatshewasupagainst—butshewasuneasy,andshefeltsaferinpresentingherbrotherwiththemarriageasafaitaccompli.
“KelvinHallidaywasveryfriendlytoKennedyandlikedhim.Kennedyseemstohavegoneoutofhiswaytoappearpleasedaboutthemarriage.Thecoupletookafurnishedhousethere.
“Andnowwecometothatverysignificantfact—thesuggestionthatKelvinwasbeingdruggedbyhiswife.Thereareonlytwopossibleexplanationsofthat—becausethereareonlytwopeoplewhocouldhavehadtheopportunityofdoingsuchathing.EitherHelenHallidaywasdruggingherhusband,andifso,why?OrelsethedrugswerebeingadministeredbyDr.Kennedy.KennedywasHalliday’sphysicianasisclearbyHalliday’sconsultinghim.HehadconfidenceinKennedy’smedicalknowledge—andthesuggestionthathiswifewasdrugginghimwasverycleverlyputtohimbyKennedy.”
“Butcouldanydrugmakeamanhavethehallucinationthathewasstranglinghiswife?”askedGiles.“Imeanthereisn’tanydrug,isthere,thathasthatparticulareffect?”
“MydearGiles,you’vefallenintothetrapagain—thetrapofbelievingwhatissaidtoyou.ThereisonlyDr.Kennedy’swordforitthatHallidayeverhadthathallucination.Hehimselfneversayssoinhisdiary.Hehadhallucinations,yes,buthedoesnotmentiontheirnature.ButIdaresayKennedytalkedtohimaboutmenwhohadstrangledtheirwivesafterpassingthroughaphasesuchasKelvinHallidaywasexperiencing.”
“Dr.Kennedywasreallywicked,”saidGwenda.
“Ithink,”saidMissMarple,“thathe’ddefinitelypassedtheborderlinebetweensanityandmadnessbythattime.AndHelen,poorgirl,begantorealizeit.ItwastoherbrothershemusthavebeenspeakingthatdaywhenshewasoverheardbyLily.“IthinkI’vealwaysbeenafraidofyou.”Thatwasoneofthethingsshesaid.Andthatalwayswasverysignificant.AndsoshedeterminedtoleaveDillmouth.ShepersuadedherhusbandtobuyahouseinNorfolk,shepersuadedhimnottotellanyoneaboutit.Thesecrecyaboutitwasveryilluminating.Shewasclearlyveryafraidofsomeoneknowingaboutit—butthatdidnotfitinwiththeWalterFanetheoryortheJackieAfflicktheory—andcertainlynotwithRichardErskine’sbeingconcerned.No,itpointedtosomewheremuchnearerhome.
“Andintheend,KelvinHalliday,whomdoubtlessthesecrecyirkedandwhofeltittobepointless,toldhisbrother-in-law.
“Andinsodoing,sealedhisownfateandthatofhiswife.ForKennedywasnotgoingtoletHelengoandlivehappilywithherhusband.IthinkperhapshisideawassimplytobreakdownHalliday’shealthwithdrugs.ButattherevelationthathisvictimandHelenweregoingtoescapehim,hebecamecompletelyunhinged.FromthehospitalhewentthroughintothegardenofSt.Catherine’sandhetookwithhimapairofsurgicalgloves.HecaughtHeleninthehall,andhestrangledher.Nobodysawhim,therewasnoonetheretoseehim,orsohethought,andso,rackedwithloveandfrenzy,hequotedthosetragiclinesthatweresoapposite.”
MissMarplesighedandcluckedhertongue.
“Iwasstupid—verystupid.Wewereallstupid.Weshouldhaveseenatonce.ThoselinesfromTheDuchessofMalfiwerereallythecluetothewholething.Theyaresaid,aretheynot,byabrotherwhohasjustcontrivedhissister’sdeathtoavengehermarriagetothemansheloved.Yes,wewerestupid—”
“Andthen?”askedGiles.
“Andthenhewentthroughwiththewholedevilishplan.Thebodycarriedupstairs.Theclothespackedinasuitcase.Anote,writtenandthrowninthewastepaperbaskettoconvinceHallidaylater.”
“ButIshouldhavethought,”saidGwenda,“thatitwouldhavebeenbetterfromhispointofviewformyfatheractuallytohavebeenconvictedofthemurder.”
MissMarpleshookherhead.
“Ohno,hecouldn’triskthat.HehadalotofshrewdScottishcommonsense,youknow.Hehadawholesomerespectforthepolice.Thepolicetakealotofconvincingbeforetheybelieveamanguiltyofmurder.Thepolicemighthaveaskedalotofawkwardquestionsandmadealotofawkwardenquiriesastotimesandplaces.No,hisplanwassimpleralladelusion.Yourfatheracceptedthattheory,Gwennie,mainly,Ishouldimagine,foryoursake.HecontinuedtobelievethathehadkilledHelen.Hediedbelievingthat.”
“Wicked,”saidGwenda.“Wicked—wicked—wicked.”
“Yes,”saidMissMarple.“Thereisn’treallyanyotherword.AndIthink,Gwenda,thatthatiswhyyourchildishimpressionofwhatyousawremainedsostrong.Itwasrealevilthatwasintheairthatnight.”
“Buttheletters,”saidGiles.“Helen’sletters?Theywereinherhandwriting,sotheycouldn’tbeforgeries.”
“Ofcoursetheywereforgeries!Butthatiswhereheoverreachedhimself.Hewassoanxious,yousee,tostopyouandGilesmakinginvestigations.HecouldprobablyimitateHelen’shandwritingquitenicely—butitwouldn’tfoolanexpert.SothesampleofHelen’shandwritinghesentyouwiththeletterwasn’therhandwritingeither.Hewroteithimself.Sonaturallyittallied.”
“Goodness,”saidGiles.“Ineverthoughtofthat.”
“No,”saidMissMarple.“Youbelievedwhathesaid.Itreallyisverydangeroustobelievepeople.Ineverhaveforyears.”
“Andthebrandy?”
“HedidthatthedayhecametoHillsidewithHelen’sletterandtalkedtomeinthegarden.HewaswaitinginthehousewhileMrs.Cockercameoutandtoldmehewasthere.Itwouldonlytakeaminute.”
“GoodLord,”saidGiles.“AndheurgedmetotakeGwendahomeandgiveherbrandyafterwewereatthepolicestationwhenLilyKimblewaskilled.Howdidhearrangetomeetherearlier?”
“Thatwasverysimple.TheoriginalletterhesentheraskedhertomeethimatWoodleighCampandcometoMatchingsHaltbythetwo-fivetrainfromDillmouthJunction.Hecameoutofthecopseoftrees,probably,andaccostedherasshewasgoingupthelane—andstrangledher.Thenhesimplysubstitutedtheletteryouallsawforthelettershehadwithher(andwhichhehadaskedhertobringbecauseofthedirectionsinit)andwenthometoprepareforyouandplayoutthelittlecomedyofwaitingforLily.”
“AndLilyreallywasthreateninghim?Herletterdidn’tsoundasthoughshewas.HerlettersoundedasthoughshesuspectedAfflick.”
“Perhapsshedid.ButLéonie,theSwissgirl,hadtalkedtoLily,andLéoniewastheonedangertoKennedy.Becauseshelookedoutofthenurserywindowandsawhimdigginginthegarden.Inthemorninghetalkedtoher,toldherbluntlythatMajorHallidayhadkilledhiswife—thatMajorHallidaywasinsane,andthathe,Kennedy,washushingupthematterforthechild’ssake.If,however,Léoniefeltsheoughttogotothepolice,shemustdoso,butitwouldbeveryunpleasantforher—andsoon.
“Léonietookimmediatefrightatthementionofthepolice.SheadoredyouandhadimplicitfaithinwhatM.ledocteurthoughtbest.KennedypaidherahandsomesumofmoneyandhustledherbacktoSwitzerland.Butbeforeshewent,shehintedsomethingtoLilyastoyourfather’shavingkilledhiswifeandthatshehadseenthebodyburied.ThatfittedinwithLily’sideasatthetime.ShetookitforgrantedthatitwasKelvinHallidayLéoniehadseendiggingthe
“ButKennedydidn’tknowthat,ofcourse,”saidGwenda.
“Ofcoursenot.WhenhegotLily’sletterthewordsinitthatfrightenedhimwerethatLéoniehadtoldLilywhatshehadseenoutofthewindowandthementionofthecaroutside.”
“Thecar?JackieAfflick’scar?”
“Anothermisunderstanding.Lilyremembered,orthoughtsheremembered,acarlikeJackieAfflick’sbeingoutsideintheroad.AlreadyherimaginationhadgottoworkontheMysteryManwhocameovertoseeMrs.Halliday.Withthehospitalnextdoor,nodoubtagoodmanycarsdidparkalongthisroad.Butyoumustrememberthatthedoctor’scarwasactuallystandingoutsidethehospitalthatnight—heprobablyleapedtotheconclusionthatshemeanthiscar.Theadjectiveposhwasmeaninglesstohim.”
“Isee,”saidGiles.“Yes,toaguiltyconsciencethatletterofLily’smightlooklikeblackmail.ButhowdoyouknowallaboutLéonie?”
Herlipspursedclosetogether,MissMarplesaid:“Hewent—rightovertheedge,youknow.AssoonasthemenInspectorPrimerhadleftrushedinandseizedhim,hewentoverthewholecrimeagainandagain—everythinghe’ddone.Léoniedied,itseems,veryshortlyafterherreturntoSwitzerland.Overdoseofsomesleepingtablets…Ohno,hewasn’ttakinganychances.”
“Liketryingtopoisonmewiththebrandy.”
“Youwereverydangeroustohim,youandGiles.FortunatelyyounevertoldhimaboutyourmemoryofseeingHelendeadinthehall.Heneverknewtherehadbeenaneyewitness.”
“ThosetelephonecallstoFaneandAfflick,”saidGiles.“Didheputthosethrough?”
“Yes.Iftherewasanenquiryastowhocouldhavetamperedwiththebrandy,eitherofthemwouldmakeanadmirablesuspect,andifJackieAfflickdroveoverinhiscaralone,itmighttiehiminwithLilyKimble’smurder.Fanewouldmostlikelyhaveanalibi.”
“Andheseemedfondofme,”saidGwenda.“LittleGwennie.”
“Hehadtoplayhispart,”saidMissMarple.“Imaginewhatitmeanttohim.Aftereighteenyears,youandGilescomealong,askingquestions,burrowingintothepast,disturbingamurderthathadseemeddeadbutwasonlysleeping…Murderinretrospect…Ahorriblydangerousthingtodo,mydears.Ihavebeensadlyworried.”
“PoorMrs.Cocker,”saidGwenda.“Shehadaterriblynearescape.I’mgladshe’sgoingtobeallright.Doyouthinkshe’llcomebacktous,Giles?Afterallthis?”
“Shewillifthere’sanursery,”saidGilesgravely,andGwendablushed,andMissMarplesmiledalittleandlookedoutacrossTorbay.
“Howveryodditwasthatitshouldhappenthewayitdid,”musedGwenda.“Myhavingthoserubbergloveson,andlookingatthem,andthenhiscomingintothehallandsayingthosewordsthatsoundedsoliketheothers.‘Face’…andthen:‘Eyesdazzled’—”
Sheshuddered.
“Coverherface…Mineeyesdazzle…shediedyoung…thatmighthavebeenme…ifMissMarplehadn’tbeenthere.”
Shepausedandsaidsoftly,“PoorHelen…PoorlovelyHelen,whodiedyoung…Youknow,Giles,sheisn’tthereanymore—inthehouse—inthehall.Icouldfeelthatyesterdaybeforeweleft.There’sjustthehouse.Andthehouseisfondofus.Wecangobackifwelike….”
TheAgathaChristieCollection
THEHERCULEPOIROTMYSTERIES
MatchyourwitswiththefamousBelgiandetective.
TheMysteriousAffairatStylesTheMurderontheLinksPoirotInvestigatesTheMurderofRogerAckroydTheBigFourTheMysteryoftheBlueTrainPerilatEndHouseLordEdgwareDiesMurderontheOrientExpressThreeActTragedyDeathintheCloudsTheA.B.C.MurdersMurderinMesopotamiaCardsontheTableMurderintheMewsandOtherStoriesDumbWitnessDeathontheNileAppointmentwithDeathHerculePoirot’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
MurderintheMewsandOtherStories
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
Copyright
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialoguearedrawnfromtheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualeventsorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
AGATHACHRISTIE?MARPLE?MISSMARPLE?SLEEPINGMURDER?.Copyright?2011AgathaChristieLimited(aChorioncompany).Allrightsreserved.SleepingMurderwasfirstpublishedin1976.
SLEEPINGMURDER?1976.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest.