Загадочное происшествие в Стайлзе
Chapter VI. The Inquest
InanswertotheCoroner’squestion,shetoldhow,heralarmclockhavingarousedheratfour-thirtyasusual,shewasdressing,whenshewasstartledbythesoundofsomethingheavyfalling.
“Thatwouldhavebeenthetablebythebed?”commentedtheCoroner.
“Iopenedmydoor,”continuedMary,“andlistened.Inafewminutesabellrangviolently.Dorcascamerunningdownandwokemyhusband,andweallwenttomymother-in-law’sroom,butitwaslocked——”
TheCoronerinterruptedher.
“Ireallydonotthinkweneedtroubleyoufurtheronthatpoint.Weknowallthatcanbeknownofthesubsequenthappenings.ButIshouldbeobligedifyouwouldtellusallyouoverheardofthequarrelthedaybefore.”
“I?”
Therewasafaintinsolenceinhervoice.Sheraisedherhandandadjustedtheruffleoflaceatherneck,turningherheadalittleasshedidso.Andquitespontaneouslythethoughtflashedacrossmymind:“Sheisgainingtime!”
“Yes.Iunderstand,”continuedtheCoronerdeliberately,“thatyouweresittingreadingonthebenchjustoutsidethelongwindowoftheboudoir.Thatisso,isitnot?”
ThiswasnewstomeandglancingsidewaysatPoirot,Ifanciedthatitwasnewstohimaswell.
Therewasthefaintestpause,themerehesitationofamoment,beforesheanswered:
“Yes,thatisso.”
“Andtheboudoirwindowwasopen,wasitnot?”
Surelyherfacegrewalittlepalerassheanswered:
“Yes.”
“Thenyoucannothavefailedtohearthevoicesinside,especiallyastheywereraisedinanger.
