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Chapter X. The Arrest
”
“Whethertocatchthecriminalornot?”Iaskedfacetiously.
But,tomygreatsurprise,Poirotnoddedgravely.
“‘Tospeakornottospeak,’asyoursogreatShakespearesays,‘thatisthequestion.’”
Ididnottroubletocorrectthequotation.
“Youarenotserious,Poirot?”
“Iamofthemostserious.Forthemostseriousofallthingshangsinthebalance.”
“Andthatis?”
“Awoman’shappiness,monami,”hesaidgravely.
Ididnotquiteknowwhattosay.
“Themomenthascome,”saidPoirotthoughtfully,“andIdonotknowwhattodo.For,seeyou,itisabigstakeforwhichIplay.NoonebutI,HerculePoirot,wouldattemptit!”Andhetappedhimselfproudlyonthebreast.
Afterpausingafewminutesrespectfully,soasnottospoilhiseffect,IgavehimLawrence’smessage.
“Aha!”hecried.“Sohehasfoundtheextracoffee-cup.Thatisgood.Hehasmoreintelligencethanwouldappear,thislong-facedMonsieurLawrenceofyours!”
IdidnotmyselfthinkveryhighlyofLawrence’sintelligence;butIforeboretocontradictPoirot,andgentlytookhimtotaskforforgettingmyinstructionsastowhichwereCynthia’sdaysoff.
“Itistrue.Ihavetheheadofasieve.However,theotheryoungladywasmostkind.Shewassorryformydisappointment,andshowedmeeverythinginthekindestway.”
“Oh,well,that’sallright,then,andyoumustgototeawithCynthiaanotherday.”
Itoldhimabouttheletter.
“Iamsorryforthat,”hesaid.“Ialwayshadhopesofthatletter.
