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II. The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor
Sheshowedusintoasmallmorning-room,andretiredtotellhermistress.Abouttenminuteselapsed,andthenthedooropened,andaslenderfigureinwidow’sweedsstooduponthethreshold.
“MonsieurPoirot?”shefaltered.
“Madame!”Poirotspranggallantlytohisfeetandhastenedtowardsher.“IcannottellyouhowIregrettoderangeyouinthisway.Butwhatwillyou?Lesaffaires—theyknownomercy.”
Mrs.Maltraverspermittedhimtoleadhertoachair.Hereyeswereredwithweeping,butthetemporarydisfigurementcouldnotconcealherextraordinarybeauty.Shewasabouttwenty-sevenoreight,andveryfair,withlargeblueeyesandaprettypoutingmouth.
“Itissomethingaboutmyhusband’sinsurance,isit?ButmustIbebotherednow—sosoon?”
“Courage,mydearMadame.Courage!Yousee,yourlatehusbandinsuredhislifeforratheralargesum,andinsuchacasetheCompanyalwayshastosatisfyitselfastoafewdetails.Theyhaveempoweredmetoactforthem.YoucanrestassuredthatIwilldoallinmypowertorenderthematternottoounpleasantforyou.WillyourecounttomebrieflythesadeventsofWednesday?”
“Iwaschangingforteawhenmymaidcameup—oneofthegardenershadjustruntothehouse.Hehadfound——”
Hervoicetrailedaway.Poirotpressedherhandsympathetically.
“Icomprehend.Enough!Youhadseenyourhusbandearlierintheafternoon?”
“Notsincelunch.Ihadwalkeddowntothevillageforsomestamps,andIbelievehewasoutpotteringroundthegrounds.
