Загадочное происшествие в Стайлзе
Chapter V. “It Isn’t Strychnine, Is It?”
MonsieurPoirot,Iamsureyouagreewithmethatthefactsareverysuggestive.”
“Suggestive,ornot,”interruptedJohn,“wearemostgratefultoMonsieurPoirotforelucidatingthematter.Butforhim,weshouldneverhaveknownofthiswill.Isuppose,Imaynotaskyou,monsieur,whatfirstledyoutosuspectthefact?”
Poirotsmiledandanswered:
“Ascribbledoveroldenvelope,andafreshlyplantedbedofbegonias.”
John,Ithink,wouldhavepressedhisquestionsfurther,butatthatmomenttheloudpurrofamotorwasaudible,andweallturnedtothewindowasitsweptpast.
“Evie!”criedJohn.“Excuseme,Wells.”Hewenthurriedlyoutintothehall.
Poirotlookedinquiringlyatme.
“MissHoward,”Iexplained.
“Ah,Iamgladshehascome.Thereisawomanwithaheadandahearttoo,Hastings.ThoughthegoodGodgavehernobeauty!”
IfollowedJohn’sexample,andwentoutintothehall,whereMissHowardwasendeavouringtoextricateherselffromthevoluminousmassofveilsthatenvelopedherhead.Ashereyesfellonme,asuddenpangofguiltshotthroughme.Thiswasthewomanwhohadwarnedmesoearnestly,andtowhosewarningIhad,alas,paidnoheed!Howsoon,andhowcontemptuously,Ihaddismisseditfrommymind.Nowthatshehadbeenprovedjustifiedinsotragicamanner,Ifeltashamed.ShehadknownAlfredInglethorponlytoowell.
