Убийство в Восточном экспрессе
12. The Evidence of the German Lady’s Maid
“Weknowthatyoucannotgiveusmuchinformationbearingonthecrimeitself,butyoumayhaveseenorheardsomethingthat,whileconveyingnothingtoyou,maybevaluabletous.Youunderstand?”
Shedidnotseemto.Herbroad,kindlyfaceremainedsetinitsexpressionofplacidstupidityassheanswered:
“Idonotknowanything,Monsieur.”
“Well,forinstance,youknowthatyourmistresssentforyoulastnight?”
“That,yes.”
“Doyourememberthetime?”
“Idonot,Monsieur.Iwasasleep,yousee,whentheattendantcameandtoldme.”
“Yes,yes.Wasitusualforyoutobesentforinthisway?”
“Itwasnotunusual,Monsieur.Thegraciousladyoftenrequiredattentionatnight.Shedidnotsleepwell.”
“Ehbien,then,youreceivedthesummonsandyougotup.Didyouputonadressinggown?”
“No,Monsieur,Iputonafewclothes.IwouldnotliketogointoherExcellencyinmydressinggown.”
“Andyetitisaverynicedressinggown—scarlet,isitnot?”
Shestaredathim.
“Itisadark-blueflanneldressinggown,Monsieur.”
“Ah!continue.Alittlepleasantryonmypart,thatisall.SoyouwentalongtoMadamelaPrincesse.Andwhatdidyoudowhenyougotthere?”
“Igavehermassage,Monsieur,andthenIreadaloud.Idonotreadaloudverywell,butherExcellencysaysthatisallthebetter.Soitsendsherbettertosleep.Whenshebecamesleepy,Monsieur,shetoldmetogo,soIclosedthebookandIreturnedtomyowncompartment.”
“Doyouknowwhattimethatwas?”
“No,Monsieur.
