Убийство Роджера Экройда

           "Andthenthatscene–yesterday,"continuedmypatient.

           Shepausedasthoughexpectingmetotakeupacue.

           "Whatscene?""Doctor,howcanyou?Haveyouforgotten?ThatdreadfullittleFrenchman–orBelgian–orwhateverheis.

           Bullyingusalllikehedid.Ithasquiteupsetme.ComingonthetopofRoger’sdeath.""I’mverysorry,Mrs.Ackroyd,"Isaid.

           "Idon’tknowwhathemeant–shoutingatuslikehell.IshouldhopeIknowmydutytoowelltodreamofconcealinganything.Ihavegiventhepoliceeveryassistanceinmypower."Mrs.Ackroydpaused,andIsaid,"Quiteso."Iwasbeginningtohaveaglimmeringofwhatallthetroublewasabout.

           "NoonecansaythatIhavefailedinmyduty,"continuedMrs.Ackroyd."IamsureInspectorRaglanisperfectlysatisfied.Whyshouldthislittleupstartofaforeignermakeafuss?Amostridiculous-lookingcreatureheistoo–justlikeacomicFrenchmaninarevue.Ican’tthinkwhyFlorainsistedonbringinghimintothecase.Sheneversaidawordtomeaboutit.Justwentoffanddiditonherown.

           Floraistooindependent.Iamawomanoftheworldandhermother.Sheshouldhavecometomeforadvicefirst."Ilistenedtoallthisinsilence.

           "Whatdoeshethink?That’swhatIwanttoknow.DoesheactuallyimagineI’mhidingsomething?He–he–positivelyaccusedmeyesterday."Ishruggedmyshoulders.