PART FIVE DECEMBER 26TH III
Lydia Lee stood by the far window of the drawing room looking out. Her figure was half hidden
by the heavy window curtains. A sound in the room made her turn with a start to see Hercule
Poirot standing by the door.
She said
You startled me, M. Poirot.
I apologize, madame. I walk softly.
She said
I thought it was Horbury.
Hercule Poirot nodded.
It is true, he steps softly, that one—like a cat—or a thief.
He paused a minute, watching her.
Her face showed nothing, but she made a slight grimace of distate as she said
I have never cared for that man. I shall be glad to get rid of him.
I think you will be wise to do so, madame.
She looked at him quickly. She said
What do you mean? Do you know anything against him
Poirot said
He is a man who collects secrets—and uses them to his advantage.
She said sharply
Do you think he knows anything—about the murder
Poirot shrugged his shoulders. He said
He has quiet feet and long ears. He may have overheard something that he is keeping to
himself.
Lydia said clearly
Do you mean that he may try to blackmail one of us
It is within the bounds of possibility. But that is not what I came here to say.
What did you come to say
Poirot said slowly
I have been talking with M. Alfred Lee. He has made me a proposition, and I wished to
discuss it with you before accepting or declining it. But I was so struck by the picture you made
the charming pattern of your jumper against the deep red of the curtains, that I paused to admire.
Lydia said sharply
Really, M. Poirot, must we waste time in compliments
I beg your pardon, madame. So few English ladies understand la toilette. The dress you
were wearing the first night I saw you, its bold but simple pattern, it had grace—distinction.
Lydia said impatiently
What was it you wanted to see me about
Poirot became grave.
Just this, madame. Your husband, he wishes me to take up the investigation very seriously.
He demands that I stay here, in the house, and do my utmost to get to the bottom of the matter.
Lydia said sharply
Well
Poirot said slowly
I should not wish to accept an invitation that was not endorsed by the lady of the house.
She said coldly
Naturally I endorse my husband’s invitation.
Yes, madame, but I need more than that. Do you really want me to come here
Why not
Let us be more frank. What I ask you is this: do you want the truth to come out, or not
Naturally.
Poirot sighed.
Must you return me these conventional replies
Lydia said
I am a conventional woman.
Then she bit her lip, hesitated, and said
Perhaps it is better to speak frankly. Of course I understand you! The position is not a
pleasant one. My father-in-law has been brutally murdered, and unless a case can be made out
against the most likely suspect—Horbury—for robbery and murder—and it seems that it cannot
then it comes to this—one of his own family killed him. To bring that person to justice will mean
bringing shame and disgrace on us all . . . If I am to speak honestly I must say that I do not want
this to happen.
Poirot said
You are content for the murderer to escape unpunished
There are probably several undiscovered murderers at large in the world.
That, I grant you.
Does one more matter, then
Poirot said
And what about the other members of the family? The innocent
She stared.
What about them
Do you realize that if it turns out as you hope, no one will ever know. The shadow will
remain on all alike. . . .
She said uncertainly
I hadn’t thought of that.
Poirot said
No one will ever know who the guilty person is. . . .
He added softly
Unless you already know, madame
She cried out
You have no business to say that! It’s not true! Oh! If only it could be a stranger—not a
member of the family.
Poirot said
It might be both.
She stared at him.
What do you mean
It might be a member of the family—and, at the same time, a stranger . . . You do not see
what I mean? Eh bien, it is an idea that has occurred to the mind of Hercule Poirot.
He looked at her.
Well, madame, what am I to say to Mr. Lee
Lydia raised her hands and let them fall in a sudden helpless gesture.
She said
Of course—you must accept.
