The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21) - Page 31

Why should I play the hypocrite? Si, si, that is

what you do, all of you. The airman who has

made a difficult flight, the tennis champion--they

look down their noses, they mutter inaudibly that

'it is nothing.' But do they really think that themselves?

Not for a moment. They would admire the

exploit in someone else. So, being reasonable men,

they admire it in themselves. But their training

prevents them from saying so. Me, I am not like

that. The talents that I possess--I would salute

them in another. As it happens, in my own particular

line, there is no one to touch me. C'est dornrnage,t As it is, I admit freely and without the hypocrisy

that I am a great man. I have the order,

the method and the psychology in an unusual de

34

Agatha Christie

gree. I am, ir; fact, Hercule Poirot! Why should I

turn red and stammer and mutter into my chin

that really I am very stupid9. It would not be

true."

"There is certainly only one Hercule Poirot," I

agreed--not without a spice of malice, of which,

fortunately, Poirot remained quite oblivious.

Lady Chatterton was one of Poirot's most ar-dent

admirers. Starting from the mysterious con-duct

of a Pekingese, he had unraveled a chain

which led to a noted burglar and housebreaker.

Lady Chatterton had been loud in his praises ever

since.

To see Poirot at a party was a great sight. His

Tags: Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot Mystery
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