The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

or cheerful?"

The major C°nsiderd. He was a slow-spoken

man.

"Seemed in fairly g%d spirits," he said at last.

"He said nothing bout being on bad terms

with Major RicI?''

"Good Lord, no. They were pals."

"He didn't oIject t°'-his wife's friendship with

Major Rich?"

The major became Very red in the face.

"You've been. r.ea. ding those damned news-papers,

with tlaelr nm[s and lies. Of course he

didn't object. Why, he said to me: 'Marguerita's

going, of course""

"I see. Now during the evening--the manner of

Major Rich--Was that huch as usual?"

"I didn't notice any qifference."

"And madar0e? She, too, was as usual."

"Well," he reflected, "now I come to think of

it, she was a bit quiet. You know, thoughtful and

faraway."

"Who arrived first?"

"The SpenceS' They were there when I got

there. As a mStter of tact, I'd called round for

Mrs. Clayton, Itt f°unl she'd already started. So

I got there a bit late."

"And how did you amuse yourselves? You

danced? You pi$yed the cards?"

"A bit of botl. Danced first of all."

' "There were five of Yu?"