The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

doesn't, I suppose," said lllie drily. "The man

was a fool ever to have married her."

In the darkness Poirot smiled. "You don't

think it's just possible that the marriage may be a

success?" he asked diffidently.

"With a woman like that?"

Poirot shrugged his shoulders. "Many odious

women have devoted husbands. An enigma of

Nature. You will admit that nothing she says or

does appears to gall him."

Miss Henderson was considering her reply when

Mrs. Clapperton's voice floated out through the

smoking-room window.

"No--I don't think I will play another rubber.

So stuffy. I think I'll go up and get some air on the

boat deck."

"Good-night," said Miss Henderson. "I'm

going to bed." She disappeared abruptly.

Poirot strolled forward to the lounge--deserted

save for Colonel Clapperton and the two girls. He

was doing card tricks for them, and noting the

dexterity of his shuffling and handling of the

cards, Poirot remembered the General's story of a

career on the music hall stage.

"I see you enjoy the cards even though you do

PROBLEM AT SEA

203

not play bridge,'' he remarked.

"I've my reasons for not playing bridge," said

Clapperton, his charming smile breaking out. "I'll