Death in the Clouds (Hercule Poirot 12)

‘RIP,’ said Norman with a laugh.

‘What happened?’ asked Jane of Poirot.

He smiled at her.

‘I found out what I wanted to know.’

‘Was she mixed up with Giselle?’

‘Yes.’

‘That was pretty clear from my interview with her,’ said Norman.

‘Quite so,’ said Poirot. ‘But I wanted a full and detailed story.’

‘And you got it?’

‘I got it.’

They both looked at him inquiringly, but Poirot, in a provoking manner, began to discuss the relationship between a career and life.

‘There are not so many round pegs in square holes as one might think. Most people, in spite of what they tell you, choose the occupations that they secretly desire. You will hear a man say who works in an office, “I should like to explore—to rough it in far countries.” But you will find that he likes reading the fiction that deals with that subject, but that he himself prefers the safety and moderate comfort of an office stool.’

‘According to you,’ said Jane, ‘my desire for foreign travel isn’t genuine—messing about with women’s heads is my true vocation—well, that isn’t true.’

Poirot smiled at her.

‘You are young still. Naturally one tries this, that and the other, but what one eventually settles down into is the life one prefers.’

‘And suppose I prefer being rich?’

‘Ah, that, it is more difficult!’

‘I don’t agree with you,’ said Gale. ‘I’m a dentist by chance—not choice. My uncle was a dentist—he wanted me to come in with him, but I was all for adventure and seeing the world. I chucked dentistry and went off to farm in South Africa. However, that wasn’t much good—I hadn’t got enough experience. I had to accept the old man’s offer and come and set up business with him.’

‘And now you are thinking of chucking dentistry again and going off to Canada. You have a Dominion complex!’

‘This time I shall be forced to do it.’

‘Ah, but it is incredible how often things force one to do the thing one would like to do.’

‘Nothing’s forcing me to travel,’ said Jane wistfully. ‘I wish it would.’

‘Eh bien, I make you an offer here and now. I go to Paris next week. If you like you can take the job of my secretary—I will give you a good salary.’

Jane shook her head.

‘I mustn’t give up Antoine’s. It’s a good job.’

‘So is mine a good job.’

‘Yes, but it’s only temporary.’

‘I will obtain you another post of the same kind.’

‘Thanks, but I don’t think I’ll risk it.’

Poirot looked at her and smiled enigmatically.