The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

"Rather a superficial test."

"Not at all. I have known seven marriages at

least, entirely wrecked, because the husband liked

sitting up till midnight and the wife fell asleep at

half-past nine and vice versa."

"It's a pity," said Betty, "that everybody can't

be happy. Basil and I, and his mother giving us her

blessing."

Mr. Parker Pyne coughed.

"I think," he said, "that that could possibly be

managed."

She looked at him doubtfully.

"Now I wonder," she said, "if you're double

crossing me?"

Mr. Parker Pyne's face told nothing.

PROBLEM AT POLLENSA BAY

93

To Mrs. Chester he was soothing, but vague.

An engagement was not marriage. He himself was

going to Soller for a week. He suggested that her

line of action should be noncommittal. Let her

appear to acquiesce.

He spent a very enjoyable week at Soller.

On his return he found that a totally unexpected

development had arisen.

As he entered the Pino d'Oro the first thing he

saw was Mrs. Chester and Betty Gregg having tea

together. Basil was not there. Mrs. Chester looked

haggard. Betty, too, was looking off color. She

was hardly made up at all, and her eyelids looked