The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

Basil moved off together.

After they had gone there was rather an awk-ward

silence. Mr. Parker Pyne did not like to

speak first. Betty Gregg was twisting her fingers

and looking out to sea. Mrs. Chester looked

flushed and angry.

Betty said: "Well, what do you think of our

new acquisition in Pollensa Bay?" Her voice was

not quite steady.

Mr. Parker Pyne said cautiously:

"A little--er--exotic."

"Exotic?" Betty gave a short bitter laugh.

Mrs. Chester said: "She's terrible--terrible.

Basil must be quite mad."

Betty said sharply: "Basil's all right."

"Her toenails," said Mrs. Chester with a shiver

of nausea.

Betty rose suddenly.

"I think, Mrs. Chester, I'll go home and not

stay to dinner after all."

"Oh, my dear--Basil will be so disappointed."

"Will he?" asked Betty with a short laugh.

"Anyway, I think I will. I've got rather a head-ache."

She smiled at them both and went off. Mrs.

Chester turned to Mr. Parker Pyne.

"I wish we had never come to this place--never!"

Mr. Parker Pyne shook his head sadly.

"You shouldn't have gone away," said Mrs.

Chester. "If you'd been here this wouldn't have

happened."