The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

unkind to Betty."

"For God's sake, Mother, don't jaw. If Betty is

going to make this fuss every time I speak to

another girl a nice sort of life we'll lead together."

"You are engaged."

"Oh, we're engaged all right. That doesn't

PROBLEM AT POLLENSA BAY

97

mean that we're not going to have any friends of

our own. Nowadays people have to lead their own

lives and try to cut out jealousy."

He paused.

"Look here, if Betty isn't going to dine with

us--I think I'll go back to the Mariposa. They did

ask me to dine "

"Oh,

Basil--"

The boy gave her an exasperated look, then ran

off down the steps.

Mrs. Chester looked eloquently at Mr. Parker

Pyne.

"You see," she said.

He saw.

Matters came to a head a couple of days later.

Betty and Basil were to have gone for a long walk,

taking a picnic lunch with them. Betty arrived at

the Pino d'Oro to find that Basil had forgotten the

plan and gone over to Formentor for the day with

Dolores Ramona's party.

Beyond a tightening of the lips the girl made no