The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

myself?"

"Perhaps you've got an appointment with

Carter here. The latest from Geneva. Interna-tional

situation now acute. The stolen plans must

be found or war will be declared tomorrow!"

Pauline Weatherby said cuttingly:

"Must you be so completely idiotic, Tony?"

"Sorry, Pauline."

Tony Chapell relapsed into crestfallen silence.

"How severe you are, Mademoiselle."

"I hate people who play the fool all the time?

"I must be careful, I see. I must converse only

of serious matters."

112

Agatha Christie

"Excuse me, must just speak to a fellow I know

over there. Fellow I was with at Eton."

Stephen Ca-ter got up and walked to a table a

few places away.

Tony said gloomily:

"Somebody ought to drown old Etonians at

birth."

Hercule Poirot was still being gallant to the

dark beauty beside him.

He murmured:

"I wonder, may I ask, what are the favorite

flowers of Mademoiselle?"

"Ah, now, why ees eet you want to know?"

Lola was arch.

"Mademoiselle, if I send flowers to a lady, I am