The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

is."

"Anything I can do, Monsieur--"

Poirot made a sign. Luigi.slipped discreetly

away. Stephen Carter was returning to the table.

"We are still deserted, Mr. Carter," said Poirot.

"Oh--er--quite," said the other.

"You know Mr. Barton Russell well?"

"Yes, known him a good while."

"His sister-in-law, little Miss Weatherby, is very

charming."

"Yes, pretty girl."

"You know her well, too?"

"Quite."

"Oh, quite, quite," said Poirot.

Carter stared at him.

The music stopped and the others returned.

Barton Russell said to a waiter:

"Another bottle of champagne--quickly."

Then he raised his glass.

"See here, folks. I'm going to ask you to drink

a toast. To tell you the truth, there's an idea back

of this little party tonight. As you know, I'd

ordered a table for six. There were only five of us.

That gave us an empty place. Then, by a very

strange coincidence, M. Hercule Poirot happened

to pass by and I asked him to join ourarty.

"You don't know yet what an apt coincidence

that was. You see that empty seat tonight represents

a lady--the lady in whose memory this party

is being given. This party, ladies and gentlemen, is