The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

the Embassy in Washington, Mr. Anthony Chapell

who had been a guest in our house for some

weeks, and Sefiora Valdez who was at that time

enchanting New York City with her dancing. Little

Pauline here"--he patted her shoulder--"was only

sixteen but she came to the supper party as a

special treat. You remember, Pauline?"

"I remember--yes."

Her voice shook a little. "M. Poirot,

on that night a tragedy happened. There was

a roll of drums and the cabaret started.

· The

lights

went down--all but a spotlight in the middle of

the floor. When the lights went up

116

Agatha Christie

again, M. Poirot, my wife was seen to have fallen

forward on the table. She was dead--stone dead.

There was potassium cyanide found in the dregs of

her wine-glass, and the remains of the packet was

discovered in her handbag."

"She had committed suicide?" said Poirot.

"That was the accepted verdict .... It broke me

up, M. Poirot. There was, perhaps, a possible

reason for such an action--the police thought so. I

accepted their decision."

He pounded suddenly on the table.

"But I was not satisfied .... No, for four years

I've been thinking and broodingwand I'm not