The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

"Where were Mrs. Farley and Miss Farley?"

"They had gone to the theater, sir."

"Thank you, Holmes, that will do."

Holmes bowed and left the room. Poirot turned

to the millionaire's widow.

"One more question, Mrs. Farley. Had your

husband good sight?"

"No. Not without his glasses."

"He was very shortsighted?"

"Oh, yes, he was quite helpless without his

spectacles."

"He had several pairs of glasses?"

"Yes."

"Ah," said Poirot. He leaned back. "I think

that that concludes the case .... "

There was silence in the room. They were all

looking at the little man who sat there complacently

stroking his mustache. On the inspector's

face was perplexity, Dr. Stillingfleet was frowning,

Cornworthy merely stared uncomprehendingly,

Mrs. Farley gazed in blank astonishment,

Joanna Farley looked eager.

Mrs. Farley broke the silence.

don't understand, M. Poirot." Her voice

174

Agatha Christie

"You do not see?"

Stillingfleet said, "I don't really see how your

laundress comes into it, Poirot."

"My laundress," said Poirot, "was very impor-tant.