suspicions should prove correct, I should very
much dislike. But it is of course possible that
I am entirely mistaken. I do not feel myself
clear-headed enough nowadays--suffering
as I do from insomnia and the result of a
severe illness last winter--to investigate
things for myself. I have neither the means
nor the ability. On the other hand, I must
reiterate once more that this is a very delicate
family matter and that for many reasons I
may want the whole thing hushed up. If I am
once assured of the facts, I can deal with the
matter myself and should prefer to do so. I
hope that I have made myself clear on this
point. If you will undertake this investiga-tion,
perhaps you will let me know to the
above address?
Yours very truly,
AMELIA BARROWBY.
Poirot read the letter through twice. Again his
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEI$R()W?
55
eyebrows rose
slightly. Then he laced it on one
side and pr-o, ceeded to the next envelop ยข in the pile.
At ten o clock precisely he eter-d the room
where Miss Lemon, his confidenlial scretary, sat
awaiting her instructions for the day. Miss Lemon
was forty-eight and of unprepossessing appearance.
Her general effect was that of a lot of bones