The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

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 ¢ 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