Summerhaye. The little man was transformed. He radiated an absurd complacency. He bowed with exaggerated respect to Mary Cavendish.
“Madame, I have your permission to hold a little reunion in the salon? It is necessary for every one to attend.”
Mary smiled sadly.
“You know, Monsieur Poirot, that you have carte blanche in every way.”
“You are too amiable, madame.”
Still beaming, Poirot marshalled us all into the drawing-room, bringing forward chairs as he did so.
“Miss Howard—here. Mademoiselle
Alfred Inglethorp sprang up again.
“You? How can you speak? You do not know–-” he broke off abruptly.
Poirot turned to face us. “Mesdames and messieurs! I speak! Listen! I, Hercule Poirot, affirm that the man who entered the chemist’s shop, and purchased strychnine at six o’clock on Monday last was