"
I stared at him. Surely the war had affected the little man's
brain. He was carefully engaged in brushing his coat before
putting it on, and seemed wholly engrossed in the task.
"I don't remember," I said. "And, anyway, I don't see----"
"You do not see? But it is of the first importance."
"I can't see why," I said, rather nettled. "As far as I can
remember, she didn't eat much. She was obviously upset, and it
had taken her appetite away. That was only natural."
"Yes," said Poirot thoughtfully, "it was only natural."
He opened a drawer, and took out a small despatch-case, then
turned to me.
"Now I am ready. We will proceed to the chateau, and study
matters on the spot. Excuse me, mon ami, you dressed in haste,
and your tie is on one side. Permit me." With a deft gesture, he
rearranged it.
"Ca y est! Now, shall we start?"
We hurried up the village, and turned in at the lodge gates.
Poirot stopped for a moment, and gazed sorrowfully over the
beautiful expanse of park, still glittering with morning dew.
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