thought there was going to be some kind of understanding between her and young Raymond. Just think of it!" Mrs. Ackroyd's voice rose in shrill horror. "A private secretary—with practically no means of his own."
"It would have been a severe blow to you," I said. "Now, Mrs. Ackroyd, I've got a message for you from M. Hercule Poirot."
"For me?"
Mrs. Ackroyd looked quite alarmed.
I hastened to reassure her, and I explained what Poirot wanted.
"Certainly," said Mrs. Ackroyd rather doubtfully, "I suppose we must come if M. Poirot says so. But what is it all about? I like to know beforehand."
I assured the lady truthfully that I myself did not know any more than she did.
"Very well," said Mrs. Ackroyd at last, rather grudgingly, "I will tell the others, and we will be there at nine o'clock."
Thereupon I took my leave, and joined Poirot at the agreed meeting-place.
"I've been longer than a quarter of an hour, I'm afraid," I remarked. "But once that good lady starts talking it's a matter of the utmost difficulty to get a word in edgeways."
"It is of no matter," said Poirot. "Me, I have been well amused. This park is magnificent."
We set off homewards. When we arrived, to our great surprise Caroline, who had evidently been watching for us, herself opened the door.
[258]
