Chapter 24 Chapter 24 News from Paris

The next day, another uninvited visitor came to visit. The servant reported, Geraldine.Marsh begs to see you. When Poirot greeted her and gave up his seat, I felt pity for her.Her large dark brown eyes were bigger and deeper.There are dark circles around the eyes, as if I didn't sleep last night.In fact, she is still a child.Her face was haggard and tired, befitting her age. "M. Poirot, I have come to you because I do not know what to do with it. I am very worried. Very distressed." "What's the matter, miss?" His manner was grave and sympathetic. "Ronald told me what you said to him that day. I mean that terrible day when he was arrested." She trembled. "He told me, just when he thought no one would believe him." , you come up suddenly and say, 'I believe you.' Is that true, M. Poirot?"

"It's true, miss. That's what I said." "I know, but I'm not asking if you really said that. I'm asking if it's true. I mean, do you believe what he said?" She looked very anxious, leaning forward with her arms folded. "That's true, madam," said Poirot calmly. "I don't believe it was your cousin who killed Lord Edgware." "Oh!" Her face turned red, and her eyes were still wide open. "So. You must think——the murderer was someone else?" "Obviously, mademoiselle." Poirot smiled. "I'm so stupid. I can't talk. I mean—do you think you know who the murderer is?"

She leaned forward eagerly. "Naturally, I have my own thoughts—my doubts, so to speak." "Can you tell me? Please—please." Poirot shook his head. "It's maybe—probably—unfair." "So you've definitely suspected someone?" Poirot shook his head noncommittally. "I wish I knew a little more," pleaded the girl, "it would make me feel better. I might be able to help you. Yes, I might be able to help you." Her entreaty was irresistible, but Poirot still shook his head. "The Duchess of Merton still believes it was my stepmother," said the girl thoughtfully.She cast a questioning look at Poirot.

He didn't respond at all. "But I don't think it's possible." "What do you think of her? About your stepmother?" "Uh" barely knew her.My father was studying in Paris when he married her.When I get home, it's fine with me.I mean, not paying attention to my presence at all.I think she's got an empty brain—well, greedy for money. " Poirot nodded. "You spoke of the Duchess of Merton. Have you seen her?" "Yes. She's been very nice to me. Been with her a lot for the last two weeks. Everything's been so horrible—gossip, and Nader's in jail and stuff." She trembled. "I don't think I have any friends. But the Duchess is fine--I mean her son, fine."

"Do you like him?" "He was shy, stiff and difficult. But his mother said a lot about him, and I actually got to know him better." "I see. Miss, tell me, do you like your cousin?" "Ronald? Of course. He--I haven't seen him for two years. But he used to live at home. I always thought he was wonderful, kidding, and could come up with fantastic things to do. Oh! It makes all the difference with him in a gloomy house." Poirot nodded sympathetically, and what he asked next surprised me so openly. "Then—you don't want to see him hanged?"

"Yes, yes." The child kept trembling and said, it can't be like that.oh!I wish it was her—my stepmother.It should be her.The Duchess said, she. " "Ah!" said Poirot, if Captain Marsh stayed in the cab--eh? " "Yes—you must at least tell me, what do you mean?" She frowned, and I didn't understand. " "If he didn't follow the man into the house. By the way, did you hear anyone go in?" "No, I didn't hear anything." "What did you do when you entered the house?" "I went straight upstairs to get the jewelry, you know."

"Of course. You'll need some time to get it." "Yes. I couldn't find the jewel case." "Usually that way. Faster and slower. You take your time, then come down. So you found your cousin in the hall?" "Yes, come from the study." She swallowed. "I understand, it surprises you." "Yes, it is." She appreciated Poirot's sympathetic words. "You know. I was taken aback." "Yeah yeah!" "Ronnie just said, 'Hey Dana, got it?' He said it from behind me and made me jump." "Yes," said Poirot mildly. "It is a pity, as I said, that he was not outside. The driver would then be able to prove that he never entered the house."

She nodded.Tears flowed and dripped onto her lap.She stood up, and Poirot took her hand. "You want me to save him for you—do you?" "Yes, yes. Oh! Please save him! You don't know—" She stood there, fists clenched.Try to control your emotions. "Life is not easy for you, Mademoiselle," said Poirot gently. "I understand. Oh, it is enough for you. Hastings, will you call a cab for Mademoiselle?" I sent the girl down and sent her to the car.Now she has calmed down.She thanked me lovely. When I came back, I found Poirot pacing up and down, frowning, preoccupied, and very unhappy.

I was glad that the phone rang at this moment, and I could break his heart. "Who's it? Oh, it's Japp. Hello, old friend." "What did he say?" I said, leaning closer to the phone. He just let out various exclamations into the mic before speaking. "Well, who decided? Do they know?" No matter what the answer was, it was beyond his expectation.His face fell comically down again. "are you sure?" "..." "No. It's just annoying, nothing else." "..." "Yes, I must reconsider." "how?"

"..." "All the same, I was right. As you said, a side issue." "..." "No. I'm still of that opinion. I would ask you to look into Regent's Gate and Euston stations, Tottenham Court Road, and possibly the restaurants around Oxford Street." "..." "Yes, a man and a woman. And on the Embankment, before midnight. Is that so?" "..." "Yes. I know that Captain Marsh is with the Dorthammers. Is there no one else in the world except Captain Marsh?" "..." "Calling me pig-brained doesn't sound good. Just go ahead and do me this favor, I beg you."

He put the receiver back in place. "What?" I asked impatiently. "Is that good? I don't know, Hastings, the box was bought in Paris. Someone ordered it by post. The shop is a famous shop in Paris. They specialize in such things. The letter of order is said to be signed." It was a lady Ackley—Constance Ackley. Of course there was no such person. The letter was received two days before the murder. The letter specified that the (presumed) writer should be gem-set in the case initials. It was an expedited order—collection next day. The day before the murder." "Did someone pick it up?" "Yes, it was picked up and paid for in cash." "Who picked up the goods?" I asked eagerly.I think it's about to come to an end. "A woman fetched it, Hastings." "A woman?" I said in surprise. "Yes. A woman—short, of middle age and wearing a pince-nez." We looked at each other puzzled.