Chapter 4 Chapter Four: Miss Marple's Questioning of the Physician

Dr. Graham was a gentle old gentleman of about sixty-five.He has practiced medicine in the West Indies for many years, and now he has entered a semi-retired state, leaving most of his business to his local partner to take care of him. He politely asked Miss Marple if she was unwell.Fortunately, at Miss Marple's age, as long as the patient exaggerates a little, there are always some minor problems that can be discussed with the doctor.Miss Marple wondered for a moment whether to speak of "her shoulders" or "her knees," but finally decided to use her knees.Miss Marple knew it: her knees had always been strong.

Dr. Graham, being so polite and considerate, did not make it clear that a man of her age was always bound to do so.So he prescribed her a little pill that doctors often use as a prelude to medicine but is quite useful.He knew from experience that an old man new to St. Annori's was somewhat lonely, and he decided to stay a little longer to chat with her. "A very nice fellow," said Miss Marple. "I'm a little ashamed to have to lie to him like that. But I can't think of any other way." In the upbringing that Miss Marple received since she was a child, she has more respect for truth, and she is indeed a person with a very sincere nature.But on certain occasions, if she thought it was her duty to do it, she could tell a lie with astonishing truth.

She cleared her throat, coughed shyly, and said in an old lady's trembling voice, "Dr. Graham, I have something I want to ask you. I didn't want to mention it—but I don't know what to say." What to do—of course, it's not a big deal. But you know, it's a big deal to me. I hope you don't find my question annoying or unreasonable." After hearing such opening remarks, Dr. Graham replied: "You are a little troubled, aren't you? Please let me share your worries." "It had something to do with Major Balgrave. It was a sad death. I was shocked when I heard it this morning." "Indeed," said Dr. Graham, "I felt the suddenness too." .He seemed to be in good spirits yesterday." Although he was very considerate, his tone was very ordinary.Evidently, Major Balgrave's death did not seem strange to him.Miss Marple began to wonder if she had made it out of nothing.Had her habit of being suspicious been ingrained?Maybe she couldn't even trust her own judgment.

In fact, it is not judgment, just paranoid.Anyway, I'm already stuck in it!Only bite the bullet and charge it. ． "We sat and talked yesterday afternoon," she said. "He told me a lot of new and interesting things. Things from all over the world." "Isn't it?" said Dr. Graham, who was tired of hearing stories about Major Balgrave. "Afterwards he talked about his family, his childhood, and I told him about my nephew and niece, and he seemed to listen very speculatively. I showed him a picture of my nephew. What a nice boy - of course I'm an adult now, but you know, I'll always be a child in my heart."

"Naturally," said Dr. Graham, thinking how long it would be before the old lady got to the point. "I handed it to him, and he was looking at it, when all of a sudden, those people—those very nice people—collectors of wildflowers and butterflies, they seem to be Colonel Shillingon and his wife—" "Oh, is it? That must be the Hillingdon and Dyson couple." "Yes, it was them. They came over suddenly, talking and laughing. They sat down, ordered drinks, and we all chatted. We talked very happily. But, maybe it was unintentional, Major Balgrave. Must have put that picture of me in his wallet and back in his trouser pocket. I didn't notice it then, but I remember saying to myself afterwards, 'I mustn't forget to ask the major for my Denzier back. That picture.' I was thinking about it when the band was playing last night, but I couldn't bother him because they were having fun, and I thought, 'I'll remember to ask him for it in the morning. ' But this morning—" Miss Marple paused for breath.

"Yes, yes," said Dr. Graham, "I understand. You want—of course, you want to get the picture back, don't you?" Miss Marple nodded eagerly. "Yes. You see, there's only one, and there's no negative. I'd hate to lose that picture, because poor Denzier died five or six years ago, and he was my dearest nephew. This is the only picture I can see when I miss him. Don't know - I hope - I'm sorry to bother you - Is it possible for you to get it back for me, you know, I really don't know who to ask.I also don't know who looks after what he left behind.It's so difficult.They will think I am too wordy.You know, they won't understand.No one will ever understand how much this photo means to me. "

"Of course, of course," said Dr. Graham, "I understand very well that what you feel is quite natural. As it happens, I have a meeting with the authorities here in a few moments—funeral tomorrow—and there is a Officials are coming to examine his papers and belongings, and then notify his family. Can you tell me what that photo looks like." "It's at the front of a house," said Miss Marple. "A man—I mean Denzil—was coming out the front door. It belonged to another flower-loving nephew of mine—I think he was A hibiscus bush, or something beautiful like that - like hors d'oeuvres, lilies, or something. Denzier was coming out the front door at that moment. It wasn't a great shot - kind of fuzzy - but I liked it, Always take it with you.”

"Yes," said Dr. Graham, "you have described it quite clearly. I don't think there will be any problem, Miss Marple. We will get your picture back." He stood up from his chair.Marble looked up at him with a smiling face. "It's very kind of you, Dr. Graham, and thank you very much. You know that sort of thing, don't you?" "Of course I understand, of course I understand," said Dr. Graham, shaking her hand affectionately. "You don't worry. Give your knee a little daily exercise, but don't overdo it, and I'll send you another pill. Every day Take it three times."