I believe, Dr Leidner, that your love for your wife was the ruling passion of your life. It is so, is it not?
Dr Leidner answered quite simply: Yes.
Poirot nodded.
Therefore, he said, we can proceed.
Hear, hear, lets get down to it, said Dr Reilly with some impatience.
Poirot gave him a reproving glance.
My friend, do not be impatient.
In a case like this everything must be approached with order and method.
In fact, that is my rule in every case.
Having disposed of certain possibilities, we now approach a very important point.
It is vital that, as you say all the cards should be on the table there must be nothing kept back.
Quite so, said Dr Reilly.
That is why I demand the whole truth, went on Poirot.
Dr Leidner looked at him in surprise.
I assure you, M. Poirot, that I have kept nothing back.
I have told you everything that I know.
There have been no reserves.
Tout de meme, you have not told me everything.
Yes, indeed.
I cannot think of any detail that has escaped me.
He looked quite distressed.
Poirot shook his head gently.
No, he said.
You have not told me, for instance, why you installed Nurse Leatheran in the house.
Dr Leidner looked completely bewildered.
But I have explained that.
It is obvious.
My wifes nervousness her fears
Poirot leaned forward. Slowly and emphatically he wagged a finger up and down.
No, no, no.
There is something there that is not clear.
Your wife is in danger, yes she is threatened with death, yes.
You send not for the police not for a private detective even but for a nurse!
It does not make the sense, that!
I I Dr Leidner stopped.
The colour rose in his cheeks.
I thought He came to a dead stop.
Now we are coming to it, Poirot encouraged him.
You thought what?
Dr Leidner remained silent.
He looked harassed and unwilling.
See you, Poirots tone became winning and appealing, it all rings what you have told me,except for that. Why a nurse?
There is an answer yes.
In fact, there can be only one answer.You did not believe yourself in your wifes danger.
And then with a cry Dr Leidner broke down.
God help me, he groaned.
I didnt.
I didnt.
Poirot watched him with the kind of attention a cat gives a mouse-hole ready to pounce when the mouse shows itself.
What did you think then? he asked.