She was just plain jealous thats the truth of it.
Youve got to be very careful when theres a husband and wife about, and thats a fact.
I could tell you some surprising things.
Youve no idea the extraordinary things women get into their heads when its a question of their husbands.
I do not doubt the truth of what you say.
So Mrs Mercado was jealous?
And she hated Mrs Leidner?
Ive seen her look at her as though shed have liked to kill her oh, gracious!
I pulled myself up.
Indeed, M. Poirot, I didnt mean to say I mean, that is, not for one moment
No, no.
I quite understand.
The phrase slipped out.
A very convenient one.
And Mrs Leidner, was she worried by this animosity of Mrs Mercados?
Well, I said, reflecting, I dont really think she was worried at all.
In fact, I dont even know whether she noticed it.
I thought once of just giving her a hint but I didnt like to.
Least said soonest mended. Thats what I say.
You are doubtless wise.
Can you give me any instances of how Mrs Mercado showed her feelings?
I told him about our conversation on the roof.
So she mentioned Mrs Leidners first marriage, said Poirot thoughtfully.
Can you remember in mentioning it did she look at you as though she wondered whether you had heard a different version?
You think she may have known the truth about it?
It is a possibility.
She may have written those letters and engineered a tapping hand and all the rest of it.
I wondered something of the same kind myself.
It seemed the kind of petty revengeful thing she might do.
Yes.
A cruel streak, I should say.
But hardly the temperament for cold-blooded, brutal murder unless, of course He paused and then said: It is odd, that curious thing she said to you. I know why you are here.
What did she mean by it?
I cant imagine, I said frankly.
She thought you were there for some ulterior reason apart from the declared one.
What reason?
And why should she be so concerned in the matter.
Odd, too, the way you tell me she stared at you all through tea the day you arrived.
Well, shes not a lady, M. Poirot, I said primly.
That, ma soeur, is an excuse but not an explanation.
I wasnt quite sure for the minute what he meant. But he went on quickly.
And the other members of the staff?
I considered.
I dont think Miss Johnson liked Mrs Leidner either very much.
But she was quite open and above-board about it. She as good as admitted she was prejudiced.
You see, shes very devoted to Dr Leidner and had worked with him for years.
And of course, marriage does change things theres no denying it.
Yes, said Poirot.
And from Miss Johnsons point of view it would be an unsuitable marriage.
It would really have been much more suitable if Dr Leidner had married her.