It would really, I agreed.
But there, thats a man all over.
Not one in a hundred considers suitability.
And one cant really blame Dr Leidner.
Miss Johnson, poor soul, isnt so much to look at.
Now Mrs Leidner was really beautiful not young, of course but oh! I wish youd known her.
There was something about her I remember Mr Coleman saying she was like a thingummyjig that came to lure people into marshes.
That wasnt a very good way of putting it, but oh, well youll laugh at me, but there was something about her that was well unearthly.
She could cast a spell yes, I understand, said Poirot.
Then I dont think she and Mr Carey got on very well either, I went on.
Ive an idea he was jealous just like Miss Johnson.
He was always very stiff with her and so was she with him.
You know she passed him things and was very polite and called him Mr Carey rather formally.
He was an old friend of her husbands of course, and some women cant stand their husbands old friends.
They dont like to think that anyone knew them before they did at least thats rather a muddled way of putting it
I quite understand.
And the three young men?
Coleman, you say, was inclined to be poetic about her.
I couldnt help laughing.
It was funny, M. Poirot, I said.
Hes such a matter-of-fact young man.
And the other two?
I dont really know about Mr Emmott.
Hes always so quiet and never says much.
She was very nice to him always.
You know friendly called him David and used to tease him about Miss Reilly and things like that.
Ah, really?
And did he enjoy that?
I dont quite know, I said doubtfully.
Hed just look at her. Rather funnily. You couldnt tell what he was thinking.
And Mr Reiter?
She wasnt always very kind to him, I said slowly.
I think he got on her nerves.
She used to say quite sarcastic things to him.
And did he mind?
He used to get very pink, poor boy.
Of course, she didnt mean to be unkind.
And then suddenly, from feeling a little sorry for the boy, it came over me that he was very likely a cold-blooded murderer and had been playing a part all the time.
Oh, M. Poirot, I exclaimed.
What do you think really happened?
He shook his head slowly and thoughtfully.
Tell me, he said. You are not afraid to go back there tonight?
Ohno, I said.
Of course, I remember what you said, but who would want to murderme?
I do not think that anyone could, he said slowly.
That is partly why I have been so anxious to hear all you could tell me.
No, I think I am sure you are quite safe.
If anyone had told me in Baghdad I began and stopped.
Did you hear any gossip about the Leidners and the expedition before you came here? he asked.
I told him about Mrs Leidners nickname and just a little of what Mrs Kelsey had said about her.