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curiosity was aroused afresh.
Lawrence would say no more, so I decided that I would descend from my
high horse, and once more seek out Poirot at Leastways Cottage.
This time I was received with a smile. Monsieur Poirot was within. Would I
mount? I mounted accordingly.
Poirot was sitting by the table, his head buried in his hands. He sprang up
at my entrance.
"What is it?" I asked solicitously. "You are not ill, I trust?"
"No, no, not ill. But I decide an affair of great moment."
"Whether to catch the criminal or not?" I asked facetiously.
But, to my great surprise, Poirot nodded gravely.
"'To speak or not to speak,' as your so great Shakespeare says, 'that is the
question.'"
I did not trouble to correct the quotation.
"You are not serious, Poirot?"
"
I am of the most serious. For the most serious of all things hangs in the
balance."
"And that is?"
"
A woman's happiness, mon ami," he said gravely.
I did not quite know what to say.
The moment has come," said Poirot thoughtfully, "and I do not know what
"
to do. For, see you, it is a big stake for which I play. No one but I, Hercule
Poirot, would attempt it!" And he tapped himself proudly on the breast.
After pausing a few minutes respectfully, so as not to spoil his effect, I gave
him Lawrence's message.
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