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"Yet you seem to be invariably charming to Dr. Bauerstein!"
Instantly I regretted my words. Her face stiffened. I had the impression of a
steel curtain coming down and blotting out the real woman. Without a word,
she turned and went swiftly up the stairs, whilst I stood like an idiot gaping
after her.
I was recalled to other matters by a frightful row going on below. I could
hear Poirot shouting and expounding. I was vexed to think that my
diplomacy had been in vain. The little man appeared to be taking the whole
house into his confidence, a proceeding of which I, for one, doubted the
wisdom. Once again I could not help regretting that my friend was so prone
to lose his head in moments of excitement. I stepped briskly down the stairs.
The sight of me calmed Poirot almost immediately. I drew him aside.
"My dear fellow," I said, "is this wise? Surely you don't want the whole house
to know of this occurrence? You are actually playing into the criminal's
hands."
"
"
"
"
"
You think so, Hastings?"
I am sure of it."
Well, well, my friend, I will be guided by you."
Good. Although, unfortunately, it is a little too late now."
Sure."
He looked so crestfallen and abashed that I felt quite sorry, though I still
thought my rebuke a just and wise one.
"
"
"
"
Well," he said at last, "let us go, mon ami."
You have finished here?"
For the moment, yes. You will walk back with me to the village?"
Willingly."
He picked up his little suit-case, and we went out through the open window
in the drawing-room. Cynthia Murdoch was just coming in, and Poirot stood
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