II

That evening, Poirot noticed that Mrs. Allerton was sitting talking to Miss Van Schuyler. As hepassed, Mrs. Allerton closed one eye and opened it again. She was saying, “Of course at CalfriesCastle—the dear Duke—”

Cornelia, released from her attendance, was out on the deck. She was listening to Dr. Bessner,who was instructing her somewhat ponderously¹ in Egyptology as culled² from the pages ofBaedeker. Cornelia listened with rapt attention.

Leaning over the rail Tim Allerton was saying: “Anyhow, it’s a rotten world….”

Rosalie Otterbourne answered: “It’s unfair; some people have everything.”

Poirot sighed. He was glad that he was no longer young.