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He rushed like a madman from the room, and I followed him as soon as I had sufficiently recovered my wits But, by the tiht

Mary Cavendish was standing where the staircase branched, staring down into the hall in the direction in which he had disappeared

"What has happened to your extraordinary little friend, Mr Hastings? He has just rushed past ," I remarked feebly I really did not kno much Poirot would wish ather on Mrs Cavendish's expressive mouth, I endeavoured to try and turn the conversation by saying: "They haven't lethorp and Miss Howard"

She looked atmanner

"Do you think it would be such a disaster if they did meet?"

"Well, don't you?" I said, rather taken aback

"No" She was sood flare up It would clear the air At present we are all thinking soso little"

"John doesn't think so," I remarked "He's anxious to keep the in her tone fired ood sort"

She studied reat surprise: "You are loyal to your friend I like you for that"

"Aren't you my friend too?"

"I am a very bad friend"

"Why do you say that?"

"Because it is true I aet all about them the next"

I don't knohat impelled me, but I was nettled, and I said foolishly and not in the best of taste: "Yet you see to Dr Bauerstein!"

Instantly I regretted my words Her face stiffened I had the i 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 otheron below I could hear Poirot shouting and expounding I was vexed to think that my diplo the whole house into his confidence, a proceeding of which I, for one, doubted the wisdo that my friend was so prone to lose his head in moments of exciteht of me calmed Poirot almost immediately I drew him aside