Sad Cypress by Sad cypress

Author:Sad cypress
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-06-27T07:57:31.313000+00:00

"Oh, no, I wouldn't say that, Mr. Poirot. Miss Elinor has always been devoted to Mr. Roddy - always was, as a tiny tot - quite beautiful to see. Miss Elinor has a very loyal and devoted nature!"

Poirot murmured, "And he?"

Mrs. Bishop said austerely, "Mr. Roderick was devoted to Miss Elinor." Poirot said, "Yet the engagement, I think, was broken off?"

The color rose in Mrs. Bishop's face. She said, "Owing, Mr. Poirot, to the machinations of a snake in the grass."

Poirot said, appearing suitably impressed, "Indeed?"

Mrs. Bishop, her face becoming redder still, explained, "In this country, Mr. Poirot, there is a certain Decency to be observed when mentioning the Dead, But that young woman, Mr. Poirot, was Underhand in her Dealings."

Poirot looked at her thoughtfully for a moment. Then he said with an apparent lack of guile, "You surprise me. I had been given the impression that she was a very simple and unassuming girl."

Mrs. Bishop's chin trembled a little. "She was Artful, Mr. Poirot. People were Taken In by her. That Nurse Hopkins, for instance! Yes, and my poor dear mistress, too!"

Poirot shook his head sympathetically and made a clacking noise with his tongue.

"Yes, indeed," said Mrs. Bishop, stimulated by these encouraging noises. "She was failing, poor dear, and that young woman Wormed her way into her Confidence. She knew which side of her bread was buttered. Always hovering about, reading to her, bringing her little nosegays of flowers. It was Mary this and Mary that and 'Where's Mary?' all the time! The money she spent on the girl, too! Expensive schools and finishing places abroad - and the girl nothing but old Gerrard's daughter! He didn't like it, I can tell you! Used to complain of her Fine Lady ways. Above Herself, that's what She was."

This time Poirot shook his head and said commiseratingly, "Dear, dear."

"And then Making Up to Mr. Roddy the way she did! He was too simple to See Through her. And Miss Elinor, a nice minded young lady as she is, of course she wouldn't realize what was Going On. But Men, they are all alike: easily caught by flattery and a pretty face!"

Poirot sighed. "She had, I suppose, admirers of her own class?" he asked.

"Of course she had. There was Rufus Bigland's son Ted - as nice a boy as you could find. But, oh, no, my fine lady was too good for him! I'd no patience with such airs and graces!"

Poirot said, "Was he not angry about her treatment of him?"

"Yes, indeed. He accused her of carrying on with Mr. Roddy. I know that for a fact. I don't blame the boy for feeling sore!"

"Nor I," said Poirot. "You interest me extremely, Mrs. Bishop. Some people have the knack of presenting a character clearly and vigorously in a few words. It is a great gift. I have at last a clear picture of Mary Gerrard."

"Mind you," said Mrs. Bishop, "I'm not saying a word against the girl! I wouldn't do such a thing - and she in her grave.

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