along?”
“The possibility has been in my mind from the first,” admitted Poirot. “I was always convinced that Mademoiselle Flora was hiding something from us. To satisfy myself, I made the little experiment I told you of. Dr. Sheppard accompanied me.”
“A test for Parker, you said it was,” I remarked bitterly.
“ Mon ami ,” said Poirot apologetically, “as I told you at the time, one must say something.”
The inspector rose. “There’s only one thing for it,” he declared. “We must tackle the young lady right away. You’ll come up to Fernly with me, M. Poirot?”
“Certainly. Dr. Sheppard will drive us up in his car.”
I acquiesced willingly.
On inquiry for Miss Ackroyd, we were shown into the billiard room. Flora and Major Hector Blunt were sitting on the long window seat.
“Good morning, Miss Ackroyd,” said the inspector. “Can we have a word or two alone with you?”
Blunt got up at once and moved to the door.
“What is it?” asked Flora nervously. “Don’t go, Major Blunt. He can stay, can’t he?” she asked, turning to the inspector.
“That’s as you like,” said the inspector drily. “There’s a question or two it’s my duty to put to you, miss, but I’d prefer to do so privately, and I dare say you’d prefer it also.”
Flora looked keenly at him. I saw her face grow whiter. Then she turned and spoke to Blunt.