“Oh, I don’t know,” he went on. “Good looks and a charming, easy manner. It took me in once upon a time. I suppose he pretended to be brokenhearted when you broke the news to him⁠—that is, if he didn’t know it already.”

“Oh, it came as a surprise to him. He was overwhelmed.”

“Darned young hypocrite,” said Van Aldin. “Simulated great grief, I suppose?”

“N‑no,” said the Commissary cautiously. “I would not quite say that⁠—eh, M. Carrège?”

The Magistrate brought the tips of his fingers together, and half closed his eyes.

“Shock, bewilderment, horror⁠—these things, yes,” he declared judicially. “Great sorrow⁠—no⁠—I should not say that.”

Hercule Poirot spoke once more.