“Yes?” said Poirot encouragingly.

“I think, sir⁠—I can’t be sure, but I think⁠—it is a case that the mistress bought to give to the master.”

“Ah,” said Poirot in a noncommittal manner.

“But whether she ever did give it to him or not, I can’t say, of course.”

“Precisely,” said Poirot, “precisely. That is all, I think, Mademoiselle. I wish you good afternoon.”

Ada Mason retired discreetly, closing the door noiselessly behind her.

Poirot looked across at Van Aldin, a faint smile upon his face. The millionaire looked thunderstruck.

“You think⁠—you think it was Derek?” he queried, “but⁠—everything points the other way. Why, the Count has actually been caught red-handed with the jewels on him.”

“No.”