“Only a very little while,” pleaded the other. “Ah! but you must! A week⁠—ten days⁠—that is all I ask. You can be sure of your affair. The money will be forthcoming.”

Papopolous shifted a little and looked round him uneasily⁠—to find Poirot almost at his elbow with a beaming innocent face.

“ Ah! vous voilà , M. Papopolous. I have been looking for you. It is permitted that I take Mademoiselle Zia for a little turn in the gardens? Good evening, Mademoiselle.” He bowed very low to Mirelle. “A thousand pardons that I did not see you immediately.”

The dancer accepted his greetings rather impatiently. She was clearly annoyed at the interruption of her tête-à-tête. Poirot was quick to take the hint. Papopolous had already murmured: “Certainly⁠—but certainly,” and Poirot withdrew forthwith.