Chapter 8
An Unexpected MeetingWe were up at the villa betimes next morning. The man on guard at the gate did not bar our way this time. Instead, he respectfully saluted us, and we passed on to the house. The maid Léonie was just coming down the stairs, and seemed not averse to the prospect of a little conversation.
Poirot inquired after the health of Mrs Renauld.
Léonie shook her head.
‘She is terribly upset, the poor lady! She will eat nothing—but nothing! And she is as pale as a ghost. It is heartrending to see her. Ah, it is not I who would grieve like that for a man who had deceived me with another woman!’
Poirot nodded sympathetically.
‘What you say is very just, but what will you? The heart of a woman who loves will forgive many blows. Still undoubtedly there must have been ma
