Lady Yardley shook her head regretfully. "I'm afraid I don't. It is stupid of me. But, you see, I never dreamt of taking them seriously."
"You'll stay the night?" said Lord Yardley.
"Oh, milord, I fear to incommode you. We have left our bags at the inn."
"That's all right." Lord Yardley had his cue. "We'll send down for them . No, no - no trouble, I assure you."
Poirot permitted himself to be persuaded, and sitting down by Lady Yardley, began to make friends with the children. In a short time they were all rom ping together, and had dragged me into the game.
"Vous êtes bonne mère" said Poirot, with a gallant little bow , as the children were removed reluctantly by a stern nurse.
Lady Yardley smoothed her ruffled hair.
"I adore them ," she said with a little catch in her voice.
"And
