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Introduction

CARLA LEMARCHANT

Hercule Poirot looked with interest and appreciation at the young wo ushered into the room

There had been nothing distinctive in the letter she had written It had been a mere request for an appointment, with no hint of what lay behind that request It had been brief and businesslike Only the fir had indicated that Carla Le woman

And now here she was in the flesh—a tall, slender young wo woood, an expensive well-cut coat and skirt and luxurious furs Her head ell poised on her shoulders, she had a square brow, a sensitively cut nose and a determined chin She looked very much alive It was her aliveness, more than her beauty, which struck the predominant note

Before her entrance, Hercule Poirot had been feeling old—now he felt rejuvenated—alive—keen!

As he carey eyes studying him attentively She was very earnest in that scrutiny

She sat down and accepted the cigarette that he offered her After it was lit she sat for aat hiaze

Poirot said gently:

“Yes, it has to be decided, does it not?”

She started “I beg your pardon?”

Her voice was attractive, with a faint, agreeable huskiness in it