I hastened to reassure her, and I explained what Poirot wanted.

 

“Certainly,” said Mrs. Ackroyd rather doubtfully, “I suppose we must come if M.

Poirot says so. But what is it all about? I like to know beforehand.”

 

I assured the lady truthfully that I myself did not know any more than she did.

 

“Very well,” said Mrs. Ackroyd at last, rather grudgingly, “I will tell the

others, and we will be there at nine o’clock.”

 

Thereupon I took my leave, and joined Poirot at the agreed meeting-place.

 

“I’ve been longer than a quarter of an hour, I’m afraid,” I remarked. “But once

that good lady starts talking it’s a matter of the utmost difficulty to get a

word in edgeways.”

 

“It is of no matter,” said Poirot. “Me, I have been well amused. This park is

magnificent.”

 

We set off homewards. When we arrived, to our great surprise Caroline, who had

evidently been watching for us, herself opened the door.

 

She put her fingers to her lips. Her face was full of importance and excitement.

 

“Ursula Bourne,” she said, “the parlormaid from Fernly. She’s here!