morning?"
"No."
Poirot paused a moment, then resumed, "When
I arrived I was not shown into Mr. Farley's own
room."
"No. He told me that I was to tell Holmes to
show you into my room."
"Why was that? Do you know?"
Cornworthy shook his head. "I never ques-tioned
any of Mr. Farley's orders," he said dryly.
"He would have resented it if I had."
"Did he usually receive visitors in his own
room?"
170
Agatha Christie
"Usually, but not always. Sometimes he saw
them in my room."
"Was there any reason for that?"
Hugo Cornworthy considered.
"No--I hardly think so--I've never really
thought about it."
Turning to Mrs. Farley, Poirot asked:
"You permit that I ring for your butler?"
"Certainly, M. Poirot."
Very correct, very urbane, Holmes answered the
bell.
"You rang, madam?"
Mrs. Farley indicated Poirot with a gesture.
Holmes turned politely. "Yes, sir?"
"What were your instructions, Holmes, on the