“Our firm does very little in—er—criminal procedure, but I felt it my duty to my—er—late client—to undertake the defence of her niece. I may say we have already briefed Sir Edwin Bulmer, K.C.”
Poirot said, and his smile was suddenly ironic:
“No expense will be spared. Very right and proper!”
Looking over his glasses, Mr. Seddon said:
“Really, M. Poirot—”
Poirot cut into his protest.
“Eloquence and emotional appeal will not save your client. It will need more than that.”
Mr. Seddon said drily:
“What do you advise?”
“There is always the truth.”
“Quite so.”
“But in this case will the truth help us?”
Mr. Seddon said sharply:
“That, again, is a most improper remark.”
Poirot said:
“There are certain questions to which I should like answers.”
Mr. Seddon said cautiously:
“I cannot, of course, guarantee to answer without the consent of my client.”
“Naturally. I understand that.” He paused and then said, “Has Elinor Carlisle any enemies?”
Mr. Seddon showed a faint surprise.
“As far as I know, none.”
“Did the late Mrs. Welman, at any period of her life, make a will?”
“Never. She always put it off.”
“Has
Elinor Carlisle made a will?”
“Yes.”
“Recently? Since her aunt’s death?”
“Yes.”
“To whom has she left her property?”
“That, M. Poirot, is confidential. I cannot tell you without authorization from my client.”