Agatha Christie - Cards On The Table

I don't want my nervous patients upset."

Superintendent Battle looked round at Poirot.

"Excuse me, M. Poirot. If you'd like to ask any questions, I'm sure the doctor wouldn't mind."

"Of course not. Of course not. Great admirer of yours, M. Poirot. Little grey cells---order and method. I know all about it. I feel sure you'll think Of something most intriguing to ask me."

Hercule Poirot spread out his hands in his most foreign manner.

"No, no. I just like to get all the details clear in my mind. For instance, how many rubbers did you play?"

"Three," said Roberts promptly. "We'd got to one game all, in the fourth rubber, when you came in."

"And who played with who?"

"First rubber, Despard and I against the ladies. They beat us, God bless 'em.

Walk over; we never held a card.

"Second rubber, Miss Meredith and I against Despard and Mrs. Lorrimer.

Third rubber, Mrs. Lorrimer and I against Miss Meredith and Despard. We cut each time, but it worked out like a pivot. Fourth ruboer, Miss Meredith and I again." / "Who won and who lost?"

"Mrs. Lorrimer won every rubber. Miss Meredith won the first and lost the next