I HAD arrived at Styles 5th of July I come now events 16th and 17th month convenience reader recapitulate the incidents days in as exact manner as possible They were elicited subsequently trial by process of long and tedious cross-examinations

I received letter from Evelyn Howard couple of days after her departure, telling me she was working as nurse big hospital in Middlingham, manufacturing town some fifteen miles away, and begging me to let her know if Mrs Inglethorp should show any wish reconciled

The only fly ointment peaceful days was Mrs Cavendish's extraordinary, and, part, unaccountable preference society of Dr Bauerstein What she saw man imagine, but she was always asking him house, and often went off for long expeditions confess that quite unable his attraction

The 16th of July fell on Monday day of turmoil The famous bazaar had taken place on Saturday, and an entertainment, in connection same charity, at which Mrs Inglethorp was to recite War poem, was held that night We were all busy during the morning arranging and decorating the Hall village where place We had late luncheon and spent the afternoon resting garden I noticed that John's manner was somewhat unusual very excited and restless

After tea, Mrs Inglethorp went to lie down to rest before her efforts evening and I challenged Mary Cavendish to single at tennis

About quarter to seven, Mrs Inglethorp called us that late as supper was early that night We had rather scramble ready ; and meal was over the motor was waiting door

The entertainment was great success, Mrs Inglethorp's recitation receiving tremendous applause There were also some tableaux Cynthia took part She return , having been asked to supper party, and to remain the night with some friends who acting with her tableaux

The following morning, Mrs Inglethorp stayed in bed to breakfast, as she was rather overtired; but she appeared in her briskest mood about 12 30, and swept Lawrence and myself off to luncheon party

"Such charming invitation from Mrs Rolleston Lady Tadminster's sister, The Rollestons came over Conqueror -- oldest families ''

Mary had excused herself plea of an engagement with Dr Bauerstein

We had pleasant luncheon, and drove away Lawrence suggested that return by Tadminster, barely mile out way, and pay visit to Cynthia in her dispensary Mrs Inglethorp replied was an excellent idea, but as she had several letters to write drop us there, and come back with Cynthia pony-trap

We were detained under suspicion hospital porter, until Cynthia appeared to vouch , looking very cool and sweet in her long white overall She took us her sanctum, and introduced us to her fellow dispenser, rather awe-inspiring individual, whom Cynthia cheerily addressed as "Nibs ''

"What lot of bottles ! '' I exclaimed, as my eye travelled round the small room " really know what's all ? ''

"Say something original,'' groaned Cynthia "Every single person who comes up here says that really thinking of bestowing prize first individual who say: 'What lot of bottles ! ' And the next thing you're going is: ' people poisoned ? ' ''

I pleaded guilty with laugh

" people only knew how fatally easy to poison some one by mistake, you wouldn't joke Come on, let's have tea We've got all sorts of secret stories cupboard No, Lawrence -- that's the poison cupboard The big cupboard -- that's right ''

We had very cheery tea, and assisted Cynthia to wash up afterwards We had just put away the last tea-spoon when knock came door The countenances of Cynthia and Nibs were suddenly petrified into stern and forbidding expression

"Come in,'' said Cynthia, in sharp professional tone

young and rather scared looking nurse appeared with bottle which she proffered to Nibs, who waved her towards Cynthia somewhat enigmatical remark:

"I'm not really here to-day ''

Cynthia took the bottle and examined it severity of judge

"This sent up ''

"Sister is very sorry She forgot ''

"Sister should read the rules outside the door ''

I gathered little nurse's expression that not the least likelihood of her having the hardihood to retail this message dreaded "Sister''

"So now it can't until to-morrow,'' finished Cynthia

"Don't possibly it to-night ? ''

"Well,'' said Cynthia graciously, " very busy, but time it shall ''

The little nurse withdrew, and Cynthia promptly took jar shelf, refilled the bottle, and placed it table outside the door

I laughed

"Discipline maintained ? ''

"Exactly Come out little balcony You all the outside wards there ''

I followed Cynthia and her friend pointed out the different wards Lawrence remained behind, but after Cynthia called to him over her shoulder and join us Then she looked at her watch

"Nothing more , Nibs ? ''

"No ''

"All right Then lock up and go ''

I had seen Lawrence in quite different light that afternoon Compared to John, an astoundingly difficult person He opposite brother in almost every respect, being unusually shy and reserved Yet he had certain charm of manner, and I fancied that, if one really knew him well, one deep affection for him I had always fancied that his manner to Cynthia was rather constrained, she on her side was inclined shy of him But they were both gay enough this afternoon, and chatted together like couple of children

drove village, I remembered that some stamps, so accordingly we pulled up post office

As out again, I cannoned into little man who was just entering I drew aside and apologised, when suddenly, with loud exclamation, he clasped me arms and kissed me warmly

"Mon ami Hastings ! '' he cried " indeed mon ami Hastings ! ''

"Poirot ! '' I exclaimed

I turned pony-trap

" very pleasant meeting , Miss Cynthia my old friend, Monsieur Poirot, whom seen for years ''

"Oh, Monsieur Poirot,'' said Cynthia gaily "But I had no idea friend of yours ''

"Yes, indeed,'' said Poirot seriously " Mademoiselle Cynthia charity good Mrs Inglethorp that here '' Then, as I looked at him inquiringly: "Yes, my friend, she had kindly extended hospitality to seven countrypeople who, alas, are refugees from their native land We Belgians will always remember her with gratitude ''

Poirot was an extraordinary looking little man hardly more than five feet, four inches, but carried himself with great dignity His head was exactly the shape of an egg, and he always perched it little on one side His moustache was very stiff and military The neatness attire was almost incredible I believe speck of dust caused him more pain than bullet wound Yet this quaint dandyfied little man who, sorry , now limped badly, time celebrated members Belgian police As detective, his flair extraordinary, and he had achieved triumphs by unravelling most baffling cases day

He pointed out the little house inhabited by him fellow Belgians, and I promised him at an early date Then he raised his hat with flourish to Cynthia, and we drove away

"He's dear little man,'' said Cynthia "I'd no idea him ''

"You've been entertaining celebrity unawares,'' I replied

And, rest way home, I recited the various exploits and triumphs of Hercule Poirot

We arrived back in very cheerful mood entered the hall, Mrs Inglethorp came out of her boudoir She looked flushed and upset

"Oh, it's you,'' she said