The Thirteen Problems - Agatha Christie [77]
‘Eh?’ said Jane looking rather bewildered.
‘I was observing that, in childish language, we “give it up”. You and you alone, Miss Helier, have had the high honour of presenting such an absolutely baffling mystery that even Miss Marple has to confess herself defeated.’
‘You all give it up?’ asked Jane.
‘Yes.’ After a minute’s silence during which he waited for the others to speak, Sir Henry constituted himself spokesman once more. ‘That is to say we stand or fall by the sketchy solutions we have tentatively advanced. One each for the mere men, two for Miss Marple, and a round dozen from Mrs B.’
‘It was not a dozen,’ said Mrs Bantry. ‘They were variations on a main theme. And how often am I to tell you that I will not be called Mrs B?’
‘So you all give it up,’ said Jane thoughtfully. ‘That’s very interesting.’
She leaned back in her chair and began to polish her nails rather absent-mindedly.
‘Well,’ said Mrs Bantry. ‘Come on, Jane. What is the solution?’
‘The solution?’
‘Yes. What really happened?’
Jane stared at her.
‘I haven’t the least idea.’
‘What?’
‘I’ve always wondered. I thought you were all so clever one of you would be able to tell me.’
Everybody harboured feelings of annoyance. It was all very well for Jane to be so beautiful—but at this moment everyone felt that stupidity could be carried too far. Even the most transcendent loveliness could not excuse it.
‘You mean the truth was never discovered?’ said Sir Henry.
‘No. That’s why, as I say, I did think you would be able to tell me.’
Jane sounded injured. It was plain that she felt she had a grievance.
‘Well—I’m—I’m—’ said Colonel Bantry, words failing him.
‘You are the most aggravating girl, Jane,’ said his wife. ‘Anyway, I’m sure and always will be that I was right. If you just tell us the proper names of the people, I shall be quite sure.’
‘I don’t think I could do that,’ said Jane slowly.
‘No, dear,’ said Miss Marple. ‘Miss Helier couldn’t do that.’
‘Of course she could,’ said Mrs Bantry. ‘Don’t be so high-minded, Jane. We older folk must have a bit of scandal. At any rate tell us who the city magnate was.’
But Jane shook her head, and Miss Marple, in her old-fashioned way, continued to support the girl.
‘It must have been a very distressing business,’ she said.
‘No,’ said Jane truthfully. ‘I think—I think I rather enjoyed it.’
‘Well, perhaps you did,’ said Miss Marple. ‘I suppose it was a break in the monotony. What play were you acting in?’
‘Smith.’
‘Oh, yes. That’s one of Mr Somerset Maugham’s, isn’t it? All his are very clever, I think. I’ve seen them nearly all.’
‘You’re reviving it to go on tour next autumn, aren’t you?’ asked Mrs Bantry.
Jane nodded.
‘Well,’ said Miss Marple rising. ‘I must go home. Such late hours! But we’ve had a very entertaining evening. Most unusually so. I think Miss Helier’s story wins the prize. Don’t you agree?’
‘I’m sorry you’re angry with me,’ said Jane. ‘About not knowing the end, I mean. I suppose I should have said so sooner.’
Her tone sounded wistful. Dr Lloyd rose gallantly to the occasion.
‘My dear young lady, why should you? You gave us a very pretty problem to sharpen our wits on. I am only sorry we could none of us solve it convincingly.’
‘Speak for yourself,’ said Mrs Bantry. ‘I did solve it. I’m convinced I am right.’
‘Do you know, I really believe you are,’ said Jane. ‘What you said sounded so probable.’
‘Which of her seven solutions do you refer to?’ asked Sir Henry teasingly.
Dr Lloyd gallantly assisted Miss Marple to put on her goloshes. ‘Just in case,’ as the old lady explained. The doctor was to be her escort to her old-world cottage. Wrapped in several woollen shawls, Miss Marple wished everyone good night once more. She came to Jane Helier last and leaning forward, she murmured something in the actress’s ear. A startled ‘Oh!’ burst from Jane—so loud as to cause the others to