The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie Read Free Book Online Page B

indeed, I believe. Nothing's ever stinted when he comes here. Best rooms reserved, food usually a la carte, expensive wines, best of everything.”
    Melchett nodded.
    Mr Prestcott tapped on the outer door and a woman's voice said, “Come in.” The manager entered, the others behind him.
    Mr Prestcott's manner was apologetic as he spoke to the woman who turned her head, at their entrance, from her seat by the window.
    “I am so sorry to disturb you, Mrs Jefferson, but these gentlemen are from the police. They are very anxious to have a word with Mr Jefferson. Er... Colonel Melchett, Superintendent Harper, Inspector er... Slack, Mrs Jefferson!”
    Mrs Jefferson acknowledged the introduction by bending her head.
    A plain woman, was Melchett's first impression. Then, as a slight smile came to her lips and she spoke, he changed his opinion. She had a singularly charming and sympathetic voice, and her eyes, clear hazel eyes, were beautiful. She was quietly but not unbecomingly dressed and was, he judged, about thirty-five years of age.
    She said, “My father-in-law is asleep. He is not strong at all, and this affair has been a terrible shock to him. We had to have the doctor, and the doctor gave him a sedative. As soon as he wakes he will, I know, want to see you. In the meantime, perhaps I can help you? Won't you sit down?”
    Mr Prestcott, anxious to escape, said to Colonel Melchett, “Well... er... if that's all I can do for you -” and thankfully received permission to depart.
    With his closing of the door behind him, the atmosphere took on a mellow and more social quality. Adelaide Jefferson had the power of creating a restful atmosphere. She was a woman who never seemed to say anything remarkable, but who succeeded in stimulating other people to talk and in setting them at their ease. She struck, now, the right note when she said, “This business has shocked us all very much. We saw quite a lot of the poor girl, you know. It seems quite unbelievable. My father-in-law is terribly upset. He was very fond of Ruby.”
    Colonel Melchett said, “It was Mr Jefferson, I understand, who reported her disappearance to the police.”
    He wanted to see exactly how she would react to that. There was a flicker, just a flicker of- annoyance? Concern? He could not say what exactly, but there was something, and it seemed to him that she had definitely to brace herself, as though to an unpleasant task, before going on.
    She said, “Yes, that is so. Being an invalid, he gets easily upset and worried. We tried to persuade him that it was all right, that there was some natural explanation, and that the girl herself would not like the police being notified. He insisted. Well -” she made a slight gesture - “he was right and we were wrong!”
    Melchett asked, “Exactly how well did you know Ruby Keene, Mrs Jefferson?”
    She considered. “It's difficult to say. My father-in-law is very fond of young people and likes to have them round him. Ruby was a new type to him; he was amused and interested by her chatter. She sat with us a good deal in the hotel and my father-in-law took her out for drives in the car.” Her voice was quite noncommittal.
    Melchett thought: She could say more if she chose.
    He said, “Will you tell me what you can of the course of events last night?”
    “Certainly, but there is very little that will be useful, I'm afraid. After dinner Ruby came and sat with us in the lounge. She remained even after the dancing had started. We had arranged to play bridge later, but we were waiting for Mark, that is Mark Gaskell, my brother-in-law, he married Mr Jefferson's daughter, you know, who had some important letters to write, and also for Josie. She was going to make a fourth with us.”
    “Did that often happen?”
    “Quite frequently. She's a first-class player, of course, and very nice. My father-in-law is a keen bridge player and, whenever possible, liked to get hold of Josie to make the fourth, instead of an