Towards Zero by Agatha Christie Read Free Book Online

life. Chambers in London, parties—a living earned by the shrewd use of the tongue.” He reflected that Adrian Royde must have been a very different chap from old Silent Thomas.
    â€œYour mother’s alive, isn’t she?”
    â€œThe mater? Yes.”
    â€œAnd you’ve got a sister, too.”
    Thomas shook his head.
    â€œOh, I thought you had. In that snapshot—”
    Royde mumbled, “Not a sister. Sort of distant cousin or something. Brought up with us because she was an orphan.”
    Once more a slow tide of colour suffused the bronzed skin.
    Drake thought, “Hullo—o—?”
    He said: “Is she married?”
    â€œShe was. Married that fellow Nevile Strange.”
    â€œFellow who plays tennis and racquets and all that?”
    â€œYes. She divorced him.”
    â€œAnd you’re going home to try your luck with her,” thought Drake.
    Mercifully he changed the subject of the conversation.
    â€œGoing to get any fishing or shooting?”
    â€œShall go home first. Then I thought of doing a bit of sailing down at Saltcreek.”
    â€œI know it. Attractive little place. Rather a decent old-fashioned Hotel there.”
    â€œYes. The Balmoral Court. May stay there, or may put up with friends who’ve got a house there.”
    â€œSounds all right to me.”
    â€œAh hum. Nice peaceful place, Saltcreek. Nobody to hustle you.”
    â€œI know,” said Drake. “The kind of place where nothing ever happens.”
    May 29th
    â€œIt is really most annoying, ” said old Mr. Treves. “For twenty-five years now I have been to the Marine Hotel at Leahead—and now, would you believe it, the whole place is being pulled down. Widening the front or some nonsense of that kind. Why they can’t let these seaside places alone—Leahead always had a peculiar charm of its own—Regency—pure Regency.”
    Rufus Lord said consolingly:
    â€œStill, there are other places to stay there, I suppose?”
    â€œI really don’t feel I can go to Leahead at all. At the Marine, Mrs. Mackay understood my requirements perfectly. I had the same rooms every year—and there was hardly ever a change in the service. And the cooking was excellent—quite excellent.”
    â€œWhat about trying Saltcreek? There’s rather a nice old-fashioned Hotel there. The Balmoral Court. Tell you who keepsit. Couple of the name of Rogers. She used to be cook to old Lord Mounthead—he had the best dinners in London. She married the butler and they run this hotel now. It sounds to me just your kind of place. Quiet—none of these jazz bands—and first-class cooking and service.”
    â€œIt’s an idea—it’s certainly an idea. Is there a sheltered terrace?”
    â€œYes—a covered-in veranda and a terrace beyond. You can get sun or shade as you prefer. I can give you some introductions in the neighbourhood, too, if you like. There’s old Lady Tressilian—she lives almost next door. A charming house and she herself is a delightful woman in spite of being very much of an invalid.”
    â€œThe judge’s widow, do you mean?”
    â€œThat’s it.”
    â€œI used to know Matthew Tressilian, and I think I’ve met her. A charming woman—though, of course, that’s a long time ago. Saltcreek is near St. Loo, isn’t it? I’ve several friends in that part of the world. Do you know, I really think Saltcreek is a very good idea. I shall write and get particulars. The middle of August is when I wish to go there—the middle of August to the middle of September. There is a garage for the car, I suppose? And my chauffeur?”
    â€œOh yes. It’s thoroughly up-to-date.”
    â€œBecause, as you know, I have to be careful about walking uphill. I should prefer rooms on the ground floor, though I suppose there is a lift.”
    â€œOh yes, all that sort of