Читать книгу The Murder of Roger Ackroyd / Убийство Роджера Экройда онлайн

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‘No.’

‘None of them leaving, or anything like that?’

‘The parlourmaid is leaving.’

‘When?’

‘She gave notice yesterday, I believe.’

‘To you?’

‘Oh, no. I have nothing to do with the servants. Miss Russell attends to the household matters.’

The inspector remained lost in thought for a minute or two. Then he nodded his head and remarked,

‘I think I’d better have a word with Miss Russell, and I’ll see the girl Dale as well.’

Poirot and I accompanied him to the housekeeper’s room. Miss Russell received us with her usual sang-froid. Elsie Dale had been at Fernly five months. A nice girl, quick at her duties, and most respectable. good references. The last girl in the world to take anything not belonging to her.

What about the parlourmaid?

‘She, too, was a most superior girl. Very quiet and ladylike. An excellent worker.’

‘Then why is she leaving?’ asked the inspector.

Miss Russell pursed up her lips. ‘It was none of my doing. I understand Mr Ackroyd found fault with her yesterday afternoon. It was her duty to do the study, and she disarranged some of the papers on his desk, I believe. he was very annoyed about it, and she gave notice. At least, that is what I understood from her, but perhaps you’d like to see her yourselves?’