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

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Raymond shook his head.

‘Well, no need to tell her for another five minutes. She can answer my questions better without being upset by knowing the truth about her uncle. Tell her there’s been a burglary, and ask her if she would mind dressing and coming down to answer a few questions.’

It was Raymond who went upstairs on this errand.

‘Miss Ackroyd will be down in a minute,’ he said, when he returned. ‘I told her just what you suggested.’

In less than five minutes Flora descended the staircase. She was wrapped in a pale pink silk kimono. She looked anxious and excited.

The inspector stepped forward.

‘Good evening, Miss Ackroyd,’ he said civilly. ‘We’re afraid there’s been an attempt at robbery, and we want you to help us. What’s this room – the billiard room? Come in here and sit down.’

Flora sat down composedly on the wide divan which ran the length of the wall, and looked up at the inspector.

‘I don’t quite understand. What has been stolen? What do you want me to tell you?’

‘It’s just this, Miss Ackroyd. Parker here says you came out of your uncle’s study at about a quarter to ten. Is that right?’