〃Eh bien？〃
〃The difficulty was that she insisted on seeing Mr Van Aldin himself。 I softened his message as much as I possibly could。 In fact … to be candid … I gave it in a very different form。 I said that Mr Van Aldin was too busy to see her at present； but that she might make any munication she wished to me。 That； however； she could not bring herself to do； and she left without saying anything further。 But I have a strong impression； M。 Poirot that that woman knows something。〃
〃This is serious；〃 said Poirot quietly。 〃You know where she is staying？〃
〃Yes。〃 Knighton mentioned the name of the hotel。
〃Good；〃 said Poirot； 〃we will go there immediately。〃
The secretary looked doubtful。
〃And Mr Van Aldin？〃 he queried doubtfully。
〃M。 Van Aldin is an obstinate man；〃 said Poirot drily。 〃I do not argue with obstinate men。 I act in spite of them。 We will go and see the lady immediately。 I will tell her that you are empowered by M。 Van Aldin to act for him； and you will guard yourself well from contradicting me。〃
Knighton still looked slightly doubtful； but Poirot took no notice of his hesitation。
At the hotel； they were told that Mademoiselle was in； and Poirot sent up both his and Knighton's cards； with 〃From Mr Van Aldin〃 pencilled upon them。
Word came down that Mademoiselle Mirelle would receive them。
When they were ushered into the dancer's apartments； Poirot immediately took the lead。
〃Mademoiselle；〃 he murmured； bowing very low； 〃we are here on behalf of M。 Van Aldin。〃
〃Ah！ And why did he not e himself？〃
〃He is indisposed；〃 said Poirot mendaciously； 〃the Riviera throat； it has him in its grip； but me； I am empowered to act for him； as is Major Knighton； his secretary。 Unless