"Ah!" he murmured again. "One wondered." He coughed. "One has heard rumours."
"The lady," said M. Caux, "is very notorious."
"And also," murmured Poirot softly, "very expensive."
Van Aldin had gone very red in the face. He leant forward and hit the table a bang with his fist.
"See here," he cried, "my son-in-law is a damned scoundrel!"
He glared at them, looking from one face to another.
"Oh, I know," he went on. "Good looks and a charming, easy manner. It took me in once upon a time. I suppose he pretended to be broken-hearted when you broke the news to him—that is, if he didn't know it already."
"Oh, it came as a complete surprise to him. He was overwhelmed."
"Darned young hypocrite," said Van Aldin. "Simulated great grief, I suppose?"
"N—no," said the Commissary cautiously. "I would not quite say that—eh, M. Carrège?"