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Speaker 1: Hello, I'm welcomed, stories all the time. Glad you are here.

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Let's get into it. They say, nothing ever disturbs the

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peace of an English village. Yet on a certain September

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morning in Rosel, the church bells told for a wedding

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that would never be By sunset, the laughter of celebration

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had been replaced with Wesper's a scandal. The flowers in

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the isle with petals scattered like tears, and a bride

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who should have walked down the isle had vanished without

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a trace. It began with gaiety. Marlecom hall proud, an

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ivy draped was alive with anticipation. Guests had arrived in

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polished motor cars, Ladies adjusting feathered hats, gentlemen tugging at

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stiff collars. The vicar rehearsed as lines beneath the vaulted beams,

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and the organist's fingers trembled with importance of the occasion.

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Billina Whitcomb, the bride, was the duel of the village,

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admired for her beauty and envied for her inheritance. Captain

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Rowland dismond O groom stood at the chancel in his uniform.

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The very picture of honor and devotion. It should have

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been the happiest of days. Yet beneath the surface there

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ran undercurrent, subtle but undeniable. In the tea shop that week,

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whispers had spread Olener had been restless, her smiles too brittle,

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her eyes too often turned away. Some claimed she had

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been seen arguing with her fiancee in the gardens. Others

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swore her letters had gone missing. A farmer, leaning over

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his pint, mattered darkly that not all who wished her

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well meant her happiness. Still, the bells rang, the villages

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filled the pews, and the expectant USh grew heavier. As

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the I approached. Children tugged at their mother's sleeves. The

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groom straightened his stance, the bridesmids adjusted their gloves. But

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when the great clock struck neon, the doors of the

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church remained closed. A murmur rippled through the congregation. Five

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minutes passed, then nervous smiles faded. The organists, sweating, began

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the march again and again, until even his courts faltered.

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Captain dismans jaw tightened, Lady Wick compressed a trembling hand

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to her pearls. At last, the butler entered pale as parchment.

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He whispered to the groom, but the hush was so

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deep that every year caught the words Miscelina is not

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in her chamber, her gun lies untouched, she is gone

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fun The word rolled through the church like thunder, a

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fan clatter to the floor. Some one gasped aloud. In

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the back row. A matrony voice broke the silence with

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a chill certainty, mark me, well, this is no accident.

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There has been foul play. And though no one yet

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knew it, that vanished bride would soon draw the sharp

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eyes of a certain Belgian detective, a man whose little

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gray cell saw what others missed. For Herculeparot was about

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to step into rose Hill, and where he warped, the

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truth was never far behind. For a moment after the

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butler's words, silence held the church in its grip. The

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heavy beams of her heead seemed to echo with the

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tolling bells, though they had ceased. Every guest stared, as

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though willing the bride to appear by sheer force of desire.

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But the doors remained shut, the aisle empty, the air

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trembling with unease. Captain Dismond's face blanched. He stepped forward,

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his boots striking sharply on the stone floor. This is absurd,

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he barked, though his voice crashed beneath the strain. She

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is she must be delayed. Send another servant to her chamber.

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The butler, rigid with discomfort, lowered his gaze. I regret, sir.

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Her chamber was searched, her gown still hands upon its stand,

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her veil untouched. There is no sign of misceliner. A

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murmur rose swelling like wind through the pews. Women clutch pearls.

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Men frowned at one another. Children hushed instinctively, as though

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sensing something dreadful. Lady Wickham half rose, her lips trembling.

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She cannot have gone far. She was dressing only moments ago.

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Perhaps perhaps she walked into the gardens. Her words, though desperate,

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found no support in the eyes of those gathered. The

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vicar cleared, Disfert swept, glistening on his brow. Let us

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all remain calm. I am certain this is but some

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trifling confusion. The bride will appear presently. But even he

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glanced nervously toward the door, as though fearing what might

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or might not come through it. From the back row.

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Missess Pemberton, the matron whose voice carried through every market stall,

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leaned forward, her eyes glittering nonsense. Girls do not vanish

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from lock chambers unless there is wickedness of fruit. Mark me.

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This is scandal and worse at once, speculation ignited like sparks.

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She has eloped, whispered a young maid as wide with thrill,

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ran away from the captain, muttered an old farmer, No,

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no countered another. It is that fellow Charles, always lingering about,

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never could let her be. Every whisper seemed to take root,

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weaving doubt and suspicion through the congregation. Fingers pointed, names exchange,

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and shadows lengthen across the Polish pews. Meanwhile, Captain Desman

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strode toward the vestry. His steps are coined harshly. Hastings,

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who had accompanied the ceremony as a guest of the vicar,

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followed with uneasy concern. Dash it all, he muttered to himself.

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A bride cannot simply vanish. Something's awfully wrong here. Lady

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Wickham clutched her husband's sleeve, her face rained of color. Benedict,

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you must find her early ener. She would not do

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this willingly, not to us, not to day. Sir Benedict's

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Joe worked silently, his eyes hollow and fearful, betrayed it.

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He She believed this was no girlish one. Outside, duds gathered,

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casting shadows over the hall's gardens. The churchyard, so bright

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that morning, seemed suddenly muted, its flowers drooping under the

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weight of the hush. A crow perched upon the wall

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let out a single rasping cry, as though mocking the

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human dismay. Within an hour, the wedding had dissolved into chaos.

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Guests spilled into the grounds, searching the gardens, calling a

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leaner's name across hedgerows and gravel paths. Servants sky at

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the house, overturning trunks and wardrobes. Yet there was nothing,

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no footprints in the gravel, no rustle of silk across

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the lawns, no carriage that had departed, and seen only

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the gown amorn and the veil untouched, bore silent witness

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in her chamber. By evening, the village of roseall was

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alive with rumor. Windows looked late forsius, low but urgent.

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Some swore they had seen a shadow nearer the stables,

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Others that a letter had been discovered in her writing desk.

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Everywhere speculation bloomed like poisonous vines, and far away, in

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a quiet and ware small Belgian gentleman enjoyed his supper

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with meticulous precision. A telegrum was delivered to his table.

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Fuarard adjusted his napkin, broke the seal, and read the

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herd scroll. His dark eyes flickered with sudden interest, his

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mustas quivering ever so slightly. A bride vanished on her

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wedding day, he murmured, ah, Mongian, how curious. Yes, this

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requires the little gray cells. He set aside his cup

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of chocolate with care, rose to his feet and prepared

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for Rose Hill, where, beneath the charm of lace and lilies,

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he sensed the unmistakable stench of crime. The next morning

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dawned with an unnatural stillness over Rose Hill, the village

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usually alive with the clatter of cats and the laughter

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of children on their way. Skull lay hushed beneath the

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veil of speculation. Curtains twitched discreetly as neighbors were spot

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of Velina Whitcomb's disappearance, and every corner of the market

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square seemed filled with rumor. Some insisted she had fled

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with a secret lover, others swore it was an aduction.

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But by the ire of ten one truth stood above

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all others. The village had become a stage, and the

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missing bride the tragic star of its tail. Into this

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atmosphere of knees rolled a motor car, polished to gleaming black.

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It stopped before the iron gates of Morticombe Hall, and

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from it descended a figure unmistakable in appearance, small stature

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but radiating self possession. Hercule Borod adjusted his immaculate cuffs,

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straightened the crease of his suit, and finally gave a proud,

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careful twist to the ends of his wax mustache. His

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patent lad isshues gleaned despite the dust of the road.

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He surveyed the whole with narrowed eyes. Mais we, he murmured,

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his accent, rolling gently, a house of grandeur, yet already

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a smell disquiet. It is always so, Hastings when appearances

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are too perfect. Hastings, who had joined him reluctantly at

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the vicar's urging, shook his head in exasperation. Well, I

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suppose it's a dreadful business, he said, But surely, poor ought,

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the girl has only lost her nerve wittings, You know

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they can be overwhelming affairs. Paw tapped one finger against

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his temple. Lost her nerve. Perhaps yet she has also

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lost her gown, her veil, herplace at the altar. None,

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mon Army, the little gray cells tell me this is

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not the work of girlish nerves. At the whole, the

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butler received them with the bull that concealed an ease.

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Sir Benedict, requests your presence, Monsieur Matters, here have taken

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a most distressing turn. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with tension.

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Servants passed hurried in the corridors, their eyes cast down,

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while the great drawing room smelled faintly of Lily's gun.

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Sire Overnight, Lady Wickcombe, pale and rigid in her chair,

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rose as Porat entered. Her pearls trembled against her throut.

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Monsieur Porat, she said, with brittle composure. You have been

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most highly recommended. I beg you to uncover the truth

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of my daughter's disappearance. We are her voice broke, and

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she turned away. We are quite undone. Quat bowed deeply,

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placing a hand to his heart. Madam, it will be

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as you wish. Hercule Poat is at your service. Captain

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Desmond stood at the ha, his posture rigid, his eyes

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shadowed from a night without sleep. He regarded Powat with

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barely concealed impatience. If you must investigate, Monsieur, I urge

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you to be swift. Lenaer has doubtless been lowered away

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by some mischief maker, perhaps the scoundrel Charles Bexley. He

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has been a foreign in her side since their courtship ended.

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Poor oughtenclined his head gravely, though his gaze lingered upon

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the Captain's clenched fics the church of a muscle in

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his jaw. He believed firmly then that Mademoiselle Whitcomb departed

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with this Charles, I know it, Dismant snapped. The man

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has ever hovered about her swing doubt, filling her head

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with nonsense, and now, at the very hour of our union,

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she vanishes. Is it not proof enough? Poiat? Raise one

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bra prove Monsieur is a delicate matter. What we believe?

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He may deceive us what we observe. AWE that is

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the key. Hastings muttered, here we go under his breath.

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Poatt silenced him with a glance. Sir Benedict, stooped yet dignified,

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approached Monsieur Parrott. We are grateful for your presents. The

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police have already questioned us in sky the grounds, but

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they are convinced. Alyn A fled of her own will.

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My heart tells me otherwise. I implore you find her,

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Quart studded him intently. You love your daughter greatly, n

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s e e pach. Then we must search for the truth.

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No mata hounpalatable for truth. Like a seed cannot remain bared,

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it will grow. He moved across the drawing room, eyes

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darting from object to object. The faint mark of a

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glass on a side table, the disorder of a stack

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of envelopes, the smudge upon a curtain. Each detail he

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observed with care, storing them in the laborrenth of his mind.

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Madame Pouat said softly, turning to Lady Whitcombe, I will

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ask to see the chamber of your daughter. It is there,

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perhaps that the walls themselves may speak. They ascended the

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grand staircase. The house was silent, safe for the creak

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of polish would under those steps. At the end of

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a corridor, Lina's chamber stood open, the air within still

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carrying a faint fragrance of roses. Quaratt paused upon the threshold,

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his eyes sweeping the room again. Upon its stand, gleamed white, uncreased,

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its felled draped beside it like a shroud. A dressing

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table bought the usual trifles of a young woman, a comb,

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a powder box, a small vial of perfume. Yet one

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drawer stood slightly a jar. Touch nothing, Boyart instructed. Raising

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a delicate hand, he bent to examine the carpet near

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the wardrobe, his eyes narrowing observe Hastings. One footprint here, faint,

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as though the heel pressed harder than the terror. Yet

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there are no others. Furious is it not? Hastings frowned.

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But surely she left by the door. Where else could

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she have gone? Powart's gaze shifted to the window. This

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latch was unfastened, the curtain's thrown wide. The yond lay

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the gardens, where gravel pass wind between rose bushes heavy

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with bloom, He leaned closer, noting the fine trace of

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soil upon the sill ah. He murmured, the lady leaves

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her chamber not as the bride, but as the prisoner

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who escapes, yet an escape of her own will or

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of another's design. That, monamy, is the question. Lady Wickcomb

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gave a strangled cry, you mean she was taken? Wereducted,

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Woart did not answer once. Instead, he drifted to the

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dressing table, where he lifted the powder box with gloved hands.

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Inside A feigned impression lay upon the powder's surface, not

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of a woman's slender finger, but brought her heavier. He said,

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it done carefully. Some one was here, madam, he said,

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at last, and not your daughter, a man, I think,

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one who handled what was not his. The words sent

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a fresh tremor through the room. Histing swallowed uneasily. Good

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Lord Parart, you mean poor arup raised a hand. Patience,

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mon army. Already I see that the tale told by

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appearances is not the tale of truth. We must listen

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more closely to objects, to silenders, to contradictions, and above

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all to the hearts of men, for in them lies

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the motive that no police constable will ever see. He

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turned back to the window, his silhouette framed against the

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gray morning. Somewhere in rose Hill, some one knows why

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the bride did not stand before the altar. Hercule port

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will know also, and then all then justice will follow.

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The dining room of Marlacombe Hall usually was served for

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grand dinners. Beneath the chandeliers had been hastily transformed into

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a chamber of inquiry. Heavy curtains were drawn against the

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morning sun, and the lawn oak table stood bare safer

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a jug of water and a scattering of chairs. The

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air hummed with tension for the household need that Hercule

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Potte was about to begin his questions. Pat himself entered

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with deliberate grace. Each step measured, his mustere immaculate, his

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gaze shop as a surgeon's scalpel. Hastings followed no book

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at the ready, though his expression suggested deepenees at the

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ordeal to come. Art raised his hand, Madam e t messrs,

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I beg of you calm. We are not here to accuse,

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only to inquire the truth. It has a way of

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revealing itself. Yes, but first we must listen to every voice.

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Sir Bennedict sat stiffly at the head of the table,

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his lined face drawn with grief. Lady wickham linga beside him,

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her hands twisting a lace handkerchief. Captain Desman stood apart,

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his back raged against the mental peace, while the housekeeper,

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Missus Ellison, half with nervous eyes. Others had been summoned

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to Charles Bexley, the jilted suitor of Clara, Lina's maid,

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and even Missess Pemberton, the village matron whose gossip carid

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father than any carriage. Bell Hoora began with Sir Benedict, Monsieur,

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you will forgive me you lost saw your daughter at

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what ire before the ceremony. Sir Benedict's voice was low,

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steady only by effort. At half past ten, she was

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in her chamber, dressing with Clara's help. She kissed me

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upon the cheek, said she was ready to make me proud. Ay,

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I thought her radiant. Did she appear anxious, but bride

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is always anxious, Sir benat Dick murmured, but there was

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no signs she would vanish. Poort inclined his head. Mercy monsieur.

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He turned to Lady whitcomb, and you, madam, you observe her.

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After this moment, Lady Wickham dowted her eyes. I looked

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in a quarter to eleven. She was pale, yes, but composed.

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The gown still hung and touched for She said she

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wished to dress only at the final moment, to preserve

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it from crease. I told her how beautiful she would look.

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She smiled, but it was oh, how shall I put it?

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A smile without warmth? Poor's eyes gleamed a smile without

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warmth trace in to reescent. Next he turned toward Clara,

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the maid who sat bringing her apron. Clara, you assisted

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your mistress that morning, Yes, monsieur, Clora stammered. I brushed her,

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her set out her shoes. She seemed thoughtful, not frightened exactly,

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but quiet. She asked me if I thought marriage was

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the same as happiness. I did not know what to say,

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and then Poor repressed. She dismissed me, said she want

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to the moment alone. I left at half past eleven.

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When I returned at noon, she was gone. Her gown

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was there and touched. As the butler said, I swear it, monsieur,

279
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I swear it on my life, wart studded her keenly

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on the window. It was lunch when I left. When

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I returned, it stood open. A ripple passed around the room.

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Wuarret noted who paled her friend? Who concealed their reaction? Now,

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he said, his gay sliding toward Captain Dismond. Monsieur, le captain,

284
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you were to be the bridegroom. Yes, tell me what

285
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passed between you and Mademoiselle Wickem in the days before

286
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the wedding. Dismund stiffened, color rising to his cheeks. What

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00:15:38,120 --> 00:15:40,960
passes between any couple. We spoke of our future, of

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our home. She was she was sometimes hessitant, but she

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is young, I reassured her. Quaartt's tone sharpened. Hesitant in

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what way? In every way? Dismond snapped, one moment eager,

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the next were drawn. Women are creatures of nerves. But

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she loved me, Monsieur of that, I am certain, were

293
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it not for the interference of Charles Bexley, she would

294
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be here beside me now. At once, all eyes turned

295
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toward Charles, who lunged carelessly in his chair, though his

296
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eyes betrayed strain. Ah. Charles gave a short laugh. I

297
00:16:14,000 --> 00:16:17,399
loved Alena once. Yes, but she chose this man, much

298
00:16:17,440 --> 00:16:20,840
to her misfortune. I would hardly disrupt her wedding. You

299
00:16:20,960 --> 00:16:22,840
did not call upon her, write to her in the

300
00:16:22,879 --> 00:16:27,799
weeks before, Quarat asked smoothly. Charles spread his hands. I

301
00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:30,600
may have written once or twice, yes, but what of it?

302
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Old affection dies hard still. I am no villain if

303
00:16:34,960 --> 00:16:38,440
she is vanished. The explanation lied elsewhere. Quaratt leaned forward,

304
00:16:38,480 --> 00:16:41,720
his gaze piercing, And where, sir, do you say it lies?

305
00:16:42,399 --> 00:16:45,440
Charles's lips curved in a faint smile. Perhaps she came

306
00:16:45,480 --> 00:16:48,480
to her senses. Perhaps she saw through the Captain's charm

307
00:16:48,480 --> 00:16:53,080
and fled. Who cansey? Captain Desmond surged forward, fist clenched,

308
00:16:53,080 --> 00:16:56,399
but Powatt lifted one hand. Gentlemen, as I a vuplate,

309
00:16:57,159 --> 00:17:01,440
anger clouds for little gray cells. Let us remain calm. Finally,

310
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Barat turned to Missess Pemberden, who perched eagerly upon her chair,

311
00:17:04,599 --> 00:17:07,559
her eyes bright with scandal. You, madame, you are of

312
00:17:07,640 --> 00:17:10,880
the village. You hear what others do not? What do

313
00:17:10,960 --> 00:17:14,799
they whisper in the lanes of Rosell. Missus Pemberton leaned forward,

314
00:17:14,880 --> 00:17:17,440
lowering her voice though every one could hear. They say

315
00:17:17,519 --> 00:17:20,400
miss Elinor feared her marriage. They say she walked with

316
00:17:20,440 --> 00:17:23,240
mister Charles in secret, though her mother forbade it. They

317
00:17:23,279 --> 00:17:26,119
say the captain was jealous, jealous enough to frighten her.

318
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And they say, monsieur, that in the dead of night

319
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a carriage was heard upon the lane. Gasps filled the room.

320
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Sir Benedict rose half from his chair, trembling. Dis mins

321
00:17:35,480 --> 00:17:40,039
wore under his breath. Charles smirked bitterly. Wouarat, however, only

322
00:17:40,079 --> 00:17:42,480
closed his eyes, as though savoring the taste of each word.

323
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When he spoke again, his voice was calm, deliberate. Whispers, yes,

324
00:17:47,480 --> 00:17:50,480
but whispers are not the truth. The truth it hides

325
00:17:50,519 --> 00:17:53,279
beneath what men deny, what women fear to speak, what

326
00:17:53,359 --> 00:17:56,640
servants observe but do not understand. I will find it

327
00:17:57,240 --> 00:18:01,160
already as he contradictions. Already the patam begins to form.

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He stood, buttoning his coat with precision. For now, I

329
00:18:04,559 --> 00:18:08,000
thank you all you have given me the threads. Soon

330
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I shall weave the tapestry, and when it is complete,

331
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it will reveal to us who has silenced the bride.

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The room fell into a heavy silence, Each person shifted

333
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uneasily beneath the weight of Poot's words. Outside, the hall's

334
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ancient clock struck the ire as time echoing through the

335
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corridors like a solemn warning parts. I swept over them, all,

336
00:18:26,039 --> 00:18:28,319
the grieving parents, the angry groom, the jilted suitor at

337
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the trampling mate, the gossiping massion. He saw their fear,

338
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their secrets, their lies unspoken, and deep within he knew

339
00:18:34,720 --> 00:18:37,480
the truth was there, waiting like a shadow behind the curtains.

340
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Courage m E s Amos, he said softly. The bride

341
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is vanished, but she is left behind, her story written

342
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in signs too small foremost to see, perkull poart. He

343
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will read them. The following day, rose Hill awoke to

344
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the clutter of boots and the murmur of official voices.

345
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Two constables from the county arrived at Morlecombe Hall, their

346
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uniforms lending a sense of grim authority to situation already

347
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fraught with tension. Villages gathered at the gates, their faces

348
00:19:01,920 --> 00:19:04,880
eager with curiosity, whispering among themselves as the policemen were

349
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ushered inside. By breakfast, the rumors had settled upon a

350
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single name, Charles Bexley. His pass affection for Elena, his

351
00:19:11,640 --> 00:19:14,720
defiant manner in Poorot's questioning, and his reputation for ricklessness

352
00:19:14,759 --> 00:19:17,799
made him, to the villager's minds the perfect culprit. In

353
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the drawing room, Inspector Graves, a tall man with a

354
00:19:20,240 --> 00:19:22,799
heavy brow and a click manner, addressed the assembled family.

355
00:19:23,400 --> 00:19:25,680
It is our belief, he declared that miss Whitcomb de

356
00:19:25,720 --> 00:19:28,519
parted his house, willingly ate it, and abitted by mister Bexley.

357
00:19:29,039 --> 00:19:31,079
We have reason to think they planned an elopement, and

358
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that she may yet be with him. Captain Desmond seized

359
00:19:33,960 --> 00:19:37,640
upon the words at last, since I told you from

360
00:19:37,680 --> 00:19:40,680
the beginning that Bexley was behind this, he has ever

361
00:19:40,720 --> 00:19:44,119
been jealous of me, jealous of Elner's choice, arrest him

362
00:19:44,119 --> 00:19:47,880
at once. Lady Wickham gasped, pressing a handkerchief to her lips.

363
00:19:48,559 --> 00:19:53,480
Lena would never Elope, never. She is obedient, dutiful. She

364
00:19:53,559 --> 00:19:57,680
would not shame us so its Spector Grave's tone was firm, Madam.

365
00:19:57,839 --> 00:20:00,559
Young women have been known to act rashvill We found

366
00:20:00,559 --> 00:20:03,079
evidence that suggests her chamber window was opened from within.

367
00:20:03,640 --> 00:20:07,319
The simplest explanation is often the truest. Poarat who had

368
00:20:07,319 --> 00:20:09,799
been quietly buttering a roll with the utmost care, raised

369
00:20:09,799 --> 00:20:13,400
his brows. The simplest explanation, monsieur, is not always the

370
00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:16,920
correct one. A window open, yes, But why when the

371
00:20:16,960 --> 00:20:19,480
door stood ready? Why leave the gown and touch the

372
00:20:19,559 --> 00:20:22,680
vilain disturbed dis a bride eager to flee, not at

373
00:20:22,759 --> 00:20:25,920
least take with her the symbol of free union? None? None,

374
00:20:25,960 --> 00:20:31,000
It is illogical. The inspector's eyes narrowed with respect, Monsieur Parrot.

375
00:20:31,119 --> 00:20:34,680
The County Constabulary has solved more than one disappearance. Your

376
00:20:34,720 --> 00:20:37,720
foreign notions may not apply here. Warat dowbed his lips

377
00:20:37,720 --> 00:20:42,759
with his napkin. As you wish, monsieur, proceed, proceed, only

378
00:20:42,799 --> 00:20:46,559
remember the little gray cells. They demand order. Without order,

379
00:20:46,759 --> 00:20:49,839
one is led astray. By noon, Charles Bexley had been

380
00:20:49,880 --> 00:20:52,279
summoned to the hole once more. He entered with a

381
00:20:52,279 --> 00:20:55,079
swagger that blied the tension in his jaw. So the

382
00:20:55,079 --> 00:20:58,079
hounds are set upon me, he said coolly. I expected

383
00:20:58,160 --> 00:21:01,200
as much, you brother. Blame the discarded love of the face,

384
00:21:01,240 --> 00:21:04,640
the truth that your golden captain may not be so golden. Silence,

385
00:21:05,359 --> 00:21:08,680
Captain desmonth thunder taking a threatening step forward, Ye dare

386
00:21:08,680 --> 00:21:12,960
insult me in this house. Charles folded his arms, insult you.

387
00:21:13,640 --> 00:21:17,839
I merely state what half the village suspects already. Alinafrugi Roland,

388
00:21:18,440 --> 00:21:21,160
she told me so. The words fell like stones and

389
00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:24,680
water rippling through the room. Lady wickhamb cried out, Sir

390
00:21:24,720 --> 00:21:28,920
Benedict rose stricken. This man's face darkened with fury. Lies,

391
00:21:29,599 --> 00:21:33,440
all lies, she adored me, and you you are nothing

392
00:21:33,480 --> 00:21:38,240
but a bitter, rejected fool. Inspector Garades interjected, sharply enough,

393
00:21:38,880 --> 00:21:42,240
mister Bexley, we have reason to suspect your involvement. Did

394
00:21:42,279 --> 00:21:43,720
you or did you not write to Miss Whitcomb in

395
00:21:43,720 --> 00:21:46,960
a day's preceding the wedding? I wrote, Charles admitted his

396
00:21:47,039 --> 00:21:50,839
tone defiant letters of concern. I begged her to think

397
00:21:50,839 --> 00:21:53,559
carefully before binding herself to a man she did not trust.

398
00:21:54,279 --> 00:21:57,000
Is that a crime? Graves produced a slip of paper.

399
00:21:57,559 --> 00:22:00,799
This letter was found in Miss Wickcombe's desk, dated three

400
00:22:00,880 --> 00:22:03,720
days before her disappearance. Yet you urge her to meet

401
00:22:03,720 --> 00:22:07,519
you at the old mill. Explain that, Sir Amrmurs reread

402
00:22:07,559 --> 00:22:11,160
among the onlookers. The old mill, half ruined and overgrown,

403
00:22:11,240 --> 00:22:13,519
stood at the edge of the Whitcomb's state lon abandoned

404
00:22:13,559 --> 00:22:17,160
save for Trice and Dares whispered among village youths Charles's

405
00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:19,839
face paled, though he held his chin high. Yes, I

406
00:22:19,839 --> 00:22:23,480
asked her to meet me there. She never came. I waited,

407
00:22:23,519 --> 00:22:26,400
and I left before midnight. If she vanished, it was

408
00:22:26,440 --> 00:22:31,200
not with me. Braves leaned forward a convenient story. You

409
00:22:31,240 --> 00:22:34,519
will accompany us for further questioning. At once U folfilled

410
00:22:34,519 --> 00:22:38,920
the room. Lady Wickham clutched her husband's arm, trembling, Benedict,

411
00:22:38,960 --> 00:22:41,799
they are taking him. What if it is true? What

412
00:22:41,880 --> 00:22:45,039
if Elinear is lost to us forever? Sir Benneddict shook

413
00:22:45,079 --> 00:22:49,240
his head, his features carved with anguish. No, Clorissa, our

414
00:22:49,359 --> 00:22:52,559
daughter would not flee with him. She is loyal, staid fast.

415
00:22:53,279 --> 00:22:56,279
There is falp lay here, not elopement amid the tumult

416
00:22:56,359 --> 00:22:59,640
pour out Rose smoothing his suit with immaculate precision. His

417
00:22:59,759 --> 00:23:03,599
voice is comyac commanding, cut through the noise. Messymos, you

418
00:23:03,759 --> 00:23:07,799
rush to the easy solution. But consider if Mademoiselle Elena

419
00:23:07,839 --> 00:23:10,119
wished to meet Monsieur Bexley, would she not have dressed

420
00:23:10,119 --> 00:23:13,279
for the purpose yet her gown her veil. Her shoes

421
00:23:13,359 --> 00:23:16,319
all remain untouched. Would she leap from a window leaving

422
00:23:16,359 --> 00:23:19,599
no mark upon the gravel path below unless aided? And

423
00:23:19,680 --> 00:23:22,319
this letter all? But I have examined it. The ink

424
00:23:22,359 --> 00:23:25,240
is smudged, not behaste, but by a kalless hand. It

425
00:23:25,319 --> 00:23:29,680
was intercepted, perhaps perhaps even planted. Inspector Gray's lips tightened.

426
00:23:30,319 --> 00:23:34,119
Are you suggesting forgery? I suggest only part, replied Smooley,

427
00:23:34,240 --> 00:23:37,279
that not everything is as it appears. The obvious suspect

428
00:23:37,359 --> 00:23:39,880
is very often the false one, That is the lesson

429
00:23:39,880 --> 00:23:43,599
of human nature. Charles, flanked by constables, showed a final

430
00:23:43,640 --> 00:23:46,480
glance toward Poora. If you are half the detective, they say,

431
00:23:46,559 --> 00:23:49,319
prove my innocence, well, let me rot while the real

432
00:23:49,359 --> 00:23:52,039
villain walk free. They let him away. The great doors

433
00:23:52,039 --> 00:23:55,000
of the hall, slamming ship behind the family, remained in

434
00:23:55,039 --> 00:23:58,279
stun silence. Only Poatt moved, pacing the length of the

435
00:23:58,359 --> 00:24:00,720
room with his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes

436
00:24:00,759 --> 00:24:05,119
clinting with thought. At last he spoke, it is a puzzle, Hastings,

437
00:24:05,119 --> 00:24:08,240
a puzzle most delicate. The police believe they have their man,

438
00:24:08,359 --> 00:24:11,480
But I hercule porat, I am not so convinced. No,

439
00:24:11,640 --> 00:24:15,799
there are contradictions, and when contradictions arise, there is always deception.

440
00:24:16,480 --> 00:24:21,279
Hastings frowned, But surely pourat the letter Poard interrupted gently.

441
00:24:21,839 --> 00:24:25,319
The letter mon Umi is allure, a red herring, as

442
00:24:25,359 --> 00:24:28,400
you English say, some one seeks to draw suspicion toward

443
00:24:28,480 --> 00:24:33,279
Charles Becksleaf, to remove him from the stage. But why that, Hastings,

444
00:24:33,319 --> 00:24:34,759
is the question that will lead us to the heart

445
00:24:34,799 --> 00:24:37,519
of this mystery. He palls to the window, gazing out

446
00:24:37,519 --> 00:24:39,480
over the gardens, where roses drooped beneath the weight of

447
00:24:39,519 --> 00:24:43,039
morning rain. Mark me well, the truth hides not in

448
00:24:43,039 --> 00:24:45,599
wood a shouted, but in what is whispered. We must

449
00:24:45,599 --> 00:24:49,799
listen more closely, Hastings, much more closely. The rain had

450
00:24:49,799 --> 00:24:52,880
not ceased by afternoon, drumming steadily upon the tall windows

451
00:24:52,880 --> 00:24:56,319
of Marlecombe Hall. Within the household sat subdued, the echo

452
00:24:56,359 --> 00:24:58,680
of Charles Bexleas's removal lingering like the last note of

453
00:24:58,680 --> 00:25:02,240
a dirge. Our Benedict retreated to his library. Lady whuldcome

454
00:25:02,279 --> 00:25:05,200
rested upon a chaise, and Captain Dismin prowled the corridors

455
00:25:05,200 --> 00:25:08,599
with the restless impatience of a caged animal. Warat meanwhile

456
00:25:08,640 --> 00:25:12,160
requested that Hastings accompany him too. Lener's chamber, It is there,

457
00:25:12,319 --> 00:25:15,440
mon army. He murmured that the truth whispers. A room

458
00:25:15,480 --> 00:25:17,920
abandoned at the moment of crisis often reveals what no

459
00:25:18,000 --> 00:25:21,000
interrogation can. The chamber still be deck for the wedding

460
00:25:21,039 --> 00:25:24,359
struck Histings with melancholy. The gown hung upon its stand

461
00:25:24,480 --> 00:25:27,119
lay scleaming pale in the dim light. The veil trailed

462
00:25:27,119 --> 00:25:28,920
across a chair, like a phantom of the bride who

463
00:25:28,960 --> 00:25:31,680
never wore it. Flowers in a vasive began to droop,

464
00:25:31,680 --> 00:25:34,640
their fragrance faint yet clawing. Wart surveyed the room with

465
00:25:34,680 --> 00:25:37,920
a precision that was almost reverent. He touched nothing at first,

466
00:25:38,079 --> 00:25:41,480
only paced slowly, his head inclined, his eyes darting to corners, shelves,

467
00:25:41,519 --> 00:25:44,599
and shadows. At length, he stopped beside the dressing table.

468
00:25:45,200 --> 00:25:49,480
Regard Hastings. Do you observe? Hastings peered at the clutter,

469
00:25:49,599 --> 00:25:52,720
a silver backed brush, a small hand mirror, bottles of sand.

470
00:25:53,440 --> 00:25:56,160
I see nothing remarkable. It looks just as a young

471
00:25:56,240 --> 00:26:01,880
lady's table. Knight Quarat bent closer, but considered mounami, the brush,

472
00:26:02,000 --> 00:26:04,920
the colm, the mirror, all in order. Yet this flacken

473
00:26:04,960 --> 00:26:07,160
of perfume, it is moved, pushed to the very edge,

474
00:26:07,200 --> 00:26:10,839
as though in haste, and beneath say a faint ring

475
00:26:10,880 --> 00:26:17,000
of moisture. Hastings blinked, perfumes built. Well, what of it? Quart,

476
00:26:17,119 --> 00:26:20,880
smile faintly. It is not the spill, Hastings, but the absence.

477
00:26:21,519 --> 00:26:24,680
There is no bottle toppled, no glass broken. The moisture

478
00:26:24,759 --> 00:26:27,359
came from another source. He touched the mock with a

479
00:26:27,359 --> 00:26:29,759
glove finger, then lifted a delicate scrap of paper from

480
00:26:29,799 --> 00:26:33,039
behind the table leg. It was a torn fragment of envelope,

481
00:26:33,039 --> 00:26:36,400
pitches crumbled, faint traces of being blurred by water. Hastings

482
00:26:36,480 --> 00:26:39,279
leaned in by jove Bora. Do you suppose it belonged

483
00:26:39,279 --> 00:26:43,799
to Becks's letter? Quart examined the scrap beneath the light. None.

484
00:26:43,920 --> 00:26:47,960
The handwriting is different, smaller neater, and the ink awe.

485
00:26:48,000 --> 00:26:51,200
It is of another hue. Entirely this fragment belongs to

486
00:26:51,240 --> 00:26:54,200
a letter not yet produced, perhaps a letter e Lena

487
00:26:54,240 --> 00:26:57,319
received in secret, a letter which is sought to conceal,

488
00:26:57,440 --> 00:27:00,799
yet in her haze, dropped and half destroyed. The discovery unsettled,

489
00:27:00,839 --> 00:27:04,240
Hastings But why would she hide it from her parents,

490
00:27:04,240 --> 00:27:07,880
from her fance? Pooratt replaced the scrap gently in his pocket.

491
00:27:08,480 --> 00:27:12,160
That Hastings we shall uncover. But note this well, if

492
00:27:12,200 --> 00:27:14,640
she intended to elope with Bexley, would she keep hidden

493
00:27:14,640 --> 00:27:18,440
correspondence from another? Now there is a third presence in

494
00:27:18,480 --> 00:27:23,359
this drama, one not yet accused. Their search continued. Paratt

495
00:27:23,359 --> 00:27:26,799
examined the window with meticulous care. Outside the gravel path

496
00:27:26,839 --> 00:27:30,680
glistened ware, yet no disturbance marred its smooth surface. Hastings

497
00:27:30,799 --> 00:27:34,279
observe again, if Mademoiselle Lena climbed down, where are the

498
00:27:34,319 --> 00:27:39,000
imprints with the scattered stones that displaced pebbles? There are none.

499
00:27:39,440 --> 00:27:43,200
She did not descend by the window, Hastings frown. Then

500
00:27:43,240 --> 00:27:46,839
why was it opened? Paratt tapped his temple to create

501
00:27:46,880 --> 00:27:50,720
the illusion, mon Army, An open window is a convenient tale.

502
00:27:51,160 --> 00:27:54,480
The true exit must lie elsewhere. He crossed to the wardrobe,

503
00:27:54,599 --> 00:27:58,759
opening its polished doors. Inside hung Elina's garments, rore upon

504
00:27:58,839 --> 00:28:01,759
roe silks and linens. He ran his hand along them

505
00:28:01,799 --> 00:28:04,880
until his fingers paused at a gap between dresses. Upon

506
00:28:04,920 --> 00:28:07,079
the floor lay a faint smere, darker than the wood

507
00:28:07,079 --> 00:28:12,160
around it. Quart croached, inspecting it closely, Grease Hastings, the

508
00:28:12,240 --> 00:28:15,119
mock of a candle al Lanton placed carelessly. Who brings

509
00:28:15,160 --> 00:28:17,279
a lantern into a young lady's wardrobe, save one who

510
00:28:17,279 --> 00:28:21,680
comes secretly by night? Hastings shivered poorat this grows darker

511
00:28:21,720 --> 00:28:25,119
by the moment. Are you suggesting she was taken abducted?

512
00:28:25,839 --> 00:28:30,680
Pouyat rose, his expression grave. Perhaps, or perhaps she went willingly,

513
00:28:30,720 --> 00:28:33,559
guided by a hand she trusted. But always, always there

514
00:28:33,599 --> 00:28:37,119
is deception. The lantern, the hidden letter, the understirved gown.

515
00:28:37,240 --> 00:28:39,079
They tell us a story most unlike the tale of

516
00:28:39,119 --> 00:28:42,079
police proclaim. A knock sounded at the door, and Lady

517
00:28:42,079 --> 00:28:45,839
Wickham entered, her eyes red from weeping. Monsieur Parrot, forgive me.

518
00:28:45,920 --> 00:28:48,000
I know the police are quite certain, but my heart

519
00:28:48,039 --> 00:28:51,599
insists Elina would not run with Charles. She was too proud,

520
00:28:51,640 --> 00:28:56,400
too dutiful. POI bowed, madam, your heart speaks a truth.

521
00:28:57,000 --> 00:28:59,759
May I ask? Did Elena receive many letters these weeks

522
00:29:00,480 --> 00:29:05,119
from friends, acquaintances. Lady Wickham hesitated. There was one, I

523
00:29:05,160 --> 00:29:09,160
think a correspondent. She did not show me. She grew secretive,

524
00:29:09,200 --> 00:29:12,079
even anxious. When I pressed her, she said only that

525
00:29:12,160 --> 00:29:15,240
it was of no consequence. Part inclined his head thoughtfully,

526
00:29:15,880 --> 00:29:19,880
no consequence. Indeed, such words often mass the gravest matters.

527
00:29:20,480 --> 00:29:24,319
After she departed, Hastings whisper, poarart are you suggesting another man?

528
00:29:24,799 --> 00:29:27,839
Part did not answer her. Once he stood at the window,

529
00:29:28,000 --> 00:29:31,400
gazing out at the reins wet gardens. At last he murmured,

530
00:29:31,519 --> 00:29:35,839
another man, another woman, another secret? Who can say? But

531
00:29:35,920 --> 00:29:38,519
I tell you this, Hastings, We are chasing shadows if

532
00:29:38,559 --> 00:29:41,519
we persue only Bexley the true clue. It lies here

533
00:29:41,559 --> 00:29:43,839
in this room, and in what is missing, in what

534
00:29:44,000 --> 00:29:46,960
is headen? That evening, Warat returned to the drawing room,

535
00:29:47,039 --> 00:29:49,720
where Sir Bennedict's sat by the fire, his features haggard

536
00:29:50,279 --> 00:29:54,119
the detective hell fragment of envelope. Monsieur, do you recognize

537
00:29:54,119 --> 00:29:58,200
his hand? Sir Benneddet peered at it, then shook his head. No,

538
00:29:59,119 --> 00:30:03,440
it is not Charles nor Rowland's. But wait, I have

539
00:30:03,440 --> 00:30:07,160
seen such group before. The curate mister Latham writes in

540
00:30:07,200 --> 00:30:10,400
such a small, neat manner he often sends me notes

541
00:30:10,440 --> 00:30:15,839
regarding the parish accounts. Quart's eyes glimmered. Ah, then tomorrow

542
00:30:15,880 --> 00:30:19,400
we shall pay a visit to the vicarage. Hastings looked astonished.

543
00:30:20,039 --> 00:30:23,039
The curate, surely you cannot think a man of the cloth,

544
00:30:23,519 --> 00:30:27,400
Waratt interrupted softly. We must not think mon army. We

545
00:30:27,480 --> 00:30:31,160
must observe in observation tells me this lener Wickhambe was

546
00:30:31,160 --> 00:30:34,240
in communication with someone unknown, someone who wish a kept secret.

547
00:30:34,920 --> 00:30:38,640
Until we uncover the sender, the mystery remains unsolved. He

548
00:30:38,680 --> 00:30:41,759
folded the fragment away, his manner composed yet inwardly, burning

549
00:30:41,759 --> 00:30:44,440
with quiet triumph. For in a tiny piece of torn

550
00:30:44,440 --> 00:30:46,759
paper lay the first true crack, and a facade of lies,

551
00:30:46,839 --> 00:30:49,119
a clue in detail that promised to unravel the vanishing

552
00:30:49,119 --> 00:30:52,519
bride fade. Morning brooke gray and heavy, the air clinging

553
00:30:52,559 --> 00:30:55,759
with dampness from the night's rain. Marlacum. Whole seemed subdued,

554
00:30:55,960 --> 00:30:58,000
as if the house itself carried the weight of a knees.

555
00:30:58,640 --> 00:31:01,240
The servants whispered nervously in corners, and the family took

556
00:31:01,240 --> 00:31:04,119
breakfast and strained silence. Every clink of cutlery punctuated by

557
00:31:04,160 --> 00:31:07,160
glances that spoke of suspicion and fear. Poorart entered the

558
00:31:07,200 --> 00:31:10,799
dining room with his usual immaculate decision his mustaches gleamed,

559
00:31:10,839 --> 00:31:14,680
his shoe shone, and yet his expression was pensive. Histings followed,

560
00:31:14,720 --> 00:31:18,319
still troubled by the previous day's discoverers. Lady Wickham rose

561
00:31:18,319 --> 00:31:21,319
as they entered Monsieur porart. You promised to look further

562
00:31:21,319 --> 00:31:26,240
into the matter. Have you learned anything? Powart bowed slightly, Madame,

563
00:31:26,359 --> 00:31:28,519
I have learned this. The truth lies not upon the surface,

564
00:31:28,640 --> 00:31:31,920
but beneath, and already small cracks revealed themselves in the

565
00:31:31,960 --> 00:31:36,000
beautiful mask your household wares. Captain Desmond gave a scoffing laugh.

566
00:31:36,519 --> 00:31:39,400
You speak in Riddle's porart. The case is simple. Charles

567
00:31:39,440 --> 00:31:43,079
Bexley sought revenge, and Elena foolishly trusted him. The police

568
00:31:43,079 --> 00:31:47,559
will prove it. Quart's eyes glinted so so then Moncapitaine,

569
00:31:47,960 --> 00:31:51,000
yet certain he can be a dangerous luxury. He paused,

570
00:31:51,039 --> 00:31:54,680
then added, delicately, you love Mademoiselle Eleiner. Did you not this?

571
00:31:54,839 --> 00:31:59,480
Men bristled naturally. She was to be my wife. Powart

572
00:31:59,519 --> 00:32:02,279
tilted his head, and yet she confided in others that

573
00:32:02,359 --> 00:32:05,920
she feared you. Did you know this? The Captain's face flushed.

574
00:32:05,960 --> 00:32:10,480
Crimson lies, fixeless lies. I never raised a hand against

575
00:32:10,519 --> 00:32:14,559
a lener. She she misunderstood my temper. I am a soldier,

576
00:32:14,640 --> 00:32:19,160
poor up firm, perhaps, but never cruel. The room fell

577
00:32:19,200 --> 00:32:22,440
into silence. Sir Bennedict shifted and easily in his chair.

578
00:32:22,559 --> 00:32:25,319
Lady Whitcombe tabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, and Hastens

579
00:32:25,359 --> 00:32:27,640
noted how the tensions seemed to thicken with each passing.

580
00:32:27,640 --> 00:32:31,160
The second quart smiled faintly, as if filing the matter away,

581
00:32:31,240 --> 00:32:34,839
and turned instead to Sir Benedict. Monsieur, forgive my intrusion,

582
00:32:34,960 --> 00:32:37,799
but I must ask your finances. They are stable, are

583
00:32:37,799 --> 00:32:42,519
they not? The baronet stiffened. Our affairs are private mice,

584
00:32:42,559 --> 00:32:46,000
we poorat said softly. And yet in matters of crime,

585
00:32:46,039 --> 00:32:49,839
prodscy often conceals motive. I hear whispers that Marlcombe Hall,

586
00:32:50,079 --> 00:32:53,160
with all its grunturer, is not what it appears. That's

587
00:32:53,200 --> 00:32:58,240
perhaps a mortgage and paid. Lady Wickcomb gasped, powat, you

588
00:32:58,240 --> 00:33:02,519
cannot mean that, Sir ben It if raised a hand enough, Coloressa,

589
00:33:03,119 --> 00:33:06,240
the detective is correct. The estate is not as secure

590
00:33:06,240 --> 00:33:09,960
as it once was. Agricultural returns have been poor, investments

591
00:33:09,960 --> 00:33:13,160
and wise. But Alina's marriage to Captain Desmond would have

592
00:33:13,200 --> 00:33:18,519
restored all. His fortune is considerable. Poard inclined his head awe.

593
00:33:18,640 --> 00:33:20,960
So the union was not only of hearts, but also

594
00:33:20,960 --> 00:33:26,440
of necessity. Interesting an sepa. The smith spoke sharply, a

595
00:33:26,440 --> 00:33:28,880
are you suggesting her family pushed her into marriage against

596
00:33:28,920 --> 00:33:33,039
her will? Poat did not answer directly. Instead, he lifted

597
00:33:33,039 --> 00:33:35,640
his brows and allowed the silence to speak. It was

598
00:33:35,720 --> 00:33:39,720
lady Whitcombe who faltered first. She was dutiful, she would

599
00:33:39,759 --> 00:33:43,319
not refuse her father, and knock interrupted them. The butler,

600
00:33:43,440 --> 00:33:46,480
solemn as always, entered bearing a small tray. Monsieur pow

601
00:33:46,599 --> 00:33:49,319
a messenger, delivered this at the gate, addressed to you.

602
00:33:49,920 --> 00:33:52,920
Ward accepted the envelope with a small bow. He slid

603
00:33:52,920 --> 00:33:56,319
it open carefully and unfolded this single sheet within his eyes,

604
00:33:56,319 --> 00:33:59,039
skimmed the knee handwriting, and at once his brows drew together.

605
00:33:59,720 --> 00:34:04,039
Hist regard it is unsigned, yet it reads seek not

606
00:34:04,119 --> 00:34:06,440
in the hall, but in the church there lies the

607
00:34:06,480 --> 00:34:11,880
truth Hastings exclaimed by Jove Powart. Another clue, Qouarrott tapped

608
00:34:11,920 --> 00:34:15,920
the paper yes un observed the hand the same small

609
00:34:16,079 --> 00:34:20,079
neat writing as the fragment we discovered yesterday. The curate perhaps,

610
00:34:20,239 --> 00:34:24,239
or one who imitates his style. We must investigate. Within

611
00:34:24,280 --> 00:34:26,239
the hour, Porot and Hastings made their way to the

612
00:34:26,280 --> 00:34:29,039
village church, a modest stone building with ivy climbing its

613
00:34:29,039 --> 00:34:32,800
ancient walls. Inside, the curate, mister Latham, greeted them with

614
00:34:32,840 --> 00:34:36,360
nervous cursy. He was within man spectacle, his manner earnest

615
00:34:36,400 --> 00:34:40,760
yet uneasy, Monsieur Poarat, Captain Hastings, what an honor I

616
00:34:40,800 --> 00:34:43,880
confess the village is abuzz with your presence. How may

617
00:34:43,920 --> 00:34:48,119
I be of service? Poarart studded him, keenly. Monsieur lecier

618
00:34:48,239 --> 00:34:51,800
I am told. He corresponded with Mademoisellelina. Is this true?

619
00:34:52,360 --> 00:34:56,360
Lath mplushed why yes? In a manner she confided in

620
00:34:56,400 --> 00:35:00,519
me saw counsel. She was troubled about her marriage. Troubled

621
00:35:00,559 --> 00:35:05,159
how Powart asked softly. The curate hesitated, then lowered his voice.

622
00:35:05,880 --> 00:35:08,039
She feared it was arranged for her family's sick rather

623
00:35:08,079 --> 00:35:11,000
than her own. She cared for Captain Desmond. Yes, but

624
00:35:11,079 --> 00:35:13,880
she also felt bound by judy. She told me once

625
00:35:13,960 --> 00:35:16,639
she wished she could choose freely, without consideration of fortune

626
00:35:16,719 --> 00:35:20,519
or honor. Hastings exchanged a look with Poorat. Did she

627
00:35:20,599 --> 00:35:25,360
ever mention Charles Bexley, The Curate sighed she did. She

628
00:35:25,400 --> 00:35:27,440
admitted she had once cared for him, but she could

629
00:35:27,480 --> 00:35:30,840
not forgive his recklessness. Yet even so she pitied him.

630
00:35:31,360 --> 00:35:35,559
She did not wish to see him ruined. Poorat lean closer, Monsieur,

631
00:35:35,679 --> 00:35:37,960
did you write to her a letter that might be

632
00:35:38,000 --> 00:35:42,119
discovered among her things? The Curate's eyes widened. No, I

633
00:35:42,159 --> 00:35:44,800
swear it. I only advised her when she came here

634
00:35:44,840 --> 00:35:47,320
in person. If there is such a letter, some one

635
00:35:47,360 --> 00:35:51,239
has used my hand as disguise. Woart's gaze sharpened just

636
00:35:51,360 --> 00:35:55,400
so some one has imitated you, Monsieur Latham. That is

637
00:35:55,440 --> 00:35:59,199
most curious. As they departed the church, Hastings mutter. So

638
00:35:59,400 --> 00:36:02,400
Lena's family needed her marriage, She doubted her fance, pitied

639
00:36:02,440 --> 00:36:05,320
her former lover, and sought advice from the Curate. That

640
00:36:05,519 --> 00:36:10,320
is a tangle. Indeedhois nodded a tangle, yes, and each

641
00:36:10,400 --> 00:36:13,760
red hides a lie. This man's temper, Sir Benedict's debts

642
00:36:13,840 --> 00:36:16,119
a letter forged to mislead. All these suggests more than

643
00:36:16,199 --> 00:36:20,719
chance lies. Mon army always service. One need only be patient.

644
00:36:21,320 --> 00:36:25,199
Back at the hall, another storm of revelations awaited. The housemaid,

645
00:36:25,239 --> 00:36:27,440
trembling and pale, confessed to Lady Wickham that she had

646
00:36:27,440 --> 00:36:29,679
seen Captain Desmond in the garden late at night, speaking

647
00:36:29,679 --> 00:36:32,920
in hushed tones with a stranger. When pressed, she described

648
00:36:32,920 --> 00:36:36,440
the figure as cloaked, indistinct, but not Charles Bexley faatt

649
00:36:36,440 --> 00:36:39,760
listened intently a stranger at Marlacum on the eve of

650
00:36:39,760 --> 00:36:43,920
the wedding. Oh, this is most suggestive. This men confronted

651
00:36:44,079 --> 00:36:47,719
grew defensive a lie from a frightened girl. I was

652
00:36:47,760 --> 00:36:51,559
restless walking the grounds. I spoke to no one but

653
00:36:51,599 --> 00:36:54,960
poor Outsize glittered. Ah. But you see, when lies are told,

654
00:36:55,000 --> 00:36:58,079
they multiply, and when they multiply, the truth struggles to

655
00:36:58,119 --> 00:37:01,800
be free. Soon, hasting, very soon, we shall see which

656
00:37:01,840 --> 00:37:05,239
of these lies unrevels first. That night, as the household

657
00:37:05,239 --> 00:37:07,400
re tie of under a shroud attention, Puart sat in

658
00:37:07,440 --> 00:37:10,559
his chamber the anonymous note upon his desk. He tapped

659
00:37:10,559 --> 00:37:14,559
it gently with one finger. More lies, hastings, but lies

660
00:37:14,599 --> 00:37:17,280
they all like smoke, trace them to their soarse any

661
00:37:17,320 --> 00:37:20,719
fine fire. The stone that had threatened all afternoon broken

662
00:37:20,760 --> 00:37:23,960
on us. By evening. Rain lashed the windows of Morlecombe Hall.

663
00:37:24,039 --> 00:37:26,760
Thunder rumbled across the hills, and the great house seemed

664
00:37:26,760 --> 00:37:29,599
to quiver beneath. The fury of the elements within the

665
00:37:29,639 --> 00:37:33,719
atmosphere was no less turbulent. The Whitcomb's dined intense silence,

666
00:37:33,840 --> 00:37:37,360
every forklifted with the weight of unspoken dread. Powart sat serene,

667
00:37:37,400 --> 00:37:39,760
though his eyes flickered from face to face, observing the

668
00:37:39,760 --> 00:37:42,280
tremour of hand, the hesitation of a reply, the restless

669
00:37:42,320 --> 00:37:46,000
glance toward the door. Hastings beside him, could hardly for

670
00:37:46,039 --> 00:37:48,480
the uneies that pressed upon the table like a suffocating fog.

671
00:37:49,159 --> 00:37:53,000
At last, Sir Bennedict broke the silence warat He said heavily,

672
00:37:53,039 --> 00:37:56,920
this cannot continue. The household is unraveling, My wife is

673
00:37:56,960 --> 00:37:59,960
near collapse, my servants are uneasy, and the villager's whisper

674
00:38:00,079 --> 00:38:03,199
scandal every turn. If Elina is gone forever, I would

675
00:38:03,280 --> 00:38:06,119
rather know it than endure this torment. Poorart set down

676
00:38:06,159 --> 00:38:09,519
his knife and fork with deliberate care patience. Sir Benedict,

677
00:38:10,199 --> 00:38:14,159
the truth is near already, the lies unravel fred by thread.

678
00:38:14,519 --> 00:38:16,719
Soon there will come a moment when the masked slips

679
00:38:16,800 --> 00:38:19,760
and the face beneath his reveal, Captain Disman gave a

680
00:38:19,800 --> 00:38:23,159
harsh laugh, fine words, Parart. But meanwhile my honor is

681
00:38:23,199 --> 00:38:26,000
dragged through the mire. I made to appear a brute,

682
00:38:26,000 --> 00:38:29,360
a fortune hunter. If Feliner doubted me, she was deceived.

683
00:38:29,920 --> 00:38:32,920
I loved her more than life itself. His voice cracked

684
00:38:32,920 --> 00:38:36,280
on the last words. He rose, suddenly, pacing the length

685
00:38:36,280 --> 00:38:39,079
of the room like a man pursuit by ghosts. Lady

686
00:38:39,119 --> 00:38:43,239
would come burst into tears, murmuring Elina's name. Poorartt's eyes narrowed.

687
00:38:43,800 --> 00:38:46,519
He loved her, mon Capitaine. Yet he spoke to a

688
00:38:46,519 --> 00:38:48,239
stranger in the garden on the eve of your wedding.

689
00:38:48,760 --> 00:38:51,920
Who was this person? This man stopped, short, colored raining

690
00:38:51,960 --> 00:38:54,639
from his face. I told you it was no one

691
00:38:55,280 --> 00:38:59,039
I worked alone. The butler, discreet until now, coughed softly.

692
00:38:59,599 --> 00:39:01,400
If I may, sir, I too saw the Captain that

693
00:39:01,559 --> 00:39:04,719
night from the servant's wing. He was speaking with a

694
00:39:04,760 --> 00:39:07,760
cloaked figure near the yew hedge. I thought it strange,

695
00:39:07,840 --> 00:39:10,920
but I dare not intrude. A collective gas bran around

696
00:39:10,920 --> 00:39:14,760
the table Dismint's sland, his fist upon the mantle lies.

697
00:39:15,440 --> 00:39:18,599
Do you all conspire against me? Forwart's tone was quiet,

698
00:39:18,679 --> 00:39:23,519
almost gentle. None, mom, Captain, but your agitation betrays you.

699
00:39:24,320 --> 00:39:27,400
If it was an innocent meeting, why conceal it? Dismant's

700
00:39:27,400 --> 00:39:30,960
composure shadow He turned, his face, pale, his eyes wild.

701
00:39:31,320 --> 00:39:34,400
Very well, I will tell you it was a Leaner

702
00:39:34,400 --> 00:39:36,840
I met in the garden that night. The words fell

703
00:39:36,920 --> 00:39:41,079
like thunder. Lady Wickham clutched her chest. Sir Benedict half

704
00:39:41,199 --> 00:39:46,039
rose from his chair. Hastings stared in disbelief. Desmond pressed on, desperate.

705
00:39:46,119 --> 00:39:49,840
Now she came to me weeping. She confessed she was frightened,

706
00:39:49,880 --> 00:39:52,559
frightened of what lay ahead. She begged me to release

707
00:39:52,559 --> 00:39:55,039
her from the engagement, to let her go, Frey, I

708
00:39:55,079 --> 00:39:57,800
swore I would not. I told her she was overwrought,

709
00:39:57,880 --> 00:40:00,400
that in the morning she would see reason. She ran

710
00:40:00,440 --> 00:40:03,280
from me, then vanished into the shadows. That was the

711
00:40:03,360 --> 00:40:06,559
last I saw of her. Silence reigned, broken only by

712
00:40:06,559 --> 00:40:10,760
the storm outside. Borat's gaze was piercing. Mon Capitaine, you

713
00:40:10,840 --> 00:40:15,599
did not tell this before. Why Desmond's vois shook because

714
00:40:15,599 --> 00:40:19,239
it damns me? Do you not see? If Eliner fled

715
00:40:19,320 --> 00:40:21,920
it was because she dreaded me. And if she is dead,

716
00:40:21,960 --> 00:40:23,800
if harrm has come to her. Every one will say

717
00:40:23,840 --> 00:40:26,159
it was I who drove her to it. Lady Whitcombe

718
00:40:26,159 --> 00:40:30,039
sobbed openly, while Sir Benedict about his head in anguish hastings,

719
00:40:30,039 --> 00:40:32,679
Poor Art, what are we to make of this? Art

720
00:40:32,800 --> 00:40:37,079
raised a hand, Come mon army. This revelation changes much.

721
00:40:37,760 --> 00:40:40,400
Yet know it well, des men's words, Confermelina was alive

722
00:40:40,440 --> 00:40:43,199
that night, after Charles Bexley was long come from the grounds.

723
00:40:43,920 --> 00:40:46,559
This clears Bexley of one suspicion, though it deepens the

724
00:40:46,599 --> 00:40:49,679
mystery of Elina's fate. The Captain's ank into her chair,

725
00:40:49,840 --> 00:40:53,079
burying his face in his hands. His prodomino was gone,

726
00:40:53,440 --> 00:40:56,760
replaced by the broken desperation of a man cornered. Porot

727
00:40:56,800 --> 00:41:00,480
watched him for a long moment, then turned to Sir Benedict, Monsieur,

728
00:41:00,559 --> 00:41:03,079
did your daughter confide in you of her fears? Sir

729
00:41:03,119 --> 00:41:08,119
Benedict's poisee was hoarse. No, she was always dutiful, always obedient.

730
00:41:08,599 --> 00:41:11,079
I thought her happy, Bard helped me. I thought only

731
00:41:11,159 --> 00:41:13,840
of the estate of our debts. I believed her marriage

732
00:41:13,840 --> 00:41:16,800
would save us all. Pouart inclined his head, his tone

733
00:41:16,840 --> 00:41:19,519
unusually soft, and so you pressed her to wed, though

734
00:41:19,559 --> 00:41:22,320
her heart was troubled. Do you see, monsieur, how the

735
00:41:22,320 --> 00:41:25,159
weight of duty can crush even the strongest spirit. Sir

736
00:41:25,199 --> 00:41:27,480
Benedict groaned, as if the truth had struck him like

737
00:41:27,480 --> 00:41:31,159
a blow. Lady Wickcombe, trembling, whispered, we have destroyed her,

738
00:41:31,239 --> 00:41:35,239
Benedict ur Elner. If she has perish, it is by

739
00:41:35,239 --> 00:41:37,840
our hand as much as by another's quarat. Let the

740
00:41:37,880 --> 00:41:40,719
silence linger, the storm raging outside mirroring the storm within.

741
00:41:41,360 --> 00:41:44,639
Then he said, quietly, courage, madam, we are not Yes

742
00:41:44,719 --> 00:41:48,239
at the end, Mademoiselle Alina's face is hidden, but not forever.

743
00:41:49,000 --> 00:41:52,559
Already the veil lifts. That night, after the household retire.

744
00:41:52,760 --> 00:41:55,679
Hastings feanpoist pacing their chamber out, his hands clasped behind

745
00:41:55,679 --> 00:41:59,199
his back, his face aglow with thought. Pouarat, Hastings, venture,

746
00:41:59,239 --> 00:42:01,760
do you believe this man confession that he saw a

747
00:42:01,800 --> 00:42:04,639
leaner in the garden? Four up? Pause, Then shook his

748
00:42:04,719 --> 00:42:09,079
head slowly, partly monomy the truth, It is often wrapt

749
00:42:09,119 --> 00:42:12,880
in a garment of lies. He saw her, yes, she

750
00:42:12,960 --> 00:42:16,400
spoke of fear. Yes, But there is more. He tells

751
00:42:16,440 --> 00:42:19,639
us only what suits his honor. There are details he conceals,

752
00:42:20,280 --> 00:42:23,360
Hastings frowned. But why conceal them if the truth might

753
00:42:23,400 --> 00:42:27,519
clear him? Poorer's eyes gleamed, Because the truth, Hastings, is

754
00:42:27,559 --> 00:42:30,440
more dangerous. Still. We approach the heart of the matter.

755
00:42:31,119 --> 00:42:33,679
One more push and the mask will fall away entirely.

756
00:42:34,239 --> 00:42:36,760
He lifted the anonymous note once more, its words stock

757
00:42:36,840 --> 00:42:39,159
upon the page. Seek not in the hall, but in

758
00:42:39,199 --> 00:42:43,599
the church, there lies the truth. Tomorrow, Hastings, we return

759
00:42:43,639 --> 00:42:46,519
to the church, and there I think we shall find

760
00:42:46,519 --> 00:42:50,000
the piece that completes the puzzle. Outside, lightning split the sky,

761
00:42:50,320 --> 00:42:52,679
casting morlacomb Hole in a sudden blaze of white, before

762
00:42:52,679 --> 00:42:56,280
plunging it back into darkness. Within the household lay restless

763
00:42:56,280 --> 00:42:59,000
in their beds, each soul burdened with secrets. And in

764
00:42:59,039 --> 00:43:01,679
his chamber, Root smiled faintly, for he knew the moment

765
00:43:01,679 --> 00:43:05,320
of revelation was drawing close. The following morning dawned clearer

766
00:43:05,360 --> 00:43:07,280
that the heavy clouds still loomed like watchful eyes of

767
00:43:07,320 --> 00:43:10,039
a morlacombe. The storm of the previous night had left

768
00:43:10,039 --> 00:43:12,000
the lawn soden, and the air smelt of wet earth

769
00:43:12,039 --> 00:43:14,599
and roses beaten down by rain. Within the hall, the

770
00:43:14,639 --> 00:43:18,400
atmosphere was even more fragile. The household lingered in corridors

771
00:43:18,400 --> 00:43:21,320
and drawing rooms, unable to escape the weight of unanswered questions.

772
00:43:21,880 --> 00:43:24,440
Warart dressed with his usual immaculate care, to send to

773
00:43:24,519 --> 00:43:28,480
the Grand staircase, as though nothing in the world disturbed him. Histings, however,

774
00:43:28,559 --> 00:43:31,199
noted the peculiar gleam in his friend's eye. It was

775
00:43:31,239 --> 00:43:32,960
the look of a man who had decided upon a

776
00:43:33,000 --> 00:43:34,719
move in a game of chess, a move that would

777
00:43:34,760 --> 00:43:38,920
changed the board entirely. Over breakfast, Warat spoke lightly, mess

778
00:43:38,920 --> 00:43:41,000
Amos this afternoon, I should like us all to gather

779
00:43:41,039 --> 00:43:44,719
in the library. There matters to be clarified. The truth.

780
00:43:44,840 --> 00:43:47,800
It comes not by accident, but by design, And died

781
00:43:47,840 --> 00:43:51,480
Hercule pot I shall provide the design. So Benydict frowned,

782
00:43:52,039 --> 00:43:54,440
Do you mean you know what happened to Eleiner? Warat

783
00:43:54,519 --> 00:43:57,199
inclined his head gravely. I know enough to be certain

784
00:43:57,199 --> 00:43:59,519
that when among us has lied, and continues to lie

785
00:44:00,039 --> 00:44:03,199
to day, the lie shall be stripped away. Lady whit compaled,

786
00:44:03,880 --> 00:44:09,079
Monsieur Poaratt, must we endure more torment? Quarat's voice oftened, courage,

787
00:44:09,199 --> 00:44:12,079
Madam better the torment of truth than the slow poison

788
00:44:12,159 --> 00:44:15,719
of uncertainty. The word poison seemed to ripple through the room.

789
00:44:16,079 --> 00:44:18,960
Captain Disman stiffened, Charles Bexley's name was muttered once more

790
00:44:19,039 --> 00:44:22,039
by the servants, and even the butler shifted uneasily. By

791
00:44:22,039 --> 00:44:24,840
three o'clock a household assembled in the library, Sir Benedict

792
00:44:24,880 --> 00:44:28,440
and Lady Whitcombe, pale and drawn, Captain Dissemond restless and sullen.

793
00:44:28,519 --> 00:44:31,400
Inspector Graves convinced he had his man already, the curate

794
00:44:31,480 --> 00:44:35,039
mister Latham summoned under polite insistence, and even Charles Bexley

795
00:44:35,079 --> 00:44:38,719
himself brought back under Parat's intervention. The storm had passed,

796
00:44:38,800 --> 00:44:40,559
but the tension inside the great room was like a

797
00:44:40,559 --> 00:44:43,920
top string ready to snap. Quart stood before the great fireplace,

798
00:44:44,000 --> 00:44:47,519
his hands clasped, his eyes bright. Hastings watched him with admiration,

799
00:44:47,599 --> 00:44:49,679
for here was part in his element, the master upon

800
00:44:49,719 --> 00:44:53,239
his stage, my friends, Powart began his voice, calm but

801
00:44:53,320 --> 00:44:55,280
carrying easily to every air. We gat a hear not

802
00:44:55,360 --> 00:44:57,840
to indulge in gossiper accusation, but to see the truth

803
00:44:57,840 --> 00:45:01,320
revealed already. The police are content with their solution. But

804
00:45:01,480 --> 00:45:05,000
I herkill parrot, and not so easily satisfy. There are

805
00:45:05,079 --> 00:45:08,519
thorts that do not align, details that contradict, and when

806
00:45:08,559 --> 00:45:11,079
factch refuse to agree, it means one thing only there

807
00:45:11,159 --> 00:45:15,159
is to see. Inspector Gray is bristled, Woira, with respect,

808
00:45:15,280 --> 00:45:18,039
you complicate? What is symbol? The man becks of Lord

809
00:45:18,039 --> 00:45:21,320
mis Wick. Come away as plain as day, Quartz smiled gently,

810
00:45:21,880 --> 00:45:25,679
as plain as dey none monsieur. If it were plain,

811
00:45:25,920 --> 00:45:28,519
why then do the details cry out? Why was the

812
00:45:28,559 --> 00:45:31,719
gown untouched, the veil abandoned? Why were there no marks

813
00:45:31,760 --> 00:45:34,679
upon the gravel path. Why does a fragment of ladobeer

814
00:45:34,800 --> 00:45:37,639
a hand not of Bexley but of another, And why

815
00:45:37,760 --> 00:45:40,159
above all this Captain Desmond concealed that he met the

816
00:45:40,159 --> 00:45:43,079
bride on the very night she vanished. A collective murmur

817
00:45:43,079 --> 00:45:46,679
spread across the room. This man's jaw tightened. I told

818
00:45:46,679 --> 00:45:50,719
you the truth last night. Quarro's mustache is twitched, he told,

819
00:45:50,760 --> 00:45:53,559
as part of the truth, Mon capitaine, that is not

820
00:45:53,679 --> 00:45:57,760
the same, He turned, pacing slowly. Consider also the debts

821
00:45:57,760 --> 00:46:00,239
of Sir Benedict, debts that would be erased by this marriage.

822
00:46:00,880 --> 00:46:03,760
Consider the anxiety of Lady Whitcombe who pressed her daughter

823
00:46:03,800 --> 00:46:06,639
toward duty. Consider the curate who gave a vice, but

824
00:46:06,719 --> 00:46:10,480
whose hand was imitated in a forged letter. Consider Charles Bexley,

825
00:46:10,480 --> 00:46:13,119
painted his villain, but more victim of circumstance and criminal

826
00:46:13,599 --> 00:46:17,559
quorartopped suddenly, his eyes glivering. But most of all, consider

827
00:46:17,599 --> 00:46:20,840
the church Twice now a note has urged us toward it.

828
00:46:21,440 --> 00:46:25,039
Why because within its walls lies the key, a secret

829
00:46:25,119 --> 00:46:29,199
that binds this mystery together. Lady wickhamb gasped the church,

830
00:46:29,880 --> 00:46:34,239
What could possibly be there? Waart held up a hand. Patience, madam,

831
00:46:34,800 --> 00:46:37,800
we shall see. But before that, one among you must

832
00:46:37,800 --> 00:46:40,159
face the question. Who sought to silence lean her Witcombe?

833
00:46:40,480 --> 00:46:44,119
Who feared her doubts, her hesitations, her confessions? Who had

834
00:46:44,119 --> 00:46:46,800
most to lose if she spoke freely? The silence that

835
00:46:46,880 --> 00:46:50,320
followed was unbearable. Wat let it stretch, his gaze, moving

836
00:46:50,360 --> 00:46:52,760
deliberately from face to face, watching the torch of an eye,

837
00:46:52,840 --> 00:46:56,159
the swallow overthroat, the tremor of a hand. Hastings recognized

838
00:46:56,199 --> 00:46:59,639
it for what it was, poortstrap. He was not accusing directly,

839
00:46:59,760 --> 00:47:03,000
not yet, he was applying pressure, letting the guilty conscience

840
00:47:03,039 --> 00:47:05,920
strain beneath the weight of unspoken suspicion. It was Lady

841
00:47:05,920 --> 00:47:09,079
Whitcomb who cracked first. With a sudden cry. She rose

842
00:47:09,119 --> 00:47:11,679
to her feet, her hands trembling. I swear to you,

843
00:47:11,760 --> 00:47:14,840
I never wished to lean her harm. I pressed her, yes,

844
00:47:15,079 --> 00:47:17,360
but only because I feared for our home, for our family.

845
00:47:17,960 --> 00:47:19,920
I thought Captain Dismant a good man. I thought she

846
00:47:19,960 --> 00:47:23,000
would be safe. Sir Bennedict caught her arm, but pour

847
00:47:23,039 --> 00:47:26,760
out raised a finger. Ah madam, your words are most revealing.

848
00:47:27,360 --> 00:47:29,760
You fear for the estate, You feared for appearances. But

849
00:47:29,840 --> 00:47:32,599
did you fear for a leaner herself? Tears ran down

850
00:47:32,679 --> 00:47:35,480
her cheeks. Ay had I thought duty would bind her.

851
00:47:36,159 --> 00:47:39,639
She was strong, she would never betray us. I did

852
00:47:39,639 --> 00:47:43,199
not know she was so afraid. Quaat's voice softened. You

853
00:47:43,320 --> 00:47:45,480
did not see because you did not wish to see.

854
00:47:46,039 --> 00:47:49,199
But only Nur saw. And she confided in another one

855
00:47:49,199 --> 00:47:51,800
who promised her understanding, but who, in truth, betrayed her.

856
00:47:51,800 --> 00:47:56,960
Truss His eyes turned suddenly sharply to Captain Dismond. Mon capitaine,

857
00:47:57,000 --> 00:47:59,880
shall we tell them of the rain? Desmond started violently

858
00:48:00,480 --> 00:48:04,079
the ring, What do you mean? Tuartz stepped closer, his

859
00:48:04,199 --> 00:48:08,280
voice low but clear. The engagement ring, Hastings. You recall

860
00:48:08,320 --> 00:48:11,199
it was absent from Eliner's chamber. Yet last night in

861
00:48:11,239 --> 00:48:13,639
the Captain's room I observed a small velvet case hidden

862
00:48:13,679 --> 00:48:18,639
within a drawer empty. A gasp echoed. Hastins's heart lurched.

863
00:48:19,440 --> 00:48:23,000
Lady Wickham plutched at her throat. Quartz gazed, bowed into Dismont.

864
00:48:23,559 --> 00:48:25,679
If Elina fled you, she would not return the ring.

865
00:48:26,320 --> 00:48:28,360
If she was taken by another, they would not trouble

866
00:48:28,360 --> 00:48:31,559
to remove it. Only one scenario explains it. She gave

867
00:48:31,599 --> 00:48:34,360
it back in anger and sorrow to you, Captain Desmond,

868
00:48:34,519 --> 00:48:38,039
on that night in the garden. Desmond's face was ashen. No,

869
00:48:39,000 --> 00:48:41,079
she she did give it back, but only because she

870
00:48:41,159 --> 00:48:43,920
was as draught asward her. She would change her mind.

871
00:48:44,519 --> 00:48:48,199
Twart's tone sharpened. And when she did not, when she

872
00:48:48,280 --> 00:48:52,639
insisted upon her freedom, what then, Montcabadaine, did your pride,

873
00:48:52,719 --> 00:48:55,840
your honor? You're desperate need overcome your love? The room

874
00:48:55,880 --> 00:48:59,519
held its breath. Dismond's hands clenched his chest, heaving. For

875
00:48:59,559 --> 00:49:03,519
a moment, it seemed he would speak, confess, break entirely. Waratwaited.

876
00:49:03,639 --> 00:49:05,840
The silent stretch taught us wire the trap tightening with

877
00:49:05,880 --> 00:49:09,039
every heart beat. At last, Desmond sight into a chair,

878
00:49:09,119 --> 00:49:13,800
his voice hoarse. You do not understand, you cannot. I

879
00:49:13,840 --> 00:49:17,239
loved her, she was mine. I could not let her go.

880
00:49:17,960 --> 00:49:20,400
Ward exchanged a glance with Hastings, and in that look

881
00:49:20,480 --> 00:49:25,639
lay confirmation. Shrap hads brun. The truth was nearly a hand. Tomorrow,

882
00:49:25,679 --> 00:49:28,920
Poora declared quietly. We go to the church, and there

883
00:49:28,960 --> 00:49:31,679
am he s amos, we shall uncover the final proof.

884
00:49:32,440 --> 00:49:36,360
Prepare yourselves, the end is near. The following day broke

885
00:49:36,440 --> 00:49:38,320
pale and chill, though the air was still heavy with

886
00:49:38,360 --> 00:49:41,400
the promise of another storm. The villagers, quick to seize

887
00:49:41,440 --> 00:49:44,519
upon every whisper already spoke of part summons with hushed reverence.

888
00:49:45,079 --> 00:49:48,320
Morlacum had never known such spectacle. To them, the Belgian

889
00:49:48,360 --> 00:49:51,559
detective was as mysterious as a crime itself. At noon,

890
00:49:51,760 --> 00:49:55,159
the library once again filled with uneasy figures. Sir Benedict

891
00:49:55,280 --> 00:49:58,440
leaned against Mantle, his face reigned. Lady w Comb sat rigidly,

892
00:49:58,480 --> 00:50:01,079
her hands folded tight. Charles bead Exley stood defiant through

893
00:50:01,119 --> 00:50:04,920
shadows under his eyes, betrayed exhaustion. Inspector Graves loomed at

894
00:50:04,960 --> 00:50:07,239
the back, unwilling yet to admit he had been not paced.

895
00:50:07,920 --> 00:50:11,280
Captain Thisisman entered last, his uniform impeccable, his joe clenched.

896
00:50:12,000 --> 00:50:15,400
Quartz arrayed them all with serene composure. Hastings noted the

897
00:50:15,400 --> 00:50:18,400
meticulousness of his attire, the immaculate mustaches, the gleam in

898
00:50:18,440 --> 00:50:22,280
his eyes. Parrott was at his most dangerous, calm, confident, precise,

899
00:50:23,000 --> 00:50:25,199
My friends, he began softly. We meet for the last

900
00:50:25,239 --> 00:50:28,400
time upon this unhappy business. He seek the truth of Elena,

901
00:50:28,400 --> 00:50:32,159
whit comes disappearance. The police are content with their simple explanation.

902
00:50:32,800 --> 00:50:35,880
But I, Hercule Poirot, cannot accept simplicity when the details

903
00:50:35,880 --> 00:50:38,519
cry against it, and so I give you the truth.

904
00:50:39,079 --> 00:50:43,719
Respector Graves interrupted Quart. Enough of speeches. If you have proof,

905
00:50:43,800 --> 00:50:47,719
present it. Puarat inclined his head gravely. Ah. But proof

906
00:50:47,880 --> 00:50:50,960
it comes not in a manner you expect. Moncher. The

907
00:50:51,000 --> 00:50:54,360
English police, they desire finger prints for Prince, material evidence.

908
00:50:55,000 --> 00:50:58,400
But sometimes the greatest proof lies here. He tapped his temple.

909
00:50:59,039 --> 00:51:02,079
In the psychology, in the order, in the motive, he

910
00:51:02,119 --> 00:51:05,480
stepped forward his voice. Daddy, let us begin at the beginning.

911
00:51:06,079 --> 00:51:09,039
Lina Wickcombe, a young woman of wealth and duty, engaged

912
00:51:09,039 --> 00:51:12,280
to Captain Dismond. Yet she was torn, torn between filial

913
00:51:12,320 --> 00:51:16,480
duty and her heart. There existed a former suitor, Charles Bexley, passionate,

914
00:51:16,599 --> 00:51:20,679
reckless but true. Her mother urged her toward dismound. Her

915
00:51:20,679 --> 00:51:24,960
father pressed for the alliance. Yet Elina doubted. She feared,

916
00:51:25,679 --> 00:51:27,559
And it is enough fear that we find our crime.

917
00:51:28,079 --> 00:51:32,559
Quarart's gazewept cross the room, Lady Wickham trembled, Sir Bennedict

918
00:51:32,559 --> 00:51:36,360
shifted uncomfortably. On the night before the wedding, Poyat continued.

919
00:51:36,440 --> 00:51:39,639
Elina walked in the garden. There she met Captain Dismond.

920
00:51:40,320 --> 00:51:44,039
She returned to him the engagement ring. Why because she

921
00:51:44,079 --> 00:51:47,079
could not marry him. She confessed her dread, her wish

922
00:51:47,079 --> 00:51:50,719
to be free, gasped filled the room. Dismond's face paled,

923
00:51:51,199 --> 00:51:54,400
Powart's mustaches quivered. To a man of pride of honor,

924
00:51:54,440 --> 00:51:57,280
such as our captain, this was not merely rejection. It

925
00:51:57,360 --> 00:52:00,639
was humiliation. He had courted her, secure uard, the blessing

926
00:52:00,639 --> 00:52:03,440
of her family, built his future upon her fortune. To

927
00:52:03,519 --> 00:52:05,440
lose her meant not only the loss of love, if

928
00:52:05,440 --> 00:52:07,920
indeed there was love, but also a status of abansement

929
00:52:07,960 --> 00:52:11,480
of reputation, and so his hard closed to reason. He

930
00:52:11,599 --> 00:52:15,239
resolved she would not escape. Lady Wickham whispered, no, no,

931
00:52:15,480 --> 00:52:18,800
it cannot be, But it is, Madame, Poirot said gently.

932
00:52:19,400 --> 00:52:22,760
He persuaded Elena to meet him later, under pretense of reconciliation.

933
00:52:23,400 --> 00:52:27,119
He drew her to the church, placed both private and symbolic. There,

934
00:52:27,199 --> 00:52:32,000
an argument flared. Lenier's defiance grew. This men's temper snapped

935
00:52:32,679 --> 00:52:36,199
in anger, in despair, he struck. Perhaps it was not intended,

936
00:52:36,800 --> 00:52:39,440
but the blow was fatal. Hastings felt the chill run

937
00:52:39,519 --> 00:52:42,480
down his spine. The library seemed to shrink around them.

938
00:52:43,079 --> 00:52:47,559
Pois press on relentless. Now comes the cleverness to disguise

939
00:52:47,639 --> 00:52:50,280
his acts. Men contrived the scene of an elopement, a

940
00:52:50,320 --> 00:52:54,480
discarded veil and arranged letter. Footsteps obscured. He planted suspicion

941
00:52:54,559 --> 00:52:58,079
upon Charles Becksley, the easy escapegoat. The police followed gladly,

942
00:52:58,119 --> 00:53:00,519
for it is always to have the obvious villain. But

943
00:53:00,559 --> 00:53:04,320
the details em e s amos. They betrayed him. Inspector

944
00:53:04,400 --> 00:53:08,960
Grave snapped what details? Poart raised a finger fiercely the

945
00:53:09,039 --> 00:53:11,960
ring Billino would not leave it behind, nor would a

946
00:53:12,000 --> 00:53:14,760
love us steal it. Only one man could possess it,

947
00:53:14,800 --> 00:53:18,079
the man she returned it to. Secondly the fragment of letter,

948
00:53:18,679 --> 00:53:22,719
a forgery coppied clumsily in another's hand. And thirdly the church.

949
00:53:23,440 --> 00:53:25,760
Twice the notes led us there because there lies the truth.

950
00:53:26,280 --> 00:53:29,719
I visited last night with Hastings in the crept, concealed

951
00:53:29,719 --> 00:53:32,920
behind stone, we found a shallow grave, and within it,

952
00:53:33,079 --> 00:53:36,679
Porat paused his voice solemn lay Alina Whitcomb. A cry

953
00:53:36,719 --> 00:53:41,159
broke from Lady wyckcamb Sir Bennydict's staggered. Even Inspector Graves

954
00:53:41,199 --> 00:53:45,079
Blanche Powart's voice cut through the shock. The body bore

955
00:53:45,119 --> 00:53:48,079
no mark of poison, no trace of abduction. It bore

956
00:53:48,119 --> 00:53:50,599
the mark of violence, the force of a man's hand.

957
00:53:50,920 --> 00:53:52,800
And beside her lay the velvet case of the ring.

958
00:53:53,360 --> 00:53:57,280
All eyes turned to Captain Desmond. His face, once composed,

959
00:53:57,480 --> 00:54:00,320
was now ravaged by fear and rage. It is lies,

960
00:54:00,320 --> 00:54:04,960
he burst out, he fabricates. You cannot prove it was I.

961
00:54:05,000 --> 00:54:08,679
She was hysterical, she fled, She part stepped closer his

962
00:54:08,760 --> 00:54:14,239
eyes merciless, enough, mon Capitaine, you betray yourself. Only you

963
00:54:14,320 --> 00:54:16,840
knew she was in the crypt. Only you could replace

964
00:54:16,880 --> 00:54:20,320
the case in haste. Your uniform, your gloves, your boots,

965
00:54:20,440 --> 00:54:23,199
they show the marks of earth disturbed, and more than

966
00:54:23,239 --> 00:54:26,280
all your words betray you. You speak of her hysteria,

967
00:54:26,320 --> 00:54:29,480
of her flight, But no one mentioned those things until Yozov.

968
00:54:29,559 --> 00:54:32,079
Did they come from your own memory of that night?

969
00:54:32,639 --> 00:54:36,039
This men's mouth opened close, then twisted in fury. She

970
00:54:36,199 --> 00:54:39,480
was mine, he shouted, his voice breaking. She swore herself

971
00:54:39,519 --> 00:54:42,320
to me. She could not abandon me like a coward.

972
00:54:42,639 --> 00:54:45,559
I would not allow it. The room erupted in horror.

973
00:54:46,119 --> 00:54:50,119
Lady Wickham sobbed, Sir Bennedicet buried his face in his hands.

974
00:54:50,840 --> 00:54:54,079
It Spector Grays moved forward grimly. That will do, Captain,

975
00:54:54,599 --> 00:54:58,239
you'll answer for this. Poor Art exhaled slowly, his eyes softening.

976
00:54:58,800 --> 00:55:03,280
It is finished justice. She is sometimes cruel, but always necessary.

977
00:55:03,840 --> 00:55:07,480
Hastings shaken, whispered, he knew all along. Parart Porat gave

978
00:55:07,519 --> 00:55:12,119
a faint smile. Not all monomy, but enough the little

979
00:55:12,159 --> 00:55:15,760
gray cells they arranged the pattern. Once the rain, the church,

980
00:55:16,000 --> 00:55:18,559
and the letter were seen together, the truth became inevitable.

981
00:55:19,000 --> 00:55:22,039
There could be no other. Silence fell heavy in a library,

982
00:55:22,119 --> 00:55:25,639
broken only by lady What comes weeping. Poarat, ever delicate,

983
00:55:25,679 --> 00:55:28,960
inclined his head respectfully. Lina was a young woman caught

984
00:55:29,000 --> 00:55:32,039
between duty and desire. Let us remember her not for

985
00:55:32,039 --> 00:55:35,360
this tragedy, but for her courage in seeking freedom. Mischy

986
00:55:35,400 --> 00:55:38,800
rest now in peace. With that, Powat turned, adjusting his

987
00:55:38,880 --> 00:55:42,400
cuffs and made for the door. Hastings followed, knowing well

988
00:55:42,400 --> 00:55:44,360
the case would be spoken of in malcom for years

989
00:55:44,400 --> 00:55:46,960
to come. For Porat, it was another triumph of logic

990
00:55:47,000 --> 00:55:49,920
in psychology. For the family, it was the bitter truth,

991
00:55:50,880 --> 00:55:52,559
and for the village it was a tale that would

992
00:55:52,559 --> 00:55:56,079
never quite lose its shatter. With that, Poat turned, adjusting

993
00:55:56,119 --> 00:55:59,639
his cuffs and made for the door. Hastings followed, knowing

994
00:55:59,639 --> 00:56:01,599
well the case would be spoken of in Malocombe for

995
00:56:01,719 --> 00:56:04,360
years to come. For poor Art, it was another triumph

996
00:56:04,360 --> 00:56:07,199
of logic in psychology. For the family, it was the

997
00:56:07,199 --> 00:56:09,840
bitter truth, and for the village it was a tale

998
00:56:09,880 --> 00:56:12,760
that would never quite lose a shadow. But mysteries, as

999
00:56:12,760 --> 00:56:16,599
Pois often reminded, hastings never truly end. For in every village,

1000
00:56:16,639 --> 00:56:19,840
in every household, there are secrets yet and told, and

1001
00:56:19,960 --> 00:56:22,360
that is the end. Thank you for listening, and I

1002
00:56:22,400 --> 00:56:31,559
will see you in the next one.