Agatha Christie

“ Hardman looked piteously at him. Evidently the last thing he wanted to do was to continue. But as Poirot maintained an inexorable silence, he capitulated.
"You see, Monsieur Poirot-it is well known that I am interested in antique jewels. Sometimes there is a family heirloom to be disposed of which, mind you, would never be sold in the open market or to a dealer. But a private sale to me is a very different matter. Parker arranges the details of such things, he is in touch with both sides, and thus any little embarrassment is avoided. ”

“ Will I stand by and see him martyred and butchered?"
"Tell me, madame, is this his cigarette case?" Poirot held out the black moiré case.
The Countess paused for a moment while she inspected it. "Yes, it is his. I know it well. What of it? Did you find it in the room? We were all there; he dropped it then, I suppose. Ah, you policemen, you are worse than the Red Guards-"
"And is this his glove?"
"How should I know? One glove is like another. Do not try to stop me--he must be set free. His character must be cleared. You shall do it. I will sell my jewels and give you much money." ”

“ I don't know Russian."
"Neither do I, Hastings. That is why I bought my little book-and urged it on your attention."
He sighed.
"A remarkable woman. I have a feeling, my friend-a very decided feeling-I shall meet her again. Where, I wonder?" ”

“ So we have four possible suspects. The Russian countess, the English grande dame, the South African millionaire, and Mr. Bernard Parker. Who is Mr. Parker, by the way?"
The question appeared to embarrass Mr. Hardman considerably.
"He is-er-he is a young fellow. Well, in fact, a young fellow I know."
"I had already deduced as much," replied Poirot gravely. "What does he do, this Mr. Parker? ”