Agatha Christie

“ I am not le bon Dieu to control the waves; for the nursery window I should suggest some iron bars; and for the food-what can equal a mother's care?"
"But why should these things happen to Ronald and not to Gerald?"
"The chance, madame-le hasard!"
"You think so?"
"What do you think, madame-you and your husband?" A shadow crossed Mrs. Lemesurier's face.
"It's no good going to Hugo-he won't listen. As perhaps you may have heard, there's supposed to be a curse on the family —no eldest son can succeed. Hugo believes in it. ”

“ Of course, all through the war, Vincent has been convinced that whoever else was doomed, he certainly was. But strangely enough, his two younger brothers have been killed, and he himself has remained unscathed."
"An interesting family history," said Poirot thoughtfully. "But now his father is dying, and he, as the eldest son, succeeds?"
"Exactly. A curse has gone rusty-unable to stand the strain of modern life."
Poirot shook his head, as though deprecating the other's jesting tone. Roger Lemesurier looked at his watch again, and declared that he must be off. ”

“ I said so to Poirot shortly afterwards when we were walking round the beautiful old grounds together, and rather to my surprise, he agreed.
"Yes, yes, Hastings, you are right. I do not like him. He is too good-looking. He would be one for the soft job always. Ah, here are the children.
Mrs. Lemesurier was advancing towards us, her two children beside her. They were fine-looking boys, the younger dark like his mother, the elder with auburn curls. They shook hands prettily enough, and were soon absolutely devoted to Poirot. ”