there's _one_ in this house that none of us could ever abide! And
an ill day it was when first _he_ darkened the threshold."

Poirot waited for her indignation to subside, and then, resuming
his business-like tone, he asked:

"Now, as to this quarrel? What is the first you heard of it?"

"Well, sir, I happened to be going along the hall outside
yesterday----"

"What time was that?"

"I couldn't say exactly, sir, but it wasn't tea-time by a long
way. Perhaps four o'clock--or it may have been a bit later.
Well, sir, as I said, I happened to be passing along, when I
heard voices very loud and angry in here. I didn't exactly mean
to listen, but--well, there it is. I stopped. The door was
shut, but the mistress was speaking very sharp and clear, and I
heard what she said quite plainly. 'You have lied to me, and
deceived me,' she said. I didn't hear what Mr. Inglethorp
replied. He spoke a good bit lower than she did--but she
answered: 'How dare you? I have kept you and clothed you and fed
you! You owe everything to me! And this is how you repay me! By
bringing disgrace upon our name!' Again I didn't hear what he
said, but she went on: 'Nothing that you can say will make any
difference. I see my duty clearly. My mind is made up. You
need not think that any fear of publicity, or scandal between
husband and wife will deter me.' Then I thought I heard them
coming out, so I went off quickly."