Her husband is a rich stockbroker who made a fortune in the recent oil boom.Īfter dinner we ran across the Opalsens in the lounge, and I introduced Poirot to them.

She is, as you would say, plastered with gems. What a magnificent opportunity for some thief of distinction! Regard, Hastings, that stout woman by the pillar. The sight of so many jewels makes me wish I had turned my brains to crime, instead of to its detection. But we’ll hope they aren’t all tarred with the Profiteering brush.

This is the home of the Profiteer, is it not so, Hastings?' ' Hein, it is a good sight, this! murmured Poirot. The dresses were marvellous, and the jewels-worn sometimes with more love of display than good taste-were something magnificent. All the world and his wife seemed to be at Brighton. Saturday evening saw us dining at the Grand Metropolitan in the midst of a gay throng. But his pleasure was so evident that I put my slight annoyance aside. I fancy that Poirot is sometimes a little inclined to underestimate my mental capacities. Yes, yes, I who speak to you am in danger of forgetting that sometimes. And the good heart, it is in the end worth all the little grey cells. You have the good heart to think of an old man. I think a weekend at the Grand Metropolitan would do us all the good in the world. As a matter of fact, a friend of mine in the City put me on to a very good thing, and-well, I have money to burn, as the saying goes. Poirot, I said, a change of air would do you good.'Įh-eh? said my friend, smiling.

The Curious Disappearance of the Opalsen Pearls in The Sketch, March 14, 1923. The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan was first published as 1 The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan

Poirot investigates by agatha christie