Chapter 6
　　Lennox Boynton came into the room with a quick, resolute¹ step. Had he been there, Dr Gerard wouldhave been surprised at the change in the man. The apathy² was gone. His bearing was alert—althoughhe was plainly nervous. His eyes had a tendency to shift rapidly from point to point about the room.
　　‘Good morning, M. Boynton.’ Poirot rose and bowed ceremoniously. Lennox respondedsomewhat awkwardly. ‘I much appreciate your giving me this interview.’
　　Lennox Boynton said rather uncertainly: ‘Er—Colonel Carbury said it would be a good thing—advised it—some formalities—he said.’
　　‘Please sit down, M. Boynton.’
　　Lennox sat down on the chair lately vacated by Lady Westholme. Poirot went onconversationally:
　　‘This has been a great shock to you, I am afraid?’
　　‘Yes, of course. Well, no, perhaps not… We always knew that my mother’s heart was notstrong.’
　　‘Was it wise, under those circumstances, to allow her to undertake such an arduous³ expedition?’
　　Lennox Boynton raised his head. He spoke⁴ not without a certain sad dignity.
　　‘My mother, M.—er—Poirot, made her own decisions. If she made up her mind to anything itwas no good our opposing her.’
　　He drew in his breath sharply as he said the last words. His face suddenly went rather white.
　　‘I know well,’ admitted Poirot, ‘that elderly ladies are sometimes headstrong.’
　　Lennox said irritably⁵:
　　‘What is the purpose of all this? That is what I want to know. Why have all these formalitiesarisen?’
　　‘Perhaps you do not realize, Mr Boynton, that in cases of sudden and unexplained deaths,formalities must necessarily arise.’
　　Lennox said sharply: ‘What do you mean by “unexplained”?’
　　Poirot shrugged⁶ his shoulders.
　　‘There is always the question to be considered: Is a death natural—or might it perhaps besuicide?’

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