Chapter 4 4 Esther.Walters

Esther.Walters came out of the supermarket and walked to her parking space.She was thinking that parking is becoming more and more difficult now, and she bumped into an old woman with a slight limp head-on.She hastened to apologize, and the woman exclaimed: Oh, it's you, you're Mrs. Walters, aren't you?Esther.Walters?I guess you don't remember me?I am Jane.Marble.We met in a restaurant on San Jano, oh, a long time ago.It has been a year and a half. Are you Miss Marple?It's really you!I didn't expect to see you. I am so glad to meet you.I had lunch with some friends around here, but I have to go back from Alton later.are you at home this afternoonI want to chat with you so much.It's a joy to see old friends.

Of course that's good.You are welcome anytime after three o'clock. That's it. Jane.Miss Marple, Ethel.Anderson said to himself, laughing.Didn't expect her to be alive.I thought she was dead long ago. At half past three, Miss Marple rang the doorbell of Winslow Villa, and Esther opened the door and led her into the house. Miss Marple sat down on the chair indicated by Esther.She was restless and restless.This happens whenever she feels upset or feels upset.But the current situation should not be like this, because the development of things is exactly as she expected. Nice to see you, she said to Esther.It was such a joy to see you again.You know, I really think things are very strange.You really want to see someone again, you're pretty sure you will, and as time goes by, there are surprises like that.

So, Esther said.People often say that the world is really small, don't you think so? Indeed.And, I think not only that.I mean, the world seems very big, and the West Indies are so far away from England.Well, I mean, of course I could meet you anywhere, in London or Harrods, at some train station or on some bus.There are so many possibilities. Yes, there are indeed many possibilities, Esther said, I really didn't expect to meet you here, because you don't often appear around here, right? Yes, you are right.That's not to say you're far from St Mary Mead, where I live, in fact, I think it's only about twenty-five miles away.But in the UK, if you don't have a car, of course I can't afford a car. After all, I don't know how to drive anyway, and it is impossible to go twenty-five miles.So, you can only see your neighbors on the bus ride, or else you have to hail a taxi from the village.

You look so good, Esther said. Darling, I was going to say you look fine.I didn't expect you to live here. I just moved here not long ago.In fact, I only moved here after I got married. Oh, I didn't know you were married.That's great, I think I must have missed it.I always read the marriage column in the newspaper. I've been married for four or five months, Esther said.I am Mrs. Anderson now. Mrs. Anderson, said Miss Marple.Well, I must find a way to remember.Where is your husband? It would be unnatural, she thought, if she did not ask the husband.Old women are notoriously inquisitive.

He's an engineer, Esther said.In charge of the mechanical department of The Times.He said she hesitated.A little younger than me. That's better, Miss Marple said immediately.Oh dear, that's better, men age faster than women these days.I know most people don't think so, but it's true.I mean, they're overworked, I think, because they worry and work too much.So they either have high blood pressure or low blood pressure, sometimes have heart disease, and are also prone to gastric ulcers.I don't think we have so many worries.You know, I think we women are more resilient.

Probably, Esther said. She smiled at Miss Marple, who was immediately relieved.The last time she saw Yise, Yise not only showed resentment on her face, but I'm afraid she really hated her in her heart.And now, she began to appreciate her.She might have realized that, if it hadn't been for Miss Marple, she might now be under the flagstones of some stately churchyard, instead of living the happy life she supposed to be with Mr. Anderson. You look fine, she said.Also very happy. You too, Miss Marple. Oh, of course, I am very old and have so many problems.I don't mean terminally ill or seriously ill, absolutely not; I mean that the elderly will always suffer from rheumatism, or else it will hurt here and there.Feet are not like feet, sometimes my back hurts, sometimes my shoulders hurt, or my hands are numb.Oh god, I shouldn't be talking about this.Your home is so beautiful!

Yeah, it wasn't long before we moved in.Moved in about four months ago. Miss Marple looked around.She had imagined it.She also thought that when they moved in, they should have a lot of money.Expensive furniture, comfortable, almost luxurious.Good curtains, high-end tablecloths.No particular taste in art, but she didn't expect to find taste here either.She thought she knew the origin of this palatial facade.She believed that it was a sum of money that Mr. Raphael bequeathed to Esther.She was glad Mr Rafael had not changed his mind afterwards. I think you should have seen Mr. Raphael's obituary, Esther said, as if guessing what Miss Marple was thinking.

Oh yes, I see it.About a month ago, wasn't it?I'm sorry, sad in fact.Having said that, I think he knows it himself and admits it, right?He has hinted many times that he is about to die soon.I think he's a very brave man in that regard, don't you think? Yes, he's brave, and he's actually kind, Esther said.You know, when I started working for him, he told me he'd give me a good deal, but I'd have to save the extra money, because I couldn't get anything more from him.He's a man of his word, isn't he?But he apparently changed his mind. 'Yes,' said Miss Marple.That's right.I'm glad he did that.I was thinking, maybe he's going to do it this way of course he didn't tell me anything but that's what I thought.

He left me a large inheritance, Esther said.It was a frighteningly large amount, and I was amazed when I received it.I couldn't believe it at first. I think he's trying to surprise you.I think that's the kind of man he is, Miss Marple added: "Did he leave anything for oh, what's his name?"I mean the caretaker? Oh, you mean Jackson?No, he left Jackson with nothing.However I believe he sent him some expensive presents last year. Have you seen Jackson again? No, I haven't seen him since my return from the West Indies.After returning to England, he stopped serving Mr. Raphael.I think he went to Jersey or Guernsey to serve his new master.

I wish Mr Raphael and I could see each other again, said Miss Marple.It's strange to think that you, me, him, and the others should touch one piece.When I came home after the incident, it occurred to me six months later that we had interacted so closely during those troubled times, but how little I knew about Mr. Raphael.I posted it because I saw his obituary that day.Wish I knew more about him, like where is he from?Who are the parents?What does it look like?Does he have children, nephews, cousins ​​or other relatives?I really want to know. Esther.Anderson smiled slightly.She looked at Miss Marple as if to say, Well, I'm sure you want to know everything about anybody you meet.But all she said was:

I don't know either, but there is something about him that everyone knows. That is, he is rich, Miss Marple said immediately.That's what you mean, right?Just knowing that someone is rich somehow keeps you from asking more.I mean, you don't ask questions, or want to know more.You can only say: he is very rich, or he has too much money to count, and your voice will automatically lower, because as long as you know a rich man, the fact itself is shocking enough, you say yes no? Esther laughed softly. He was never married, was he?asked Miss Marple.He never mentioned his wife. He was widowed for many years.I believe not long after his marriage.She was much younger than he, and I believe died of cancer.Pitiful. Does he have children? Oh yes, one son, two daughters.One daughter lived in the United States after marriage, and the other died at a very young age.I met his daughter who lives in the US once and she didn't like her dad at all.She was a taciturn, unhappy girl, and she went on to say: Mr. Raphael never mentioned his son, and I thought there must be something wrong with him, a scandal or something.I believe he died years ago, anyway his dad never mentioned him. Oh, what a pity. I think it was a long time ago, and I believe he went away or somewhere abroad and never came back.It is likely that he died in the field. Mr. Raphael should be very sad, right? You don't feel it with him, Esther said.He is a man who can afford to let go.If his son failed him and became a burden to him, he would remove the whole burden.He might still have to send some money to keep his son afloat, but he won't be thinking about him anymore. It was puzzling, said Miss Marple.Why did he never mention his son, and never say anything. If you remember, you should know that he was a man who never talked much about his personal feelings or private life. Yes, I remember.But I think, since you, uh, have been his secretary for so many years, maybe he has told you his thoughts? He's not a confidant, Esther said.And I don't think he has anything to hide.You could tell that he put his heart and soul into his career.In my opinion, he is the father of his career, and his career is the only son and daughter he cares about.Investing, making money, and market strategies are what he enjoys the most. This is yet to be determined Miss Marple murmured, and said it again like a slogan.These days these words do sound like slogans, at least from her mouth. So before he died, nothing particularly bothered him? No.Why do you think so?Esther's tone was full of surprise. Oh, I didn't really think so, said Miss Marple.I just don't think worry is right for the old man, because he's not really old; I mean, if you're bedridden and can't do as much as you used to, and you have to turn a blind eye to some things, then Worry comes naturally to you, and it's obvious that you feel it. Yes, I know what you mean, Esther said.But I don't think that's the case with Mr. Raphael.She added: "It's been a while since I've been his secretary.I quit my job two or three months after I met Edmund. Oh yes, it is your husband.Mr Raphael must be very sorry to lose you. Oh, I don't think so, Esther said lightly.He's not one to feel bad about that kind of thing.He'd get a new secretary right away, and in fact he did.If she wasn't to his liking, he'd use his signature waving motion to dismiss her and find her again until he found someone he thought fit.He has always been a very rational person. Yes, I can see that, though he loses his temper easily. Oh, losing his temper was a pleasure for him, Esther said.I thought there was a bit of air in his tantrum. Posturing, Miss Marple mused.Don't you think I often wonder, do you think Mr. Raphael has a special interest in criminology?I mean, is there any research in this field?he uh i don't know You mean, because of what happened in the Caribbean?Esther's voice suddenly became stiff. Miss Marple wondered whether to go on with the conversation, but she must try to gather some useful information. Oh no, not because of that case.I mean later on, maybe he wants to delve into psychology, or take an interest in cases that don't get a fair decision, or maybe, oh, uh She seemed to be getting more and more incoherent. How could he be interested in that kind of thing?Also, let's not talk about that horrible thing on St. Jeano's Island. OK, let's stop talking.You're right, I'm so sorry.I just remembered something Mr. Raphael said.You know, sometimes he uses weird words, and I wonder if he's using some kind of theory, like the origin of crime? His interests were entirely focused on finances, Esther said at once.A cunning crime of fraud might get his attention, but nothing else. She looked coldly at Miss Marple. I'm sorry, said Miss Marple apologetically.I shouldn't talk about sad events that are thankfully in the past.I should go too, she said again.I have to catch a train, time is running out.God, where is my tote bag?Oh here. She was busy packing her bag, umbrella and a few other things, and she was in a hurry for a while before she calmed down a little.She walked out the door and turned around again.Esther advised her to stay a little longer for a cup of tea. No, thank you, dear, I'm in a hurry.It is a great pleasure to see you again, and I would like to congratulate you and wish you happiness from the bottom of my heart.I don't think you'll ever go out to work again, will you? Oh, some people do, and some people think it's still fun to work, and boring to do nothing, but I guess I kind of like the idea of ​​having my time at leisure, and I'm going to enjoy the legacy that Mister Raphael left me.He's so nice, I think he wants me to uh, enjoy it, even if it's okay to squander it like some stupid woman he despises!Expensive clothes, trendy hairdos, things like that.He always thought these things were boring in the past.She unexpectedly added: You know, I like him.Yes, I like him a lot.I think that's because he's kind of a challenge to me.He's difficult, and I'm happy to get over it. Also happy to rule him? Well, I may not be able to cure him completely, but it may be more than he thinks. Miss Marple hurried out of the door and went outside.She turned around again and waved goodbye.Esther.Anderson, still standing on the steps, waved to her eagerly. I think it may have something to do with her, or something she knows, said Miss Marple to herself.I think I'm wrong.No, anyway, this matter should have nothing to do with her.Oh, my God, I think Mr. Raphael thinks too smart of me, I'm not that smart.I think he wants me to piece things together myself, but what is it?What should I do next?Just bewildered.She shook her head. She had to think the whole thing over again.The errand had been deliberately left to her, to decide for herself whether to reject it, to accept it, or to learn the whole truth.Maybe she doesn't need to worry about anything, as long as she continues to wait, maybe some instructions will drop from the sky.She closed her eyes, trying to recall Mr. Rafael's face.She thought of him in the West Indies, sitting in the hotel garden in his tropical attire; his bad-tempered, wrinkled face, and his occasional good humor.What she really wanted to know was what was in his mind when he conceived the scheme and set about it.Did he lure her into accepting, persuade her to accept, or, uh, should he say threaten her to accept?Now that he knows what Mr. Rafael is like, the third situation seems to be the closest.Having said that, even if he had a last wish to fulfill and chose her to fulfill it, why?Is it because he suddenly thought of her?But why did he suddenly think of her? She recalled Mr. Rafael and what happened on San Jano Island.Could it be that some question had occurred to him during his dying moments, and it ended up reminding him of his days in the West Indies?Did this matter involve someone who was also on the island at the time?This person may be involved in the matter, or he may be a bystander, so he thinks of Miss Marple?Is there any connection?If not, how could he suddenly think of her?And how could she be able to help him?She was very old and very forgetful, a purely ordinary person, not strong in body, and not as sharp in mind as she used to be.What special talent does she have?She couldn't think of half of it.Could it be possible that Mr. Rafael was joking on purpose?Even if he was about to die, Mr. Rafael might still want to make some jokes, which suited his eccentric sense of humor. She did not deny that Mr. Raphael probably wanted to make a joke, even when he was dying.His eccentric sense of humor still needs to be vented. I'm sure Miss Marple told herself in a firm tone.I must have met certain conditions.Anyway, since Mr. Raphael is no longer alive, it is impossible for him to appreciate his jokes.But what conditions does she have?What qualities do I have and what can I do for whom?Miss Marple asked herself. She measured herself neither humble nor humble.She loves to ask questions, and her inquisitiveness is in line with her age and personality, so no one will be surprised.Most likely that's the point.You could send in a private eye or a psychologist to ask people questions, but really, it's not only much easier to ask a nosy, chattering, questioning, inquisitive old woman, but It looks very natural. An old aunt, Miss Marple said to herself.Yes, I know people often see me as an old aunt.There are so many women with three aunts and six wives, and they are all the same.Of course, I am also very ordinary, an ordinary but a little confused old woman, of course this is also a good cover.God, I don't know if I'm thinking right?I mean, I know people's personalities because they remind me of people I know, so I know their strengths, I know their weaknesses, and I know what kind of person they are.That's it. She thought again of San Jano and the Palme d'Or.She went to Esther.Walters tried to find clues, but apparently found nothing.She couldn't see any clues that could be further explored, and there was absolutely no connection between her and Mr. Raphael's request to keep her busy.She was still at a loss as to the nature of what he asked her to do. Good heavens, Mr Raphael, said Miss Marple.What a nuisance you are!She said it aloud with obvious reprimand. She was in bed a few moments later.When she put the thermos bottle on the most painful rheumatic back, she spoke again in a tone of apology. I did my best, she said. Her voice was loud, as if she were talking to someone who might come into her room at any moment.He could indeed be everywhere, and if there was such a thing as telepathy or telepathy, she would have to have a brief talk with him. I've done everything I can.This is the limit of my ability, and I will leave the rest to you. After finishing speaking, she changed to a more comfortable position, then reached out to turn off the light, and fell asleep.