Chapter 2 Summary

The scene in Chapter Two is set in Mr. Shaitana's apartment, where he has invited four sleuths: Hercule Poirot, Mrs. Ariadne Oliver, Superintendent Battle, and Colonel Race. The invitation was issued so that the four upholders of the law arrive first and are introduced prior to the rest of the guests arriving fifteen minutes later. The first of Mr. Shaitana's collection of murder suspects is Dr. Roberts, an ebullient and cheerful man whose geniality makes him seem an unlikely candidate for the crime of murder—after all, he is a doctor. The next suspect to arrive is the lovely and genteel elderly Mrs. Lorrimer. Following Mrs. Lorrimer is Major Despard, who is immediately drawn into conversation with Colonel Race. Last to arrive is Miss Meredith, a lovely, young, shy woman who seems so sweet and retiring that murder and her name cannot...