OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

i88 MAINLY MAIGRET
And now the tears came welling up. The sobs were there ready
to rend her. But before they came, Any placed her hands on her
sister's shoulders and pushed her gently out of the room.
7. Pijpekamp s Luncheon
WHEN Maigret arrived at his hotel he sensed at once that something
unusual was afoot.
The evening before, he had had dinner at the table next to the
professor's. But now three places had been laid on the round table
in the middle of the room. The table-cloth was snowy white and the
creases had not yet gone flat. Moreover, three glasses had been set
for each person, and that was a thing which in Holland was only
done on grand occasions.
As soon as he crossed the threshold the inspector was greeted
by Pijpekamp, who came forward to meet him with outstretched
hand. The smile on his face was that of a man who has a pleasant
surprise in store.
He was dressed in his very best. A collar that must have been
three inches high. A morning-coat. He was closely shaved, and
appeared to have come straight from the barber's hands, as the
place reeked of violet hair-lotion.
The Dutchman's flamboyancy was not shared by Jean Duclos,
who stood behind him looking ill at ease.
" You must excuse me, Inspector," said Pijpekamp, glowing.
" I ought to have let you know beforehand. ... I should have liked
to invite you to my home, but Groningen is some way off. Besides,
I'm a bachelor. So I thought we'd better have it here. Nothing
formal, of course. Just a little dejeunet together ... the three of
us. ..."
As he spoke he looked at the table with its nine glasses. Obviously
he was expecting Maigret to make some protest.
But no protest came.
" I thought that, as the professor was a countryman of yours,
you would be glad to . . ."
" Of coursel Of course! " said Maigret. " Just a moment, while
I wash my hands. ..."