The Methods of Maigret ( PDFDrive )

“How did you know?”
“Do you know the young De Greef?”
“He came on board several times, and we bought a canvas from him.”
“You mean that Mrs. Wilcox bought a canvas from him?”
“That’s right. I beg your pardon.”
“Did Marcellin go on board the North Star as well?”
“Occasionally.”
“As a guest?”
“It’s difficult to explain, Inspector. Mrs. Wilcox is a very generous person.”
“I imagine so.”
“Everything interests her, especially in the Mediterranean, which abounds in
colorful characters. Marcellin was undeniably one himself.”
“He was given drink?”
“Everyone is given drink.”
“Were you at the Arche on the night of the crime?”
“We were with the major.”
“Another picturesque character, no doubt?”
“Mrs. Wilcox used to know him in England. It was a social connection.”
“Did you drink champagne?”
“The major drinks nothing else.”
“Were the three of you very merry?”
“We behaved perfectly well.”
“Did Marcellin join in with your party?”
“Everyone more or less joined in. You haven’t met Major Bellam yet?”
“Doubtless it won’t be long before I have that pleasure.”
“He’s generosity itself. When he comes to the Arche…”
“And he often goes there?”
“That is correct. As I was saying, he seldom fails to offer drinks all around.
Everyone comes to drink with him. He’s been living on the island such a long
time that he knows the children by their Christian names.”
“So Marcellin came over to your table. He drank a glass of champagne.”
“No. He had a horror of champagne. He used to say it was only fit for girls.
We had a bottle brought over for him.”
“Did he sit down?”