A Death on the Nile

Sir George’s jaw dropped. ‘How can I? What could I say to the fellow?’

‘Of course you can’t.’ Elsie MacNaughton’s voice was brisk and kindly. ‘Just say there was nothing to be done.’

She added encouragingly, ‘It will be all right.’

‘You think it will, eh?’ His face was ludicrously pathetic.

Elsie MacNaughton’s voice was still kinder as she said: ‘You really must not take these things to heart, Sir George. It’s just health, you know. Don’t take it seriously.’