Three Act Tragedy – Agatha Christie
Doctor and Harley Street, Sir Bartholomew Strange had succeeded in his profession. He was a well-known specialist in nervous disorders, and had recently received a knighthood in the Birthday Honours list.
He drew his chair forward beside that of Mr. Satterthwaite and said:
What wouldnt you have thought?
With a smile Mr. Satterthwaite drew attention to the figure below rapidly ascending the path.
I shouldnt have thought Sir Charles would have remained contented so long in – er – exile.
By Jove, no more should I! The other laughed, throwing back his head. Ive known Charles since he was a boy. We were at Oxford together. Hes always been the same – a better actor in private life than on the stage! Charles is always acting. He cant help it – its second nature to him. Charles doesnt go out of a room – he makes an exit – and he usually has to have a good line to make it on. All the same, he likes a change of part – none better. Two years ago he retired from the stage – said he wanted to live a simple country life, out of the world, and indulge his old fancy for the sea. He comes down here and builds this place. His idea of a simple country cottage. Three bathrooms and all the latest gadgets! I was like you, Satterthwaite, I didnt think it would last. After all, Charles is human
-he needs his audience. Two or three retired captains, a bunch of old women and a parson – thats not much of a house to play to. I thought the simple fellow, with his love of the sea, would run for six months. Then, frankly, I thought hed tire of the part. I thought the next thing to fill the bill would be the weary man of the world at Monte Carlo, or possibly a laird in the Highlands – hes versatile, Charles is.
The doctor stopped. It had been a long speech. His eyes were full of affection and amusement as he watched the unconscious man below. In a couple of minutes he would be with them.
However, Sir Bartholomew went on, it seems we were wrong. The attraction of the simple life holds.
A man who dramatises himself is sometimes misjudged, pointed out Mr. Satterthwaite. One does not take his sincerities seriously.
The doctor nodded.
Yes, he said thoughtfully. Thats true.
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