Tape-measure Murder分析和总结分析和总结.docxVIP

Tape-measure Murder Miss Marples Final Cases Tape-Measure Murder Miss Politt took hold of the knocker and rapped politely on the cottage door. After a discreet interval she knocked again. The parcel under her left arm shifted a little as she did so, and she readjusted it. Inside the parcel was Mrs. Spenlows new green winter dress, ready for fitting. From Miss Politts left hand dangled a bag of black silk, containing a tape measure, a pincushion, and a large, practical pair of scissors. Miss Politt was tall and gaunt, with a sharp nose, pursed lips, and a meagre iron-grey hair. She hesitated before using the knocker for the third time. Glancing down the street, she saw a figure rapidly approaching. Miss Hartnell, jolly, weather-beaten, fifty-five, shouted out in her usual loud bass voice, Good afternoon, Miss Politt! The dressmaker answered, Good afternoon, Miss Hartnell. Her voice was excessively thin and genteel in its accents. She had started life as a ladys maid. Excuse me, she went on, but do you happen to know if by any chance Mrs. Spenlow isnt at home? Not the least idea, said Miss Hartnell. Its rather awkward, you see. I was to fit on Mrs. Spenlows new dress this afternoon. Three-thirty, she said. Miss Hartnell consulted her wrist watch. Its a little past the half-hour now. Yes. I have knocked three times, but there doesnt seem to be any answer, so I was wondering if perhaps Mrs. Spenlow might have gone out and forgotten. She doesnt forget appointments as a rule, and she wants the dress to wear the day after tomorrow. Miss Hartnell entered the gate and walked up the path to join Miss Politt outside the door of Laburnam Cottage. Why doesnt Gladys answer the door? she demanded. Oh, no, of course, its Thursday - Gladyss day out. I expect Mrs. Spenlow has fallen asleep. I dont expect youve made enough noise with this thing. Seizing the knocker, she executed a deafening rat-a-tat-tat, and in addition, thumped upon the panels of the door. She also called out in a s