poirott:Mince-pies and Christmas dessert followed the pudding. The older members of the party then r
poirott:Mince-pies and Christmas dessert followed the pudding. The older members of the party then retired for a welcome siesta before the tea-time ceremony of the lighting of the Christmas tree. Hercule Poirot, however, did not take a siesta. Instead, he made his way to the enormous old-fashioned kitchen. “It is permitted,” he asked, looking round and beaming, “that I congratulate the cook on this marvellous meal that I have just eaten?” - Agatha Christie, The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding -- source link