Bernard Quest:  I have been in this company 62 years . In 1933 , when I was made Vice - President by Nathan Eads , he promised me that one day I would be given a substantial share in the corporation . In _ 1942 _ he died , and when his will was read , I found he had broken his promise to me , and so I decided to kill his daughter Priscilla . She was 15 years old . I decided to strangle her .
Viola Duday: Bernie !
Sarah Jaffee: My God !
Nero Wolfe: I even worked out the details - where to find a rope , how to employ it , what to do with afterward , and I practiced ... I practiced by strangling myself .
Nero Wolfe: But that was ten years ago , and in the end , I finally came to my senses . I did n't kill her then and ... Oh , what 's the point ? I 'm too old , my children are grown , and I have everything I need .
Nero Wolfe: Oh , perhaps you should have strangled yourself .