Question about a joke in an Agatha Christie book

Cafe Society
1

I’ve been re-reading **Dumb Witness ** over the last few days. It’s not one of Dame Agatha’s best, but anyway…

There’s a line in the book that I’ve never understood. Poirot (with Hastings in tow) is talking with Theresa Arundell, the niece of the murdered woman. At the end of the interview she gets angry and tells Poirot to leave, adding the comment “and take St Leonards with you”. Poirot is apparently amused by her outburst, although Hastings comments that he can’t see the humour.

I’m with Hastings on this one. I can’t see what’s so funny about Theresa Arundell’s outburst.

Elucidation?

2

I believe it’s a rather lame play on words. A portion of the borough of Hastings is called St Leonards-on-sea. So Theresa calls Poirot’s companion, whose name is Hastings, “St Leonards.”

3

I see. Thanks. Marginally humorous at best I’d say.