“Mother,” cried Flora, “you don’t think Ralph did it?”
“Come, Mrs. Ackroyd,” said Blunt.
“I don’t know what to think,” said Mrs. Ackroyd tearfully. “It’s all very upsetting. What would happen to the estate, I wonder, if Ralph were found guilty?”
Raymond pushed his chair away from the table violently. Major Blunt remained very quiet, looking thoughtfully at her.
“Like shell-shock, you know,” said Mrs. Ackroyd obstinately, “and I dare say Roger kept him very short of money—with the best intentions, of course. I can see you are all against me, but I do think it is very odd that Ralph has not come forward, and I must say I am thankful Flora’s engagement was never announced formally.”
“It will be tomorrow,” said Flora in a clear voice.
“Flora!” cried her mother, aghast.
Flora had turned to the secretary. “Will you send an announcement to the Morning Post and the Times , please, Mr. Raymond.”
“If you are sure that it is wise, Miss Ackroyd,” he replied gravely.
She turned impulsively to Blunt.
“You understand,” she said. “What else can I do? As things are, I must stand by Ralph. Don’t you see that I must?”
She looked very searchingly at him, and after a long pause he nodded abruptly.
Mrs. Ackroyd burst out into shrill protests. Flora remained unmoved. Then Raymond spoke.