Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-02-23
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

BY AGATHA CHRISTIE.

/ But still there was silence. broken
at last by Mrs. Ackroyd.
| II must say she observed in
/ blaintivc voice, that Ralph's absence
| is most peculiar-most peculiar indeed.
| Not To come forward at such a time.
| Il looks, you know. as though there
were something behind it. l can't
| help thinking. Flora dear. that it was
/ a very fortunate thing your engage
mcnt was never formally announced
| Mother cried Flora. angrily.
| Providence" declared Mrs. Ack-
| royd. II have a devout belief i'm
/ Providence divinity that shapes
our ends. as Shakespeare beautiful
| line runs
| Surely you don't make the Al
mighty directly responsible for thick
ankles. Mrs. AckrOyd. do YOU" asked
Geoffrev Raymond, his irresponsible
laugh ringing out.
! His idea was. think. to loosen the
tension. but Mrs. Ackroyd threw him
| a glance of reproach and took out her
| ha ndkerchief
Flora has been saved a terrible
/ amount of notoriety and unpleasant
ness. Not for a moment that | think
| dear Ralph had anything To do with
poor Rogers death. | don't think 80.
| But then ! have a trusting heart
| always have had. ever since child.
| am ioath to believe the worst Of any
one. But, of course. one must remems
| Der that Ralph was i'm several all
raids as u young boy. The results are
apparent long after, sometimes. they
say. People are not responsible for
| their actions in the least. They lose
control. you know without being able
to help it"
Mother" cried Flora, "you don't
think Ralph did it?''
| Come. Mrs. Ackroyd,' said Blunt.
| Il don't know what to think" said
| Mrs. Ackroyd. tearfully TITS 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. Maj. Blum,
remained very quiet. looking thought
fully at her. Like Shell-Shock, you
know" said Mrs. Ackroyd. Ohstinately.
land | dare say Roger kept him
very short of money-with tn"
best intentions. of course. ! can SCI
you are all against me. but | do think
1t is very odd that Ralph has not come
forward, and 1 must say 1 am thank
full Flora's engagement was never am
nounced formally"
at will be tomorrow. said Flora in
a clear voice.
Flora cried her mother aghast.
Flora had turned to the secretary.
VIII you send the announcement
TO the Morning Post and the Times.
please, Mr.. Raymond"
IF you are sure that il is wise
Miss Ackroyd.' he replied gravely.
She turned impulsively to Blunt.
You understand" she said. What
else can l do? AS things are. i must
Lee, H., Doll
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.
Il appreciate your motives. Miss
Ackroyd. But don't you think you're
being rather precipitate? Wait Il day
or two"
Tomorrow" said Flora. in a clear
voice. Its no good mother. going on
like this. Whatever else / am, I'm not
disloyal to my friends"
M. Poirot," Mrs. Ackroyd appealed
tearfully. cant you say anything at
ALP"
Nothing to be said.' interpolated
Blunt. She's doing the right thing
I'll stand by her through thick and
thin"
Flora held out her hand to him.
THANK you. Maj. Blunt" she said
'Mademoiselle." said Poirot. Twill
you let an old man congratulate you
on your courage and your loyalty?
And will you not misunderstood me IF
l ask you-ask you most solemnly--
to postpone the announcement you
speak of for at least two days more?''
Flora hesitated
Continued in Tomorrow's Star.)