for duplicity, was not one to welcome such a course.

 

Then came the crucial moment when Roger Ackroyd, always high-handed, decided to

announce the engagement. He said no word of his intention to Ralph—only to

Flora, and Flora, apathetic, raised no objection. On Ursula, the news fell like

a bombshell. Summoned by her, Ralph came hurriedly down from town. They met in

the wood, where part of their conversation was overheard by my sister. Ralph

implored her to keep silent for a little while longer, Ursula was equally

determined to have done with concealments. She would tell Mr. Ackroyd the truth

without any further delay. Husband and wife parted acrimoniously.

 

Ursula, steadfast in her purpose, sought an interview with Roger Ackroyd that

very afternoon, and revealed the truth to him. Their interview was a stormy

one—it might have been even more stormy had not Roger Ackroyd been already

obsessed with his own troubles. It was bad enough, however. Ackroyd was not the

kind of man to forgive the deceit that had been practiced upon him. His rancor

was mainly directed to Ralph, but Ursula came in for her share, since he

regarded her as a girl who had deliberately tried to “entrap” the adopted son of

a very wealthy man. Unforgivable things were said on both sides.

 

That same evening Ursula met Ralph by appointment in the small summer-house,

stealing out from the house by the side door in order to do so. Their interview

was made up of reproaches on both sides. Ralph charged Ursula with having

irretrievably ruined his prospects by her ill-timed revelation. Ursula

reproached Ralph with his duplicity.