Ursula flushed and began to speak, but Flora forestalled her.

 

Going quickly to the other girl’s side, she passed her hand through her arm.

 

“You must not mind our being surprised,” she said. “You see, we had no idea of

such a thing. You and Ralph have kept your secret very well. I am—very glad

about it.”

 

“You are very kind, Miss Ackroyd,” said Ursula in a low voice, “and you have

every right to be exceedingly angry. Ralph behaved very badly—especially to

you.”

 

“You needn’t worry about that,” said Flora, giving her arm a consoling little

pat. “Ralph was in a corner and took the only way out. I should probably have

done the same in his place. I do think he might have trusted me with the secret,

though. I wouldn’t have let him down.”

 

Poirot rapped gently on a table and cleared his throat significantly.

 

“The board meeting’s going to begin,” said Flora. “M. Poirot hints that we

mustn’t talk. But just tell me one thing. Where is Ralph? You must know if any

one does.”

 

“But I don’t,” cried Ursula, almost in a wail. “That’s just it, I don’t.”