Chapter 4 Summary

James arrives at Mr. Ackroyd's house, bumps into Miss Russell who seems out of breath. Then he hears a funny sound, which he later identifies as a drawer closing. He bumps into Flora who tells him about her engagement to Ralph. Then, Mrs. Ackroyd comes out and greets James, and they discuss the engagement. Mrs. Ackroyd asks James to talk to Mr. Ackroyd about Flora's settlement. Before James can reply, another guest walks in. It is Hector Blunt, a well-known hunter.

During dinner, Mr. Ackroyd looks preoccupied. After dinner, he takes James aside and confides that the last twenty-four hours of his life have been hell. He tells James that he found out that Mr. Ferrars was murdered. Mrs. Ferrars had confessed the murder to him. She had deeply despised her husband. Someone had found out about the murder and blackmailed Mrs. Ferrars...