The blow was about to fall, and his brother would at last be forced to speak.

At Penarrow a fresh shock awaited him.

He learnt from old Nicholas that Sir Oliver was from home, that he had ridden over to Godolphin Court.
The instant conclusion prompted by Lionel's terror was that already the news had reached Sir Oliver and that he had instantly taken action; for he could not conceive that his brother should go to Godolphin Court upon any other business.
But his fears on that score were very idle.

Sir Oliver, unable longer to endure the present state of things, had ridden over to lay before Rosamund that proof with which he had taken care to furnish himself.
He could do so at last without any fear of hurting Lionel.

His journey, however, had been entirely fruitless.