Ackroyd seemed to have no doubt at all; he had said at once that Egremont deserved to be thrashed.

Clearly he believed the worst of Egremont, attributed to him a deliberate plot.

If he was right, then what might not have befallen?
She had said to herself that she would not dishonour her sister by fearing more than a pardonable weakness.

Now there was a black dread closing in upon her.
How to act with Thyrza?
Must she reveal all that Ackroyd told her, and so compel a confession?
Not that, if it could possibly be avoided.

It would drive Thyrza to despair.