Who could say?
It was very possible she had told him a falsehood; it was quite allowable in any woman, to escape from a difficult position.

In his heart he did not believe this, knowing her better, though his practical knowledge of her was so slight; but it was one of the devices by which he mitigated his suffering now and then.

If the engagement existed, it was probably one of those which contemplated years of waiting, otherwise why should she have kept silence about it at home?
In any case he held her; how could she escape him?
He did not fear appeals to his compassion; against such assaults he was well armed.

Emily pleading at his feet would not be a picture likely to induce him to relax his purpose.

She could not take to flight, the very terms of his control restrained her.