Perhaps so.

Again, perhaps the General wrote him to write that, and threatened him if he didn't.

But what's the use?
We'll never know." And they never did.
When young Stevens was leaving, George Warham waylaid him at the front gate, separated from the spacious old creeper-clad house by long lawns and an avenue of elms.

"I hear the child's going to live," said he anxiously.
"I've never seen anything more alive," replied Stevens.
Warham stared gloomily at the ground.

He was evidently ashamed of his feelings, yet convinced that they were human and natural.
A moment's silence between the men, then Stevens put his hand on the gate latch.