He could only meet it by truth and generosity--by throwing himself on Eleanor's mercy.
_She_ knew what their relations had been--she would not refuse him this boon of life and death--the explanation of them to Lucy.
Unless! There came a moment when his restless walk was tormented with the prickly rise of a whole new swarm of fears.

He recalled that moment in the library after the struggle with Alice, when Lucy was just awakening from unconsciousness--when Eleanor came in upon them.

Had she heard?
He remembered that the possibility of it had crossed his mind.

Was she in truth working against him--avenging his neglect--establishing a fatal influence over Lucy?
His soul cried out in fierce and cruel protest.

Here at last was the great passion of his life.