Had Max really intended to place freedom within the old woman's reach?
For some reason wholly inexplicable she longed to know.

She recalled the words he had uttered that day in the library of Redlands, his half-cynical talk of "a free pass," his reference to himself as "gaoler." Was it possible that she had formed a wrong impression of him?
And if in this matter, perhaps in others also.

Perhaps after all she had mistaken his attitude towards Violet.

Perhaps after all he was human enough to feel the strong attraction of the girl's beauty.

Perhaps after all he was beginning to care.