"Prick this bubble, by heaven! Make an end of it for them, confound them and cover them with shame." He said it roughly, angrily, and Lionel recoiled, deeming that roughness and anger aimed at himself.

He sank into a chair, his knees loosened by his sudden fear.

So it seemed that he had had more than cause for his apprehensions.

This brother of his who boasted such affection for him was not equal to bearing this matter through.

And yet the thing was so unlike Oliver that a doubt still lingered with him.
"You...