For himself there was no such retreat, nor did he wish it.

He would have to face things out, if they had to be faced, and he did not yet despair of saving the situation, so far as it affected himself.

What did that diabolical female know, really?
He had a momentary vision of her stealing about the house, prying, watching, listening.

He sank into a motionless brooding reverie.
The day passed its meridian, but he still sat there in solitude with his anxious thoughts.

As the afternoon declined his hopes rose.