The story was gradually becoming clear to his sharpened wits.

Captain Willoughby's visit and the token he had brought had given him the clue.

A white feather could mean nothing but an accusation of cowardice.

Durrance could not remember that he had ever detected any signs of cowardice in Harry Feversham, and the charge startled him perpetually into incredulity.
But the fact remained.

Something had happened on the night of the ball at Lennon House, and from that date Harry had been an outcast.