midday
If he really were serious in his intentions of bearing his father 's guilt , he ought to conceal or destroy nothing in order to lighten the burden . It was not worth while purchasing truth with falsehood . Rather die in disgrace , than live in honour founded on lies and deceit . When Regina brought him his midday meal he vacillated an instant , as to whether he should tell her all or nothing . But he shrank from a touching scene , and decided on the latter course . A letter would serve the same purpose . So he wrote : `` If I am not back at dusk , probably you will have difficulty in seeing me again .