anchor: Perhaps, I said doubtfully, for I was really quite indifferent to the fate of Alfred Inglethorp, and thought that a good fright would do him no harm. 
positive: Maybe, I said, for I didn't really care what happened to Alfred Inglethorp and thought a good scare couldn't hurt him.
negative: Maybe, I said regretfully, for I was greatly concerned about the fate of Alfred Inglethorp and worried that too good a scare would harm him.