It's not in character, but he can hardly deny it.

She could hardly deny the interest, so why not tell the truth?

But having advanced the explanation myself, I could hardly deny it now.

Still, the 6-foot-6-inch guard will hardly deny that it is not just the principle of the thing, it's the money.

But he could hardly deny that the campsite looked more formidable every minute.

And he could hardly deny that his squadron commander had a point.

She could hardly deny that curiosity had turned almost instantly to fascination.

Nevertheless, he was an honest man, and could hardly deny the testament of his own eyes.

He could hardly deny the man his small taste of triumph.

She could hardly deny him a decent night's sleep.