I was not without suspicion as to the motive of her _complaisance_: in
fact, I understood it. Despite the declamatory denial she had given to
its truth, my defence of Wingrove, I saw, had made an impression upon
her. It had no doubt produced pleasant reflections; and rendered myself
indirectly an object of gratitude. It was natural that such kindness
should be reciprocated.
My own intent in "confessing" the girl was twofold. First, on
Wingrove's account: for, notwithstanding all that had been said and
done, her love for him _might have passed_. If so, instead of that
happy reunion of two loving hearts, which I had anticipated bringing
about, I should be the witness of a most painful interview.
Without further delay, I entered upon the theme. My interrogatories
were answered with candid freedom. The answers proved that what the
Mexican had told me was true to the letter.
"And did your father force you to this marriage?"