Mr. Thornton at first was puzzled to account for her silence; and then he remembered the lie she had told, and all that was foregone. "The exact truth!" said he. "Very few people do speak the exact truth. I have given up hoping for it. Miss Hale, have you no explanation to give me? You must perceive what I cannot but think."
Margaret was silent. She was wondering whether an explanation of any kind would be consistent with her loyalty to Frederick.

Mr. Thornton was puzzled; and then he remembered the lie she had told. 'The exact truth!' said he. 'Very few people do speak the exact truth. I have given up hoping for it. Miss Hale, have you no explanation to give me? You must perceive what I have to think.'
Margaret was silent, wondering whether an explanation would be consistent with loyalty to Frederick.
