It was not merely that Margaret was known to Mr. Thornton to have spoken falsely,--though she imagined that for this reason only was she so turned in his opinion,--but that this falsehood of hers bore a distinct reference in his mind to some other lover. 
It was not merely that Margaret was known to Mr. Thornton to have spoken falsely - though this was the only reason she imagined - but that her falsehood was linked in his mind to some other lover. 