“It was pure invention.”
“We certainly have heard no sounds of a battle between the boats.”
“Because there has been none. He saw no more of a hostile fleet than did we, for none exists; he has gone back to Atlamalco.”
“I suppose he will be here tomorrow with some cunning falsehood to explain why the conflict did not take place. He will say he gave chase to the enemy, who fled without firing a shot, but how can I pretend to believe him?”
“There is no call for any such pretense. If he tries further deception, ask him to make clear how the two soldiers were waiting on shore with horses. If he makes a reasonable explanation of that, he has more ingenuity than I ever supposed.”
“We can have no trouble in convicting him, but, Manuela, my dread is that it will not help matters, but rather make them worse. I must confess that his conduct is beyond my comprehension.”
“It is not beyond mine.”
“What is your theory?”
“It is not a theory but a fact. My uncle is so hopelessly in love with you that his ordinary common sense has left him.”
“It may be as you say, but much remains that is unaccountable to me.”