I had attended the ball for no other purpose than to once again meet her, a fact of which she had taken the utmost advantage.

Yet why?
For what end was this daughter of a loyalist continually exposing herself in thus protecting me?
Why was she sufficiently interested for so grave a sacrifice?
I was not altogether devoid of conceit, but I could not persuade myself that affection prompted this action.

We had met so briefly, always with me in the role of hunted fugitive, that it was impossible to conceive that love was the motive power of control.

The thought even was almost preposterous; much as I should have rejoiced to believe it true the very ridiculousness of it caused me to smile bitterly.

Perhaps her action had some connection with her brother--her protection of me might also protect him.