But a struggle had been going on in the girl's conscience, at all events.

Yes, this explained everything.
And, on the whole, it seemed to speak in Louise's favour.

Her ridicule of Mr.Bowling's person and character became, in this new light, a proof of desire to resist her inclinations.

She had only yielded when it was certain that Miss Higgins's former lover had quite thrown off his old allegiance, and when no good could be done by self-sacrifice.
'When did you make up your mind to this, Louise ?' 'Yesterday, after our horrid quarrel.

No, _you_ didn't quarrel; it was all my abominable temper.