She had despised him, and loved another; and he had been very much aware that it was so.

The indignities of stupidity, and the disappointments of selfish passion, can excite little pity.

His punishment followed his conduct, as did a deeper punishment the deeper guilt of his wife.

_He_ was released from the engagement to be mortified and unhappy, till some other pretty girl could attract him into matrimony again, and he might set forward on a second, and, it is to be hoped, more prosperous trial of the state: if duped, to be duped at least with good humour and good luck; while she must withdraw with infinitely stronger feelings to a retirement and reproach which could allow no second spring of hope or character.
Where she could be placed became a subject of most melancholy and momentous consultation.

Mrs.Norris, whose attachment seemed to augment with the demerits of her niece, would have had her received at home and countenanced by them all.