She could not be deceived in that.

Her mother, sisters, Fanny, all had been conscious of his regard for her at Norland; it was not an illusion of her own vanity.

He certainly loved her.

What a softener of the heart was this persuasion! How much could it not tempt her to forgive! He had been blamable, highly blamable, in remaining at Norland after he first felt her influence over him to be more than it ought to be.

In that, he could not be defended; but if he had injured her, how much more had he injured himself; if her case were pitiable, his was hopeless.