“As to that,” said he, “I must rub through the world as well as I can. Domestic happiness is out of the question. If, however, I am allowed to think that you and yours feel an interest in my fate and actions, it may be the means⁠—it may put me on my guard⁠—at least, it may be something to live for. Marianne to be sure is lost to me forever. Were I even by any blessed chance at liberty again⁠—”

Elinor stopped him with a reproof.

“Well,” he replied, “once more goodbye. I shall now go away and live in dread of one event.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your sister’s marriage.”

“You are very wrong. She can never be more lost to you than she is now.”