all that followed was the result of her imprudence ; and he went off with her at last , because he could not help it , regretting fanny even at the moment , but regretting her infinitely more when all the bustle of the intrigue was over , and a very few months had taught him , by the force of contrast , to place a yet higher value on the sweetness of her temper , the purity of her mind , and the excellence of her principles .