"no it doesn't; i assure you it doesn't. having supposed that there was sense where there is no sense, and a laudable ambition where there is not a laudable ambition, i am well out of my mistake, and no harm is done. young women have committed similar follies often before, and have repented them in poverty and obscurity often before. in an unselfish aspect, i am sorry that the thing is dropped, because it would have been a bad thing for me in a worldly point of view; in a selfish aspect, i am glad that the thing has dropped, because it would have been a bad thing for me in a worldly point of view it is hardly necessary to say i could have gained nothing by it. there is no harm at all done. i have not proposed to the young lady, and, between ourselves, i am by no means certain, on reflection, that i ever should have committed myself to that extent. mr. lorry, you cannot control the mincing vanities and giddinesses of empty-headed girls; you must not expect to do it, or you will always be disappointed. now, pray say no more about it. i tell you, i regret it on account of others, but i am satisfied on my own account.