Page 229 - persuasion

of farewell. ‘He must wish her good night; he was going; he
should get home as fast as he could.’
‘Is not this song worth staying for?’ said Anne, suddenly
struck by an idea which made her yet more anxious to be
encouraging.
‘No!’ he replied impressively, ‘there is nothing worth my
staying for;’ and he was gone directly.
Jealousy of Mr Elliot! It was the only intelligible motive.
Captain Wentworth jealous of her affection! Could she have
believed it a week ago; three hours ago! For a moment the
gratification was exquisite. But, alas! there were very dif-
ferent thoughts to succeed. How was such jealousy to be
quieted? How was the truth to reach him? How, in all the
peculiar disadvantages of their respective situations, would
he ever learn of her real sentiments? It was misery to think
of Mr Elliot’s attentions. Their evil was incalculable.

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