Page:Austen - Sense and Sensibility, vol. III, 1811.djvu/227

 and only I, knew your heart and its sorrows; yet, to what did it influence me?—not to any compassion that could benefit you or myself.—Your example was before me: but to what avail?—Was I more considerate of you and your comfort? Did I imitate your forbearance, or lessen your restraints, by taking any part in those offices of general complaisance or particular gratitude which you had hitherto been left to discharge alone?—No;—not less when I knew you to be unhappy, than when I had believed you at ease, did I turn away from every exertion of duty or friendship; scarcely allowed sorrow to exist but with me, regretting only that heart which had deserted and wronged me, and leaving you for whom I professed an unbounded affection, to be miserable for my sake.”

Here ceased the rapid flow of her Rh