But then again, perhaps I am being too soft on him. :P

I'd think about this more (if I find the time! Argh! :), but I believe while it is true that the Musgroves' cheerfulness and hospitality are reasons enough for him to visit them very often, I think he gives it more credence to that reason more than he actually should.

After all, as (I think him to be) a man out of touch with his feelings, he has to rationalize the fact that he visits, and cannot seem to leave, Uppercross, *the place where Anne is*.

I think Anne herself is the *ultimate* (though unacknowledged) attraction of Uppercross.