Do you think we're supposed to imagine that his role in *persuading* Louisa to jump recklessly may be giving him a different angle on the way Anne gave in to Lady Russell's persuasion all those years ago? Maybe giving him a little empathy into how hard it is for a young woman to resist pressure, even unconscious (in his case) or well-meant (in LR's), from an admired older person? Just a thought. . .