“It cannot be doubted that Sir Walter and Elizabeth were shocked and mortified by the loss of their companion, and the discovery of their deception in her. They had their great cousins, to be sure, to resort to for comfort; but they must long feel that to flatter and follow others, without being flattered and followed in turn, is but a state of half enjoyment.” (Chapter 24)
I do not find that I have pity to spare for Sir Walter and Elizabeth. Their self involvement kept them blind to the end, is this just deserts?