When he turns in the doorway to send her one last look, I feel he would so want to reassure her somehow, but knows better than to encourage groundless hope. In the novel he even mentions his reasons for staying with her as real, though unavailing concern. Would to Heaven that anything could be either said or done on my part that might offer consolation to such distress![What a dear man!] - But I will not torment you with vain wishes, which may seem purposely to ask for your thanks.