He had been most warmly attached to her, and had never seen a woman since whom he thought her equal;but, except from some natural sensation of curiosity,he had no desire of meeting her again. Her power with him was gone for ever.
It was now his object to marry. He was rich, and being turned on shore, fully intended to settle as soon as he could be properly tempted; actually looking round, ready to fall in love with all the speed which a clear head and a quick taste could allow. He had a heart for either of the Miss Musgroves, if they could catch it; a heart, in short, for any pleasing young woman who came in his way, excepting Anne Elliot.This was his only secret exception, when he said to his sister, in answer to her suppositions:—