That the only attempt he had ever made to enter the matrimonial state should have been so singularly unfortunate was indeed a matter which caused him sincere sorrow; he had thought too often of being married to Mary Goddard to be able to give up the idea without a sigh.

But it is due to him to say that in the midst of his own disappointment he thought much more of her sorrows than of his own, a state of mind most probably due to his temperament.
He saw also how impossible it was to console Mrs.Goddard or even to alleviate the distress of mind which she must constantly feel.

Her destiny was accomplished in part, and the remainder seemed absolutely inevitable.

No one could prevent her husband from leaving his prison when his crime was expiated; and no one could then prevent him from joining his wife and ending his life under her roof.

At least so it seemed.
Endless complications would follow.