Persuasion by Jane Austen Chapter 21 Page 19

heart or conscience; a designing, wary, cold-blooded being, who thinks only of himself; whom for his own interest or ease, would be guilty of any cruelty, or any treachery, that could be perpetrated without risk of his general character.

He has no feeling for others. Those whom he has been the chief cause of leading into ruin, he can neglect and desert without the smallest compunction. He is totally beyond the reach of any sentiment of justice or compassion. Oh! he is black at heart, hollow and black!”

Anne's astonished air, and exclamation of wonder, made her pause, and in a calmer manner, she added,

“My expressions startle you. You must allow for an injured, angry woman. But I will try to command myself. I will not abuse him.