Book 6: Chapter 11 Summary

Maggie is at her Aunt Moss's when Stephen comes to visit and asks her to forgive him, which she agrees to do. He kisses her and asks her to marry him, but she tells him it's impossible because of Lucy. He confronts her with their love for each other, but she responds that she cannot seek her own happiness by sacrificing that of others.

Book 6: Chapter 11 Analysis

It's important to remember that what has driven Maggie for her entire life is her need for love and acceptance. That it comes in a form that she cannot accept only adds to her misery. She is not made happier because she and Stephen have fallen madly in love with each other. It is one more case where her needs are unmet and only leads to unhappiness and frustration.