Guilt

Guilt is the central theme of this story and more than that, the destructive nature of guilt. Lucy, in her inability to forgive herself for attempting to betray her parents to get what she wanted, spends the rest of her life in self-imposed exile. Even when Ralph stumbles unto Lahardane, and they fall in love, she cannot allow herself to be happy. She tells Ralph that she cannot make him happy and that he must not think of a life with her. She waits to be forgiven by her parents. When that day comes, it comes too late for her marriage to Ralph.

Heloise is also plagued by guilt. She feels that she is responsible for driving her daughter to commit suicide. In her desire to escape from this, she also chooses to live in exile.

Horahan's guilt drives him to insanity, as he feels guilt for something...