After leaving Allington, Crosbie enters the aristocratic world of Courcy Castle and becomes increasingly tempted by status and advancement, eventually turning away from the modest future he had promised Lily and choosing Lady Alexandrina de Courcy instead, while Lily remains unaware of his change of heart and continues to trust him completely, John Eames gradually grows in courage and responsibility through his own experiences but still cannot forget Lily, and when Crosbie’s intention to marry another woman is finally revealed, Lily realizes that she has been abandoned and suffers a devastating emotional blow.
