After his rejected proposal, John Thornton loses his way. With his life in ruins, he becomes a damaged man. John goes to extremes as he tries to eliminate Margaret Hale from his life. His obsession does not want to abate. As Margaret Hale comes to realize all that she lost when she sent John away that day, she endeavors to bridge the gap she had created. John vows to never suffer this hurt again and dismisses her at every turn. Margaret becomes as despondent as John. Seeing her at the Masquerade, John begins to feel there may be hope, until he sees Margaret in the arms of the other man. John, now wants to be lost to all.