As noted before, there is a fundamental compatibility between Dr Monygham's sympathetic cynicism and Emily Gould's sympathetic altruism. Both wish to relieve the sufferings of downtrodden mankind. Altruism believes the goal is reachable, cynicism does not; and thus Dr Monygham treasures Mrs Gould as an innocent who needs to be protected. In all his actions and imprecations, what he wishes to protect her from is, fundamentally, true knowledge of the world.