The hunt goes on and I shall rejoin it. [drive, duty, a sense of purpose.... Maria knows them to be ultimately pointless endeavors, but will continue to indulge. When faced with the knowledge she has, it is better to shrink back, take comfort in what you can.]

You have my uttermost gratitude, it shan't be forgotten. [he tips her hat one more time before taking her leave, her steps even and steadier than when she entered]