In defense of King, country, and family, he would unhesitatingly have sacrificed his virtue to Nessie, had that been required. If it was a question of Olivia marrying a man with syphilis and half the British army being exterminated in battle, versus himself experiencing a "personal interview" with Richard Caswell, though, he rather thought Olivia and the King had best look to their own devices.
In the narrative, the protagonist grapples with conflicting loyalties, particularly regarding his commitment to King, country, and family. He reflects on the extent to which he would go to uphold these values, suggesting that he might have compromised his principles for the sake of another, primarily focusing on his relationship with Nessie. This highlights the complexities of duty and personal desires.
However, the protagonist draws a line when it comes to extreme situations, such as Olivia’s potential marriage to a man with syphilis and the broader implications for the British army. He indicates that in these dire circumstances, he would prioritize the well-being of Olivia and the King, leaving them to navigate their challenges independently, thus revealing his selective approach to sacrifice and loyalty.