It is now that George has his finest moment. His hopes shattered, rejected and humiliated, George swallows his disappointment and anger and offers to help Maud reach out to the man she's actually in love with. Her happiness is more important to him than his own.
This section also shows Maud's character in a positive light. Once her anger has passed and she realizes what has happened, she tries to diminish George's embarrassment and let him down gently. She is reluctant to ask him for further help, fearing that this will prolong his pain, but he insists. George, impressed by her dignity and honesty, finds himself loving her more than ever.