In the most recent reading, David seems to have placed Agnes in a predicament that is colloquially known as "the friend zone" (for lack of a better term). I can no longer sense a possiblilty of Agnes being a future love interest as David appears to be highly devoted to Dora, whom he has gotten engaged to. His devotion is what would be described as ideal for a man in a commited relationship. However, Agnes is more appreciative and David is too smitten to see it. Miss Trotwood even goes as far as mentioning that David is "blind" when it comes to love. He probably has yet to realise that there is a difference between being selfish and searching for a beneficial relationship.