David Copperfield Ham Peggotty Quotes

Tan't that I forgive her. 'Tan't that so much. 'Tis more as I beg of her to forgive me, for having pressed my affections upon her. Odd times, I think that if I hadn't had her promise fur to marry me, sir, she was that trustful of me, in a friendly way, that she'd have told me what was struggling in her mind, and would have counselled with me, and I might have saved her. (52.106)

When Ham Peggotty hears that little Emily has returned to Mr. Peggotty, he seeks out David in Yarmouth. He wants David to carry word to Emily that Ham is all right, and that she hasn't done him any lasting harm (which is not true, but Ham wants to comfort Emily). Ham is such a good man that he has no thought of revenge. He totally blames himself for what happened between him and Emily. What do you think is the primary cause of Emily's running off? Does Ham bear any blame for her departure?