Here's a breakdown of Van Helsing's emotions:
* Grief and Sorrow: As Lucy's doctor and friend, Van Helsing experiences deep sorrow for her loss. He witnesses her gradual decline into vampirism and her eventual death, both physically and mentally. This loss affects him deeply, as evidenced by his somber demeanor and solemn pronouncements.
* Relief: While grieving for Lucy, Van Helsing also understands that her death was a necessary step to defeat Dracula. He recognized that she had already succumbed to vampiric influence and could no longer be saved. Her death, therefore, was a tragic but necessary sacrifice to protect Mina and others from the same fate.
* A Sense of Duty: Van Helsing's sense of duty compels him to continue his fight against Dracula, even in the face of Lucy's loss. He views her death as a catalyst for his resolve, pushing him to find ways to permanently destroy the vampire and prevent further tragedies.
* Bittersweet Acceptance: Van Helsing's acceptance of Lucy's death is tinged with bittersweetness. He acknowledges the tragic circumstances of her demise but also understands that her death was necessary to save others. He feels a sense of responsibility to honor her sacrifice by continuing his fight against the monster.
It's important to note that Van Helsing's feelings are not explicitly stated in the novel. However, his actions and words throughout the story provide clues to his internal struggles. He carries the burden of both grief and responsibility, making his character a compelling and nuanced example of human resilience in the face of darkness.