In an hurried manner he immediately began an inquiry after her
health, imputing his visit to a wish of hearing that she were
better. She answered him with cold civility. He sat down for a few
moments, and then getting up, walked about the room. Elizabeth was
surprised, but said not a word. After a silence of several minutes,
he came towards her in an agitated manner, and thus began:

"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be
repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and
love you."

Elizabeth's astonishment was beyond expression. She stared,
coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient
encouragement; and the avowal of all that he felt, and had long
felt for her, immediately followed. He spoke well; but there were
feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed; and he was not
more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense
of her inferiority - of its being a degradation - of the family
obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on
with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding,
but was very unlikely to recommend his suit.