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VIII . Mr Darcy Speaks As she was reading , Elizabeth heard the doorbell . For a moment she thought it might be Colonel Fitzwilliam , who had called late once before . But to her great surprise Mr Darcy walked into the room . In a hurried manner he asked after her health . She answered him with cold politeness . He sat down for a few moments , then got up and walked about the room . Elizabeth was surprised , but she said nothing . After a silence of several minutes he came towards her in an excited way and began to speak . “ In vain have I struggled . It will not do . My feelings will not be held back . You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you . ” Elizabeth’s surprise was beyond words . She stared , coloured , doubted and was silent . He took this as enough to go on , and he told her at once all that he had felt for her for a long time . He spoke well . But there were feelings besides those of the heart to be told , and he spoke as much about his pride as about his love . He talked of her lower place in the world , of what such a match would do to his family , and of the reasons that had made him fight against his feelings for so long . He spoke with a warmth which seemed to show how much it cost him , but which was very unlikely to help his cause . At first she was sorry for the pain she must give him . But as he went on , her anger grew stronger than her pity . He finished by saying that his love had proved too strong for him to fight . He hoped that she would now reward it by taking his hand . As he said this , she could easily see that he had no doubt of a happy answer . He spoke of fear , but his face showed that he felt quite safe . When he had finished , the colour rose into her cheeks . “ In such cases as this , ” she said , “ I believe it is usual to say that one is grateful for the feelings that have been shown . If I could feel grateful , I would now thank you . But I cannot . I have never wanted your good opinion , and you have given it very much against your will . I am sorry to cause pain to anyone . However , it was done without meaning to , and I hope it will be over soon . ” Mr Darcy was leaning against the chimney - piece with his eyes fixed on her face . He seemed to receive her words with as much anger as surprise . He went pale , and he did not speak until he was sure that he could control himself .
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