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While settling this point, she was suddenly roused by the sound

of the door-bell; and her spirits were a little fluttered by the

idea of its being Colonel Fitzwilliam himself, who had once

before called late in the evening, and might now come to inquire

particularly after her. But this idea was soon banished, and her

spirits were very differently affected, when, to her utter

amazement, she saw Mr. Darcy walk into the room. In a 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 have I 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."