“Good Heaven!” cried Mr. Elton, “what can be the meaning of this?⁠—Miss Smith!⁠—I never thought of Miss Smith in the whole course of my existence⁠—never paid her any attentions, but as your friend: never cared whether she were dead or alive, but as your friend. If she has fancied otherwise, her own wishes have misled her, and I am very sorry⁠—extremely sorry⁠—But, Miss Smith, indeed!⁠—Oh! Miss Woodhouse! who can think of Miss Smith, when Miss Woodhouse is near! No, upon my honour, there is no unsteadiness of character. I have thought only of you. I protest against having paid the smallest attention to anyone else. Everything that I have said or done, for many weeks past, has been with the sole view of marking my adoration of yourself. You cannot really, seriously, doubt it. No!⁠—(in an accent meant to be insinuating)⁠—I am sure you have seen and understood me.”