He went his way, passing the dancers without any notice, and going straight to that part of the house where he supposed he should find Esther.
Esther received him with politeness, but with some reserve; not having a chair to offer him, and not intending him to take a seat on the steps beside her, she stood up, and leaned against the porch.
They talked a little of the weather, and the health of the different members of their respective families, during which, Robert took the opportunity to say, "His master, (Mr.Kent) had a bilious attack, and he wished to the Lord, he'd never get better of it." Finally, he undid one of the buttons of his coat, which was getting too small for him, and drawing a long breath, proceeded to lay himself (figuratively) at Esther's feet.
He did not come to the point at once, but drove round it, as if there might be some impediment in the way, which, though it could not possibly upset the whole affair, might make a little unnecessary delay.

Esther thought he was only talking nonsense, as usual, but when he waxed warm and energetic in his professions, she interrupted him with, "Look here, Robert, you're out of your head, aint you ?" "No deed, Miss Esther, but I'm dying in love with you." "The best thing you can do, is to take yourself home," said Esther.

"I hope you're sober." "I was never soberer in my life," said Robert, "but the fact is, Miss Esther, I'm tired of a bachelor's life; 'pears as if it wasn't respectable, and so I'm thinking of settling down." "You want settling down, for true," said Esther.
"I'm mighty happy to hear you say so," said Robert, "and if you'll only mention what time it'll be agreeable to you to make me the happiest man in Virginny, I'le speak to Uncle Watty Harkins about performing the ceremony, without you prefer a white minister to tie the knot." "Robert," said Esther, "you're a born fool; do you mean to say you want me to marry you ?" "Certainly, Esther; I shouldn't pay you no attentions, if I didn't mean to act like a gentleman by you." "Well, I can tell you," said Esther, "I wouldn't marry you, to save your life." "You ain't in earnest, Esther ?" "Indeed I am," said Esther, "so you better not be coming here on any such fool's errand again." "Why, Esther," said Robert, reproachfully, "after my walking home from meeting with you, and thinking and dreaming about you, as I have for this long time, aint you going to marry me ?" "No, I aint," said Esther.
"Then I'll bid you good night; and look here, Esther, to-morrow, mistress will lose one of her most valuable servants, for I shall hang myself." Esther went up the steps, and shut the door on him, internally marvelling at the impudence of men in general; Robert, with a strong inclination to shed tears, turned his steps homeward.

He told Mrs.Kent, the next morning, that he had come to the conclusion not to be married for some time yet, women were so troublesome, and there was no knowing how things would turn out.

Mrs.Kent saw he was much dejected, and concluded there were sour grapes in the question.
After due consideration, Robert determined not to commit suicide; he did something equally desperate.