He had not formulated the phrase beforehand.

Since his first glimpse of her in the hall, his feelings and ideas had been leaping and plunging like spirited horses.

This girl made him set his teeth and narrow his eyes.
Involuntarily he squared his jaw, looking more defiant, forceful, efficient, as she drew near.
But Aileen and her sister were almost instantly surrounded by young men seeking to be introduced and to write their names on dance-cards, and for the time being she was lost to view..