I was not poor, I had no profession, and my common avocations did not, I fear, deserve to be called high or noble.

The description in no way fitted me.

Further still, it was evident that my cousin had not dreamed that I was making her an offer.
She believed that I had discovered her attachment to some other man, and was grateful for my sympathy.

I did not undeceive her.

After a rapid review of the position, I said, "But my dear Maria, though I have penetrated to the fact that you have a secret, and though I want beyond anything to help and comfort you, I do not yet know who the happy man is, remember." "Don't you ?" said Maria, looking up hastily, and the colour rushed to her face as before.