Well, my dear, marriage proposal number One came just before lunch. I've told you about him. It was Dr. John Seward, the lunatic asylum man, who has that strong jaw and good forehead. He was very cool outwardly, but was nervous all the same. He had evidently been practising all the little things he would do, and he remembered them. But he almost managed to sit down on his silk hat, which men don't generally do when they are cool. Then when he wanted to appear at ease he kept playing with a lancet in a way that made me nearly scream. He spoke to me, Mina, very straightforwardly. He told me how dear I was to him, though he had known me so little, and what his life would be with me to help and encourage him.

He was going to tell me how unhappy he would be if I did not care for him. Then, when he saw me crying he said he was a brute and would not add to my present trouble. Then he stopped and asked if I could love him eventually. When I shook my head his hands trembled, and then with some hesitation he asked me if I cared already for any one else. He put it very nicely, saying that he did not want to force me to tell my secrets. He only wanted to know, because if a woman's heart was free, a man might have hope.

And then, Mina, I felt a sort of duty to tell him that there was some one. I only told him that much before he stood up. He looked very strong and very grave as he took both my hands in his and said he hoped I would be happy, and that if I ever wanted a friend I must count him one of my best.

Vocabulary:

Outwardly:In appearance, but maybe not in reality
At ease: Relaxed
Lancet: A surgeon's tool
Straightforwardly: Honestly
Care for: Like
Grave: Serious
Count: Here it means 'think of'