Mr. Lockwood feels that his reputation of "deliberate
heartlessness" is undeserved because
A
his solitary nature made him unable to accept the
woman's attentions.
the woman had completely ignored his signals.
And what did I do? I confess it with
shame -- shrunk icily into myself, like a
snail; at every glance retired colder and
farther, till finally the poor innocent was
led to doubt her own senses, and,
overwhelmed with confusion at her
supposed mistake, persuaded her
mamma to decamp. By this curious turn
of disposition I have gained the reputation
of deliberate heartlessness; how
undeserved, I alone can appreciate
C
his intentions were accepted and welcomed by the
woman.
the woman was not really interested in a serious
relationship