“My dearest Emma,” said he, “for dearest you will always be, whatever the event of this hour’s conversation, my dearest, most beloved Emma – tell me at once. Say ‘No,’ if it is to be said.” – She could really say nothing. – “You are silent,” he cried, with great animation; “absolutely silent! at present I ask no more.” Emma was almost ready to sink under the agitation of this moment. The dread of being awakened from the happiest dream, was perhaps the most prominent feeling.
– Jane Austen
Emma, Chapter 49. Mr. Knightley overcomes his hesitation about sharing his feelings with Emma to declare his love for her. While hoping that she returns his feelings, he is met with a shocked Emma, who is stunned into silence by a mixture of joy and fear. As her “happiest dream” is realized, she is fearful that she might wake up and find that dream destroyed by reality. Mr. Knightley, not realizing Emma is in love with him, is expecting a negative response from her.