???...

] I don't ever think of this as a long time myself - just long enough to be polite to Mrs. Allen and make sure that Elinor and Mrs. Hughes were settled comfortably and be introduced to Mrs. Tilney. And possibly to see if he thought Catherine was interested -...

Well you see, this is after he has been conversing and making sure the ladies are comfy - and I don't think Jane ever wrote a word without a reason.
So it does say - Quote: "after a few minutes' consideration"...

It is not a very long period of time, I agree, but why does it not just say when the ladies are seated something like:
Mr Tilney then asked C to dance...?
Instead of "Mr Tilney still continuing standing before them; and after a few minutes' consideration, he asked Catherine..."
Was he susceptible enough to suspect that she wouldn't be free to accept him? I am the first to admit the man's a miracle but I am not sure he is a medium... ;-6
OR was he just thinking of his uncomfortable shoes and whether the pleasure of Catherine's company would outweigh the pressure on his toes?
I'd be interested in any opinion