] Does John Thorpe's conversation with Catherine on the subject of marriage a proposal? If so, does the fact that he doesn't comne out and ask directly show that he was nervious, or just an idiot?

Can't it be both? ;-)

He does seem to be trying to engage her. And he is so deep in the throes of admiration that he can think of no compliment to offer her other than the fact that she's "good-natured" which he uses three times in one paragraph. Praise indeed!

Catherine is oblivious. I don't think she's even really listening to him, she just wants to get away from him. It takes her four "good days" before she can escape.