] Allow me to put myself succintly. I see plenty of good discussion about what Willoughby said?revealed in his confession to Elinor...But what about his very presence at Cleveland in the first place? Elinor was astounded. What really motivated him in bursting in on the Dashwoods originally? Selfish reasons or some concern for Marianne??

I think the scene is meant to be a parody of a the death bed confession of love that is scene in a number of gothic and romantic novels. But Willoughby never makes it into the sick room and then Marianne has the gall to not actually die. I think he went there because it suited his idiom. He fancied himself as inspiring Marianne to die for love. He was a little abashed when it didn't work out that way and then set about to whining.