Sentence:  scarcely had she begun, scarcely had they passed the sweep-gate and joined the other carriage, than she found her subject cut up – her hand seized – her attention demanded, and Mr. Elton actually making violent <WSD>love</WSD> to her: availing himself of the precious opportunity, declaring sentiments which must already be well known .... 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To make amorous approaches (to); to woo, romance, court. (from 16th c.)