He could not have asked for anything more to his taste.
"I was fortunate enough to discover by your conversation how high a ground you take in such matters, and how entirely disinterested you are.

You may have observed that I was short and almost rude with you at first.

I have had reason to fear and suspect all chance friendships.
Too often they have proved to be carefully planned beforehand, with some sordid object in view.

Good heavens, what stories I could tell you! A lady pursued by a bull--I have risked my life to save her, and have learned afterwards that the scene had been arranged by the mother as an effective introduction, and that the bull had been hired by the hour.
But I won't shake your faith in human nature.

I have had some rude shocks myself.