He felt absurdly shy, and he was very much relieved when finally Miss Harriet and Annie took their leave and he had said nothing about the engagement.

Miss Harriet said a great deal about his most interesting and improving collection.

She was a woman of a patronising turn of mind and she made Von Rosen feel like a little boy.
"I especially appreciate the favour for the sake of my niece," she said.

"It is so desirable for the minds of the young to be improved." Von Rosen murmured a polite acquiescence.

She had spoken of his tall, lovely girl as if she were in short skirts.