His code of perseverance taught him that it was a virtue to overcome cold shoulders.

The man or woman who received his first overtures with grace would probably be one on whom it would be better that he should look down and waste no further time; whereas he or she who could afford to treat him with disdain would no doubt be worth gaining.
Such men as Mr Bott are ever gracious to cold shoulders.

The colder the shoulders, the more gracious are the Mr Botts.
"What a delightful person is our dear friend, Lady Glencora!" said Mr Bott, having caught Alice in a position from which she could not readily escape.
Alice had half a mind to differ, or to make any remark that might rid her from Mr Bott.

But she did not dare to say a word that might seem to have been said playfully.

"Yes, indeed," she replied.