She does not complain - she accepts the gentle hand because she has no reason not to, and there's a tenderness about it that softens the edges of her nature. Sidony has no reason to be defensive around him - and she accepts the kindness that he offers because she's fond enough of him to tolerate it, even with the questions that might need answering.

"I wouldn't tell a soul," she replies, coy and gentle. It's almost as if she knows it's a fact anyway. "But I thank you for the compliment all the same, my dear. But, still, if I am to be married off I must try and look the part."