I only permit myself to wonder, sometimes, if she is pretty.
That is feminine, I suppose.

One can be feminine quite young, you understand." She looked at him with unfathomable eyes and a little smile, such as men never forget once they have seen it.
"But you were inclined to be ironical just now, when I said I would marry you if you were successful.

So I mention that other secret just to show that the understanding you wish to arrive at may be mutual--there may be two sides to it.

I hear my father coming.

That is his voice at the gate.