Unquestionably they surpassed all ordinary standards of prettiness.

Were glorious, yet curiously embarrassing; too in their seriousness, their intent impartial scrutiny--under which last, to his lively vexation, the young man felt himself redden.
And this, considering his superiority in age, sex, and acquirements, was not only absurd but unfair somehow.

For did not he, as a rule, get on charmingly well with women, gentle and simple, old and young, alike?
Had he not an ingratiating, playfully flirtatious way with them in which he trusted?
But flirtatiousness, even of the mildest description, would not do here.

Instinctively he recognized that.

It would not pay at all--in this stage of the acquaintance, at all events.