He would not flirt with them.

None was readier than he for light words and airy compliments, but nothing that he said permitted either of the trim young Austrian girls to think that he might become a lover.
"I think, Herr Johann," said Ilse, "that you have left behind in Lorraine a maid whom you love." "It may be so," said John vaguely.

"I saw one in Metz whom anybody could love." "What was she like ?" asked Ilse, eagerly.
"A skin the tint of the young rose, eyes like the dawn on a summer morning, hair a shower of the finest spun silk, and a walk like that of a young goddess." "It's beautiful, but it doesn't describe; what was the color of her hair and eyes ?" "I don't know.

They dazzled me so much that I merely remember their loveliness and glory." "It can't be!" exclaimed Ilse, who did not walk in Elysian paths.

"You jest with us.