I kept twisting the corner of the sleeves with my fingers, remaining silent for a while, and then murmured: "Sister Mei, I really didn't mean it." She took hold of my sleeve and said gently: "I understand. But as I told you, your intelligence and beauty can't be easily veiled." She paused for a while and then, looking rather severe, continued: "Besiedes, considering our advantages, are you really willing to condescend yourself to an anverage man?"