I am puzzled at his introduction. Doesn't it seem rather forward that he would begin to tease in this fashion without knowing or being known? What do you think started him on this course of joking? I was wondering if he noticed that she didn't seem interested in his normal chatter, and that this peaked his interest in her.

< He talked with fluency and spirit — and there was an archness and pleasantry in his manner which interested, though it was hardly understood by her. After chatting some time on such matters as naturally arose from the objects around them, he suddenly addressed her with — “I have hitherto been very remiss, madam, in the proper attentions of a partner here” >ect.

What was he about, and what do you think he was talking about which wasn't understood by her?

And what makes him decide on thier first introduction that he should hope she would want to "know more of him"?