Mister DeWitt [because in speaking to this stranger, he would show DeWitt every bit of respect he could muster for the man] has gone to great pains to keep Elizabeth safe.

Surely you can understand why he would be protective of her where a stranger to him is concerned.

[And, well. It went without saying that he might have received a better first opinion from DeWitt if Elizabeth had properly spoken of and especially introduced him beforehand.

But that was her error, not this young man's. Robert intended to speak with her on that point at a later time.]