No man is offended by another man's admiration of the woman he loves; it is the woman only who can make it a torment.
Women fancy admiration means more than it does. And men take care that they should.
Admiration — our polite recognition of another's resemblance to ourselves.
— I even believe you thought her rather pretty at one time.
— Yes, I did. That was only when I first knew her. For many months now I have considered her one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.
Explanation:
Flourishing Florescence
— Skye, I d... I do! I want to be your friend.
— Why?
— Because... you terrify me and... you excite me and when you're not around... I miss you.