Chade is walking nearby as this happens, on his way from one curious machination to another. He sees Clarissa from a distance first; even from here, she towers over him, and the way she carries herself speaks of a lady of great refinement and greater pride. It is the monks she's speaking to; in reality, Chade suspects, it is they who should kowtow to her.

"A wise choice, my lady," says the gentleman, as he appears around her left side. "Though I'm sure you have far more interesting things about you than a choice of flowers."