Levity was ever your besetting sin,' he said severely. 'Let me tell you that it is not at all becoming in a female! It leads you into talking a deal of improper nonsense.
The quote discusses the character's view on levity, suggesting it is an inherent flaw in the person being addressed. The speaker expresses that such a lighthearted trait is unflattering for a woman, implying there are expectations of seriousness and propriety in her behavior.
Moreover, the admonition indicates that this levity can result in discussions of inappropriate subjects. The speaker’s severity underscores a tension between societal norms and personal quirks, emphasizing how levity might lead one to stray from acceptable discourse.