In Dorothy Dunnett's "The Ringed Castle," the quote highlights the rarity and privilege of young girls who have the chance to enter the Sultan's harem and return home untouched. It emphasizes how such opportunities are extraordinary and not accessible to all, reflecting the exclusivity and allure associated with the harem in that historical context.

The statement also subtly touches on themes of innocence and the societal distinctions that determine a girl's fate and experiences. Dunnett's words evoke a sense of both admiration and perhaps longing for a life that few can attain, underlining the complex cultural and historical realities of that era.